Crystal has celebrated a defining milestone this week with the ceremonial steel cutting of Crystal Grace, the brand’s newest ocean ship, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. The moment marks the official start of construction and signals the next chapter in Crystal’s continued evolution – where timeless elegance meets contemporary innovation.
The first steel cutting ceremony for Crystal Grace, the new state-of-the-art, high-end cruise ship for Crystal, took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Marghera. Delivery of the vessel is scheduled for spring 2028 and will be followed by two sister ships.
Attending the ceremony were Cristina Levis, CEO of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG) for Crystal, Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of the Merchant Ships Division at Fincantieri, and Marco Lunardi, Director of the Marghera shipyard.
Scheduled for delivery in May 2028, Crystal Grace represents a bold step forward for the brand, building on its legacy of exceptional service, spacious design and immersive, experience-led travel. The ship will introduce a refined vision of luxury at sea, thoughtfully designed to elevate every aspect of the guest journey.
“As we look to the future, we are focused on creating ships that feel both deeply rooted in Crystal’s heritage and unmistakably modern, where space, service and experience come together in a way that is both intuitive and extraordinary. Crystal Grace will do that for the brand, and we are so proud that this moment with our partners at Fincantieri brings that vision one step closer to reality,” said Cristina Levis, CEO of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG).
The steel cutting ceremony underscores Crystal’s continued partnership with Fincantieri, one of the world’s most respected shipbuilders and a long-time collaborator in bringing the brand’s vision to life through craftsmanship, precision and innovation.
Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Merchant Ships Division at Fincantieri, stated: “The steel cutting of Crystal Grace is a moment of great pride for our team and a significant milestone in our relationship with Crystal and the Lefebvre family. Over the years, we have built a partnership grounded in trust, shared values and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We are honored to once again bring Crystal’s vision to life, shaping a vessel that reflects both the brand’s distinguished heritage and its exciting future.”
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With a gross tonnage of 62,000 tons, Crystal Grace will accommodate 650 passengers. Its interior design, developed by renowned international architectural firms, will feature premium materials and fine craftsmanship, reflecting a hospitality concept centred on maximum comfort. The commitment to delivering a best-in-class guest experience will be reinforced by one of the highest crew-to-passenger ratios in the luxury cruise segment, ensuring highly personalised service, spacious guest areas, premium entertainment and itineraries designed to offer increasingly authentic and immersive experiences in the destinations visited.
Once delivered, Crystal Grace will join the fleet as a next-generation ocean vessel, offering expansive suites, including the brand’s first-ever Owner’s Suite; elevated culinary concepts with renowned partners such as Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, three-time Michelin-starred Massimiliano Alajmo and his brother Raffaele, and restaurateur Riccardo Girardi; outstanding Broadway-style entertainment; one of the best staff-to-guest and space-to-guest ratios in the luxury segment; and thoughtfully curated itineraries designed to connect guests more deeply to each destination.
The project confirms and further strengthens the long-standing relationship between Fincantieri and Crystal. In 2023, the shipbuilding group completed a major refit of Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony at the Arsenale Triestino San Marco, carrying out an extensive modernisation programme covering public areas, guestrooms and suites, as well as significant upgrades to onboard systems and environmental sustainability technologies. The project contributed to the relaunch of the Crystal brand and reinforced Fincantieri’s leadership in the high-end refit sector.
Crystal Grace is scheduled to embark on her inaugural voyage on 11 June 2028, sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome) on an eight-night journey concluding in Fusina (Venice).
Pictures courtesy of Crystal & Fincantieri.
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