November 13, 2025 - Crystal Grace Luxury cruise line Crystal is receiving its first newbuild in 25 years. The ship is being built under the ownership of the Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group and is scheduled for delivery in May 2028. After several preview voyages, the first regular cruise for the ship is planned. June 11, 2028 planned. Bookings are scheduled to open for the inaugural season. April 2026 announced.
Crystal GraceThe luxury cruise line's first newbuild in 25 years is scheduled to enter service in 2028. Image © Crystal Cruises
Following the acquisition of the brand by Abercrombie & Kent in 2022/2023, Crystal initially focused on modernizing the existing ships. Crystal serenity and Crystal symphony. With the Crystal Grace, the first new build of the “new” Crystal is now following.
The ship is being built as part of a newbuild series with approximately 61.800 GT and capacity for approximately 650 guestsCrystal consistently relies on a all-suite shipAll accommodations feature a veranda and are larger than classic balcony cabins of many large shipping companies.
Suites, service and surrounding promenade
Crystal is clearly positioning the Crystal Grace in the luxury segment. The cruise line promises a high crew-to-ship ratio, which is intended to ensure personalized service on par with its two sister ships.
A classic element from early Crystal ships returns: A surrounding promenade, which completely encircles the ship, invites you to take walks in the fresh air – a detail that is no longer a given on modern cruise ships.
Restaurants: Nobu, Beefbar and Osteria d'Ovidio
As on its existing ships, Crystal places great importance on its restaurants. The following restaurants, among others, are planned for the Crystal Grace:
- Umi Uma – the Japanese-Peruvian restaurant by celebrity chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa
- Beefbar – the internationally renowned steak and meat concept will be represented on a cruise ship for the first time
- Osteria d'Ovidio – Italian cuisine with menus from the Michelin-starred brothers Alajmo
These concepts are complemented by additional specialty restaurants, more casual alternatives, and 24-hour in-suite dining.
Shore excursions in cooperation with Abercrombie & Kent
For shore excursions, Crystal relies on close cooperation with Abercrombie & KentThe plans include small, sometimes unusual tours and special events on land that go beyond the usual excursion program of large shipping companies.
Casino and brand collaborations
The shipping company already operates a [service/system] on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Casino de Monte-Carlo at Sea in collaboration with the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. It seems likely that a similar concept will also be implemented in new buildings like the Crystal Grace in the medium term. However, there are no concrete details on this yet.
Booking and outlook
Crystal Palace plans to release the specific routes for its inaugural 2028 season at a later date. April 2026 The trips should be bookable.
With the Crystal Grace, Crystal is taking the next step in rebuilding the brand in the luxury segment. Further ships of the same class have already been announced, so the small fleet is expected to grow by the end of the 2020s.