Crystal Unveils Grace, First New Ocean Ship in 25 Years

Crystal has revealed Crystal Grace as the name of its first new ocean ship in 25 years, marking the luxury line’s first newbuild announcement under the ownership of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group. The name was unveiled on Nov. 13, 2025, with the 650-guest ship scheduled for delivery in May 2028 and an inaugural voyage set for June 11, 2028, following a series of preview cruises.

Key dates: from name reveal to first sailings

Crystal has outlined a multi-year timeline that pairs early shipyard milestones with a commercial rollout for guests looking to sail in 2028.

• December 2025: Crystal expects to share additional details about suite categories, along with more information on design features and onboard offerings.
• April 2026: The inaugural 2028 season for Crystal Grace is expected to go on sale, and Crystal has said it plans to open a waitlist soon for guests who want early access to booking information.
• May 2026: Steel-cutting is scheduled at Fincantieri in Italy, marking the start of major construction activity for the ship.
• December 2026: Keel-laying is targeted, a milestone that helps frame the build sequence ahead of delivery.
• May 2028 and June 11, 2028: Crystal Grace is slated for delivery in May 2028, followed by preview cruises and the inaugural voyage on June 11, 2028.

A social-media campaign and what “Grace” is intended to convey

Crystal tied the announcement to a social-media campaign built around a digital word-guessing game that asked followers to identify the ship’s name as letters were revealed over time.

In comments associated with the reveal, Cristina Levis, CEO of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, said the name was chosen to reflect the brand’s aesthetic and onboard experience. “Crystal Grace is more than a name; it’s a promise,” Levis said. “It reflects the effortless elegance, generous spirit, and sense of tranquility that define the Crystal experience.”

Levis also connected the ship to the brand’s longer-term direction under A&K, adding: “With this ship, we are honoring our heritage while continuing to evolve for a new generation of guests.”

Ship size, capacity, and the onboard layout Crystal is targeting

Crystal Grace is planned at 61,800 gross tons and is designed to sail with 650 guests at double occupancy. The ship is positioned in a similar passenger range to Crystal’s existing ocean ships while introducing a new layout and updated onboard concepts.

The ship is planned as an all-suite vessel, with accommodations featuring private verandas. Crystal has also highlighted a service model supported by one of the higher crew-to-passenger ratios in the luxury segment, a metric typically associated with more personalized service on small and mid-size premium ships.

Among the public-space features announced so far is a full-perimeter, wraparound promenade deck designed for ocean-view walks around the vessel.

Dining and wellness concepts disclosed to date

Crystal says dining on Crystal Grace will be included in the voyage fare, and it has begun previewing venues that will be part of the ship’s lineup. Restaurants announced so far include:

• Umi Uma, described as the only Nobu restaurant at sea, created with Nobu Matsuhisa.
• Beefbar, a concept created by restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi.
• Osteria d’Ovidio, with menus designed by Michelin-starred Italian chefs Massimiliano and Raffaele Alajmo.

For wellness, Crystal Grace is set to include the Aurōra Spa and a modern fitness area. Crystal has said additional entertainment and onboard details will be announced later, with further specifics on venue formats and operations expected as the launch approaches.

Shore experiences backed by Abercrombie & Kent

Crystal has said Crystal Grace sailings are expected to be supported by Abercrombie & Kent’s shore-side capabilities, including a global network of destination management companies. The line is positioning these offerings as curated, bespoke experiences that can combine exclusive access, curated events, and immersive cultural excursions aligned with Crystal’s luxury focus.

Shipyard plan in Italy and Crystal’s broader relaunch

Crystal Grace is set to be built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, with steel-cutting scheduled for May 2026 and keel-laying targeted for December 2026 ahead of the planned May 2028 delivery.

The ship is also the latest step in Crystal’s relaunch under A&K Travel Group, which acquired the brand in 2022. Crystal has said it invested about $170 million in 2023 to refurbish Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, adding larger suites, updated interiors, and expanded wellness and entertainment spaces; Crystal Symphony has also undergone an additional refresh, including a three-week dry dock in Italy.

With Crystal Grace set to debut in 2028 and Crystal indicating that a second new ship is anticipated to follow, the company has positioned the program as a path to expand its ocean fleet while building on the brand’s past recognition, including Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Cruise Line” accolade. Over the coming months, Crystal is expected to release additional suite and design details ahead of the April 2026 sales opening, as the project moves from a naming reveal into execution at the shipyard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will Crystal Grace enter service?

Crystal Grace is scheduled for delivery in May 2028 and is set to begin service with an inaugural voyage on June 11, 2028, after a series of preview cruises.

How big is Crystal Grace, and how many guests will it carry?

The ship is planned at 61,800 gross tons and is designed to carry 650 guests at double occupancy. Crystal has said it will be an all-suite ship with private verandas.

When can guests book Crystal Grace sailings?

Crystal has said the inaugural 2028 season for Crystal Grace is expected to go on sale in April 2026, and it plans to open a waitlist soon for guests who want early access to booking information as details are finalized.

Where is Crystal Grace being built, and what are the key construction milestones?

Crystal Grace is set to be built at Fincantieri in Italy. Crystal has announced steel-cutting for May 2026 and keel-laying targeted for December 2026, ahead of the planned May 2028 delivery.

What amenities and venues has Crystal announced so far?

Crystal has announced an all-suite layout with private verandas, a wraparound promenade deck, the Aurōra Spa, and a modern fitness area, along with dining venues that include Umi Uma (described as the only Nobu restaurant at sea), Beefbar, and Osteria d’Ovidio with menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs Massimiliano and Raffaele Alajmo. Crystal has said dining options announced to date will be included in the voyage fare.