Crystal Serenity

Launched in 2003, Crystal Serenity cruise ship is the second and bigger of the two Crystal Ocean Cruises ships - with fleetmate Crystal Symphony (1995).

History - construction and ownership

One of the top-luxury passenger shipping companies, Crystal Cruises operates both ocean and river cruises on premium liners and newbuild riverboats with all inclusive travel package deals. Company's ships are top-ranked in numerous categories, offer intimate cruising experience, 5-star hotel amenities, superior service. The company was founded in 1988 as subsidiary of the Japanese NYK Line (Nippon Yusen Kaisha) - one of world's largest container shipping companies. In 2015, NYK Line sold Crystal Cruises to Genting Hong Kong (GHK). Following the acquisition, the company was renamed to Crystal Ltd. It currently includes the brands Crystal Cruises (ocean-going ships), Crystal River Cruises (European riverboats), Crystal Yacht Cruises (mega-yachts), Crystal Luxury Air (aircraft) and Crystal AirCruises (fly-cruise deals).

The 68,870-ton, 980-passenger cruise ship Crystal Serenity sailed on its Inaugural Cruise on July 7, 2003 - 14-day Baltic Sea itinerary from Southampton. Ship's first World Voyage started on January 14, 2004 (106-day itinerary from LA, ending in NYC).

Crystal Serenity was launched after Crystal Harmony (1990, now Asuka 2) and followed by Crystal Symphony (1995). In response to demand, Crystal Serenity offers twice as many penthouse cabins in comparison to fleet's other vessels. There are two paddle tennis courts (instead of one) as boat's devotees are fiercely competitive in this field.

The Serenity ship is shiny, beautiful, very spacious, with calm and quiet atmosphere, elegant decoration. Ship's interior colors are calming – muted golds, greens, blues, grays and reds. Stateroom furniture and wood accents are in darker gamma, with lively colorful bedding, curtains, upholstery and wall coverings. Ship's interior spaces were designed by the companies Tillberg (Sweden), Garroni (Italy), Okada (Japan), Nix Firestone (USA), BBGM (USA), Stephen John (UK), II By IV Canada).

Cruise itinerary program

Crystal Serenity itinerary program is based on a “World Cruise” (out of Miami FL or San Francisco), Caribbean voyages, Mediterranean Sea and Canada/New England Fall Foliage cruises from Quebec and NYC.

The world's most awarded luxury cruise line, Crystal Cruises included in the Serenity ship's itinerary program the legendary Northwest Passage Cruises on August 16, 2017. Crystal Serenity navigated in the Arctic Ocean leaving out of Anchorage (Seward Alaska) to NYC New York via the famous Arctic route (500 ml north of Arctic Circle). This 32-nights itinerary provided passengers with an expedition style of Arctic cruising.

The history that surrounds the route stems back to over 100 years ago when it was first completed by Roald Amundsen. This route covers 900 miles of waterways filled with stunning fjords, glaciers and vast landscapes. Crystal Serenity was escorted by the ICE 05 classed icebreaker Ernest Shackleton (equipped to navigate through ice-covered waters) through the Northwest Passage. The companion ship is operated by British Antarctic Survey and provided operational support and safety to the 1,070-passenger luxury vessel. Crystal Cruises is the first major, luxury cruise line to try a sailing through the icy waters of Northwest Passage.

Ernest Shackleton was equipped with two helicopters for emergency use, tools for oil pollution containment, high-tech communications equipment and survival rations. The crew has experience in the Northwest Passage and using the safety equipment. Crystal Serenity was upgraded with ice detection radar, ice navigation system and forward-looking sonar. The bridge team received ice navigation training, and ice pilots boarded both vessels (Ernest Shackleton and Serenity) for the crossing. The crew of Ernest Shackleton also assisted with cruise company's "Unexpected Adventures" tours - like helicopter flightseeing, Zodiac wet landings, speed boat rides and kayaking.

In 2017 the ship had its second Northwest Passage expedition.

