Company: A&K Travel Group, Crystal Cruises
Business Type: Cruise Operator
The London-based travel company is jointly owned by CEO Geoffrey Kent, and Heritage, a holding company chaired by Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, whose family acquired control of Sitmar Cruises 35 years ago.
Co-chairman of A&K Travel Group Ltd and Crystal Cruises Kent said:
“The idea of combining the unparalleled onboard service that Crystal Cruises is known for with the extraordinary tailor-made experiences Abercrombie & Kent has been successfully providing for our guests for the past 60 years fills me with excitement, enthusiasm and pride.”
The two luxury ships were acquired at auction with Crystal Symphony selling for $25m and Crystal Serenity for $103m. The two ships will resume service in 2023 after undergoing extensive refurbishment.
Monaco-based V. Ships Leisure will provide ship management services for the two vessels after partnering with A&K Travel Group.
Co-chairman of A&K Travel Group and Crystal Cruises d’Ovidio commented:
“I am thrilled to start this new chapter and to be back in an industry that has always had, and always will have a special place in my heart.
“Therefore, when the opportunity arose to acquire Crystal Cruises, I did not think about it twice.”
Cristina Levis, Group CEO of A&K Travel Group and former MD of Silversea Expeditions, sees the acquisition as a time to merge the two brands successfully. She said:
“It is an immense privilege to serve these two incredible brands that, in the past decades, have disrupted the travel industry numerous times.
“Manfredi, Geoffrey and I look forward to welcoming past Crystal and Abercrombie & Kent guests on board, as well as those seeking rewarding luxury experiences.”
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