This luxury cruise ship will only have suites — but you’ll have to wait 8 years to sail
Get ready, luxury cruise fans. One of the industry's most beloved lines is increasing its fleet size by 50% with a new ship, on which every single cabin is a suite with a balcony — even the solo cabins. But cruisers will have to wait until 2032 to enjoy it.
Crystal has risen from the ashes of its former self following a 2022 liquidation. The brand has partnered with Italy's Fincantieri shipyard to add a third vessel to its fleet, marking the first new-build for the line since it reopened its doors under new ownership in 2023.
The new 61,800-ton addition will be a similar size to its sister vessels, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, with a capacity for 690 passengers at double occupancy. Notable features will include a wraparound promenade, which will encircle the entire perimeter of the ship; luxury dining options, such as Nobu, featuring Japanese and Peruvian dishes by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and Beefbar for global street food-style cuisine; balcony accommodations for all passengers, including solo travelers; and a casino.
"We're pleased to bring an expanded fleet to our guests, offering even more ways to explore the world with the extraordinary service and style synonymous with Crystal," said Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, in a statement.
The former Crystal Cruises ceased operations in 2022, citing fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic as its parent company, Genting Hong Kong, entered liquidation after running out of cash. Later that year, travel group Abercombie & Kent bought ocean ships Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, along with the brand's logo and other intellectual property.
Crystal won back former cruisers — particularly those whose vacations were ruined when Crystal Cruises shuttered — by offering them enough discounts on voyages under the new management to recoup their losses.
By the time the new ship begins sailing, there will be a 29-year age gap between it and the next-newest ship in the fleet, Crystal Serenity, which debuted in 2003. Crystal Symphony, completed in 1995, will be 37 years the new fleetmate's senior. Both ships received massive makeovers in 2023.
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Rewards Rate
| 2X miles | 2 miles per dollar on every purchase |
| 5X miles | 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel |
| 10X miles | 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
Intro Offer
Earn 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200K miles when you spend $150K in the first 6 monthsLIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus milesAnnual Fee
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Why We Chose It
The Capital One Venture X Business Card has all the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has to offer and more. It offers an incredible welcome bonus and requires an equally impressive spend to qualify. In addition, the card comes with premium travel perks like annual travel credit. (Partner offer)Pros
- The Capital One Venture X business card has a very lucrative welcome offer.
- In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel.
- Business owners are also able to add employee cards for free.
Cons
- The card requires significant spending to earn the welcome offer.
- Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus miles: 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200k miles when you spend $150k in the first 6 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month