Cabins

Most Crystal Serenity staterooms are 225-sq.foot Balcony rooms (65%). There are a total of 623 staterooms (of which 108 Suite, 356 Balcony, no Inside rooms) in 13 categories, as well as 10 wheelchair accessible cabins. The largest aboard Crystal Serenity are the 4 Crystal Penthouses (category CP), sizes 1345 ft2 / 125 m2 (with the balcony). During 2018 refit, the ship received 36 Seabreeze Penthouses and 2 Seabreeze Penthouse Suites, while reducing capacity from 1,070 to 980 passengers.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The formal restaurant on Crystal Serenity serves open seating breakfast and lunch. Dinner is in two assigned seatings, or open seating. Although there is no additional charge for the Italian and Asian specialty restaurants, reservations are required. On select days, theme luncheons and dinners are offered poolside and special wine dinners are held in ship's Vintage Room. Other choices include the casual Lido buffet for breakfast and lunch; poolside grill for snacks and casual lunch; The Bistro specialty coffee & wine bar for snacks all day and evening. Afternoon tea is served in Crystal Serenity's Palm Court. Room service is available 24 hours, with an extensive menu. Selections can be delivered during dinner hours from the menu of the formal restaurant. Suite passengers can order from the specialty restaurants.

Follows the complete list of Crystal Serenity restaurants and food bars.

• “Crystal” (aft Dining Room, features gourmet menu with regionally inspired and traditional dishes; offers “Dining by Reservation” option - guests can reserve each night different time by contacting the Maitre D). Following the dry dock in October 2018, Crystal Dining Room was transformed into Waterside, with increased seating capacity, more tables for 2 and 4, and new decor.
• “The Vintage Room” (10-seat fine dining venue with sommelier service, at surcharge US$200 plus, depending on the wine selection; on special cruises it operates as “Ultimate Vintage Dining Room” and some of the most rare wines in the world are served - the cover charge sores up to US$1,000 and more)
• “Silk Road” (Asian dinner-only specialty restaurant; reservations are recommended), was re-branded as Umi Uma & Sushi Bar after 2018 refit, but continues serving Nobu’s signature dishes.
• “The Sushi Bar” (Japanese specialty dinner restaurant; reservations-only)
• “Prego” (Italian specialty dinner only, reservations only restaurant)
• “Trident Bar & Grill” (fastfood venue; features lush greenery with live olive trees)
• “Tastes” (waiter-service lido pool buffet; serves casual late Breakfast, Lunch and alfresco Dinner) became Silk Kitchen & Bar after 2018 refit and serves Chinese comfort food.
• Marketplace & Churrascaria Buffet - “Lido Cafe” (self-service buffet restaurant serving the pool deck area) became The Marketplace during daytime and a Brazilian steakhouse, Churrascaria, in the evening.
• Supper Club is a bar lounge with live music, part of Stardust Club. The Supper Club is offered on the first and last “Black Tie Optional” evenings on itineraries 8-days and longer. Club's capacity is up to 108 passengers. Seating starts at 6:30 pm. During the day, the lounge hosts trivia quizzes, bingo games, media presentations.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The Galaxy Lounge on Crystal Serenity is the main showroom for headline entertainers and award-winning Broadway-style production shows. It features comfortable seating and a rising stage for optimum viewing. In addition to sophisticated staging, the shows each feature elaborate costumes created by renowned designers.

Crystal Serenity amenities include: 24-Hour Room-Service, Internet/WiFi Access, Babysitting, Laundry & Self-Serve Laundromats.

