Crystal Serenity

The 2003-built Crystal Serenity cruise ship is the second/bigger of the two Crystal Cruises ships - with fleetmate Crystal Symphony (1995).

The vessel (IMO number 9243667) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311536000) and registered in Nassau.

Following extensive drydock refits and refurbishments in 2023, for the new (relaunched by A&K) Crystal Cruises, the Serenity ship was scheduled to restart operations on July 31st (from Marseille Fos Port) while the Symphony ship was scheduled to restart on September 1st (from Piraeus-Athens).

Crystal Serenity started a Preview Voyage on July 21st (2023) out of Trieste (Italy). Carrying VIP guests only, the itinerary's call ports were Kotor, Montenegro (Jul 22), Venice (Jul 24-25/overnight), Naples (Jul 28), Livorno (Jul 29).

History - construction and ownership

Crystal Cruises was founded in 1988 as a subsidiary of the Japanese NYK Line (Nippon Yusen Kaisha) - one of the 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. In January 2022, GHK filed for bankruptcy and all its assets were put to sale. In June 2022, the brand Crystal Cruises was acquired by A&K Travel Group Ltd (Abercrombie & Kent). The company currently groups the ultra-luxury travel 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).

Following the bankruptcy of the parent company GHK-Genting Hong Kong Ltd in January 2022, GHK's subsidiary Crystal Cruises Inc (USA) went bankrupt in February.

In June 2022, both Crystal Cruises' ocean ships (Serenity and Symphony) were auctioned in The Bahamas. Both vessels (being under arrest in Freeport Bahamas since February 5th) were sold via a sealed tender auction, with bids submitted to The Bahamas' Supreme Court and a 10% deposit.

On June 15th, Bahamian sources announced that both vessels are sold in the auction - Serenity to CSE Ltd for USD 103 million (EUR 99M / GBP 84,6M) and Symphony to CSY Ltd for USD 25 million (EUR 24M / GBP 20,5M). The financiers were presented by the Bahamian law firm Alexiou Knowles & Co. Reportedly, both shipowning companies (CSY and CSE) are owned by Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio de Clunieres di Balsorano (1953-born multibillionaire, co-owner of Silversea, Chairman of Heritage Group, Co-Chairman of A&K/Abercrombie and Kent).

On June 22nd was announced that both vessels are now owned by A&K Travel Group Ltd - a joint venture of Abercrombie & Kent Ltd (owned by Geoffrey Kent) and Heritage Group Monaco (Lefebvre family-owned private equity specializing in luxury travel, VIP tourism, medical technologies). Following extensive drydock refurbishments, both ships restart operations in 2023 for the relaunched Cristal Cruises brand, which was fully acquired by A&K. For the ships' management, A&K contracted the Monaco-based V.Ships Leisure Ltd (part of V.Group Holdings Ltd).

Crystal Serenity and Symphony left Freeport on July 6th, en route to Europe (arriving in Trieste on July 24th) for drydocking at the Fincantieri shipyard. The project also included installing shore power connectivity that allows the berthed vessel to plug into the port city's power grid for the electricity needed for all hotel operations.

The 1000-passenger ship Crystal Serenity's Maiden Voyage (14-day Baltic Sea itinerary) departed on July 7, 2003, from Southampton (England UK). Serenity's first World Voyage started on January 14, 2004 (106-day itinerary from LA to NYC).

Crystal Serenity was launched after Crystal Harmony (1990, now NYK Asuka 2) and followed by Crystal Symphony (1995). In response to demand, Crystal Serenity had twice as many Penthouses in comparison to the fleetmate. There are two paddle tennis courts (instead of one) as boat devotees are fiercely competitive in this field.

The Serenity ship is very spacious, with a calm and quiet atmosphere, elegant decoration. The 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, wall coverings. The 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).

Decks and Cabins

Of all Crystal Serenity staterooms (347 total), most are the Veranda Suites - Sapphire (151x, sized 430 ft2 / 40 m2, balcony 110 ft2 / 10 m2) and Aquamarine (86x, sized 320 ft2 / 30 m2, balcony 85 ft2 / 8 m2). The smaller Balcony cabins (Double Guest Room with Veranda) are only 46x, each sized 215 ft2 / 20 m2 (balcony 55 ft2 / 5 m2).

After the refit in 2023, Crystal Serenity now has 14x Single cabins (out of 54x total Oceanview staterooms) which are bookable without single supplements. Also new are the 6x Junior Crystal Penthouse Suites (sized 645 ft2 / 60 m2, terrace 160 ft2 / 15 m2). The largest accommodations are the 4x Crystal Penthouse Suites (sized 1260 ft2 / 117 m2, terrace 110 ft2 / 10 m2).

