Details of Crystal Symphony and Serenity refit revealed ahead of cruise line relaunch

Details of the refit and refurbishment of Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity have been announced ahead of the relaunch of the ship’s following the acquisition of the brand by A&K Travel Group.

A&K acquired Crystal Cruises in 2022 after the cruise line was forced to abruptly suspend operations following the collapse of its parent company Genting Hong Kong.

At the time, A&K Travel Group said it planned to undertake a bow-to-stern revamp of the cruise line’s two-ship fleet and relaunch operations in 2023.

Now, both ships are approaching the end of their refits, and will soon relaunch operations under the new ownership. The first cruises are due for July.

Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will introduce lavish design concepts in collaboration with the finest international partners, according to A&K.

“As we welcome guests back to Crystal, we are delighted to unveil a look and feel that blends the best of its renowned past with a new vision fit for a bright future ahead,” said Cristina Levis, CEO, A&K Travel Group. “Fresh colors, unique textures and first-class tangible elements create an ambiance that evokes timeless moments of leisure and will leave guests with memories that will last a lifetime.”

Tillberg Design of Sweden (TDoS) was chosen as the lead designer of both the Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony with projects encompassing public spaces, dining venues, as well as the recently announced Aurōra Spa.

TDoS was tasked with creating spaces that blended classical elements and modern materials with a dash of Mediterranean influence. The resulting design was a refined and lasting concept that exemplifies contemporary and sophisticated layers within a refreshed setting.

“We are delighted to once again receive the trust from Crystal, this time with a studious and sophisticated renewal of the brand and its rich heritage,” noted TDoS Partner & Executive Director Fredrik Johansson.  “We are working closely with Crystal management to ensure that their iconic fleet stays top-rated by the guests and profitable for the owners.”

In addition, for the redesign of select guest rooms and suites, Crystal enlisted cruise ship architectural firm, GEM to redo the ship’s public rooms in neutral tones and high-end fixtures complemented with subtle hues of pastel colors and shades of gray and beige that resonate with the color of the ocean.

The ship’s suites will offer the highest quality linen with a custom-made collection of bedding from Jesurum 1870, while La Bottega and Ortigia, a hospitality curator for in-room amenities, were tapped to supply soap and fragrance products onboard.

Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group, has previously promised former Crystal Cruises passengers in a video that the experience of sailing on the relaunched Crystal would be an “enhanced” version of what they had before.

Some 80% of Crystal Cruises’ crew has been re-hired and the ships will have close to a 1-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio with a butler for every suite and guest room.

In addition, both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will bring back the Umi Uma restaurant by Japanese Michelin-starred chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa.