Crystal Finalizes Financing for New Cruise Ships

Crystal has finalized the financing needed for the building of its first two new state-of-the art luxury cruise ships, first announced a year ago.

“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 chairman 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.”

According to Crystal, the two vessels, each with a gross tonnage of 61,800 tons and accommodating approximately 650 passengers, represent “the next generation of luxury cruising” and will boast one of the highest crew-to-passenger ratios in the luxury cruise segment.

The ships will feature all-suite accommodations with private verandas, including single occupancy categories designed for solo travelers.

Throughout the financing process, construction on the ships has continued as planned, thanks to a three-decade’s long relationship between Fincantieri and the Lefebvre family. The first ship is expected to be delivered in May 2028.