Crystal unveils Serenity’s chic new look
Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity recently emerged from a $17 million redesign with chic new Crystal Penthouses (the coveted top accommodations) and dramatically transformed indoor/outdoor casual dining spaces, including the Trident Grill, Scoops ice cream bar, Tastes Bar, Lido Cafe, and Tastes restaurant, featuring a new global-inspired evening menu. Cruise industry-firsts include a chef’s herb garden as part of vibrant “vertical walls” of greenery and 70 new PURE hypoallergenic staterooms.
From the top deck to its hull, Crystal Serenity underwent a comprehensive maintenance, with deep cleaning, mechanical updates, and environmental upgrades implemented throughout the ship’s interior and exterior spaces. Palm Court boasts a new dance floor, specialty restaurant Prego was warmed with new colours, and even the “behind the scenes” Tender Boarding area reveals a welcoming new look. In recent years, Crystal has spent almost $120 million on the Extreme Makeovers of its fleet, and $52 million on Crystal Serenity alone within the last two years.
Crystal Penthouses: Toronto’s II BY IV, the firm that won major design awards for its previous remodel of Crystal Serenity’s staterooms, redefined 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 Crystal Penthouse residences were gutted and spaces completely reconfigured. The dining area moved closer to the floor-to-ceiling windows and the private outdoor deck, while the former dining room now holds a den/library/media room with a sleeper sofa and closet. With a new shower added to the guest powder room, the space can function as a second bedroom, ideal for families. A butler’s pantry with private entrance adds to the comfort.
Following a Christmas/New Year’s voyage in the Caribbean, Crystal Serenity will sail on its annual World Cruise – an 89-day adventure from Los Angeles to London, starting Jan. 18. Until Jan. 3, “Book Now” fares for a 2014 voyage aboard Crystal Serenity start at $1,215 p.p. (http://www.crystalcruises.com)
