Crystal has shared two key dates for its upcoming new ship being built by Fincantieri, which is expected to be delivered in May 2028. This marks the first new ship for the brand in 25 years and the first under the ownership of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group.

Construction will begin with the steel cutting scheduled for May 2026, followed by the keel laying in December 2026. Both milestones are major steps in the shipbuilding timeline and show steady progress toward Crystal’s return to new ship construction.

Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, said that teams have been working hard behind the scenes on every part of the project. She mentioned that the work covers everything from design and craftsmanship to new technical features. She added that these milestones reflect the shared commitment between Crystal and Fincantieri to create a ship of remarkable quality, built on time and with great attention to detail.

The ship’s name has not been revealed yet, but Crystal plans to announce it soon. More information about her inaugural voyages and the new suite categories will also be shared before the end of the year. The inaugural season, set for 2028, will open for sale next spring, with a waitlist available beforehand for travelers eager to be among the first to sail on this new vessel.