The boat has 13 decks, of which 9 are passenger-accessible and 5 with cabins.

Before 2023, the standard Balcony cabins (65% of all accommodations) were sized 21 m2 / 225 ft2. The ship used to have a total of 623 staterooms (of which 108x Suites and 356x Balconies) in 13 categories, including 10x wheelchair-accessible cabins. The old Crystal Penthouse Suites were sized 1080 ft2 / 100 m2 (plus 270 ft2 / 25 m2 terrace).

During the 2018 drydock refit, the ship received 36x Seabreeze Penthouses and 2x Seabreeze Penthouse Suites, while reducing capacity from 1070 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 an open seating arrangement. Although there is no additional charge for the specialty restaurants, reservations are required.

On select days, theme luncheons and dinners are offered poolside and special wine dinners are held in the Vintage Room. Other onboard dining choices include the casual Markeplace(Lido Buffet for breakfast and lunch), poolside Trident Grill (light snacks and casual lunch), The Bistro (French Cafe, coffee & wine bar for snacks all day and evening).

The Bistro (Cafe/Coffee Bar) serves light snacks like fresh-baked pastries and bagels, fruits in the morning and throughout the afternoons are offered cheeses, pates, prosciutto/dry-cured ham, smoked salmon, gourmet desserts.

Afternoon tea is served in Crystal Serenity's Palm Court.

Room service is complimentary and available 24 hours, with an extensive in-cabin food and beverage menu. Selections can be delivered during dinner hours from the menu of the formal restaurants.

Passengers can also order from specialty restaurants.

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

Crystal Dining Room (aft) features a gourmet menu with regionally inspired and traditional dishes; offers "Dining by Reservation" option - guests can reserve each night at different times by contacting the Maitre D). Following the dry dock in October 2018, Crystal Dining Room was transformed into Waterside Restaurant (open seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner), with increased seating capacity, more tables for 2 and 4, and new decor.

The Vintage Room (10-seat fine dining venue with sommelier service) is at surcharge US$200 and (depending on the wine selection) on special voyages it operates as "Ultimate Vintage Dining Room". here are served some of the rarest wines in the world - the cover charges sores up to US$1000, and even more. The venue is dinner-only and hosts food and wine pairings.

The Sushi Bar (Japanese specialty dinner restaurant; reservations-only)

Osteria D'Ovidio (Italian specialty dinner-only, reservations-only restaurant) serves original Italian cusine as well as dishes created by Crystal Cruises' chefs.

Trident Bar & Grill (fast-food venue; features lush greenery with live olive trees)

Tastes Kitchen & Bar (waiter-service lido pool buffet/fka Tastes) is a family-style dining venue offering tapas-style cuisine. It serves casual late Breakfast, Lunch and alfresco Dinner. After 2018 (and until 2023), it became Silk Kitchen & Bar (served 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 of 8 days and longer. Club's capacity is up to 108 passengers. The seating starts at 6:30 pm. During the day, the lounge hosts trivia quizzes, bingo games, media presentations.

UMI UMA Restaurant (fka Silk Road, rebranded as Umi Uma & Sushi Bar) is an Asian dinner-only specialty restaurant serving Master Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa's signature dishes as well as fusion cuisine that blends Japanese traditional dishes with Peruvian ingredients. Dinner reservations are required. On shorter voyages (up to 11 days) Crystal Cruises offers a complimentary dinner at UMI UMA per person/per cruise. On longer voyages (12+ days) are offered two complimentary reservations per person.

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)
• Crystal Casino (410 m2, with 86 slots and poker machines, gambling tables)
• Hollywood Theatre/Cinema has a stage for live performances and also hosts conferences, lectures, presentations, Broadway-style show productions, stand-up 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)
• 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.
• PhotoShop (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 (onboard enrichment program/complimentary) housing events like language lessons, digital film making, Yamaha keyboard and piano lessons.
• 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; babysitting 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)
• Promenade deck (walking/jogging track; hosts the "Walk On Water" daily walking program)
• The Sports Area (Tennis Tables, two Golf Driving Nets, Putting Green)
• Deck Games (Shuffleboard); Tennis Tables; Wimbledon Court (2x full-size sports courts for playing paddle tennis and pickleball); Golf Putting Green.

In 2024 (December) the Crystal Casino (410 m2) was replaced with Casino de Monte-Carlo (93 m2). The Casino de Monte-Carlo has 32 slot machines and 3 live gaming tables (Blackjack, American Roulette, Ultimate Texas Hold’em). It occupies the space of the former Bridge Lounge (which was relocated to the Library).

