The 922-passenger Crystal Symphony has emerged from a two-week, $20 million-plus refurbishment with a number of changes that exemplify Crystal Cruises’ strategy of reinvention.
Crystal’s evolving elegant decor and inventive touches, such as the living walls of greenery in the alfresco dining and lounging areas, attract passengers to newly renovated spaces each time a ship is refurbished.
Travel agents who attended a session showcasing changes to the Symphony agreed that Crystal has pursued a unique and successful strategy reinventing its two ships every few years rather than launching new vessels. Crystal introduced its first ship, Crystal Symphony, in 1995. The Crystal Serenity launched in 2003.
The $20 million refurbishment of the Symphony transformed a number of areas on the ship and is most evident in the public area composed of Crystal Plaza and the adjacent Crystal Cove bar.
A dramatic new waterfall marks the space, which is not only the social center of the ship, but also the hub for guest services of all kinds. A new bronze, cream and indigo color scheme carries from Crystal Plaza into the bar area. Stores feature new soft goods inspired by British designer Christopher Farr, whose contemporary, Oriental-inspired rugs have taken Europe by storm.
A three-deck Fitness Garden was also added during the refurbishment, along with 48 luxury staterooms featuring hypoallergenic technology and a medical-grade air purifier. The port wall of the casino was removed to open up the space and add new slot machines, and the ship’s bistro was fitted with new decor and seating.
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