Crystal Cruises to launch new dining experience at Osteria d’Ovidio on both ships

Crystal Cruises is collaborating with Michelin star chefs Massimiliano and Raffaele Alajmo to create a new cullinary experience at the specialty dining venue Osteria d’Ovidio on both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. 

The new venture further enhances the luxury cruise line’s dining portfolio, which already boasts the only Nobu at sea, Umi Uma, as well as the recently announced Beefbar by Riccardo Giraudi coming on board later this year. 

Alajmo has retained his three Michelin stars for an unprecedented 22 years and brings a unique approach of blending tradition and innovation. The brothers plan to offer a dining experience based on the heritage of Italian cuisine, with their menu at Osteria d’Ovidio to be announced at a later date.

“We are incredibly honored to collaborate with Chef Massimiliano Alajmo and his brother Raffaele,” said Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group. “Their culinary mastery aligns perfectly with our vision of providing unparalleled dining experiences to our guests.” 

As part of Crystal’s commitment to delivering the most exceptional food and beverage experiences to guests, Alajmo will work directly with Crystal’s culinary experts to ensure fresh and local ingredients are sourced for all dishes, including specialty items from Italy. 

Alajmo will also collaborate with Crystal’s award-winning Sommeliers to launch specialty wine pairings for the Osteria d’Ovidio menus.

“It is an extraordinary opportunity to bring our passion for Italian cuisine and hospitality to sea with Crystal,” said Chef Alajmo. “We believe in creating memorable experiences through food, and our dishes are crafted with the utmost care and dedication. We are excited to share our vision and bring these dishes to life for Crystal’s guests dining in Osteria d’Ovidio.” 

In addition to the specially created menu items that will be featured in Osteria d’Ovidio, Crystal guests will also have the ability to dine at Alajmo’s renowned restaurants Le Calandre in Padua and Grancaffè & Ristorante Quadri in Venice through sister brand Abercrombie & Kent’s specially curated shore excursions.

Crystal Cruises was acquired by A&K Travel Group in 2021 when its former parent company Genting Hong Kong filed for bankruptcy following the COVID-19 pandemic, which shut down the global cruise industry for much of 2020.