News

Crystal Symphony Gets Extreme Makeover

This September, following a $25+ million makeover, Crystal Cruises is unveiling new interiors and deck spaces for the Crystal Symphony. Crystal Symphony in Cape Town. The 922-guest, 50,000-ton luxury ship will boast redesigned Penthouses (including Crystal Penthouses), pool areas, Prego Italian restaurant, Lido Café as well as guest elevators and numerous of behind-the-scenes upgrades.

Crystal Symphony Penthouses

Crystal Symphony's two 982-square-foot Crystal Penthouses with large verandahs have been stripped and completely transformed into the feel of elegant residential apartments with luxurious fabrics, details and finishes. In addition, the living spaces and bedroom have been expanded. While both the master and guest bathrooms feature rare marbles and designer fittings, the master bathrooms boast a sunken Philippe Stark Duravit Jacuzzi bathtub with 90-degree ocean views, glass mosaics and recessed televisions, among other features. The suites also offer an entrance lobby, his and her walk-in closets, private study area, living room, state-of-the-art audio-visual system, and dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Crystal Symphony's 61 butler-serviced Penthouses and Penthouse Suites are redesigned in taupe and sand tones, accented by citrus or icy blue, one of two color schemes. New custom cabinetry sport stone countertops and flat screen televisions, while new bedding, stone-topped end tables and bedside reading lights are framed by new headboards, carpeting and window treatments. All bathrooms feature new tile with mosaic accents, glass showers, contemporary hardware and lighting, and a fresh white and neutral color palette.

Crystal Symphony Lido Café

This breakfast and lunch cafe has been transformed into an upscale dining spot with a completely new Crystal dining experience, designed to showcase Crystal's freshly cooked fare as well as add intimate seating and improve flow. The room is infused with light through a new glazed indoor/outdoor extension and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. New food and drink service islands, each with different choices, enable guests to enjoy what they want in their order of preference. New bread oven, grill, woks and other culinary equipment will provide an array of freshly cooked to order choices.

Crystal Symphony Seahorse and Neptune Pool Areas

Crystal Symphony's pool areas are redefined with new spaces, water features and furniture providing more indoor and al fresco dining, plush conversational seating and varied sunbathing options. Limestone tile offset the azure pool and the new, larger whirlpool, while deck furniture offers a combination of antique white and neutral taupe accented with colors of sunshine and tropical fruit. In the retractable roof-covered, mid-ship area of the Lido Deck, the Neptune Pool has been removed and replaced with teak decking and al fresco dining and lounging options around the Trident Bar.

Crystal Symphony Specialty Restaurant - Prego

Since its debut, this intimate Italian specialty restaurant has been inspired by Venice. Open only for dinner, the new design is moody and dramatic, retaining elements of traditional Venetian architecture and portraiture presented in a fresh and modern way. Luxuriously padded, dark chocolate fabric walls frame delicate chandeliers, art by famed Venetian artists and richly upholstered seating.

All Crystal staterooms, all of which were redecorated in late 2007 and feature sitting areas, have received new sofas to provide more seating and add third berths for families. This year, all accommodations on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity received new plush Simmons' mattresses with healthful sanitary protectors.

During the September drydock, Crystal has also invested in upgraded elevators, a new crew restaurant, new lighting systems and other behind-the-scenes projects. Medical center improvements include digital x-ray equipment, enabling doctors to efficiently share x-rays with guests' personal physicians and other specialists. A major upgrade of the ship's onboard broadcast production studio has enhanced Crystal's extensive television programming with added clarity and brilliance.

Crystal Cruises Voted As "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" For Record 14th Year!

July 13, 2009

For a record 14th year, Crystal Cruises has been voted “World’s Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.

The ultra-luxury line is the only cruise line, resort or hotel to have won the prestigious award each year since the awards’ inception. Crystal Cruises’ 2009 World’s Best Score of 88.94 is the highest of any cruise line – large or small. A Crystal cruise is the only vacation experience to have been voted #1 by Travel + Leisure readers for 14 years.

The World’s Best Awards are featured in the magazine’s August 2009 issue based on a first quarter 2009 survey of thousands of discerning world travelers. Subscribers were only permitted one vote each, and were asked to rate cruise lines on cabins, food, service, itineraries/destinations, activities and value, plus an optional vote for families.

“We are so honored and gratified that Crystal’s winning formula of superior service, choices, space, quality and value was treasured by so many discerning Travel + Leisure readers,” says Crystal Cruises’ President Gregg Michel. “This award continues to be a tremendous validation of the authentic warmth and professionalism of Crystal’s extraordinary staff and our unparalleled attention to detail.”

Crystal’s luxurious, award-winning fleet comprises the 922-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Symphony and the 1,070-guest, 68,870-ton Crystal Serenity, which sail worldwide itineraries of seven to 100+ days. In September, Crystal Symphony will undergo a major multimillion dollar redesign. By the fall of 2009, Crystal Cruises will have invested more than $65 million in its two ships within a three-year period.

Inspired innovative features like restaurants with cuisine by Nobu Matsuhisa, ultimate wine experiences, tech concierges, over-the-top Crystal Adventures ashore, and relentless attention to detail continues to distinguish the Crystal experience.

“We continue to invest in our ships, with sophisticated design, product features and services that obviously reap high marks from astute travelers,” adds Michel. “In this challenging, competitive travel environment, we know this rating means a lot to travelers. When they part with their hard-earned vacation dollars, they want the assurance that they are getting the best at a great value.”

CRYSTAL ASSURANCE PLAN OFFERS RISK-FREE RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Line’s Reputation for Excellence is Augmented by New Deposit, Cancellation Plans

LOS ANGELES, October 14, 2008 – As savvy travelers continue to seek secure return on their investments, Crystal Cruises is introducing a collection of incentives to support its commitment to its guests’ satisfaction. In combination with its existing price guarantee, the line is reducing cruise fare deposits and cancellation periods.

“Crystal is pairing its consistent delivery of incomparable vacation experiences with a program that showcases just how secure an investment the Crystal Experience is,” said Bill Smith, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Luxury cruisers recognize the value of selecting a line whose performance is tried-and-true, to ensure they’re getting the best from the best.”

Guarantees and booking and savings incentives include:

• Price Guarantee – Crystal will continue to protect guests by giving them the best applicable fare offered by Crystal Cruises even after they’ve booked;
• Cruise Deposit – Reduced cruise deposit from 10% to 5% for all 2009 itineraries except the Full World Cruise;
• Cancellation Period Reduction – Formerly a 75 day restriction, guests can now cancel their cruise up to 45 days prior to sailing without penalty;
• Extended Options – Guests now have an increased period from three to seven days before a deposit is required;
• 2010 World Cruise Deposit Reduction – Deposits for the 2010 World Cruise have been reduced from 20% to $1,000 or $1,500, depending on stateroom selected;