Crystal Cruises buyer: Silversea founder and Abercrombie & Kent

Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, the founder and former owner of Silversea Cruises, has been announced as one of the buyers of the Crystal Cruises brand, as well as the company’s two cruise ships.

The Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony were sold at auction in the Bahamas last week for USD128 million. The 1,070-guest Serenity fetched USD103 million, while the smaller and older Symphony sold for USD28 million.

The buyer has now been revealed to be the luxury A&K Travel Group. The group’s owers are Abercrombie & Kent founder Geoffrey Kent and Manfredi’s holding company, Heritage group.

“I am thrilled to start this new chapter and to be back in an industry that has always had, and always will have a special place in my heart.”

Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio.

A&K Travel Group also acquired Crystal Cruises brand. Indeed, according to a media statement the two cruise ships will set sail again in 2023 flying the Crystal Cruises flag following “extensive refurbishment”.

In the statement Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio said selling Silversea Cruises was a difficult decision. So he didn’t think twice before deciding to purchase Crystal Cruises.

Indeed, a group of Manfredi’s most trusted former Silversea executives are already coalescing around him. Including former Silversea Expeditions managing director Cristina Levis.

However, it’s worth noting the the A&K Travel Group did not acquire the boutique expedition vessel Crystal Endeavour. In fact, this publication understands Silversea Cruises, whose owner is Royal Caribbean, are likely to purchase the vessel.

The future of Crystal Cruises fleet of river vessels remains uncertain.