In a truly grand resurgence of opulence and luxury, Crystal, the ultra-luxe cruise line, has breathed new life into its second ship, Crystal Symphony. This magnificent vessel has emerged from an extensive interior refurbishment at the esteemed Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. Embarking on her inaugural voyage from Athens to Istanbul, Crystal Symphony now joins her sister ship, Crystal Serenity, in heralding a thrilling new chapter for this illustrious cruise line.
Crystal Cruises: A Legacy of Luxury and Innovation
Setting New Standards for Excellence:
Crystal Cruises has consistently been a trailblazer in luxury cruising, setting benchmarks for unparalleled service, gourmet dining, and onboard amenities. With the triumphant inaugural sailing of its second refurbished ship, Crystal Cruises reaffirms its legacy of innovation and uncompromising quality.
The Refurbishment Journey:
A Remarkable Rebirth: The reimagined Crystal Symphony, one of the crown jewels in Crystal's fleet of luxury ships, has made a triumphant return to the sea after undergoing an extensive renovation. Her maiden voyage set sail from Athens on September 1, 2023, a momentous occasion that closely followed the relaunch of her sister ship, Crystal Serenity, fresh out of the shipyard in Italy and gleaming with new splendor.
The acquisition of these two magnificent ships took place just over a year ago, when A&K Travel Group, the distinguished luxury travel and tour company, assumed ownership. This pivotal moment in the cruise industry unfolded after the unfortunate bankruptcy of Crystal Cruises' previous owner, Genting Group. The planned relaunch of this iconic cruise brand was initially announced in February 2023.
A Grand Odyssey Begins: As the Crystal Symphony embarked on her inaugural cruise, she carried with her not just the promise of luxury but the legacy of a brand renowned for its commitment to excellence. With the backdrop of the ancient city of Athens fading into the horizon, passengers aboard this opulent vessel set sail on a voyage that promises unforgettable experiences and breathtaking destinations.
A&K Travel Group's Commitment to Excellence: Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, expressed her pride in the revival of Crystal Symphony, stating, "We are so proud that Crystal Symphony has officially joined Crystal Serenity back in the water, signaling an exciting new chapter for Crystal – two ships refurbished and back in service in under a year is completely unprecedented." This sentiment reflects A&K Travel Group's steadfast dedication to offering guests inspiration and enrichment as they embark on journeys to the world's most coveted destinations.
Exploring Uncharted Waters: Crystal Symphony's itineraries promise a treasure trove of experiences. Following her inaugural voyage from Athens to Istanbul, the ship sets its course towards captivating destinations such as Santorini, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, and Mumbai. For the remainder of 2023, the ship will gracefully navigate the waters of Oceania, visiting locales that include Sydney, Auckland, Papua New Guinea, and Bali, offering passengers a tapestry of cultural richness and natural wonders.
Elegance and Comfort Aboard: The refurbished Crystal Symphony bears the hallmark of luxury throughout its suites and guest rooms. Collaborating with renowned cruise ship architectural firm GEM, Crystal Symphony has been transformed into a haven of comfort and sophistication. Guests can now choose from a variety of accommodations, including the newly introduced Jr. Crystal Penthouse Suite and Single Guest Room with Ocean View, catering to solo travelers and enhancing the availability of the beloved Sapphire Suite category.
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| Jr. Crystal Penthouse Suite |
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| Jr. Crystal Penthouse Suite |
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| Single Guest Room with Ocean View, catering to solo travelers |
A Culinary Extravaganza: With ten distinct dining options, Crystal Symphony's culinary offerings are nothing short of a gastronomic extravaganza. From the return of Master Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa's Umi Uma, where guests can savor innovative Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, to the traditional Italian delights of Osteria D'Ovidio, there's a culinary journey to delight every palate. The ship's dining options offer a tantalizing array of experiences, from casual bites at Trident Grill to intimate wine pairings in The Vintage Room.
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| Osteria D'Ovidio |
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| Master Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa's Umi Uma |
Wellness and Pampering: The revitalized Crystal Symphony caters to the holistic well-being of its guests. It now features a full-sized paddle tennis and pickleball court, as well as a revamped fitness center. The ship's new spa concept, Aurōra, exudes tranquility with its light-bright neutral colors, illuminated fiber optic starlight ceiling, and the use of organic materials. Guests can indulge in signature facials, massage treatments, and the expertise of the full-service salon.
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A Bright Future for Crystal: In addition to Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity being back in service, Crystal's future is equally promising. The brand is currently working on a memorandum of agreement with two European shipbuilders, advisors, lenders, and export credit agents. This agreement is set to encompass the development of four new ships in the next six years, including two classic ships and two expedition vessels, further expanding the horizons of luxury cruising.
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Sea Trials: A Test of Excellence
Precision Testing for Perfection: The successful completion of sea trials is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Crystal Cruises team. These trials subject the ship to rigorous assessments of its performance, safety features, and fire panel systems, leaving no stone unturned to ensure passengers can cruise with confidence.
Conclusion:
The return of Crystal Symphony marks a triumph of luxury, showcasing the unwavering commitment to excellence that defines the Crystal brand. With its splendid refurbishment, diverse dining experiences, and captivating itineraries, Crystal Symphony invites travelers to embark on an unforgettable journey. To secure your place aboard this floating palace, contact your travel advisor, visit https://www.crystalcruises.com, or call 1-888-617-0517. Bon voyage!
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