Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group has unveiled plans for a new Peru river cruise vessel. Set to debut in April 2025, it is the company’s first riverboat in South America. The name of the vessel will be announced shortly. A&K has almost 25 years of experience in Peru. This new venture is a collaboration between A&K and its expedition yacht brand in the Galapagos, Ecoventura. It is tapping Ecoventura's extensive experience and success in building and operating luxury expedition vessels. "The launch of this new Peru river cruise boat marks a momentous chapter for Abercrombie & Kent," says Cristina Levis, CEO of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group. "We are excited to introduce our guests to the beauty of the Peruvian Amazon in a manner that honors and preserves the destination." The Peru river cruise boat has 10 double cabins and two single cabins. Guests aboard will explore the backwaters of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, encountering abundant wildlife and engaging with indigenous communities. These voyages can be combined to create an a seven-night experience, exploring both the Marañon and Ucayali rivers. All journeys start and end in the port town of Nauta, a short transfer from the city of Iquitos. 

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Abercrombie & Kent is building a new bespoke Nile cruise riverboat which is slated to launch in late 2025. It becomes its fifth in Egypt. A&K has designed the boat as a high-end floating hotel. It will feature two restaurants - indoor and outdoor, along with a spa, a gym, social spaces, a swimming pool and a sundeck. The name of the new Nile cruise riverboat will be revealed in the coming months. The handpicked crew will include renowned Egyptologists. Living quarters will comprise 32 elegant cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows and Juliet balconies above the water. They will house marble bathrooms while two presidential suites will feature an outdoor hot tub on their own private decks. The new boat will also be available for private charters. A&K operates four boutique river boats on the Nile: the Nile Adventurer, Sun Boat III, Sun Boat IV, and Zein Nile Chateau. "Nobody knows Egypt better than Abercrombie & Kent," says Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group. "We pioneered luxury Nile cruises with extraordinary experiences, accompanied by Egyptologists and storytellers to bring Egypt's history to life." A&K launched its first Nile river cruise in 1977. Construction on the new vessel has already begun at Massara Shipyard in Egypt and is expected to be completed in autumn 2025.  

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Crystal Cruises plans a big expansion in the coming years. According to Christina Levis, CEO of parent A&K Travel Group, four new vessels will join the fleet by 2029. It comprises two expedition cruise ships and two classic ships. “Our aim is to have four new builds by the end of 2029. We are dividing ourselves between the refurbishments and the new builds.” “We aim at starting construction of one expedition ship and one classic ship by Q2 next year.” Expedition ships will accommodate around 220 passengers while the classic ships will have capacity for 650 guests. Levis gave the updates during a test launch of Crystal Serenity. This is the first Crystal ship to relaunch following the takeover by Abercrombie & Kent. Crystal Symphony is also relaunching. Crystal Serenity cruises begin soon. A&K has spent $150 million on a comprehensive refurbishment.

Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) is expanding to Costa Rica. The strategic move will see the opening of a Destination Management Company (DMC). By establishing its own Costa Rica DMC, A&K aims to maintain the same level of service it offers globally. Martin Froggatt, Chief Destination Officer at A&K Travel Group, said: "Costa Rica consistently ranks as a top seller among our Central American destinations.” “It made perfect sense to set up operations here. Now, we're ready and enthusiastic to design travel experiences." A&K operates a network of luxury DMCs spanning 30 countries. The company partners with luxury travel companies to provide on-the-ground services to tour operators, cruise lines, and MICE groups. A&K DMCs also work with travel advisors on a business-to-business basis. By setting up their own office, A&K will hire and train local staff, and build the infrastructure needed to support sustainable tourism. Through its philanthropic arm, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy the company supports community partners involved in education, healthcare, conservation, and enterprise development.

A&K Travel Group has invested in Galapagos Islands specialist Ecoventura.  Ecoventura is a leader in sustainable travel in the Galapagos Islands. A&K makes an equity investment in Ecoventura which will establish a joint venture. The JV is managed by Ecoventura’s Santiago Dunn in a new role as .CEO of A&K South America. “We will ensure that A&K and Ecoventura .help protect the Galapagos Islands,” said Geoffrey Kent. “I .am confident our experience will translate into a portfolio of .luxurious adventures," Dunn said.

