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Unveiled in 2003, the 68,870-ton Crystal Serenity has been made even more luxurious during an overhaul in dry dock that was so long — around six months — that it allowed for an almost complete rebuilding of significant parts of the ships. But then, in early 2022, it was unexpectedly gone — a victim of the collapse of the parent company of Crystal Cruises. The spa has also been lightly redesigned as Aurora, with treatments aiming “to bring new energy, light and balance” — just as Crystal's new owners are doing as they rejuvenate the beloved brand. Last year, the A&K Travel Group acquired the Crystal brand and its two most beloved vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, from the bankrupt Genting Group. Here are some of the activities you may experience on a Crystal Cruises ship (not all activities are available on every ship). Whether it's a cold ice cream at Scoops or late-night bites courtesy of Crystal's round-the-clock room service, going hungry aboard Crystal Symphony just isn't an option.
What I didn't love about Crystal Serenity
All FCCs are valid on any Crystal cruise (Ocean, Yacht, Expedition, River) with departure through December 31, 2023. In addition to the Boeing 777, GHK's brand "Crystal Luxury Air" has plans to double its fleet by purchasing a second Boeing aircraft - the 787 Dreamliner. This plane is a long-haul, twin-engine jet airliner with a passenger capacity of 242 to 335 (3-class seating). The aircraft was the world's first built with composite materials as the primary construction material for the airframe. Crystal Skye's inaugural "flight cruise" (9-night itinerary, September 29 through October 8, 2017) was themed "Golden Week Holiday AirCruise" leaving out of Hong Kong. In January 2016, Genting bought the remaining 30% stocks of Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven.
(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021
See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Balconies, too, are generously sized and equipped with two plush chairs with footstools for lounging. In fact, the only place in the entire room where you can tell these suites were originally carved out of the space occupied by two is on the balconies, where the steel supports for the now-removed balcony divider still stand. The Crystal Symphony deck plan includes plenty of thoughtful changes following the ship's 2023 refit, from new amenities and dining venues to spaces that have been entirely re-thought.
Crystal sets 2026 world cruise to 27 countries on luxury ship: See the itinerary - Business Insider
Crystal sets 2026 world cruise to 27 countries on luxury ship: See the itinerary.
Posted: Thu, 07 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
How much does it cost to go on Crystal Serenity?
While I was only on Crystal Serenity for six nights, I was able to visit every food outlet on board — something made possible by the ship's relatively intimate size. In general, Crystal's cuisine and drinks offerings are high-end, as you'd expect for a luxury product, and served with the sort of elegance and flair that is only found at the best luxury resorts on land or sea. The solo cabins, which I wasn't able to see, are also an entirely new category of cabin for the ship. Those who want something even bigger than a Sapphire Verandah Suite will find four massive, 1,372-square-foot Crystal Penthouses on the vessel and six 806-square-foot Junior Crystal Penthouses. In fact, one of the first staffers I met after boarding, the butler for my room, was Prince Jose, who I called out by name for his great service in the last story I wrote from a Crystal ship in 2021.
Ships
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Guest capacity on the Serenity has been lowered to 740 passengers, while the Symphony will carry just 606, with both ships restarting operations this summer. Crystal Cruise’s yacht, Crystal Esprit, accommodates only 62 guests, so you’ll enjoy personalized service along with deluxe accommodations. No matter which room type you choose or what type of ship you’re sailing on, you’ll find luxury accommodations across the Crystal Cruises fleet. Look out for these bars and lounges on your next cruise; not all locations are available on every ship. Umi Uma & Sushi Bar, Prego, and The Vintage Room are considered specialty restaurants and require reservations.
On January 19, 2022, Crystal's parent company GHK-Genting Hong Kong Ltd (Malaysia) filed for bankruptcy. On Jan 10th, for insolvency filed two GHK-owned shipbuilding companies in Germany - MV Werften and Lloyd Werft. GHK also owned Genting Cruise Lines grouping two Asian subsidiaries (Dream Cruises, and Star Cruises). Our onboard fitness facilities offer invigorating workouts using state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, while our beautiful AurÅra spa will leave you relaxed and renewed with a comprehensive range of revitalizing treatments. This buffet-style restaurant features a vast array of choices for those who like a little of everything. If you crave deep exploration, our Grand Journeys offer an immersive travel experience.
