Published on
January 6, 2026
A new venture from Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) and Crystal Cruises is set to redefine luxury travel with immersive cultural voyages in 2027. These meticulously crafted sailings will bring together the best of both brands—A&K’s destination expertise and Crystal’s world-class service—to offer affluent travellers an unprecedented experience. Designed to cater to those seeking not just a vacation, but an enriching cultural journey, these voyages are expected to significantly enhance tourism in several regions, bringing more visitors to lesser-known cultural treasures. The 2027 collection follows a sold-out 2026 pilot voyage and reflects a growing demand for immersive travel combining land and sea experiences.
The A&K x Crystal Cruises collaboration aims to elevate the luxury cruise market by offering guests not only exquisite onboard amenities but also deeply engaging shore excursions. The voyages feature exclusive pre-cruise stays in luxury hotels, giving guests time to familiarize themselves with the local culture and history before embarking on their cruise journey. Once onboard, passengers will experience Crystal’s renowned personalized service, spacious suites, and fine dining, making this an all-around luxurious travel experience.
Enhancing Regional Tourism Through Cultural Engagement
The primary goal of these sailings is to provide travellers with more than just a touristic experience; it is about fostering a deeper connection with the culture and people of each destination. For example, the “A Voyage Around Italy” itinerary will begin with a two-night stay in Venice, known for its iconic canals and historic architecture. The following cruise will navigate through Italy, the Adriatic Coast, Croatia, and Malta, featuring excursions that allow travellers to explore ancient towns, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and sample regional delicacies.
These enriching experiences will not only expose tourists to Italy’s cultural richness but will also directly benefit local communities. By partnering with local guides and artisans, the initiative will help boost local economies through increased demand for cultural and culinary tourism.
Fostering Sustainable and Meaningful Travel
A&K and Crystal’s focus on sustainable travel is another reason these voyages stand out. Travellers will be offered the opportunity to connect with local communities, artisans, and businesses in each port of call. For example, in Malta, guests will gain exclusive access to ancient temples and take part in traditional cooking classes, where they can learn to prepare local dishes using fresh, regional ingredients. These experiences highlight the growing trend of experiential travel, where tourists are increasingly looking for ways to engage meaningfully with the destinations they visit
New Routes to Further Promote Cultural Exploration
The “Insider’s Mediterranean” voyage, departing in May 2027, will feature stops in Valletta, Malta, Sardinia, Tunisia, and Spain, emphasizing Mediterranean culture. Tourists will have the chance to explore the historical richness of Mediterranean towns, visit local wineries, and engage with traditional artisans, all designed to deepen their appreciation for the region’s diverse history and way of life. As these sailings include curated excursions led by A&K’s expert guides, each passenger will experience destinations through the eyes of local experts, enriching their understanding of history and culture.
The “Europe’s Culinary Atlantic Coast” cruise, another exciting offering, will blend Portugal’s famous food culture with Spain’s tapas traditions and France’s Bordeaux wine region. This will help promote the culinary tourism industry, attracting food enthusiasts from around the globe and showcasing the best of local produce and gastronomy.
Benefits for Regional Economies
The partnership between A&K and Crystal is poised to enhance local economies in multiple regions. According to tourism officials, the luxury cruise sector is a significant economic driver, with high-end tourists spending more on excursions, dining, and souvenirs. By bringing high-net-worth travellers to unique cultural destinations, the partnership aims to create a sustainable, positive impact on both the tourism sector and local businesses.
Moreover, these immersive cultural journeys will help showcase some of the lesser-explored destinations along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines. Ports of call like Lisbon, Guernsey, and Corsica will benefit from the tourism influx, helping to revitalize the local hospitality sectors. These destinations will also gain exposure on an international stage, increasing the likelihood of repeat visits from travellers eager to return to their newfound favourite spots.
Sailing with a Purpose
What makes these voyages different is their emphasis on slow travel, a growing trend among affluent tourists. Passengers are encouraged to spend time fully absorbing their surroundings, from enjoying intimate cultural encounters to savoring extended stays in destination cities. This type of tourism, according to experts, fosters more sustainable and responsible travel habits while supporting local economies through increased spending in communities off the beaten path.
These 2027 voyages are an exciting leap forward for luxury travel, merging Crystal Cruises’ high standards with A&K’s unparalleled cultural insights. By offering an experience that goes beyond relaxation and luxury, A&K and Crystal are setting the standard for the next generation of luxury travel, one where meaningful travel experiences go hand-in-hand with premium service. For many tourists, these voyages may represent a new way of seeing the world—a blend of relaxation and cultural discovery that has the power to change the way people think about luxury travel.
