MIAMI — Crystal has made its official return to sea, relaunching yesterday under the new guardianship of A&K Travel Group.
Following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, Crystal Serenity, which was bought by A&K along with sister ship Crystal Symphony in June 2022, departed on its inaugural voyage yesterday, July 31, from Marseille.
Crystal Symphony is currently undergoing renovations and will resume service for its inaugural voyage in Athens on Sept. 1.
“Crystal has been recognized for decades for exceptional experiences and we are excited to welcome guests back onboard for its new gilded era,” said A&K Travel Group CEO, Cristina Levis. “In just one year, we’ve been able to revitalize the ships, a feat nearly unheard of in our industry. It is an honor to be signaling this new chapter better than ever and right on schedule, all while retaining 80% of Crystal’s beloved crew on board.”
Under its former owners, Genting Hong Kong, Crystal Cruises ran into financial difficulties, leaving both ocean-going ships stranded in The Bahamas in early 2022. A&K Travel Group announced in June 2022 that it not only purchased the two ships for US$128 million via auction, but also the company too.
Following its inaugural voyage, Crystal Serenity will sail towards Northern Europe to destinations like the UK, Ireland and Iceland before travelling to the Americas to offer experiences as north as Canada and as south as Colombia. It will then embark on its 2024 World Cruise from San Diego or Miami, which will visit 29 countries over 125 nights.
SUITES & GUESTROOMS
Accommodating 740 guests, Crystal Serenity now offers two new guestroom categories that cater to solo travellers : the JR. Crystal Penthouse Suite and Single Guest Room with Ocean View. Solos will not need to pay additional single supplements. Both new categories will also increase the availability of the popular Sapphire Suite category.
- Single Guest Room with Ocean View: Redesigned in 2023, this suite measures up to 215 sq. ft. and includes butler service and ocean views.
- Sapphire Veranda Suite: Available to book in new and classic design, this spacious suite spans up to 430 sq. ft. and features a living area, private veranda and butler service.
- Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite: Redesigned in 2023, this large suite spans up to 645 sq. ft. and includes spacious rooms with separate dining and living areas that look onto a private veranda, as well as butler service.
DINING
Crystal Serenity offers 11 distinct dining options, including 24-hour in-suite dining service. Onboard options include the return of Umi Uma by legendary Master Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, Osteria D’Ovidio for fine Italian cuisine, Waterside Restaurant, Crystal’s main dining room, and The Bistro, a modern café and coffee bar serving light snacks. Guests can also dine poolside at Trident Grill, sample authentic Italian gelato at Scoops Ice Cream Bar, enjoy guided wine pairings at The Vintage Room, and taste tapas-style cuisine at Tastes Kitchen & Bar.
WELLNESS
Crystal’s new spa concept, Aurōra, is set to offer a serene experience at sea with a new design that includes light-bright neutral colours, an illuminated fiber optic starlight ceiling, and a natural salt crystal and silk brushed slate stone. Treatments range from the Aurōra LED and Cryo Facial Experience that instantly plumps and tones the skin, to the Aurōra Stone Signature Massage, which incorporates hot stones for relaxing the muscles.
Crystal has also appointed Dalila Roglieri as Head Nutritionist for the brand, rounding out the holistic wellness experience for guests.