  A&K Travel Group Ltd., the global lifestyle and travel company that owns Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal Cruises and Cox & Kings, has announced an equity partnership with Santiago Dunn and his company, Ecoventura, a leader in sustainable travel in the Galapagos Islands. The partnership foresees an equity investment in Ecoventura as well as the creation of a joint venture, headed by Santiago Dunn in his new role as CEO of A&K South America.   “As Honorary Consul of Ecuador in Monaco, I am proud to announce this partnership and look forward to strengthening the relationship between our two countries,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Co-Chairman of the A&K Travel Group. “I met Santiago for the first time in 2009 and since then we have gained a mutual respect for one other and our respective achievements, as well as our shared passion for travel. He was a good partner when I ran Silversea Cruises and I look forward to working with him on A&K’s ambitious expansion plans in the region.”   Geoffrey Kent, Co-Chairman of the A&K Travel Group, added: “I have many heart-warming memories of trips to Ecuador and cannot wait to go back with my children to see the incredible wildlife. Through A&K Philanthropy, we will be working ensure that A&K and Ecoventura help to protect the islands for future generations, while supporting the local community. The Galapagenos share their natural heritage with our guests and we are committed to giving something back.”   “Santiago is a dear friend and a travel guru who I highly respect. We started working together in 2012 when I led the acquisition of Canodros,” explained Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group. “After I left Silversea in 2017, we spent time together on his numerous sales trips to Europe. Those who know me well are aware that I consider Ecuador my second home and that I have missed my visits -- and how warmly I was always welcomed in Guayaquil and Quito. The Galapagos Islands are a paradise on earth that I believe each person on the planet should visit at least once in their lifetime.”   Due to extensive internal experience with mergers and acquisitions, and a deep understanding of operations in the Galapagos, A&K Travel Group chose not to use external financial advisors but to leverage the expertise of Andrew Burrett, CFO, and Camille Drevillon, Chief of Staff, who have been instrumental in structuring this transaction.   Santiago Dunn, CEO of Ecoventura, described how the relationship developed. “I met Manfredi Lefebvre over a decade ago and as I got to know him and his fantastic team, I developed great respect for his vision for the future.  When you combine that with the influence of Geoffrey Kent and A&K’s worldwide reputation, plus the 360-degree scope and 24/7 attention to detail with Cristina Levis at the helm, I am confident that our knowledge and experience will quickly translate into a portfolio of luxurious adventures across Latin America in partnership with local communities.”   “As we move forward, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the industry experience and counsel of Carmigniani Perez Abogados on behalf of Ecoventura. And I would like to personally thank Pedro M. Pérez and Daniel Dziouba for their support and advice throughout this process, in which not only legal, but sometimes more profound concepts and perspectives, were discussed and analyzed.”   Global law firm Paul Hastings LLP acted for A&K Travel Group, led by London M&A partner Matthew Poxon and London associates James Waite, Sam Waite and Rohin Ghosh Dastidar. Pérez Bustamante & Ponce acted for A&K Travel Group in respect of Ecuadorian law, while Carmigniani Pérez advised Santiago Dunn and Ecoventura.

