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CRYSTAL SYMPHONY
£15m revamp brings even more
sophistication to Crystal Symphony
Crystal Symphony underwent a £15 million two-week makeover in September 2009 introducing dramatic new interiors and deck spaces.
The sophisticated 50,000-ton ship emerged from dry-dock in Boston on October 1 with revamped penthouses, pool areas, an Italian restaurant and cafe.
 Two 982-sq-ft Crystal Penthouses with large verandahs were stripped and completely transformed into the feel of elegant residential apartments with luxurious fabrics, details and finishes.
Internal space were extended to enlarge the living spaces and bedroom. While both the master and guest bathrooms will feature rare marbles and designer fittings, the master bathrooms will boast a sunken Philippe Stark Duravit Jacuzzi bathtub with 90-degree ocean views, glass mosaics and recessed televisions, among other features.
The suites also offer an entrance lobby, his and her walk-in closets, private study area, living room, state-of-the-art audio-visual system, and dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows.
The 61 butler-serviced Penthouses and Penthouse Suites have been redesigned in soothing taupe and sand tones, accented by citrus or icy blue, one of two color schemes. New custom cabinetry sport stone countertops and flat screen televisions, while new bedding, stone-topped end tables and bedside reading lights will be framed by new headboards, carpeting and window treatments. All bathrooms feature new tile with mosaic accents, glass showers, contemporary hardware and lighting, and a fresh white and neutral color palette.
This popular Lido Café has been transformed into an upscale dining spot with a completely new Crystal dining experience, designed to showcase freshly cooked fare as well as add intimate seating and improve flow. Natural tones of seashell, sand and weathered timber provide a soothing backdrop for sparkling polished metal accents and sea grass screens.
Befitting an upscale chic resort, Crystal Symphony's Seahorse and Neptune pool areas are redefined with new spaces, water features and furniture providing more indoor and al fresco dining, plush conversational seating and varied sunbathing options. Sophisticated limestone tile offsets the azure pool and the new, larger whirlpool. In the retractable roof-covered, mid-ship area of the Lido Deck, the Neptune Pool has been removed and replaced with teak decking and al fresco dining and lounging options around the Trident Bar.
Since its debut, the critically-acclaimed, intimate Italian specialty Prego restaurant has been inspired by Venice. Open only for dinner, the new design is moody and dramatic, retaining elements of traditional Venetian architecture and portraiture presented in a fresh and modern way. Luxuriously padded, dark chocolate fabric walls frame delicate chandeliers, art by famed Venetian artists and richly upholstered seating.
All Crystal staterooms, all of which were redecorated in late 2007 and feature sitting areas, have received new sofas to provide more seating and add third berths for families.
Crystal has also invested in upgraded elevators, a new crew restaurant, new lighting systems and other behind-the-scenes projects. Medical center improvements include digital x-ray equipment, enabling doctors to efficiently share x-rays with guests' personal physicians and other specialists. A major upgrade of the ship's onboard broadcast production studio enhances Crystal's extensive television programming with added clarity and brilliance.
Crystal spent $23 million enhancing Crystal Symphony in the cruise line's largest-ever dry dock in 2006. and since her debut in 1995, she has many accolades, consistently earning the industry's highest praises.
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