Crystal Cruises is back with a completely reimagined fleet, and today we sit down with the experts to uncover what’s new on Crystal Serenity, Crystal Symphony, and the future of luxury cruising.

In this exclusive RTE-Travel Talk interview, Ken speaks with Matias Lira, Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Guest Services for Crystal Cruises, along with Real Travel Expert Beth Schulberg of Cruise & Travel Specialists, to dive into the rebirth of this legendary brand.

Under the ownership of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group and guided by Manfredi Lefebvre — the visionary behind Silversea — Crystal has elevated nearly every aspect of the onboard experience. The result? A luxury cruise product many are calling a “class of one.”

In this episode, you’ll discover:

✨ Expansive new suites and dramatically reduced guest capacity

✨ A complimentary full Nobu restaurant — Umi Uma by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa

✨ Dining crafted by multiple Michelin-starred chefs

✨ The debut of Osteria d’Ovidio and Beefbar at Sea

✨ Broadway-caliber entertainment and enrichment programs

✨ Solo suites with no supplement

✨ One of the strongest crew-to-guest ratios in the industry

✨ Immersive itineraries and Abercrombie & Kent destination experiences

Matias and Beth share insider insights on:

• What truly sets “Crystal 2.0” apart

• How the ships were redesigned from the inside out

• The future of the fleet, including Crystal Grace (2028)

• The new culinary partnerships transforming dining at sea

• Itinerary design, demographics, and multi-generational appeal

• The role of A&K in pre- and post-cruise land experiences

Whether you’re planning a luxury cruise or simply curious about what’s possible at the very top end of ocean travel, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at Crystal’s remarkable transformation.