  A&K Travel Group Ltd., the global lifestyle and travel company that owns Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cruises, has announced Peter Chipchase as its first Chief Marketing Officer.   Peter has over 20 years' experience in marketing, brand creative, digital and communications, most recently as Chief Marketing Officer of Stella McCartney and nearly eight years at the Soho House Group.   At Stella McCartney, Peter spearheaded a new brand platform, a refined creative and content approach combining the digital and the physical. He relaunched the brand's digital channels and zeroed in on sustainable innovation as a key communications pillar. He also launched the brand's new skincare line, Stella.   At Soho House, he was Chief Strategy and Communications Officer, growing the brand into a luxury lifestyle powerhouse. He transformed the brand positioning from a hospitality brand to an international membership community of creatives, with a focus on digital and physical spaces. He launched Soho House's social media channels, relaunched the website, Soho House App and opened new properties from Soho Farmhouse to Malibu Beach House, plus Soho Works, the Ned and Soho Home.   Starting his career, he held several roles at a senior-level agency side, working with a wide portfolio of brands such as Absolut Vodka, Adidas, PlayStation, Microsoft, and Mont Blanc. An award-winning marketer, many campaigns created have been nominated and won Marketing, PR Week, PRCA, CIPR and Sabre awards. For two years running, Peter was named the number one luxury communication professional by PR Week's annual Global Power Book.   Peter has been brought into A&K Group to create a one-brand approach, build a best-in-class marketing, communications, and creative team, and refine and relaunch all parts of its marketing, communications and creative approach.   Cristina Levis, Chief Executive Officer, A&K Travel Group, commented:   'Peter's track record with leading high-end brands, international experience and excitement about our future makes him a perfect fit for us. He is a proven leader with the vision to expand on the success built over the past 60 years and take us into our next phase of growth and innovation.'   Peter Chipchase added:   'Becoming CMO at A&K Travel Group is exactly the sort of challenge I love to be part of, creating a vision of the future influenced by a brand's heritage. The ambition is huge and being a key part of helping to bring that to life was too good an opportunity to miss.'   Peter will be based in A&K's Head Office in London.

  A&K Travel Group Ltd., the global lifestyle and travel company that owns Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal Cruises and Cox & Kings, is staffing up in response to the post-pandemic resurgence in luxury travel. “With our acquisition of two Crystal ships, we have been hard at work sourcing some of the industry’s finest talent to bring the iconic brand back to life,” announced Cristina Levis, A&K Travel Group CEO.   “We are also reorganizing and promoting from within the Abercrombie & Kent organization to respond to the dramatic post-pandemic growth in the luxury travel market.”   In alphabetical order:   Fabio Agostini recently joined the A&K Travel Group as Chief Information Officer. His mission is to design and implement an innovative information management system to connect customers and suppliers. He previously played a similar role at Silversea for many years, after working in business intelligence and customer relationship management.   As previously announced, leading the team rebuilding Crystal Cruises is Jack Anderson as President, who brings over 30 years of experience in the cruise and tour industries, having served in leadership roles at Seabourn, Carnival, Holland America and Windstar.   Kim R. Berman has been named Chief Legal and People Officer for the A&K Travel Group.  She spent the last four years as the General Counsel and Senior Vice President, People & Culture at The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, after serving as Silversea’s Group Counsel for almost 14 years. She will oversee all aspects of the legal and human resources departments.   Andrew Burrett in his role as Group Chief Financial Officer for A&K Travel Group, will also create and lead all Finance functions for Crystal Cruises. Prior to joining A&K last year, he spent the previous 15 years in global CFO roles, most recently for the Rubbermaid division of Newell Brands, and prior to that for Cable & Wireless Communications and Electrolux businesses for North and South America.   Fernando Delgado Vintimilla will take on the newly created position of Chief Product Officer, responsible for the conceptualization of what the guest experience should be at A&K-owned camps, lodges and riverboats. His hospitality background includes experience as a hotelier managing the “Best Luxury Hotel in South America” and serving as Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations for the Silversea expedition fleet.   Camille Drevillon was promoted to A&K Travel Group Chief of Staff, responsible for the strategic direction across A&K’s divisions and products. She previously led commercial strategy and itinerary planning for Hurtigruten, as well as serving as Corporate Treasurer and Head of Corporate Finance at Silversea Cruises. Prior to joining the travel industry in 2011, she worked in Investment Banking in the U.S. and the U.K.   Martin Froggatt has been named the Chief Destination Officer and will continue to head A&K’s Destination Management Companies and Sanctuary Retreats Camps, Lodges and Riverboats. Previously, under his leadership, the expeditions portfolio at Travelopia, which included Quark Expeditions and TCS World Travel, became market leaders through an unwavering focus on delivering the best customer experience.    Kerry Golds has been promoted to Chief Tour Operating Officer for the A&K Travel Group, responsible for all facets of tour operations across the company’s U.S., U.K. and Australian source markets. She joined A&K as Managing Director in the U.K. in 2013 and led the acquisition and integration of Cox & Kings into the A&K family. Kerry's career spans 37 years in travel and tour operations, with a strong focus on the luxury segment.   “Travel professionals will be particularly interested in learning that Fernando Barroso de Oliveira will be joining the A&K Travel Group as Chairman’s and Brands Ambassador,” said Co-Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio. “He has worked at sea since 1975, most recently as Senior Cruise Director and Chairman’s Ambassador to the Venetian Society, Silversea’s loyalty program.  In his new role, he will help raise awareness of the Crystal, Abercrombie & Kent, and Cox & Kings brands around the world, reinforcing our presence in current source markets and destinations, and exploring new opportunities.”

