Crystal is pushing ahead with its fleet expansion, confirming that the contract for a third new ocean cruise ship has now become effective.
The new vessel will be built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and is scheduled for delivery in May 2034.
It will join Crystal Grace, which is already under construction and due to debut in 2028, along with a second sister ship planned for 2031.
Three New Ships Are Now on the Way
Crystal’s next generation of ships is beginning to take shape.
The first, Crystal Grace, is currently being built at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy and is expected to enter service in 2028.
A second sister ship is due to arrive in May 2031, followed by this newly confirmed third vessel in May 2034.
That means Crystal is now planning three new luxury ocean ships over the next eight years.
How Big Will the New Crystal Ship Be?
The third ship will be similar in size and layout to her sisters.
She is expected to accommodate around 650 guests based on double occupancy and measure approximately 62,000 gross tons.
That works out at a relatively low number of passengers for a ship of this size, which fits with Crystal’s focus on spacious accommodation and a more premium onboard experience.
The ship will also have one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the luxury cruise sector.
Every Suite Will Have a Veranda
Accommodation aboard the new ship will consist of spacious all-veranda suites.
There will also be a large Owner’s Suite, along with several new suite categories designed around changing passenger preferences.
Crystal has specifically mentioned solo travellers, suggesting that the new generation of ships could offer more appealing accommodation options for guests cruising alone.
The overall aim is to create suites with plenty of space, comfort and a strong connection to the sea.
The Wraparound Promenade Is Coming Back
One feature likely to please longtime Crystal passengers is a full wraparound promenade deck.
It is being inspired by the popular promenade decks found aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.
For anyone who enjoys an early morning walk, a sunset stroll or simply watching the ocean go by without being surrounded by sun loungers, this could be one of the nicest features of the new ships.
More Outdoor Space and Al Fresco Dining
Crystal is also putting plenty of emphasis on outdoor living.
The new ship will feature large indoor and outdoor public areas, open-air venues and plenty of places designed for relaxing or socialising.
There will also be outdoor dining terraces connected to speciality restaurants, giving passengers the option of dining outside while enjoying panoramic sea views.
It sounds like Crystal is aiming for a ship that feels open and spacious rather than packed with attractions.
Crystal Grace Comes First in 2028
Although the latest announcement concerns a ship that won’t arrive until 2034, the first glimpse of Crystal’s new generation of vessels will come much sooner.
Crystal Grace is scheduled to launch in 2028, and bookings for her inaugural season are already open.
Construction has also reached an important milestone, with the ship’s steel-cutting ceremony already completed.
Crystal says the response to Crystal Grace has been stronger than expected, which appears to have reinforced the company’s confidence in expanding the fleet further.
A Big Expansion for Crystal
Crystal currently operates the refurbished Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, which returned to service after the brand was acquired by Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group in 2022.
The addition of three new ships will therefore represent a significant expansion.
Once all three vessels have entered service, Crystal could eventually operate a five-ship ocean fleet consisting of its two existing ships and the three new-generation vessels.
And while 2034 might sound a long way off, cruise ships take years to design and build.
For Crystal passengers, the bigger story is that the company now has a clear long-term fleet plan stretching well into the next decade.
With Crystal Grace arriving in 2028, another sister ship following in 2031 and a third in 2034, there is plenty more to come from the luxury cruise line.
Read the full press release
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