The CRYSTAL LIFE FITNESS (280+ m2 / 3000+ ft2) groups the Fitness Center/Gym, a Weight Room and an Aerobics Studio. The complex provides panoramic views (floor-ceiling windows) and is fitted with professional free weights and Technogym equipment. The cruise company's Wellness program offers complimentary classes (yoga, mat pilates, spinning). The ship's Fitness Director provides fitness advice and stretch and aerobic instructions.

CRYSTAL LIFE SPA & SALON consists of the AURORA SPA and BEAUTY SALON, both offering health and beauty services for women and men. The complex groups sauna and steam rooms, as well treatment rooms for massages and therapy.

Outdoor activity facilities include the GOLF DRIVING NETS & PUTTING GREEN, and the WIMBLEDON COURT. The onboard golfing facilities are served by expert trainers (including PGA Golf Pro certified). Complimentary are provided TaylorMade golf club sets (from the ship's Sports Director) for personal use while the ship is docked in port. The WIMBLEDON COURT combines two full-sized sports courts for playing PADDLE TENNIS and PICKLE BALL.

Before refurbishment 2023, the ship's wellness complex was named Crystal Spa (sized 540 m2, Feng Shui-inspired) grouping the Gym, relaxation area, treatment rooms for massages, two saunas/steam rooms, and the Crystal Salon.

The 2023-introduced Aurora Spa is with a new design (by TDoS/Tillberg Design of Sweden) and features a starlight ceiling (fiber optic-illuminated) and new treatments like Aurora LED & Cryo Facial, BIOTEC 2.0 Ultimate Facial, Aurora Stone Signature Massage (hot stones), and The Chariot of Light (LED light skin therapy). The complex is served by professional therapists and is through an exclusive partnership with ELEMIS (skincare brand) and Kerastase (haircare brand).

Crystal Serenity's Aurora Spa is managed by OneSpaWorld (Florida USA-based health and wellness provider) and houses 12x treatment rooms, 2x Steam Rooms (male and female), 2 Sauna Rooms, a Relaxation Room, Beauty Salon (hair care and nail treatments, makeups for men and women).

Passenger-accessible decks are interconnected via 8x elevators (3x forward, 3x midship, 2x aft) and have public restrooms. Deck 14 is accessed only via the forward and aft lifts.

Itineraries

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

Crystal Serenity itineraries also include the legendary Northwest Passage Cruises.

Following the Coronavirus-related suspension of voyages, Crystal Ocean restarted passenger shipping operations with the Serenity ship. The Europe-UK program was entirely canceled and a new Caribbean program (July 3 through October 17, 2021) was planned. The unique 7-night Caribbean itineraries (Luxury Bahamas Escapes) were roundtrips from Nassau and North Bimini Island (Bailey Town) and visiting Harbour Island, Great Exuma Island (Georgetown), San Salvador Island and Long Island. In August, to the Luxury Bahamas Escapes itinerary was added Miami Florida as both call port and homeport/departure port. The expanded itinerary's first departure was on August 7 (from Nassau) and August 9 (from Miami). This way, the 7-night Luxury Bahamas Escapes itinerary offered 3x embarkation ports - Nassau (Saturdays departures), North Bimini (Sundays), Miami (Mondays).

The vessel (STX France Chantiers de l'Atlantique yard/hull number H32) has volume 68870 GT-tons, DWT-deadweight tonnage 10810 tons, max draught 7,6 m. The powerplant is based on 6x Wartisla marine diesel engines (model 12V38B) with combined output 52,2 MW (70000 hp). The propulsion is diesel-electric and based on 2x Rolls-Royce Mermaid podded propulsors/thrusters with combined output 27 MW (36210 hp). The registered shipowner is CRYSTAL SERENITY LTD, while the registered manager is CRYSTAL CRUISES LLC (the previous owner was SERENITY HOLDINGS LTD/until 2023).

The vessel's physical construction started on June 13, 2002, with the keel laying ceremony held at Chantiers de l'Atlantique (St Nazaire, France). The ship was launched/floated out from drydock on August 10, 2002, completed/delivered on June 30, 2003, and christened on July 3, 2003, in Southampton England by godmother Julie Andrews (UK actress-singer, 1935-born as Julia Elizabeth Wells). On July 7th started the Inaugural Cruise (14-day itinerary roundtrip from Southampton to Northern European/Baltic ports).

On January 14, 2004, the ship started its first "Around The World Voyage", leaving roundtrip from the USA (Los Angeles). The 106-day itinerary (January 14th through May 5th) ended in NYC.

