Crystal weighs return to expedition cruising as growth stabilises

#expeditioncruising .

Luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises is considering a return to expedition cruising as it reports improved financial performance following its relaunch under Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group.

The company said it delivered positive EBITDA in 2025, its second full year since relaunch, with occupancy levels above 90% continuing into 2026.

Speaking at an industry event in Chicago, Matias Lira, senior vice president of trade sales for the Americas, said expedition cruising remains under consideration.

“Expedition is something that is near and dear to my heart… and we do look forward to Crystal maybe one day coming out with an expedition ship,” Lira said.

Crystal’s previous attempt to expand into the segment was interrupted when its former parent company became insolvent. Although the group was unable to acquire the expedition vessel Crystal Endeavor, Lira said it retained access to the ship’s design plans.

“While we were unsuccessful in purchasing the Crystal Endeavour, we did purchase the plans, so we might have that up our sleeves,” he said.

Executives have previously indicated that small ice-class expedition ships remain part of the company’s long-term fleet strategy, subject to shipyard availability.

By contrast, a return to river cruising appears unlikely. Lira said the group’s leadership has prioritised river operations within its broader portfolio rather than under the Crystal brand.

“I’m going to say 98% no,” he said, referring to the prospect of Crystal re-entering the river cruise market.

Crystal is also preparing to introduce its first new-build ocean vessel in 25 years as part of its ongoing fleet renewal programme.

Main pic: Former Crystal Endeavor, now sailing as Silver Endeavour (Wikimedia)

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