Crystal finalises financing agreement for first luxury ships
Crystal has finalised a financing agreement for its first two luxury cruise ships
The vessels, each with a gross tonnage of 61,800 and accommodating approximately 650 passengers, will feature all-suite accommodations with private verandas, including single occupancy categories for solo travellers.
Construction is underway at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Italy and the first ship is expected to be delivered in May 2028.
“Securing this financing represents a decisive step forward in Crystal’s expansion and demonstrates the strong market confidence in our strategy,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, executive chair of A&K Travel Group, Crystal’s parent company.
“We are grateful for the trust placed in us by our banking partners, led by Citibank, N.A. London Branch, along with Banco Santander, S.A., CaixaBank, S.A., UK Branch, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.p.A., Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Banca Monte Dei Paschi Di Siena S.p.a., and Bper Banca S.p.A. This consortium’s backing validates our position in the ultra-luxury cruise segment.”
It comes after former Carnival Cruise Line director of international sales Luke Smith joined Crystal in the newly created role of VP sales UK & EMEA.
The line said Smith will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, while enabling the company to “further support its trade partners and achieve strategic growth in the UK and across Europe.”
Smith will be responsible for driving trade sales distribution across the UK and EMEA as well as overseeing the performance of agency sales, managing inside sales functions and collaborating closely with the marketing team to grow Crystal’s exposure.
