By
Rebecca Gibson |
Crystal Cruises is set to complete a US$17 million renovation of Crystal Serenity during a two-week drydock period at Cadiz’s Navantia shipyard in November 2013.
The line will reconfigure the ship’s Crystal Penthouse suites and various areas on the Lido Deck, as well as carrying out various maintenance, mechanical and environmental upgrades throughout the ship.
Inspired by Santa Barbara’s ‘American Riviera’ vibe, London-based Adfecto Design will transform the ship’s Lido Deck, adding a new dance floor in Palm Court and removing the indoor pool and Tastes kitchen. The ice cream bar will be moved to the Trident Grill, while more sofa seating, an open kitchen, and a cocktail bar will also added to the deck.
Serenity’s Lido cafe will also undergo a similar redesign to Crystal Symphony, with modern food islands replacing long buffet counters, more tables for two, and a fresh baked goods kitchen.
Crystal will continue to implement its ‘Crystal Clean’ project with the installation of four self-contained, free-standing ‘living walls’ and additional greenery in the Trident Grill area. The ‘living wall’ was first installed in the alfresco area of Symphony’s Trident Grill by ANS Group Europe in 2012.
Toronto-based II BY IV Design Associates, which previously renovated Serenity’s staterooms, will reconfigure the layout of the four butler-serviced, 1,345-sqft penthouse suites.
The firm will move the dining area closer to the private outdoor deck and replace the existing dining space with a den/library/media room. It will also add a shower to the guest powder room, allowing it to function as a second bedroom, while the master bedroom will receive fresh soft furnishings and a new seating area.
Various technological upgrades will also be installed, including two waterproof Aquavision television screens in the bathroom, three flat screen televisions, a 3D TV, a surround sound audio system, iPod docking stations and increased wall outlets.
“Our redesigns aren’t merely new fabrics and soft goods,” said Crystal president Gregg Michel. It is indeed extreme when you take out pools, tear down walls and completely re-invent spaces to create new chic, contemporary, and exceptionally welcoming and comfortable public areas and accommodations. While we are honoured we have won respected design awards for our remodels, we are even more gratified by the response from our guests – international travellers who have an eye for style and appreciate fine design in their lifestyle and when they are on vacation.”
Crystal has spent US$52 million on Serenity’s refurbishment over the past two years and around US$120 million on fleet renovation in recent years.