Construction of the luxury cruise vessel Crystal Grace formally commenced at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard with the cutting of the first steel for the newbuild, which is scheduled for delivery in the spring of 2028. The vessel will be followed by two sister ships as part of Crystal’s fleet expansion program.
Representatives attending the ceremony included Cristina Levis, chief executive officer of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group for Crystal, Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division, and Marco Lunardi, director of the Marghera yard.
Designed for the upper premium segment, Crystal Grace will measure approximately 62,000 gross tons and accommodate 650 passengers. The ship’s interiors, developed by international architectural firms, are intended to combine refined materials with detailed craftsmanship in keeping with Crystal’s emphasis on spacious accommodation and high service standards. The vessel will also feature one of the sector’s higher crew-to-guest ratios, supporting a more individualized onboard experience alongside expanded public areas, entertainment venues and destination-focused itineraries.
The project continues the longstanding relationship between Fincantieri and Crystal. In 2023, the Italian shipbuilder completed extensive refurbishment work on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony at the Arsenale Triestino San Marco facility. That modernization program included upgrades to public spaces, suites, technical systems and environmental technologies, contributing to the relaunch of the Crystal brand and reinforcing Fincantieri’s position within the high-end refit sector.