In luxury travel, the difference is often found in the details.
Whether it’s a suite designed to frame an unforgettable view, the guide whose years of local expertise uncover hidden gems, or a collection of exclusive experiences that few others will enjoy, discerning travellers are seeking journeys that feel carefully curated.
That careful curation is the essence of the Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG) portfolio.
With Abercrombie & Kent’s thoughtfully designed small-group journeys and striking new safari lodge, the next chapter of Crystal’s ocean fleet and the return of Cox & Kings to Australia, the AKTG portfolio continues to evolve, giving travel advisors the ability to craft journeys that feel as distinctive as their clients.
Abercrombie & Kent expands its portfolio
Leading the latest developments is Abercrombie & Kent (A&K), which has unveiled its 2027 Small Group Journeys collection.
The newly released brochure features nine new itineraries across six continents, showcasing some of the world’s most compelling destinations from South Africa and remote Alaska to vibrant Southeast Asia and the hypnotic Caucasus region.
Each journey is led by an expert Resident Tour Director and complemented by knowledgeable local guides, evading usual travel hassles and opening the door to authentic experiences that might otherwise be off-limits to larger groups.
With groups of no more than 18 like-minded travellers, guaranteed departures from as few as two guests and privileged access to some of the world’s most remarkable experiences, a Small Group Journey with A&K offers a switched-on, sociable style of exploration without compromising on comfort and exclusivity.
What’s more, A&K has introduced a Flexible Deposit initiative for eligible 2026 journeys. Guests booking before 31 July can transfer their deposit to another departure within 12 months, should plans change before final payment.
Latest A&K Sanctuary opens its doors
Complementing Abercrombie & Kent’s expansive collection of safari experiences is the opening of the 13-suite Kitirua Plains Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary property on the edge of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park.
The opening of this eco-friendly abode marks something of a homecoming for the company; it was in this corner of Kenya that founder Geoffrey Kent led his first safari more than 60 years ago.
Set within a private concession overlooking wildlife-rich wetlands, every element of the lodge has been crafted to immerse guests in the landscape, rather than compete with it.
Designed in partnership with Luxury Frontiers, the lodge’s architecture blends seamlessly with its natural surrounds. Curved walls and fluid rooflines echo the undulating terrain and exterior plaster is blended with soil from the site.
Spacious one- and two-bedroom suites are adorned with natural materials and earth-toned finishes, with sweeping views of Mount Kilimanjaro framed by floor-to-ceiling windows.
Days unfold with game drives through one of East Africa’s most celebrated wildlife regions – home to lions, elephants, and more than 400 bird species – while evenings are centred around seasonal Kenyan cuisine, with weekly Boma Braai feasts beneath the stars.
Crystal charts its next chapter
Set to launch in June 2028, Crystal Grace represents a bold evolution in ultra-luxury cruising.
The elegant ocean ship is Crystal’s first in 25 years, boasting the line’s signature all-suite, all-veranda accommodation, attentive butler service and destination-focused itineraries.
Expect a refreshed design with space for just 650 guests as well as the first-ever Crystal Owner’s Suite and a collection of new social spaces including an open-air pool bar and late-night entertainment venues.
Gourmands are well catered to with a host of fresh onboard dining concepts being unveiled alongside Crystal favourites like Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa – the only Nobu restaurant at sea – and the line’s first outdoor venues for Osteria d’Ovidio and Beefbar.
The connection between ship and shore remains central to the Crystal experience, with exclusive land excursions developed in partnership with sister brand Abercrombie & Kent.
For travellers hoping to prolong their journey, Crystal has also unveiled its 2029 World Cruise – the first to depart outside the United States. Sailing from Melbourne to New York across 127 nights, the voyage visits 72 destinations in 22 countries.
Crystal Symphony will complete the brand’s inaugural circumnavigation of Australia before continuing through Indonesia, New Zealand the South Pacific, South America, the Caribbean and North America.
New ports include Exmouth (Ningaloo Reef), Robinson Crusoe Island and Búzios with overnight stays in enchanting destinations such as Easter Island and Ushuaia.
Australian travellers won’t need to wait until 2028 to experience the brand with three voyages aboard Crystal Serenity offering convenient close to home sailings complemented by the line’s spacious accommodation, personalised service and experience-rich itineraries:
- Brisbane to Bali – 18 March to 1 April 2027 (14 nights)
- Bali to Laem Chabang (Bangkok) – 1 April to 10 April 2027 (9 nights)
- Laem Chabang (Bangkok) to Hong Kong – 10 April to 23 April (13 nights)
Cox & Kings returns to Australia
Completing the portfolio is the return of Cox & Kings to the Australian market.
Founded in 1758, the heritage travel company returned to Australia in June with a refreshed identity shaped by its ethos, Guided by Curiosity.
Boasting more than two centuries of travel expertise, Cox & Kings specialises in designing immersive escorted journeys for curious travellers spanning the Indian Subcontinent, Central Asia, South America and Europe, with new tours planned for Tunisia, Kyrgyzstan and Italy’s Umbria region.
Built for smaller groups averaging 14 guests, the programme focuses on specialist-led travel themes including history, gastronomy, architecture and art, supported by access to trusted local experts in more than 100 countries and adding a distinctive new dimension to Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group’s touring portfolio.
Whether exploring by land or sea, the Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group portfolio brings together exceptional journeys, outstanding service and exclusive experiences across three iconic travel brands.
To learn more about the latest products, itineraries and experiences across the Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group portfolio, contact AKTG’s Melbourne-based Reservations team:
Abercrombie & Kent: 1300 585 085
Crystal: 1300 503 640
Cox & Kings: 1800 840 200
