Crystal Cruises is nearly back, and when it returns this year, it will be known simply as Crystal, delivering “Exceptional at Sea,” according to the luxury line’s new tagline.
Recently resurrected by A&K Travel Group, the once-defunct brand has been reintroduced with a new website, itineraries and improvements coming to its two famed ships: Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.
“I am delighted to announce that Crystal is reborn, with Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony reimagined, and enhancements made to every part of our guests’ journey,” said Jack Anderson, president of Crystal.
When Are Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony Relaunching?
Crystal Serenity will be first to relaunch on July 31, 2023, from Marseille, France, followed by Crystal Symphony on Sept. 1, 2023, from Athens, Greece. Besides Mediterranean routes, the ships will soon showcase Northern Europe, Canada and New England, along with Alaska, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Local experts at Abercrombie & Kent have planned memorable experiences in each destination to guarantee beyond-the-guidebook access.
What Should I Expect Onboard?
In keeping with the line’s fresh “Exceptional at Sea” promise, Crystal is set to deliver exceptional suites, many of which have been enlarged; high-end service, for which the line is well-known; top-notch dining, with nine restaurants and six bars on each vessel; and memorable experiences, both shoreside and onboard. Guests can expect exclusive access on-land, thanks to Abercrombie & Kent’s industry-leading arrangements.
A Crystal Penthouse Suite
Credit: 2023 Crystal“Palatial suites, spacious verandas and guestrooms have been rolled out on both ships, reducing overall guest capacity,” Anderson said. “Personalized service — long a Crystal signature — has been elevated further. Dining is a journey through culinary specialties, with authentic food from around the globe. Local experts at Abercrombie & Kent have planned memorable experiences in each destination to guarantee beyond-the-guidebook access."
The ships’ spas and gyms will be revitalized, and the Wimbledon Courts sports decks will add paddle tennis and pickleball. Entertainment and activities will also be retooled, with more details to be unveiled in the future.
The biggest changes on Serenity and Symphony will come in the form of updated guest capacities and suite configurations. After their 2023 refurbishments, Serenity will reduce its passenger count from 1,040 to 740, and Symphony from 960 to 606 — resulting in a guest-to-space ratio of 1-to-93.1 cubic feet (for Serenity) and 1 to 84.2 cubic feet (for Symphony), as well as a guest-to-crew ratio of nearly 1-to-1.
What Will the Suites and Staterooms Be Like?
The breakdown of staterooms and suites available to clients will be as follows:
- A Crystal Penthouse Suite (including expansive living area, a private balcony and butler service) will be up to 850 square feet with a veranda up to 107 square feet.
- A Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite (including separate dining and living spaces, a private balcony and butler service) will be up to 646 square feet with a veranda up to 161 square feet.
A Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite
Credit: 2023 Crystal- A Sapphire Veranda Suite (including a living area, private balcony and butler service) will offer up to 430 square feet with a veranda up to 107 square feet.
- A Sapphire Ocean View Suite (including a living area, sea views and butler service) will be up to 430 square feet.
- An Aquamarine Veranda Suite (including a living area, private balcony and butler service) will be up to 323 square feet, with a veranda up to 86 square feet.
An Aquamarine Veranda Suite
Credit: 2023 Crystal- A Double Guest Room with Veranda (including a traditional bedroom, a private balcony and junior butler service) will be up to 215 square feet with a veranda up to 54 square feet.
- A Double Guest Room with Ocean View (including a traditional bedroom, sea views and junior butler service) will be up to 215 square feet.
- A Single Guest Room with Ocean View (including a traditional bedroom, sea views and junior butler service, for single occupancy only) will be up to 215 square feet.
Travel agents and guests with open deposits can begin making reservations on Crystal now. Open bookings for the public will come later in the month.
