MIAMI, March 6, 2018 – Today, Crystal Cruises announced details and revealed images of the Crystal Serenity’s most extensive refurbishment ever, during a press conference at the Seatrade Cruise Global trade show in Fort Lauderdale. This October, the ship will enter dry dock for a three-week renovation that will mirror the extensive changes made to the Crystal Symphony last year. Aiming to elevate the onboard experience by expanding the space and options that have been part of the company’s core values since its inception, the multi-award-winning ship will see a major transformation of its staterooms, restaurants, public spaces, and advanced technologies.
“Our ocean-going ships are the heart of the Crystal brand and represent the pillars of our company that our guests have loved for more than 27 years,” said the company’s President and CEO, Tom Wolber. “We will continue to invest in their success with a focus on innovation and design that appeals to our current and future customers.”
New Penthouses
The Crystal Serenity will receive 36 new Penthouses and two new Penthouse Suites in place of the balcony staterooms on Deck 10. These new suites offer the acclaimed personal butler service, dressing rooms, spa-style bathrooms, and ample space, similar to the existing Penthouses (37 and 50 square meters respectively). The transformation will reduce the ship's passenger capacity from 1,070 to 980, while the number of crew members will remain the same.
New restaurants
Guests at the newly renovated Crystal Serenity will be able to choose with whom and when to dine, as the restaurant will now operate with open seating. While the dining concept has evolved, the Michelin-starred cuisine and exceptional service will remain the same.
New restaurants will debut, offering a revamped selection of international cuisine with new décor, including:
Waterside – Taking over from the Crystal Dining Room and reflecting the chic elegance of the main restaurants aboard Crystal River Cruises and Crystal Symphony, this centrally located restaurant will continue to serve new daily menus of international classics and modern cuisine, paired with fine wines, spirits, and beers. New additions include more tables for two and four guests, increasing capacity to 500.
The Marketplace and Churrascaria – The new daytime and evening restaurants, respectively, will be located in the current Lido Café. Both spaces will feature an open kitchen concept with dishes prepared to order. The Marketplace will continue to serve a full breakfast buffet and lunch menu, and will transform into the Churrascaria in the evening. This Brazilian-style barbecue will welcome passengers with a caipirinha, a wide variety of tapas, ceviches, salads, and charcoal-grilled meats served tableside by "gauchos" using large skewers.
Silk Kitchen & Bar – This Asian-inspired restaurant will be located in the current Tastes space and will feature Chinese cuisine. A variety of dim sum and seafood dishes will be available in the evenings, while lunch will include noodles and Chinese soup, among other options. The space will be completely renovated with new textiles, lighting, and decor to create a casual, open-air atmosphere.
Public Spaces
Palm Court, a favorite spot on board for all kinds of gatherings, will undergo a dramatic transformation with a more intimate seating arrangement. This lounge will feature new finishes, carpeting, and more tables for two, including a combination of high tables, armchairs, sofas, and coffee tables. The stage will be removed and integrated into the space alongside the modernized bar.
The Stardust Club will receive new finishes, tables and chairs, a new dance floor and dynamic lighting to support more uses of the space, from bridge tournaments to endless dance nights.
The training facilities will also be redesigned. The Computer University@Sea and its adjacent classroom, as well as the multipurpose studio, will be renovated. The Crystal Serenity will emerge from its transformation on November 10, 2018, with a cruise from Lisbon to Fort Lauderdale.
