Crystal Symphony enters dry dock for major refit ahead of South Africa cruises

Crystal Symphony has entered drydock in Italy for a major three-week refurbishment following the end of its summer Mediterranean season. 

The 1996-built vessel began its scheduled maintenance and upgrade period in early November, marking another significant phase in Crystal Cruises’s ongoing modernisation of its fleet.

According to the company, the project aims to enhance both the aesthetic and functional elements of the ship’s public spaces and suites. The works are being carried out by De Wave Group, Gerolamo Scorza, and Trident Maritime Systems, building on the design direction first introduced during the ship’s 2023 transformation.

Among the most significant updates is the complete reimagining of the ship’s central atrium, which will receive a more contemporary and open layout with additional seating. 

The space will lose its longstanding water feature, and the piano will be relocated to create a clearer flow for guests. A new two-storey mosaic designed by Italian metalwork specialist DeCastelli and a modern chandelier will become the centrepieces of the redesigned area.

One of the atrium’s most recognisable elements, the Dance bronze statue by Japanese sculptor Satoru Kitago, will be removed as part of the redesign. The artwork will be auctioned in support of Crystal’s partnership with the MD Anderson Cancer Center, with part of the proceeds going towards cancer research.

Elsewhere onboard, several other venues are receiving updates, including the Stair Lobbies, the Crystal Cove bar, the Starlite Club, and the Bistro. 

All staterooms and suites are being refreshed with new carpets and wall coverings, while the Aquamarine and Sapphire Classic suites on Deck 10 are being fully refurnished to match the contemporary style seen in other areas during the previous refit.

Technical upgrades are also a central part of the current project. These include a complete overhaul of the ship’s stabilisers, renewal of both evaporators, and installation of new fuel and oil purifiers designed to handle biodiesel, reflecting the company’s efforts to future-proof its operations in line with modern environmental standards.

Following the repositioning voyage to Ghana, Crystal Symphony will operate a series of Africa and Indian Ocean itineraries, including three sailings from Cape Town in December. 

The schedule features a 12-night voyage from Tema (Accra) to Cape Town departing on December 11th, followed by a 26-night journey from Cape Town to Mumbai on December 23rd. 

Crystal Symphony will also offer a 13-night sailing from Cape Town to Mombasa, continuing its expanded focus on African and Indian Ocean destinations throughout the season.

Crystal previously described its current approach to refits as combining “responsible stewardship with elegant innovation,” adding that every enhancement “reflects our promise to create meaningful experiences for our guests at every touchpoint.”