By
Cherie Rowlands |
Crystal Symphony has left dry dock in Germany after a two-week, US$15 million, 1920s Hollywood makeover.
The ship's exit from Blohm + Voss’s yard in Hamburg followed its art deco redesign of public spaces including the Palm Court lounge, Avenue Saloon, Galaxy showroom, Hollywood Theatre, Bridge Lounge, Fantasia and the Waves ‘junior cruisers’ areas.
“In keeping with our tremendous focus on design, we wanted to create something both highly contemporary and yet extremely accessible,” said Crystal Cruises president Gregg Michel. “The ultimate result is all our guests’ favourite gathering places now feeling even more welcoming, while also offering the stylish sophistication and comfortable elegance luxury travellers look for in a holiday setting and expect from Crystal.”
Staterooms now feature electronic ‘do not disturb’ doorbells and cordless digital telephones, with verandah furniture to be updated shortly. Other upgrades to the vessel include paddle tennis court resurfacing, sprucing of tender shuttles, more energy-efficient hull paint, galley improvements and general maintenance from propellers and boilers, to the bridge and lifeboats.
Design companies involved in delivering art deco vision to the new spaces included Adfecto and SMC Design from London and KNA Design from Los Angeles, while DPA Lighting Consultants worked with the Crystal and design teams providing environmentally-friendly lighting consistent with the style of the period.
This latest makeover completes the cruise line's five-year, US$65 million plan to redesign every room on board the 922-passenger ship.
Symphony’s summer sailing includes Baltic and Northern Europe visits before crossing the Atlantic for an autumn season covering New England and Canada itineraries.