Abercrombie & Kent (A&K announced the opening of four new Destination Management Companies (DMCs) - with openings in Colombia, Namibia, Saudi Arabia, and Canada. A&K now has over 55 offices in more than 30 countries, which it says is the world's largest network of luxury DMCs. The company celebrates its 60^th birthday this year "Luxury travel is rebounding at an incredible rate, and we're ready to serve the demand," said Martin Froggatt, Executive Vice President of Destination Management. Other recent DMC openings from A&K include the US. The company has longstanding offices worldwide, including Kenya, Egypt, Thailand, Brazil and beyond, with operations on all seven continents and a staff of almost 2,500. It operates three outbound tour operating businesses in Australasia, Europe, and North America.

  Award winning luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent was founded on the ethos of adventure by day and luxury by night. Celebrating its 60^th year, the company has launched its Off Grid Adventures collection, designed to inspire guests to let their imagination run wild and escape to the edge by land, sea, and air. From glamping in Argentina’s epic landscape, a walking safari in Kenya to sailing on a super-yacht in Alaska.   The luxury travel company has curated its collection of trips for inspiration; given their tailormade approach, anything is possible. As with any A&K trip guests can make a positive impact on the destinations they visit through their philanthropy division, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy AKP.   Expert Guiding   A&K pride themselves on only working with the best guides and local experts; from polar explorers to African rangers, who ensure the very best in each destination. Expert knowledge of a country, little black book of contacts and insider access ensures any journey with A&K will not only run to procession but exceed expectations.   By Land…   NEW Glamping in the heart of Argentina’s epic landscape   Embark on a family adventure through glaciers and lakes of Argentina. Ride like a gaucho through the pampas and indulge in glamping so remote the night sky will illuminate your way. Your personalised glamping experience begins the moment your boat anchors at Victoria Island. During the duration of your stay in sustainable pop-up tents which are all designed specifically for you and the requirements of your party.   NEW Step back in time to Kenya’s Loita Hill   Escape modern life by putting one foot in front of the other when you embark on a walking safari following in the footsteps of your Maasai guide swathed in his scarlet shuka. Head off the beaten track into the Loita Hills on the edge of the Great Rift Valley. Trek under the dappled light of podocarpus trees and experience never-ending views of the savannah where you can almost see the arc of the Earth. Following a private flight to Siana Spring and drive to Loita Hills, northwest of the Masai Mara on the Kenya-Tanzania border, you will arrive at the Forest of the Lost Child. This an indigenous woodland dotted with glades surrounded by acacias and bordered by vertiginous peaks. The trek is just one of four Maasai Trails in this secluded pocket of Africa where you can follow ancient elephant trails and learn about the Masaai culture and rich array of wildlife.   Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge, Canada   Step into the light with an exhilarating journey to the most northerly fly-in lodge on Earth. Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge is located 800 km north of the Arctic Circle on Somerset Island in Nunavut. Here, you can connect with nature as you enjoy a digital detox in this remote wilderness. Feel the thrill of paddling alongside a beluga whale. With 24 hours of daylight, this is the perfect place to paddle down a river canyon, sea kayak in the Northwest Passage, and experience the midnight sun or aurora borealis.   Finnish Lapland Adventure at Octola Lodge   Welcome to your Lapland home from home. Feel relaxed and in touch with pure nature, leave behind the stress of the day-to-day world and savour the healing qualities of Lapland’s stunningly beautiful natural environment. Prime location for northern lights viewing and set in 300 hectares of private land, Octola Lodge is pure luxury in the heart of Lapland's wilderness.   By Sea…   Yacht Kaori: Alaska’s Inside Passage   Enjoy the view as you silently sail through the glacial waters of Alaska’s breath-taking fjords. Witness the pristine beauty of the remote Inside Passage in a way few people will ever experience on board a luxury crewed schooner, exclusively chartered for you. This is a place where evergreen islands tumble down into glittering waters, and wildlife – from whale, bear and eagle – roam free. Explore this region in comfort and style with a tailored itinerary on board Yacht Kaori.   Southeast Asia Wooden Sailing Yacht Lamima   Sail the waters of Southeast Asia on board the luxurious wooden sailing yacht Lamima, one of few five-star vessels registered under the Indonesian flag. Sailing the waters of Southeast Asia will truly capture your soul and thrill your senses. At 65 metres long Lamima is one of the world’s largest five-star wooden sailing yachts. Accommodating 14 guests with a crew of 19 including die instructors, chefs and spa therapists. Lamima was designed by esteemed yacht architect Marcelo Penna of Barcelona and constructed by Indonesia’s traditional boat builders, and seamlessly combines the authenticity of the two masted phinisi with the latest in yacht design and technology. During land excursions explore deserted beaches and secret caves, climb island peaks for panoramic views. Share the local guide’s knowledge and insight about the delicate balance between nature and those who live there.   By Air…   Around the World with Geoffrey Kent: An Inspiring Expedition by Private Jet | 24 days - October 2022   Save £5,000pp with complimentary business class flights to meet your private jet   Venture far off the beaten path on this one-of-a-kind, globe-spanning adventure, designed by Geoffrey Kent to include several places he’s visiting for the first time – and discover every destination through the kind of insider access opportunities only possible with A&K. Enjoy a magical evening in Ephesus, experience a private temple dinner hosted by a renowned chef in Hanoi and learn the practice of Voodoo at a ceremony put on just for you. Travel in style with A&K’s pioneering founder, along with a hand-picked Tour Management team and dedicated flight crew, on board a chartered 757 private jet with first-class, fully lie flat seats.   NEW Africa: Across a Continent by Private Jet 2023 | 22 days - September 2023   Seize the moment to experience the ultimate adventure, circumnavigating the great continent of Africa in only 22 days. In a world where time is of the essence, you can encounter the wonders of ancient Egypt, wildlife-rich Serengeti plains, and sleep under the stars of the Sahara Desert when you travel by private jet. Enjoy the freedom of landing closer to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla in Rwanda or feeling the spray rise from the rainbow over Victoria Falls. Our expert safari guides and Egyptologists will be with you every step of the way to share their knowledge, whether it’s inside a pyramid or trekking through the bush as you tick off the Big Five. Download the brochure here.

