A&K Provides Update on Crystal Cruises Operations

After its operations closed in February of this year, Crystal Cruises was given a new lease on life last month when A&K Travel Group Ltd.—owned by Geoffrey Kent and Heritage (the industrial holding company chaired by former Silversea Cruises owner Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio)—purchased two of its ocean vessels, as well as the rights to the name.

While details about plans and a timetable for a return will be shared at a later date, Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, Ltd., provided some updates on Tuesday about what to expect. First up, A&K will be refurbishing its two ocean vessels, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. Tentative plans, however, are for the ships to return to sailing in 2023. Bookings for said voyages will likely be available soon, according to Levis; guests will be able to make an “open booking” with a $500 refundable deposit per suite. When the deck plans, itineraries and pricing are complete, those with “open bookings” will be given the first opportunity to select the voyage and suite category of their choice.

Additionally, Crystal’s crew is being contacted by A&K and are being invited to return. (Levis noted she is confident many will return.)

When it comes to travel partners and customers who are still waiting for claim settlements from the Crystal Cruises, LLC Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors (ABC) case (which began in Florida on February 11, 2022), Levis noted that, “We are not involved in the case and have nothing to do with approving or paying claims.” She continued: “We are legally not a party to, and have no say, in these court appointed efforts. This process is likely to take several months to complete, according to the Assignee. Our involvement was limited to purchasing specific assets and our significant monetary effort will provide funds to make a contribution towards paying creditors.”

Questions regarding claims or credits should be directed to Michael Moecker & Associates.

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