Crystal celebrates 35 years at sea with cruise highlights

Crystal celebrates 35 years at sea with cruise highlights
Edited by Travel Weekly


Crystal has revealed its first selection of 2025 cruises aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity with exclusive voyages commemorating the brand’s 35th anniversary.

The sailings are designed to delight and inspire while enjoying Crystal’s signature entertainment, award-winning service and celebrated dining experiences.

Guests will sail alongside luminaries like Michelin-star chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa and Abercrombie & Kent Founder Geoffrey Kent, while mingling with Crystal veteran captains John Oekland and Egil Giske and cruise directors Paul McFarland and Gary Hunter on itineraries curated to capture the essence of Crystal’s legacy.

In honour of the year-long celebration, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will host a series of sailings featuring some of the brand’s most popular partners, performers and comedians.

Both ships will host a Crystal anniversary gala, special events and Crystal Society reunions, as well as the world-class dining experiences and showstopping performances for which Crystal is known.

“Our guests deeply appreciate our themed voyages, as they offer a truly immersive experience’, said VP of Entertainment and Enrichment, Keith Cox.

“Whether it’s indulging in their passion for music, culinary delights or cultural enrichment, our carefully curated itineraries and exclusive events bring their interests to life in an extraordinary way. We look forward to celebrating our 35th anniversary with our loyal guests and some of our most beloved partners and former officers throughout 2025.”

35th Anniversary Sailings

Crystal Symphony

Crystal Symphony.

Tarragona (Barcelona) to Civitavecchia (Rome): 4-13 June 2025

Guests will have the opportunity to sail with Geoffrey Kent, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Abercrombie & Kent, former Captain John Oekland and Cruise Director Paul McFarland on a nine-night Mediterranean journey from Tarragona. Stops include Palma de Mallorca, Mahón, Cinque Terre, Livorno for visits to Pisa and Florence, Porto Santo Stefano, and the cruise concludes with an overnight stay in Civitavecchia.

Thessaloniki to Civitavecchia (Rome): 10-18 July 2025

Mykonos, Greece.

This eight-night Mediterranean voyage will feature former Cruise Director Paul McFarland, Broadway actress Christine Andreas, and singer and multi-instrumentalist Salvatore Hasard. The journey begins in Greece’s Halkidiki Peninsula, with stops in Mykonos, Santorini, and Heraklion on Crete, followed by a day at sea before visiting Italy’s Lipari and Naples and culminating in Rome.

Crystal Serenity

Crystal Serenity.

Roundtrip Copenhagen: 15-22 July 2025

This seven-night journey includes an overnight stay in Copenhagen and features long-time Crystal partner Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, former Captain Egil Giske and Cruise Director Gary Hunter. While onboard, Chef Nobu will participate in cooking demonstrations and an exclusive Vintage Room dinner, which guests may purchase tickets in advance to attend.

“It has been an incredible journey partnering with Crystal for so many years, and I am truly honoured to be a part of the anniversary sailing,” Matsuhisa said. “Sailing with Crystal feels like coming home – our shared commitment to excellence and providing unforgettable experiences for guests is what makes this partnership so special. I look forward to celebrating this milestone together, surrounded by the warmth and hospitality that Crystal is known for.”

Québec City to New York City: 22-31 October 2025

Guests will embark on a nine-night voyage showcasing the vibrant fall foliage of Canada and New England, featuring an overnight stay in Québec City, stops in Baie-Comeau and Gaspé, the historic charm of Halifax, and culminating with overnight stays in Boston and New York City. This special sailing will also feature beloved former Cruise Director Gary Hunter.

As part of the celebration, Crystal Society members enjoy double Society Savings, 5 per cent rather than the standard 2.5 per cent on US pricings for these commemorative sailings.

Quebec.

Feature image: Guests will sail alongside luminaries like Michelin-star chef Matsuhisa.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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