Colonna Palace Dinner, Rome 2025

Last night we were treated to our most elegant affair ever. Yes ever!

In a special surprise dinner, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, who owns Crystal Cruises hosted all 120+ 2025 world cruisers to a magnificent evening at Palazzo Colonna.

It is the largest private residence in Europe.

The Colonna family line is 31 generations. They have lived in the palace for eight centuries. Their family has had a pope, 23 cardinals, numerous art benefactors and important government representatives.

We were honored to sit at the head table with both Manfredi as well as Prince Stefan Colonna Di Paliano, (on right) who currently lives there. His title was a hereditary title of nobility available in the Papal Court from the early 16th century until the 1968 Papal reforms.

The two gentlemen in the back left did the catering. Chefs Massimiliano and Raffaele Alajmo will be collaborating for new dishes onboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.

Massimiliano, is the youngest chef ever to be awarded three Michelin stars. He has retained his three Michelin stars for 22 years.

The event started when 19 luxury black vans drove us from the port to the palace. Upon arrival champagne cocktail time was outside with appetizers such as steak tartare with truffles.

We were blown away just walking through room after room covered with amazing wall to wall art.

The dining area was like none I have ever seen let alone been in.

The food was elegant and delicious.

And the string quartet was second to none that I have ever heard.

Bravo Crystal.