Crystal Serenity cruise ship...

Inaugural sailing to depart on 31 July 2023

Crystal Serenity has successfully completed sea trials ahead of its inaugural sailing from Marseille at the end of the month.

The ship, which will be the first to enter service since the Crystal Cruises brand was purchased by A&K Travel Group, is now in its final stages of refurbishment at Fincantieri Shipyard in Italy.

A&K confirmed all technical, mechanical and navigation systems passed inspection and the fire-resistant panels are not defective – an issue that has delayed the launch of Explora Journey's first ship, Explora I.

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Following Crystal Serenity's first sailing on 31 July 2023, the ship will spend the summer in the Mediterranean before repositioning to North America for Canadian and Caribbean sailings for the remainder of 2023.

Roberto Fazi, senior vice-president of marine operations, said: "Completing sea trials is one of the final milestones needed before we can officially return to service. We are proud of the entire team who helped us get to this day both on board and shoreside.

"We also want to thank our wonderful partners at Fincantieri who worked around the clock to deliver this beautiful ship on time and ready to welcome guests in just a few weeks."