Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, today unveiled By Abercrombie & Kent, an exclusive partnership with travel pioneer and sister brand Abercrombie & Kent, transforming the traditional ocean cruising experience.
This innovative program extends Crystal's exceptional voyages beyond the ship, offering guests both curated land adventures and A&K's acclaimed cultural expertise aboard Crystal vessels.
This curated collection of land-based experiences spans continents, from Africa to Asia, the South Pacific to the Mediterranean, designed to immerse guests in culture, nature, and history in ways only A&K can deliver.
The launch represents a significant evolution in luxury cruising, leveraging Abercrombie & Kent's six decades of expertise to deliver unprecedented access to authentic, world-class experiences both onshore and at sea.
"We're redefining what a luxury cruise experience can be, By Abercrombie & Kent isn't just any excursion program – it's a complete reimagining of how our guests discover the world, combining Crystal's exceptional onboard hospitality with A&K's unparalleled destination expertise." Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group.
Now available for booking across Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony sailings through 2026, By Abercrombie & Kent provides multiple ways to explore:
Overland Adventures By A&K
Multi-day adventures allow guests to disembark mid-voyage and rejoin at subsequent ports, visiting iconic sites like the Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal, and Uluru. These journeys offer immersive, expertly guided experiences, including in Beijing, where guests can explore cultural landmarks including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven before standing atop the Great Wall at one of its most scenic vantage points. Each journey is seamlessly integrated into the cruise itinerary to provide an exhilarating experience.
Pre- & Post-Cruise Extensions By A&K
Bespoke land journeys before or after sailing extend the voyage’s magic with immersive experiences ranging from archaeological explorations to cultural and wildlife adventures. Guests can explore the intricately carved temples of Angkor Wat, embark on indigenous cultural experiences in Whistler, or track lions on safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara.
From tranquil beach escapes to dynamic city stays, these curated excursions add depth and richness to the overall journey. Among the highlights is the chance to discover the real Dolce Vita in Tuscany and Rome. Guests can embrace Italian elegance through exclusive experiences such as a truffle hunting adventure, a private dinner at a winery and visits to iconic Roman and Renaissance landmarks.
Noteworthy stops include a stay in a five-star, 11th-century castle, a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pienza, and tours of the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. The mystique of Angkor Wat awaits travelers seeking to explore one of the world’s most iconic ancient sites.
Guests can walk the renowned temple complex, including a temple reclaimed by nature and made famous by the film “Tomb Raider”.Additional experiences include a gala dinner accompanied by traditional music and dance at a historic Angkor temple and shopping for handicrafts at the vibrant Old Market.
Unparalleled Expertise and Access
Each By Abercrombie & Kent experience leverages A&K's international network of more than 3,000 staff, in over 65 offices and 40 countries. and draws from the exclusive A&K Sanctuary portfolio in Africa – the collection of luxury camps and lodges that embody A&K founder Geoffrey Kent's founding philosophy: adventure by day, luxury by night.
By A&K land experiences include:
Crystal Serenity
Pre and Post-Cruise: Uluru Adventure
Pre and Post-Cruise: Beijing and The Great Wall
Pre-Cruise: Angkor Wat: The Timeless Majesty of Cambodia
Post-Cruise: The Mystique of Angkor Wat
Pre-Cruise: Taj & Tigers: A Journey Through Timeless India
Post-Cruise: Taj & Tigers: From Majestic Palaces to Wild Jungles
Crystal Symphony
Pre and Post-Cruise: Secrets of the Serengeti
Pre and Post-Cruise: The Enchanting Masai Mara
Pre and Post-Cruise: Highlights of Tokyo and Hakone
Pre-Cruise: Taj and Tigers: A Journey Through Timeless India
Post-Cruise: Taj and Tigers: From Majestic Palaces to Wild Jungles
Pre-Cruise: Angkor Wat: The Timeless Majesty of Cambodia
Post-Cruise: The Mystique of Angkor Wat
Overlands: Uluru Adventure
Overlands: Ancient and Modern: Beijing and The Great Wall
Overlands: Splendours of Taj Mahal
All logistics, from private charter flights to handpicked accommodations, are managed exclusively by A&K's expert local teams, ensuring seamless integration with each Crystal voyage. Adventures are available as part of intimate small group tours or on an individual basis to accommodate guest preferences.
Building on Award-Winning Excellence
This launch builds on Crystal's remarkable year of recognition. In July 2025, Crystal was named the Top Midsize-Ship Ocean Cruise Line in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2025 readers' survey, an honor Crystal has held for nearly 30 years since the award's inception.
Crystal's partnership with Abercrombie & Kent began in 2022 when A&K Travel Group acquired the Crystal brand and its two vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, ushering in a new era of Exceptional at Sea. The reimagined ships boast larger, updated suites with artisanal finishes and almost one member of crew per guest.
Booking Information
For more information, or to book any of Crystal's award-winning exceptional voyages with By A&K experiences, contact your travel advisor, visit the dedicated page on crystalcruises.com or call 1-800-446-6620.
About Crystal
For more than three decades, Crystal has been synonymous with exceptional, award-winning voyages. In 2022, A&K Travel Group (AKTG) acquired the Crystal brand and its two vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, ushering in a new era of being Exceptional at Sea. The globally renowned cruise line offers discerning travelers industry-leading, authentic, and enriching experiences both onshore and at sea. Crystal’s pioneering partnership with Abercrombie & Kent provides guests with unparalleled access to the most sought-after experiences and destinations around the world. The reimagined ships boast larger, updated suites with artisanal finishes, and almost one member of crew per guest.
Crystal is home to the first-ever Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea as part of an exclusive partnership with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), and world-class dining includes Umi Uma, the only dining experience at sea by Michelin-rated chef Nobu (Nobuyuki Matsuhisa), and the only Beefbar on the ocean, a collaboration with visionary restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi, and a specially curated Osteria d’Ovidio menu by famed Italian chef Massimiliano and celebrated restaurateur Raffaele Alajmo. The ships also feature cutting-edge wellness at the Aurōra Spa, and spectacular entertainment including Broadway-standard shows. With a legacy of unrivaled service and commitment to sophistication and elegance at every touchpoint, once onboard guests feel as if they are perfectly at home.