Follows the complete list of Crystal Serenity lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• “Crystal Cove” (piano bar)
• “Galaxy Lounge” (main show lounge for grand show productions; with a large hydraulic stage and a full orchestra)
• The “Crystal Casino” (410 m2, with 86 slots and poker machines, gambling tables)
• “Hollywood Theatre” (cinema with a stage for live performances; also hosts conferences, lectures, presentations, Broadway-style show productions, comedy shows)
• “Pulse” disco & nightclub (hosts DJ program nightly, karaoke and trivia shows)
• “Avenue of the Stars” (280 m2 shopping area; has four duty-free boutique shops - Crystal Collection, Apropos, Facets, Captain’s Choice)
• “The Bistro” (Paris-inspired specialty coffee bar, all-complimentary)
• The Serenity’s “Library” (3000+ books in different languages, movies and videos, board games)
• “Stardust Club” is a bar lounge hosting daily trivia quizzes, presentations, bingo games, lectures, classes, as well as live music performances (Crystal Sextet) in the evenings. Late night snacks are served between 11 pm -12 midnight.
• “Photo Shop” (photo and video services, accessories, equipment)
• “Connoisseur Club” (fine cognac and cigar club/smoking lounge)
• “Avenue Saloon” (piano bar)
• “Computer University @ Sea” (24-hour 25-seat capacity Internet computers room; hosts computer and Internet classes)
• “The Studio” (serves the “Creative Learning” enrichment program: language lessons, digital film making, Yamaha keyboard and piano lessons, all complimentary)
• “Bridge Lounge” (cards playing room)
• “Palm Court” (observation lounge & bar; serves Afternoon Tea, hosts art auctions, themed parties, classic concerts)
• “Waves” (teen club lounge)
• “Fantasia” (kids club lounge area with two playrooms for children 3-7yo and 8-12yo; baby sitting is available for toddlers 1+ yo)
• Seahorse Pool area (with a lap pool flanked by two Whirlpools); Neptune Pool area
• “Scoops” (outdoor Ice Cream Bar)
• “Fitness Center” (with panoramic floor-ceiling windows; has a separate room for complimentary classes (yoga, pilates, aerobics)
• “Crystal Spa” (540 m2 Feng Shui-inspired Wellness Center; includes the Gym, relaxation area, treatment rooms, 2 saunas/steam rooms and the “Crystal Salon”)
• Promenade deck (walking/jogging track; hosts the “Walk On Water” daily walking programme)
• The Sports Area (Tennis Tables, two Golf Driving Nets, Putting Green)
• Deck Games (Shuffleboard); Tennis Tables; “Wimbledon Court” (2 tennis courts); Golf Putting Green.

On July 9, 2002, vessel’s keel was laid at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St Nazaire. On July 3, 2003, the ship was christened in Southampton by the UK actress Julie Andrews. On July 7, 2003, was the Inaugural Cruise - 14-day roundtrip from Southampton to Northern European ports.

On January 14, 2004, the ship started its first "Around The World Cruise"”, leaving from USA (Los Angeles CA) on a 106-day itinerary (Jan 14 - May 5) ending in NYC New York.

In Summer 2016, Crystal Serenity became the world's 3rd cruise ship with a Northwest Passage Cruise - after the 2013 voyages of Compagnie du Ponant ships Le Soleal and Le Boreal. The 32-days long one-way itinerary was from Seward Alaska to NYC New York (August 16 to September 16), with ports of call Kodiak Island Alaska (Aug 17), Dutch Harbor Unalaska (Aug 19), Nome Alaska (Aug 21), Victoria Island Nunavut Canada (Aug 27 and 29), Baffin Island Nunavut Canada (Sept 4), Ilulissat Greenland (Sept 7), Sisimiut Greenland (Sept 8), Nuuk Greenland (Sept 9), Bar Harbor Maine (Sept 13), Boston Massachusetts (Sept 14) and Newport Rhode Island (Sept 15).

In 2017 the Serenity ship has scheduled a second Northwest Passage transit. The 2017 cruise itinerary (32-days Seward to New York City, August 15 through September 15) included the same ports of call - Kodiak Island Alaska (Aug 16), Dutch Harbor Unalaska (Aug 18), Nome Alaska (Aug 20), Victoria Island Nunavut Canada (Aug 25 and 28), Baffin Island Nunavut Canada (Sept 3), Ilulissat Greenland (Sept 6), Sisimiut Greenland (Sept 7), Nuuk Greenland (Sept 8), Bar Harbor Maine USA (Sept 12), Boston Massachusetts USA (Sept 13) and Newport Rhode Island USA (Sept 14). The cruise prices started from around USD 22,000 per person (double occupancy rates).

Crystal Serenity refurbishment 2018 review

Ship's 2018 drydock refurbishment (October 18 - November 6, done at Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven Germany) reduced its passenger capacity in order to enable single-seating dining. Following the dry-dock, Crystal Serenity offers to all its passengers free Wi-Fi (regardless of cabin category).

