Crystal Cruises Launches 15-Month Fundraiser for MD Anderson

Crystal Cruises has launched a fundraising initiative to support cancer care and research through the James P. Allison Institute at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, directing guest-driven donations and other campaign proceeds toward the institute’s immunotherapy-focused work.

Partnership scope and where the funds will go

Crystal said the collaboration is designed to support MD Anderson’s broader mission to end cancer, describing the center as a leading institution focused exclusively on cancer patient care, research, education, and prevention. The company characterized the Allison Institute as a hub for research and innovation aimed at expanding the benefits of immunotherapy and advancing related cancer science.

“Philanthropy and giving back have always been woven into my family’s values and into Crystal’s legacy,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, co-chairman of A&K Travel Group, which owns Crystal Cruises. He added that the collaboration creates a way to “turn our passion for travel into tangible support to end cancer.”

How Crystal says the fundraising campaign will work

Crystal said the effort is structured to involve guests, crew, and shoreside employees through multiple fundraising channels and is expected to raise significant funds over the next 15 months, with the stated aim of supporting both patient care and scientific progress at the Allison Institute.

• Crystal said a portion of every guest booking will be contributed to support cancer research at the James P. Allison Institute.
• Guests can make direct donations through a dedicated webpage at MDAnderson.org/CrystalCruises.
• Additional fundraising activities include online auctions and other initiatives aimed at broad guest participation.

Lefebvre d’Ovidio emphasized the group effort behind the initiative, saying, “It is very meaningful to me to see our guests, crew and shoreside employees come together to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Giving Tuesday promotion adds a per-person donation

Crystal tied part of the campaign to Giving Tuesday. For bookings made on select sailings on Tuesday, Dec. 2, the company said it will donate an additional $250 per person per booking to MD Anderson, on top of the broader portion-of-booking contribution.

Crystal did not list the qualifying sailings in the announcement text provided, and framed the Giving Tuesday incentive as an added way for guests to increase the campaign’s impact through booking timing.

Online auction centers on an artwork long displayed onboard

As part of the fundraising collaboration, Crystal is planning a special online auction featuring Dance, a bronze statue by Japanese sculptor Satoru Kitago that has been displayed onboard Crystal Symphony for years. Crystal said a portion of the auction proceeds will be directed to MD Anderson.

Why the Dance statue is being removed during Crystal Symphony’s drydock

The auction is linked to Crystal Symphony’s current refurbishment in Italy. Crystal said the 1996-built ship entered a shipyard in early November for a three-week drydock, and the atrium redesign includes removing the Dance statue from the space.

Crystal said the atrium is slated to receive a new layout with additional seating, along with design changes that include removing the existing water feature, relocating the piano, adding a two-story mosaic produced by DeCastelli, and installing a new chandelier.

Refurbishment work and technical upgrades

Crystal said the refurbishment is being carried out by De Wave Group along with Gerolamo Scorza and Trident Maritime Systems. Beyond the atrium updates, the company said enhancements are planned for the Stair Lobbies, the Crystal Cove bar, the Starlite Club, and the Bistro.

Crystal also said all suites and staterooms will receive new carpets and wall coverings, and that the Aquamarine and Sapphire Classic suites on Deck 10 will receive new furnishings aligned with the design direction introduced during Crystal Symphony’s 2023 transformation.

On the technical side, Crystal said upgrades include a complete overhaul of stabilizers, renewal of both evaporators, and the installation of new fuel and oil purifiers designed to accommodate biodiesel.

What leaders said the campaign is meant to accomplish

Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, linked the effort to the personal impact of cancer on families. “Cancer is something that touches all of us in one way or another, so this collaboration holds deep meaning for me both personally and professionally,” Levis said.

Levis added, “Through the funds raised, our goal is to help provide the Allison Institute at MD Anderson with additional resources, tools and technology needed to further their groundbreaking research and, ultimately, bring us closer to a cure.”

James P. Allison, Ph.D., director of the Allison Institute, said the institute’s focus is on advancing immunology research with the goal of expanding cures to more patients. “We are grateful for the support from Crystal, and we look forward to working together through this campaign to fuel more breakthroughs,” Allison said.

Crystal Symphony’s schedule after the refurbishment

After the drydock, Crystal Symphony is scheduled to return to service in late November with a 15-night cruise to Africa. Crystal said the open-jaw itinerary is set to sail from Portugal and end in Ghana.

Following that voyage, the ship is scheduled to spend most of the winter season operating itineraries to destinations in Africa, the Indian Ocean, and Southeast Asia, with the MD Anderson fundraising collaboration running alongside these sailings through booking-linked contributions, direct donations, and proceeds from the online auction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can guests make a direct donation to the Crystal fundraising campaign?

Crystal directed guests to a dedicated donation page at MDAnderson.org/CrystalCruises.

What will Crystal contribute from guest bookings?

Crystal said it will contribute a portion of every guest booking to support the James P. Allison Institute at MD Anderson, alongside other fundraising channels such as guest donations and online auctions.

What is special about Giving Tuesday for this campaign?

Crystal said that for bookings made on select sailings on Tuesday, Dec. 2, it will donate an additional $250 per person per booking to MD Anderson, in addition to the portion-of-booking contribution that applies more broadly.

What is being sold in the online auction, and why is it leaving the ship?

Crystal said it will auction Dance, a bronze statue by Japanese sculptor Satoru Kitago that has been displayed onboard Crystal Symphony for years. The company said the piece is being removed as part of planned changes to the ship’s atrium during the current refurbishment in Italy, with a portion of auction proceeds directed to MD Anderson.