Crystal Cruises is preparing for a $17-million redesign of the award-winning Crystal Serenity this November.
The line is planning sweeping makeovers of the ship’s Crystal Penthouses (the line’s coveted top accommodations) and Lido Deck, including the popular indoor/outdoor Trident Grill, Tastes restaurant and Crystal Serenity’s Lido café. Building upon the success of Crystal Symphony’s “living wall”, Crystal is expanding its green concept to the Lido area. Maintenance, cleaning, mechanical updates and environmental upgrades will also be implemented throughout the ship’s interior and exterior spaces during the two-week dry dock at the Navantia Shipyard in Cádiz, Spain.
By November, Crystal will have spent $52 million on Crystal Serenity’s Extreme Makeover in the past two years and almost $120 million on the Extreme Makeover of its fleet in recent years.“Our redesigns aren’t merely new fabrics and furnishings. It is indeed extreme when you take out pools, tear down walls and completely re-invent spaces to create new stylish, contemporary and exceptionally welcoming and comfortable public areas and accommodations,” says Crystal President Gregg Michel. “While we are honoured to have won respected design awards for our remodels, we are even more gratified by the response from our guests – international travellers who have an eye for style and appreciate fine design in their lifestyle and when they holiday.”
Lido Deck
London’s Adfecto design firm was inspired by Santa Barbara’s casual, yet cultured, “American Riviera” vibe for the transformation of the ship’s spacious Lido deck. Natural stone, wrought iron and an array of blues set the resort-like tone for the space’s major reconfiguration that will remove its indoor pool and Tastes kitchen, move the ice cream bar to the Trident Grill and add more sofa seating, an open kitchen and a cocktail bar. In addition, four “living walls” and additional greenery surrounding the Trident lounge area will bring the outdoors in. As with Crystal Symphony, Crystal Serenity’s Lido café will be redesigned with modern food islands replacing long buffet counters, more tables for two and a fresh baked goods kitchen. A new cherry wood dance floor will also be installed in the Palm Court, the ship’s largest gathering place for drinks and dancing.
Crystal Penthouses
Toronto’s II BY IV, the firm that won major design awards for its previous remodel of Crystal Serenity’s staterooms, is redefining the ship’s four top suites with clean lines, classic simplicity and refined elegance in a dramatic ultra-contemporary remodel. Interiors of the butler-serviced, 1,345 square-feet residences will be gutted and spaces completely reconfigured. The dining area will move closer to the floor-to-ceiling windows and the private outdoor deck, while the former dining room will now hold a den/library/media room with a queen-sized sleeper sofa and closet. With a new shower added to the guest bathroom, the space can function as a second bedroom, ideal for families and couples travelling together. The Penthouse also features a spacious living room and butler’s pantry with private entrance.
The master bedroom will be made over with luxurious bedding, curtains, two entrances and a new seating area. The master bath will feature marble, mosaics, a walk-in glass shower and two waterproof Aquavision TV’s, one embedded in the mirror and one by the large window-side Jacuzzi tub.In keeping with modern tech living, the Crystal Penthouses will feature three flat screen TV’s, including a 3-D TV, plus a surround sound audio system, iPod docking stations and increased wall outlets.
With more than 700 different jobs scheduled for completion during the 13 days, the 500+ contractor crew and several hundred Crystal crew will also be working round-the-clock to thoroughly deep clean the ship, repaint exteriors, refurbish the “port pod”, add energy-saving LED lighting in public areas and crew offices plus more. Crystal Serenity’s first voyage after completing dry dock will be a 12-night 27th November Lisbon to Barcelona cruise through the Canary Islands, followed by a Transatlantic crossing to the Americas, a Christmas/New Year voyage in the Caribbean and the annual World Cruise, an 89-night ultimate luxury adventure from Los Angeles to Southampton, starting 18th January.
