Crystal Cruises, a name synonymous with luxury travel, is expanding its horizons by integrating exclusive Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) experiences into its offerings. This strategic collaboration comes nearly three years after Crystal was acquired by A&K Travel Group, a company known for curating high-end travel experiences. The move is set to redefine luxury cruising by blending Crystal’s renowned ocean voyages with A&K’s immersive land excursions.
Starting this year, select 2025 Crystal Cruises sailings will include A&K-branded pre- and post-cruise tours, along with overland excursions during the voyage. These offerings aim to provide guests with deeply enriching travel experiences beyond the ship, allowing them to explore destinations in greater depth. The partnership will expand further in 2026 and 2027, promising even more exclusive tour options.
Kate Thompson, Senior Vice President of Marketing Strategy at A&K Travel Group, described the integration as a gradual process. She compared it to cultivating a plant, where 2024 is the “seed-planting” phase, and the full realization of the program will take a few years.
Crystal has already started offering A&K programs on its 2025 cruises in Asia and Africa. These include overland experiences and extended land tours for passengers on world cruises, grand journeys, and sailings in regions such as India.
In 2024, nine new pre- and post-cruise experiences were introduced, primarily in India, Italy, Spain, and South Africa. Among the highlights is a spectacular overland tour through India, featuring exclusive sunrise and sunset visits to the Taj Mahal and a vibrant Holi celebration in New Delhi.
Later this year, Crystal plans to unveil additional overland experiences, with further expansion set for 2025. Destinations such as Iceland, Italy, France, and Alaska will be included in the A&K-branded programs, with some South American tours from this year being reintroduced for future guests.
Crystal Cruises will continue to collaborate with other tour operators for excursions in many destinations. However, A&K will take the lead in providing exclusive experiences in locations where it has a strong presence. With Crystal’s itineraries now planned through 2027, A&K has ample time to design unique tours while ensuring a seamless booking experience for guests.
According to Thompson, understanding the cruise clientele has been crucial in shaping these offerings. While some guests seek immersive cultural experiences, others prefer a more relaxed exploration. The challenge lies in striking the right balance between tour length, depth, and flexibility.
Additionally, the partnership aims to introduce A&K’s loyal clients to Crystal Cruises. For instance, travelers booking A&K’s 24-day “Ancient Kingdoms and Dynasties” private jet tour will receive an included nine-night Crystal cruise from Barcelona to Lisbon. This initiative could attract new cruisers who may not have previously considered an ocean voyage.
Travel advisors view this partnership as a game-changer for luxury travel. John Lovell, President of Travel Leaders Group, believes that A&K’s expertise in many of Crystal’s key destinations will elevate the overall experience for guests. He noted that the combination of luxury cruising with curated land experiences will enhance Crystal’s appeal among discerning travelers.
Luxury travel advisors have also praised the seamless nature of the integration. Diego Riveron of Luxury Cruise Connections, who previously worked for Crystal Cruises, described the pairing as a “beautiful marriage” of ocean and land travel. Meanwhile, Tom Baker, President of CruiseCenter, acknowledged that while the transition has been gradual, clients have been highly receptive to the changes.
Crystal’s ability to maintain its brand loyalty while introducing new enhancements reflects the company’s commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience. The addition of A&K experiences is expected to further solidify Crystal’s reputation as a leader in luxury cruising.
As the collaboration continues to evolve, guests can look forward to a more immersive and enriching travel experience, combining the best of both land and sea.
