A&K Travel Group Ltd., the pioneering travel company owned by Geoffrey Kent 
and Heritage (the industrial holding company chaired by Manfredi Lefebvre 
d'Ovidio), has acquired the luxury cruise vessels Crystal Serenity and Crystal 
Symphony.

The two ships will resume service in 2023 after undergoing extensive 
refurbishment and will operate under the award-winning "Crystal Cruises" brand 
that has also been acquired by A&K Travel Group Ltd.

"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. Thirty-five years 
ago, my family acquired control of Sitmar Cruises, building three of the first 
purpose-built cruise ships, and 30 years ago my family pioneered a new way of 
cruising. Our goal was to deliver the best experience, pampering guests from 
all over the world with around-the-clock butler service and extraordinary 
culinary experiences. Selling the cruise business that belonged to my family 
for a quarter of a century was a difficult decision, as I knew I would miss 
this industry immensely. Therefore, when the opportunity arose to acquire 
Crystal Cruises, I did not think about it twice. Having next to me my 
incredible friend and inspiring leader Geoffrey Kent makes this venture even 
more enjoyable," said Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Co-Chairman of A&K Travel 
Group Ltd., Crystal Cruises and Abercrombie & Kent.

"Even though it seems like yesterday, 30 years have passed since the Lefebvre 
family and I had our first ship together...Manfredi and I have been best 
friends and business associates ever since. The idea of combining the 
unparalleled onboard service that Crystal Cruises is known for, with the 
extraordinary tailor-made experiences Abercrombie & Kent has been successfully 
providing for our guests for the past 60 years, fills me with excitement, 
enthusiasm and pride," added Geoffrey Kent, Co-Chairman of A&K Travel Group 
Ltd. and Crystal Cruises, and Founder, Co-Chairman and CEO of Abercrombie & 
Kent.

Crystal Cruises and Abercrombie & Kent will report to Cristina Levis, CEO of 
A&K Travel Group Ltd., who commented: "My return to luxury cruising after five 
years brings back so many emotions. It is an immense privilege to serve these 
two incredible brands that in the past decades have disrupted the travel 
industry numerous times. Manfredi, Geoffrey and I look forward to welcoming 
past Crystal and Abercrombie & Kent guests onboard, as well as those seeking 
rewarding luxury experiences."

"The acquisition of Crystal has been extremely challenging but the satisfaction 
of having this jewel in our family is the best payoff for all the hard work and 
efforts of the A&K team. Ad maiora Crystal Cruises!"

A&K Travel Group Ltd. has partnered with V.Ships Leisure, the world's leading 
cruise ship manager, based in Monaco. With their unique experience, global 
scale and passionate team, V.Ships Leisure was the natural choice.

Global law firm Paul Hastings LLP acted for A&K Travel Group Ltd., led by 
London M&A partner Matthew Poxon, working with London Finance partners David 
Ereira and Peter Hayes, and New York Finance partner John Storz. Associates 
Elizabeth Athanassios, Dante Adams, Rohin Gosh Dastidar and Cole Harlan were 
also part of the legal team.  Callenders Law acted for A&K Travel Group Ltd. in 
respect of Bahamian law, while HFW and Stephenson Harwood LLP provided maritime 
law expertise.

CMC Capital, Limited advised A&K Travel Group Ltd. in the acquisition.

 
SOURCE: A&K Travel Group Ltd.

CONTACT: Pamela Lassers, +1 630-725-3400 x420, plassers@abercrombiekent.com