Ex-Silversea owner eyes Crystal Cruises acquisition

Silversea Cruises’ former owner says he has made two offers to buy Crystal Cruises as the insolvency firm appointed by a Florida court said it was “working through the potential of a sale”.

Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, chairman of investment firm Heritage Group and previously executive chairman of Silversea, confirmed he has made two ‘fully-funded’ offers to acquire the luxury line.

One was in the first quarter of 2021 and the second came “after the announcement of the liquidation”.

Crystal’s owner Genting Hong Kong filed to be wound up in January. Miami-based Michael Moecker & Associates assumed control of Crystal’s non-ship assets last Friday following a Florida court’s decision.

Lefebvre d’Ovidio said: “We are a very credible buyer with roots in the cruise industry that stretch back to the late 1980s.

“We’re firmly convinced that, with our knowledge and know-how of the ultra-luxury segment, we could transform Crystal into a success.”

Heritage is the majority shareholder of luxury travel brands Abercrombie & Kent and Cox & Kings.

“The combination with Abercrombie and Kent could generate synergies that would facilitate the recovery,” Lefebvre d’Ovidio added.

Heritage’s chief investment officer, Cristina Levis, said she “sincerely hoped” Crystal would not be “left to die”.

“Restoring trade’s and passengers’ trust won’t be easy but if we are given the chance we will go the extra mile not to disappoint them,” she added.

Michael Moecker & Associates executive vice president Mark Healy said: “We have interested parties. We are working through the potential of a sale.

“People are reaching out. All options are on the table right now.”