Crystal Symphony emerges from biggest ever interior renovation

Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Symphony has set sail with reimagined public spaces, accommodation, dining and entertainment options following her biggest ever interior refurbishment.

During the month-long dry dock, several of Crystal’s staterooms were converted into 12 new Seabreeze Penthouse with Verandah suites and 28 new Seabreeze Penthouse Suite with Verandah suites. Both suite categories offer all-inclusive Crystal amenities, including butler service and in-room speciality dining. Plus, Penthouse guests now receive unlimited complimentary dining at the onboard speciality restaurants. This has reduced the ship’s guest capacity to 848, but the number of onboard crew remains the same.

Onboard dining options have also been updated, with the Marketplace (which changes to Churrascaria at by night) moving into the former Lido Café space to offer an open kitchen concept. The former Crystal Dining Room has been revamped as Waterside, which is inspired by the dining venue of the same name on Crystal’s river cruise ships and offers tables for two and four guests. A new open seating concept eliminates Crystal’s previous format of assigned seating and times.

Adjacent to the existing Trident Grill on the Lido Deck is Silk Kitchen & Bar, which offers self-service options for breakfast and lunch, and a full-service dinner of modern Chinese-inspired fare. Meanwhile, Silk Road and The Sushi Bar, the speciality dining venues by famed chef Nobu Matsuhisa has been rebranded as Umi Uma & Sushi Bar. The remains the only Nobu restaurant at sea.

Revitalised entertainment venues include Crystal Symphony’s mid-ship Starlite Club, which will host acts from the Crystal Ensemble, as well as comedians, the ballroom dance group and the Crystal Show Band on select evenings of each voyage. A new production named ‘Crystal in Motion’ will be shown in the Galaxy Lounge.

Crystal has also enhanced onboard technology and doubled satellite speed to allow guests to access unlimited complimentary wi-fi. A new guest portal – Crystal Connect – enables guests to easily access the internet and shipboard information, including daily menus from each restaurant, information about day and evening activities, Crystal Adventures shore excursions, and the ship’s location, itinerary and points of interest. Guests can also access several international newspapers, and a library of box office hit movies, music, Crystal lectures on demand and much more.

All staterooms and public areas have been fitted with high-definition, interactive flat-panel TVs so guests can access onboard programmes, view the Crystal Spa & Salon menu, the Connoisseur Wine Selection and dining menus.

“The enhancements made on Crystal Symphony provide guests with more choices and flexibility than ever before, whether it’s the ability to dine at their leisure, stay connected to family and friends on shore, or enjoy a variety of new entertainment options onboard,” said Tom Wolber, the line’s president and CEO. “While we continue to innovate at the forefront of the industry, our focus will always be on the consistent quality and personal attention to detail and service that makes Crystal Cruises the world’s most awarded luxury cruise line.”

Crystal Serenity will be renovated in autumn 2018.