Crystal Cruises will spend $23 million to enhance the
award-winning Crystal Symphony in what will be the cruise line's
largest-ever dry dock. The two-week dry dock will take place from
Oct. 31 through Nov. 12. Nearly 1,300 people will work around the
clock on more than 150 separate projects to create what will
essentially be a new ship.
The dry dock will transform all the ship’s staterooms, giving
them the look of a chic boutique hotel. Much of Tiffany Deck, the
ship's main entertainment area, will be redesigned as well,
including a completely reconstructed social lounge, new casino and
new nightclub. Boutiques, shops and the cafe will be redesigned,
and dozens of behind the scenes improvements will be made, as
well.
This major construction project follows an earlier multi-million
dollar renovation two years ago that debuted a brand-new Feng
Shui-inspired spa, a new Vintage Room - today one of the ship's
most popular features, an expanded Computer University@Sea,
redesign of specialty restaurants, and complete refurbishment of
all penthouse accommodations.
Since its debut in 1995, Crystal Symphony has enjoyed a decade
of accolades. Earlier this year, the readers of Condé Nast Traveler
voted the 940-guest, 50,000-ton ship one of the top two "Best Ships
in the World" - a distinction it shares with fleetmate Crystal
Serenity.
Crystal Symphony's dry dock will be completed at the BAE
Shipyard in Norfolk, Virginia. On Nov. 12, the luxury liner will
depart Miami on a 12-day Panama Canal cruise en route to Caldera,
Costa Rica.
www.crystalcruises.com
888-799-4625.
