NEW & NOTEWORTHY

T​​​​​​​​​his summer, a select group of travelers will board a luxurious ship in Rome and set course for Venice, tracing a route through Italy, Greece, and the Balkans. The sailing is the debut of A&K x Crystal Cruises, a new partnership that combines Abercrombie & Kent’s destination expertise with Crystal’s polished onboard experience.

The voyage is the first in a collection that expands into 2027 with 10 itineraries across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, and Atlantic Canada, each with no more than 60 guests. What sets the sailings apart is their immersive approach to each destination. Before guests board the ship, every journey begins with a two-night stay at a luxury hotel and a series of local cultural programs. Shore excursions deliver insider access with A&K’s unmatched network of local guides. Experiences include paddling alongside seals, creating a custom fragrance in France, and joining a local chef for a market visit and private cooking class, simply browse a menu of excursions in every port and take your pick—they’re all included. With you from start to finish is A&K’s Expedition Team, the same handpicked group of experts guests have come to know and love. From onboard workshops and lectures to casual conversations over dinner, the Expedition Team adds an extra-special and exclusive layer of insight you won’t find on any other voyage. Back onboard, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony provide a decidedly upscale home base with spacious accommodations, attentive service—including butler service for many guests—and nine dining venues that create an atmosphere that feels more private club than cruise ship. Here, three not-to-miss journeys for 2027.

After a two-night stay in Athens, sail the seas of empires past, setting your sights on the region’s vibrant history, culture, and cuisine. In Greece, voyage to the volcanic landscapes of Milos, the olive groves of Kalamata, and the UNESCO-listed old town of Corfu. Continue to Kotor, Montenegro, where dramatic mountains rise above one of the Adriatic’s most spectacular bays, then explore Croatia’s medieval old town of Dubrovnik. Your journey concludes in Venice, where centuries of maritime history provide a fitting finale.

Begin with two nights in Gran Canaria, where time is spent exploring volcanic landscapes and seaside villages before sailing to the Canary Islands’ lava-sculpted coastlines, black-sand beaches, and colorful harbor towns. Then it’s onward to Madeira, known for its botanical gardens and celebrated São Vicente Valley wines. Continue to Agadir or Marrakech, Morocco (the choice is yours), where bustling markets and historic landmarks await. You’ll then visit the famed Casablanca, followed by Cádiz, Spain and Portugal’s Algarve—golden beaches and cliff-lined shores give way to a final arrival in Lisbon.