Crystal Serenity, the first ship to resume operations after being acquired by A&K Travel Group last year, has successfully completed sea trials in preparation for her inaugural cruise from Marseille, France, on July 31st.
Currently undergoing the final stages of refurbishment at Fincantieri's shipyard in Trieste Italy, the vessel underwent thorough testing of its navigation, technical, and mechanical systems with a full complement of officers, technicians, and engineers on board. All inspections were passed, including the certification of fire-resistant panels to ensure they were not defective.
Roberto Fazi (Senior VP of Marine Operations) expressed pride in reaching this milestone, stating that completing the sea trials is one of the last requirements before officially resuming service. He acknowledged the entire team, both on board and on land, for their contributions and extended gratitude to Fincantieri for their tireless efforts in delivering the ship on time and prepared to welcome guests in a few weeks.
When guests board the ship for the first time, they will discover updated and larger suites with artisanal finishes, refreshed specialty dining venues, and state-of-the-art wellness facilities, including the newly renovated Aurora Spa. Additionally, new features such as a pickleball court and revitalized entertainment and events have been added. Despite these changes, the exceptional service and the industry-leading staff-to-guest ratio remain unchanged.
After the July 31st cruise from Marseille, Crystal Serenity will spend the rest of the summer cruising the Mediterranean before relocating to North America in September for Canadian and Caribbean sailings for the remainder of 2023. Furthermore, the ship will be the host of the highly anticipated 2024 World Cruise.