Crystal and The Port of Thessaloniki (ΤhPA S.A.) announced today that Thessaloniki will serve as a homeport for Crystal Symphony in 2025. Crystal is the first leading high-end global cruise line to use Port of Thessaloniki for full turnarounds, introducing its passengers to a destination characterized as a true hidden gem.  

Long known for its exceptional service, Crystal is relaunching this summer under the guardianship of the A&K Travel Group with a new name and vision: Crystal — Exceptional at Sea. The first sailing will be aboard Crystal Serenity on July 31st out of Marseille, and Crystal Symphony on Sept. 1st out of Athens.

 “We are really pleased the Port of Thessaloniki will serve as a homeport for our Crystal Symphony, as of 2025,” said Vice President of Port Operation/Itinerary Planning & Fuel Management at Crystal Spyros Almpertis. “For Crystal, the choice of Thessaloniki as a homeporting destination is a strategic decision, which affirms our commitment to offering exceptional experiences to our passengers. We are confident that the tourism, cultural and gastronomic opportunities of Thessaloniki, combined with the high-quality infrastructure and services of its port, will provide ideal memories to Crystal Symphony guests.”

“At ThPA S.A., we are excited to host Crystal Symphony at the Port of Thessaloniki. This significant development opens a new chapter for ThPA S.A., further enhancing its position in the international cruise sector,” added Chief Commercial Officer & Director of Strategic Communications at ThPA S.A. Theodora Riga.  “At the same time, this development will enhance the tourism product of the city of Thessaloniki, generating major added value for the local economy and society. We dynamically continue our investments in the Port of Thessaloniki, to further upgrade our facilities and promote the city of Thessaloniki as a leading sea tourism destination.”

Crystal has also added Thessaloniki among its destinations in 2024 as a port of call. 

Crystal Symphony is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment in Trieste, Italy. When the 606-passenger ship debuts later this summer, enhancements will include larger, updated suites with artisanal finishes, cutting-edge onboard wellness and the recently announced new Aurōra Spa. Guests will also find a new look for specialty dining restaurants Umi Uma and Osteria d’Ovidio, a new pickleball court, refreshed entertainment and events and an industry-leading space-to-guest ratio (1 to 93.1 cubic feet).

 

About Port of Thessaloniki

The Port of Thessaloniki has dynamically entered the cruise map and rightly so due to its strategic geographical position as one of the few ports in the world where the cruise ships berth in the heart of the city and also very close to important historical sights and monuments of Northern Greece (Ancient Pella, Vergina, Mount Athos, Amphipolis etc.).
Thessaloniki is a modern European and multicultural city in the center of Northern Greece and the main gateway for the Balkans and the broader Southeast, Central and Eastern European region with 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites and more than 30 museums walking distance from the Port.

About Crystal

For more than three decades Crystal has been synonymous with exceptional, award-winning voyages. In 2022 A&K Travel Group acquired the Crystal brand and its two vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, ushering in a new era of Exceptional at Sea. The globally renowned cruise line offers discerning travelers industry-leading, authentic, and enriching experiences both onshore and at sea. Crystal’s pioneering partnership with Abercrombie & Kent provides guests with unparalleled access to the most sought-after experiences, destinations, and the latest cultural makers around the world.  The reimagined ships will boast larger, updated suites with artisanal finishes, new cutting-edge wellness offerings, spectacular entertainment and complimentary world-class dining - including the return of UMI UMA - the only dining experience by Michelin-Star Chef Master Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) at sea. With a legacy of unrivaled service and commitment to sophistication and elegance at every touchpoint, once on board, passengers feel as if they are perfectly at home.  

For media inquiries, please contact:  

Robyn Fink |RFink@crystalcruises.com