• On deck 9, two new balcony cabin categories were introduced - Seabreeze Penthouse Suite (12 new suites added) and Seabreeze Penthouse (28 new suites added). The new staterooms have the same size as the existing Penthouse (365 ft2 / 34 m2) and Penthouse Suite (490 ft2 / 46 m2). Seabreeze Penthouses are connecting cabins (sharing an entryway).
• All Penthouses offer enhanced all-inclusive amenities, including butler service, in-cabin dining, complimentary specialty restaurants dining).
• Cabin conversions reduced ship's capacity from 1254 to 980, thus increasing the guest-to-space ratio to 70,3.
• Stardust Club (deck 6) was redesigned and upgraded with new accent lighting, upholsteries of banquettes, new loose seating (replacing the dance floor).
• Crystal Dining Room (deck 7) was renamed "Waterside" and upgraded with additional 2- and 4-seat tables. New open-seating dining (between 6-9:30 pm) replaced the old assigned seating and required dinner reservations. Breakfasts and lunches are served as usual. Dining room changes also included new marble flooring, new screen dividers, new seating configuration (increased 2-4-seat tables), new chandelier.
• Lido Cafe operates as Marketplace (during the day) and as Churrascaria (steakhouse, by night). The restaurant features an open kitchen and made-to-order dishes. Marketplace serves buffet breakfast and lunch, while Churrascaria serves casual dinner (between 6-9 pm). The Brazilian-themed Churrascaria restaurant features Caipirinha (welcome cocktail event) and selection of Brazilian dishes (grilled seafood and meats, tapas, ceviche, salads). Meats are served by “gauchos” (dedicated staff) on traditional meat skewers.
• On Deck 12, Tastes restaurant was redesigned (with Asian-themed interior) and renamed "Silk Kitchen and Bar". The menu was upgraded with modern Chinese fare (family-size dinner plates) served throughout the day. Self-service is available at breakfast and lunch, and also includes traditional Chinese food (dumplings, Chinois salad, soup, noodle bar). Dinners at Silk Kitchen are open-seating (reservations-recommended) and served between 6-9 pm.
• Trident Bar and Grill serves casual grilled food (including fast food - burgers, sandwiches).
• Silk Road and The Sushi Bar (both specialty restaurants by celebrity-chef Nobu Matsuhisa) were renamed "Umi Uma". At Umi Uma are served Nobu-inspired dishes prepared by Nobu-trained chefs.
• Umi Uma and Prego restaurants reservations are complimentary for Penthouse passengers. To all other cabin categories is offered 1 complimentary specialty dining (additional reservations are available at surcharge).
• The new free of charge Wi-Fi is shipwide and result of company's investment in new hardware and software for expanded onboard connectivity and faster (doubled) satellite Internet speed.
• Crystal Connect is ship's new onboard portal for internet connections and various shipboard info (menus, news, scheduled activities, shore excursions, itinerary ports, international digital news media, movies library, lectures, etc). Crystal Connect (mobile app) is available for personal devices.
• All cruise cabins were upgraded with new 42-inch smart TVs with interactive panels (infotainment system).
• Ship's Computer University at Sea (enrichment workshops) were updated and redesigned.
• Among the redesigned public spaces is the fore-located Palm Court (observation lounge on deck 12), where was added more intimate seating. Lounge's stage was relocated, and the former stage area was transformed into dedicated "Afternoon Tea" space offering fresh leaf teas and house-made pastries in the afternoons. Palm Court's bar was also renovated.

Along with all Lloyd Werft workers, the refurbishment project also involved several hundred crew and sub-contractors. Almaco Group (1998-founded company) was project's supervisor.

In May 2016, the ship received overhauls of all Penthouse Suites. Also renovated were the Lido Deck's Trident Grill, Lido Cafe, and Tastes restaurant. The 2016 drydock in Cadiz also included general maintenance works.

The list of deck plan changes after the November 2013 drydock refurbishment includes:

• general maintenance work, including propulsion upgrade (left-side Rolls-Royce Azimuth thruster replacement), new hull coating, air ducts cleaning, reverse osmosis plant inspection.
• introducing of new “Deluxe PURE” category of staterooms (hypoallergenic cabins)
• redesign of the Tastes buffet and the Lido area (deck 12)
• new LED lighting in public rooms.
• The 2013 drydock refurbishment project’s total cost was USD 17 million.