MICHELIN-STARRED ALAJMO BROTHERS HOST EXCLUSIVE CRYSTAL CULINARY VOYAGE

Ultra-luxury cruising is entering a new culinary era, with Crystal announcing an exclusive Mediterranean voyage hosted by one of the world’s most celebrated Michelin-starred chefs.

From September 8 to 15, 2026, Crystal Serenity will sail from Venice to Athens, joined by Massimiliano Alajmo and his brother and restaurateur partner Raffaele Alajmo for a rare, immersive dining experience at sea.

The seven-night sailing promises unprecedented access to the acclaimed culinary duo, whose restaurants have long defined modern Italian fine dining.

For Crystal guests, it offers something rarer still, the opportunity to engage directly with the chefs behind the cuisine while sailing through one of Europe’s most storied regions.

A private audience with culinary royalty

Throughout the voyage, guests will experience the Alajmo brothers’ philosophy through a series of intimate onboard events designed to bring their world closer.

This includes a live Q&A session and book signing, alongside guided wine tastings featuring selections from the family’s own cellars, hosted by Giovanni Alajmo, the next generation of the celebrated dynasty.

Exclusive hosted dinners, personally led by Massimiliano and Raffaele, will take place at Osteria d’Ovidio and the ultra-exclusive Vintage Room. These intimate experiences offer guests the chance to experience Michelin-calibre cuisine in a uniquely personal setting, an offering rarely seen even at the world’s finest restaurants.

“For us, cooking has always been about sharing emotion, culture and a sense of place,” said Massimiliano Alajmo. “We are very much looking forward to meeting Crystal’s guests in person, exchanging ideas, and bringing the spirit of our kitchens to life onboard.”

Elevating the art of dining at sea

The collaboration reflects Crystal’s broader ambition to position its culinary offering among the finest in global hospitality. The Alajmo brothers’ partnership with Crystal began in 2025, when they reimagined menus at Osteria d’Ovidio aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, introducing a more refined expression of their signature modern Italian cuisine.

Their influence sits alongside Crystal’s collaborations with some of the most recognisable names in global dining, including Nobu Matsuhisa, whose Nobu restaurant is exclusively at sea with Crystal, and restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi, who introduced Beefbar to the line.

“The evolution of Crystal’s culinary program has always been rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship and meaningful partnerships with the world’s most respected chefs,” said Gunter Lorenz, Crystal’s Vice President of Food and Beverage.

A Mediterranean voyage defined by taste

Departing Venice and concluding in Athens, the itinerary itself provides a fitting backdrop, tracing a path through the cultural and culinary heart of southern Europe. Yet the defining feature of this sailing is not simply the destinations, but the rare access it offers to one of the world’s most respected culinary families.

For travellers increasingly seeking immersive and meaningful experiences, the voyage reflects a broader shift in luxury travel. The greatest indulgence is no longer excess, but access. Access to extraordinary people, extraordinary places and extraordinary moments.

From unlimited shore excursions and Michelin-inspired dining to premium drinks, butler service and spacious suites, Regent Seven Seas Cruises® is redefining what all-inclusive, ultra-luxury really means.

For today’s affluent travellers, true luxury is no longer measured by extravagant extras or lavish upgrades.

Instead, it is about effortless experiences, exceptional service and the freedom to simply enjoy the journey without constantly reaching for your wallet and having to unpack more than once.

That philosophy sits at the heart of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, whose invitation to “Cruise in All-Inclusive, Unrivalled Luxury™” has redefined what all-inclusive travel can be.

Unlike many cruise holidays where additional charges can quickly add up, Regent includes almost every aspect of the journey in the upfront fare.

Everything from unlimited shore excursions, speciality dining, premium wines, spirits, craft cocktails and speciality coffees to spa access, WiFi, gratuities, valet laundry and 24-hour in-suite dining is all part of the all-inclusive experience.

The result is a holiday where guests can focus entirely on exploring the world rather than managing a travel budget.

Luxury without compromise

Regent’s approach extends well beyond what is included.

Its fleet of intimate ships, ranging from 244 to 411 suites, offers one of the industry’s highest crew-to-guest ratios and some of the most spacious accommodation at sea.

Almost every suite features a private balcony, allowing guests to enjoy uninterrupted ocean views throughout their voyage.

From personalised butler service in Penthouse Suites and above to elegant public lounges, fine art collections and world-class wellness facilities, every detail has been designed to create a relaxed yet refined onboard atmosphere.

Every destination becomes part of the journey

For many travellers, the highlight of any cruise is discovering new destinations, and Regent has built its reputation around making those experiences as immersive as possible.

Guests can choose from thousands of included shore excursions across more than 550 destinations worldwide, ranging from cultural tours and culinary experiences to visits to iconic landmarks and hidden local gems.

Many itineraries also feature extended stays in port, allowing travellers more time to experience each destination at their own pace.

Select voyages can also be paired with exclusively curated pre-cruise land programmes, including experiences aboard the world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer™ in Canada or luxury hotel stays throughout Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Dining takes centre stage

Cuisine has become one of the defining features of luxury travel, and Regent places dining at the centre of the guest experience.

Guests can choose from multiple speciality restaurants, enjoy carefully selected wines from their dedicated sommeliers, order in-suite dining around the clock or participate in onboard culinary classes inspired by the destinations they visit.

Several ships also feature dedicated Culinary Arts Kitchens, where guests can immerse themselves in hands-on cooking classes inspired by the destinations they visit.

Led by expert chefs, the highly personalised experiences range from mastering French classics to learning the art of Argentine grilling, while exploring the stories, traditions and local ingredients behind each cuisine.

Guests leave not only with new culinary skills, but with recipes they can recreate long after returning home

A seamless way to see the world

As more Australians seek meaningful travel experiences over material possessions, the appeal of an ultra-luxury cruise lies in its simplicity.

Instead of unpacking at every destination or worrying about hidden costs, guests enjoy the convenience of settling into one elegant suite while waking up somewhere new each day.

It is this combination of generous inclusions, personalised service and carefully curated experiences that has helped Regent Seven Seas Cruises build a loyal following among discerning travellers looking for an effortless way to explore the world.

For more information, call 1300 455 200, visit RSSC.com or request a complimentary brochure at RSSC.com/order-brochure.