Abercrombie & Kent has launched an Australian Indigenous Air Safari, a 15 night journey travelling from Queensland to the Northern Territory to South Australia, all by charter plane. It begins with a private jet flight from Brisbane, to Laura, home to the largest collection of prehistoric rock art. This is the only place where you can see Quinkan Rock Art – there are more than 10,000 sites – and UNESCO lists Laura as one of the world’s most important rock art sites. On a tour here, a Kuku-Yalanji guide introduces guests to the ‘Magnificent Galley’: a 20,000-year-old outback museum packed with diverse pieces of art. Guests stay at Jarramali Camp, deep in the outback on traditional land and will be treated to a personal audience with songkeeper Jessie Lloyd – a talented Aboriginal singer, cultural ambassador and founder of the award-winning Mission Songs Project. The discoveries continue in Cape York, flying over spectacular reefs, rainforest and red outback landscapes. Cape York is the northernmost tip of Australia. At Cape York, there’s also the opportunity to visit World War II wreckages, Aboriginal homesteads and pearl diving sites. Guest stay at Banubanu Beach Retreat in the northeast corner of Arnhem Land – very few people travel to this corner of the country, so the beaches are unspoilt. The trip continues to the Northern Territory to stay at the famed Bamurru Plains, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park and to Ayers Rock Resort, to view iconic Uluru. The final stop is Kangaroo Island, South Australia, one the country’s most important wildlife havens.