Abercrombie & Kent has started 2026 with a bumper line-up of projects and has ear marked Egypt as a standout destination for the year.
A&K’s new flagship lodge in Kenya, Sanctuary Lodge Kitirua Plains is expected to open mid-year; while the Nile Seray, an A&K Sanctuary riverboat, is also expected to be operating by the end of this year, along with a yet-to-be-named sister ship scheduled for a 2028 debut. “Egypt is our hottest destination.
Last year it was our number one destination out of Australia and New Zealand; New Zealanders love Egypt,” visiting A&K & Crystal vp marketing APAC Michelle Mickan (pictured) said in Auckland on Wed.
She said its ‘big hero’ trending destinations in Africa include Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa; while in Europe it’s seeing a spike in travel demand to Italy, Scandinavia, Spain, Portugal and France. In South America, Peru is also seeing steady bookings, she added.
When asked about emerging trends Mickan highlights China, which she says has had some bigger months than Japan. Costa Rica is also on the rise for New Zealand and Australian travellers.
. . . Serenity
A&K representatives shared updates with agents from the Crystal Serenity while it was docked in Auckland on Wed as part of its world cruise from Los Angeles. The all-suite ship has capacity for 740 guests, with a staff ratio of nearly one staff member per guest.
The suites include a refurbished modern style, and also Crystal’s classic style. Initially the ship launched with completely refurbished rooms, but after guest feedback a third of suites were reverted to the original Crystal layout, including a bath and classic Crystal colour palette.
Popular restaurants include Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa and the Beefbar by Riccardo Giraudi.
Despite being a newer addition, Beefbar has quickly climbed to equal popularity with the Nobu offering, Mickan says.
Two new ocean ships are in the works, the first of which is set for delivery in Q2 2028. The new ship will have capacity for 650 guests, all-suite accommodation and a promenade deck.
