Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Co-Chairman of A&K Travel Group, Christina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, and Fincantieri Shipyard executives welcomed the arrival of the recently acquired 'Cristal Symphony' and 'Crystal Serenity' in Trieste, Italy, where the ships are being refurbished.

Mr. Lefebvre took the opportunity to officially announce, on behalf of himself and co-chairman Jeffrey Kent, the appointment of Jack Anderson as president of Crystal Cruises and Bernie Leipold as senior vice president of hotel operations.

"Jeffrey Kent and Manfredi Lefebvre are icons and innovators in luxury travel," Anderson said. "With their ownership, leadership and vision for these ships and the award-winning Crystal Cruises brand, we are embarking on a new and exciting chapter." We and the entire Crystal Cruises family look forward to welcoming guests again soon.”

"I am honored to join the new Crystal Cruises with a commitment not only to recreation, but also to enhancing sophisticated luxury service, cuisine, entertainment and the shore experience in collaboration with our sister company, Abercrombie & Kent," added Bernie Leipold.

"We welcome the return of members of our loyal and well-trained Cristal team to our family and they will be given priority in the recruitment process."

“Extensive renovations are planned for both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity that will enhance the customer experience. Some cabins will be combined, creating more butler suites and reducing overall guest capacity," explained Christina Lewis. "This will bring a kind of new sense of spaciousness to restaurants and public spaces."