Crystal Serenity will get stylish makeover this fall

Ultra luxurious Crystal Cruises will be upping the style ante on board its newest ship, award-winning Crystal Serenity.  Among the renovations during the 10-day scheduled drydock November 2009 are the conversion of 12 deluxe staterooms to eight of the highly coveted Penthouse staterooms; a redesigned Crystal Cove with a fresh and open layout and dramatic round bar; and a rich new colour palette and new equipment in the Crystal Casino.

The multi-million dollar undertaking will begin November 10 while Crystal Serenity is docked in Setubal, Portugal.

“As a leader in luxury travel, we continue to see that each detail is six-star.  Crystal Serenity’s re-styling will take an exquisite product and make it even better,” says Gregg Michel, Crystal’s president.  “Within the past two years, we have invested nearly $40 million in keeping the Crystal ships worthy of the top honours in the industry.”

Following the makeover, the ship’s Stardust Lounge will boast a newly expanded dance floor with more than 15% additional space, and will implement a revised policy that bans smoking in the area in the post-dinner hours.

Emerging from drydock in late November, a decidedly fresh look and plush additions including:

More Plush Penthouses
While most cruise lines have been increasing the size of their cruise ships, Crystal is actually decreasing Crystal Serenity’s guest capacity by converting 12 deluxe staterooms with verandahs to eight Penthouse staterooms.  Crystal Serenity’s richly appointed 403-square-foot Penthouses boast personal butler service, large private verandah, sizeable living area, bar stocked with complimentary wine and choice of liquor, Jacuzzi® tub and separate shower, walk-in closet, flat screen television, DVD and CD player, Riedel glassware, and complimentary pressing. 
Following the conversion, Crystal Serenity will feature 72 Penthouses (category PH), as well as 32 Penthouse Suites (PS) and four lavish 1,345-square-foot Crystal Penthouses (CP).  Four of the new Penthouses connect with category AA Deluxe Staterooms with Verandahs.

Crystal Cove

This central spot surrounding the Atrium is a hub for mixing and mingling, and will be completely reconfigured with the installation of a dramatic round bar, offering views around the room.  The lounge will have newly expanded hours to give guests another option for late-night cocktails and live piano music.  In varying hues of aqua blue offset by rich chocolate tones, the venue’s design is inspired by bringing elements of the ocean and the sky together. 

Crystal Casino

The Crystal Casino will feature brand new slot machines in addition to roulette, craps, baccarat, blackjack tables and the Ultimate Texas Hold’em.  The new design will include rich jewel tones in gold, purple and magenta, with the centerpiece being a crystal chandelier measuring more than seven feet in diametre illuminating the area. 

Since its debut in 2003, Crystal Serenity has consistently enjoyed the industry’s top accolades.  Earlier this year, the well-travelled readers of Condé Nast Traveler voted the 1,080-guest, 68,000-ton ship the Best Medium-sized Ship in the World, earning a score that outranked every other ship with more than 120 guests.

Crystal has again selected the prestigious design firm SMC Design, regarded for its modern luxe design, and a proven history of high-end projects, including previous work on Crystal ships.

Crystal Serenity’s dry dock construction will be completed at the Lisnave Shipyard in Portugal.  On November 21, 2008, the luxury liner departs Lisbon en route to Miami in time for the Panama Canal and Caribbean Holiday season.