Where Serenity Sails
Every Crystal river cruisetour itinerary included food-and-wine themed excursion to Michelin-star restaurants in major European cities. Specialty coffees and teas were served complimentary by the Vienna Austria-based company Julius Meinl. In February 2023 were rehired four veteran Hotel Directors - Hubert Buelacher and Scott Peterson (Crystal Serenity) and Herbert Jaeger and Josef Matt (Crystal Symphony).
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For U.S. residents, that would mean either a U.S. passport or a U.S.-issued Permanent Resident Card (also known as an Alien Registration Card). The ship will then spend the summer of 2024 sailing to Alaska out of Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward, Alaska, before returning to the East Coast of North America for another season of sailings to New England, Canada and the Caribbean. The top decks of Crystal Serenity also are home to two paddle tennis courts that can double as pickleball courts, a complex known as Wimbledon Court. Six decks down, hidden at the back of the ship, you'll also find a golf lover's hideaway with driving nets, a small putting green and table tennis.
Crystal Cruises' Crystal Serenity Ship Review - Travel + Leisure
Crystal Cruises' Crystal Serenity Ship Review.
Posted: Fri, 19 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Each of these suites, notably, has a separate sitting room and bedroom, a walk-in closet and a large bathroom, as well as a 107-square-foot balcony. Originally built for 1,080 passengers, Crystal Serenity is now configured to hold just 740 passengers — even as the size of its public areas (lounges, bars, restaurants, etc.) hasn't changed. That means its "space ratio" — a fancy cruise world term that refers to the amount of space on the ship per passenger — is at an almost unprecedented level for a cruise vessel. Specifically, it's at 93, far above the 60 to 75 that is typical for luxury ships.
Equally superb is Osteria d’Ovidio, Crystal’s new fine-dining restaurant (it replaces Prego) offering a menu of Italian specialties in a chicly reimagined setting. Standout dishes include Tortello Pasta Filled with Braised Beef, Figs Vincotto and Gorgonzola Cheese, and Salt Baked Sea Bass with Tarragon Sauce and Swiss Chard. Don’t miss dessert, especially the Coffee Foam, Hazelnut Ice Cream, and Salted Caramel. In addition, on cruises of seven nights or more, there will be at least one optional ship-wide formal night where women are expected to turn out in cocktail dresses, gowns, pantsuits or elegant skirts and blouses. For men, the formal night dress guideline is a suit or tuxedo, with a tie being optional. All passengers must have valid government-issued citizenship documentation to sail.
My own cabin was one of these all-new Sapphire Veranda Suites on Deck 9, and it was among the most lovely cruise ship suites I have stayed in in recent years. In addition to being wonderfully spacious, it had a sophisticated, contemporary vibe with soothing light gray and beige furnishings, fabrics and wall coverings sprinkled with ocean-inspired blue velvet accents. Its vanity desk, living and dining area and walk-in closet occupy the space of a former double room, while the bedroom and bathroom take up the area of another former cabin. The master bath in particular is striking, thanks to a huge shower complete with a sublime 18-or-so-inch rain shower head, soothing side sprays and a convenient bench. With nine dining options and six bars on each ship, guests will have ample opportunities to experience a range of dining options and enjoy outstanding cuisine. Each bedroom has an en suite bathroom with dual sinks, heated floors, Jacuzzis, and separate water closets.
The Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, two of the most beloved vessels in the industry, will set sail on 2023 and 2024 voyages, offering guests a luxurious and exceptional experience at sea. Both cruise ships have been extensively refurbished with bigger suites and space for fewer guests onboard. “Palatial suites, spacious verandas and guest rooms have been rolled out on both ships, reducing overall guest capacity. Dining is a journey through culinary specialties, with authentic food from around the globe.
Long-time Crystal cruisers are greeted with hugs by crew members they’ve sailed with before—and even first-timers will feel the genuine warmth as they’re welcomed aboard. Another indulgence onboard Crystal’s ships is the cozy and well-stocked Library, where fans of historical fiction, travel memoirs, thrillers, and even romance novels can find something to enjoy as they relax during sea days. If movies are your preferred entertainment, both ships also feature the Hollywood Theatre, which screens recently released films as well as classics.
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