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Abercrombie & Kent Partners with Crystal for Exclusive Cultural Voyages

Abercrombie & Kent’s expedition cruising division is joining forces with its sister company, Crystal, to introduce a new series of A&K Cultural Voyages aboard Crystal’s award-winning ships.

Launching with a pilot sailing in August 2026, the collaboration will see Crystal vessels host specially curated A&K itineraries, enriched by the expertise of A&K’s expedition team and a programme of immersive shore experiences.

According to parent company A&K Travel Group, the partnership represents “a natural evolution of a vision to create the ultimate luxury travel ecosystem, blending A&K’s six decades of exploration with Crystal’s unrivalled onboard service excellence.” A&K Travel Group acquired the Crystal brand in 2022 following its bankruptcy, before extensively refurbishing the ships and relaunching the luxury line in 2023.

The inaugural A&K–Crystal sailing will be a 12-day journey through Italy, Greece, and the Balkans, from Rome to Venice aboard the elegant Crystal Serenity. As part of the pilot programme, the voyage will be limited to just 50 guests – a significant contrast to the ship’s usual capacity of 740 passengers – ensuring an intimate and highly personalised experience.

Taking place from 28 August to 8 September 2026, this exclusive itinerary is priced from USD $22,200 per person, with reservations now open.

In 2027, the partnership will expand to offer six further cultural voyages, including sailings from Hong Kong to Yokohama, Lisbon to Portsmouth, a range of Mediterranean routes, and a Canadian exploration. Capacity will increase slightly, with up to 125 guests welcomed aboard each voyage.

Throughout each sailing, A&K’s expedition team – at a ratio of one expert per 18 guests – will accompany travellers, offering a selection of included shore excursions designed by A&K’s global network of local specialists. Guests can also enjoy daily recap sessions with canapés and drinks, as well as insightful, expert-led presentations that bring each destination vividly to life.

The first A&K-Crystal sailing will feature a visit to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. Photo Credit: Abercrombie & Kent

Shore excursions on the inaugural voyage will range from a truffle hunt at a traditional Sicilian farmstead and a hands-on pasta-making masterclass in Bologna, to a hike up Corfu’s Mount Pantokrator and an exploration of the Blue Cave in Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor.

Guests will enjoy privileged access to some of the region’s most remarkable cultural treasures, including Vatican City, Rome’s historic Church of Saint Lorenzo, and Ravenna’s exquisite Domus of the Stone Carpets. The journey begins with two nights at the prestigious Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, complete with a lavish welcome dinner, and concludes with what A&K promises will be an “unforgettable” farewell celebration in Ravenna.

Whilst at sea, guests will reside in Crystal’s elegantly appointed Sapphire Veranda Suites, or for solo travellers, Aquamarine Veranda Suites with no single supplement. They will also have their choice of up to eight superb restaurants and bars.

Every cultural voyage will commence with a two-night stay in a luxury hotel, with the option of pre- and post-cruise land extensions for those wishing to extend their journey.