Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, co-chairman of the A&K Travel Group, Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, and executives from shipbuilder Fincantieri welcomed the arrival of the recently acquired Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity to Trieste, Italy, where the ships are being refurbished. Lefebvre took the opportunity to formally announce, on behalf of himself and co-chairman Geoffrey Kent, the appointments of Jack Anderson as president of Crystal Cruises and Bernie Leypold as senior vice president of hotel operations. Both Anderson and Leypold maintain the roles they held prior to Crystal shutting its operations in February.
“Geoffrey Kent and Manfredi Lefebvre are icons and innovators in luxury travel. With their ownership, leadership and vision for these ships and the award-winning Crystal Cruises brand, we are embarking on a new and exciting chapter,” Anderson said in a written statement.
Leypold added: “It is an honor to join the new Crystal Cruises with a commitment to not only recreate, but enhance the sophisticated luxury service, cuisine, entertainment, and shore experiences in collaboration with our sister company, Abercrombie & Kent.”
According to Levis, there are extensive refurbishments planned for both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. For instance, come staterooms will be combined, creating more butler suites and reducing overall guest capacity, which will simultaneously bring a “new feeling of spaciousness to the restaurants and public areas.”
In addition, the CrystalCruises.com website will soon provide further updates on appointments, ship enhancements, new itineraries and employment opportunities.
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