In summer 2016, Crystal Serenity became the world's 3rd cruise ship with a Northwest Passage Cruise - after the 2013 voyages of Ponant's superyachts Le Soleal, and Le Boreal. The 32-day 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).

Serenity's second Northwest Passage transit was in 2017. The 32-day itinerary (Seward to NYC/August 15 through September 15) included the same call ports - Kodiak Island (Aug 16), Dutch Harbor (Aug 18), Nome (Aug 20), Victoria Island (Aug 25-28), Baffin Island (Sept 3), Ilulissat Greenland (Sept 6), Sisimiut Greenland (Sept 7), Nuuk Greenland (Sept 8), Bar Harbor ME USA (Sept 12), Boston MA USA (Sept 13) and Newport RI USA (Sept 14). Prices started from around USD 22,000 per person (double occupancy rates).

During Northwest Passage 2017, Crystal Serenity navigated in the Arctic Ocean on the Arctic route (500 mi north of the Arctic Circle) and the cruise ship was escorted by the icebreaker Ernest Shackleton. Ernest Shackleton was equipped with two helicopters (for emergencies), tools for oil pollution containment, high-tech communications equipment, survival rations. For the voyage, Crystal Serenity was upgraded with an ice detection radar, ice navigation system, forward-looking sonar. The Navigation Bridge team received ice navigation training, and ice pilots boarded both vessels (Shackleton and Serenity) for the crossing. Icebreaker's crew also assisted with Crystal Cruises' "Unexpected Adventures" tours - like helicopter flightseeing, Zodiac boat wet landings, speedboat rides, kayaking.

Crystal Serenity drydock refurbishment 2023 review

In 2023, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony were drydock refitted and fully refurbished at Fincantieri's yard in Trieste. The US$150 million project was undertaken by Crystal Cruises' new owner Abercrombie & Kent (A&K Travel Group).

The refits resulted in stateroom reduction (larger suites, new categories) as well as reduced passenger capacity and enlarged and redesigned public spaces and venues. During the drydocks, Crystal Serenity's cabins were reduced from 525 to 347 (passenger-per-space ratio from 54 to 62), and the pax capacity changed from 980-1254 max to 740-794 max.

As part of the refurbishments, on both ships (Serenity and Symphony) were introduced two new cabin categories - "Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite" and "Single Guest Room with Ocean View" (bookable without single supplements).

Crystal Serenity's Prego Restaurant was redesigned and renamed Osteria D'Ovidio (offering traditional Italian cuisine). The new Crystal Spa Aurora is a luxurious wellness complex offering various treatments, including Aurora LED, Cryo Facial Experience, Biotec 2.0 Ultimate Facial.

All passenger staterooms on Crystal Serenity were redesigned/enlarged and their categories were changed - Deluxe Oceanview (40x) to Double Guest Room with Oceanview (40), Deluxe Balcony (298x) to Double Guest Room with Veranda (46), Seabreeze Penthouse (36x) to Aquamarine Veranda Suite (86x), Seabreeze Penthouse Suite (2x) to Sapphire Veranda Suite (151x), Penthouse Suite (33x) was redesigned/enlarged to Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite (6x), the Penthouses (72x) were redesigned into other cabins and were created single cabins (14x) forward on Deck 7.

According to A&K, the replacement of the engines and other machinery on both ships cost the company US$50+ million. The machinery repairs and upgrades (below deck 4) were needed as the equipment was old and poorly maintained.

Crystal Serenity refurbishments review (2013-2020)

Crystal Serenity's drydock in 2020 (April 13-23, in Singapore) was a USD 10 million project for conducting mainly regular technical and general maintenance works, plus minor upgrades to passenger staterooms and public areas (new carpets, furniture, repairs).

The ship's drydock refurb in 2018 (October 18 - November 6, done at Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven Germany) reduced the 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 restaurant dining).
• Cabin conversions reduced the 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". Umi Uma offers Nobu-inspired dishes prepared by Nobu-trained chefs.
• "Umi Uma" and "Prego" restaurants reservations are complimentary for Penthouse passengers. To all other cabin categories, 1 complimentary specialty dining is offered (additional reservations are available at a surcharge).
• "Computer University at Sea" (enrichment workshops) were updated and redesigned.

The new free-of-charge Wi-Fi is shipwide, and the result of the company's investment in new hardware and software for expanded onboard connectivity and faster (doubled) satellite Internet speed. Crystal Connect is the 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 passenger cabins were upgraded with new 42-inch smart TVs with interactive panels (infotainment system). Among the redesigned public spaces is the fore-located Palm Court (observation lounge on deck 12), where was added more intimate seating. The Lounge's stage was relocated, and the former stage area was transformed into a 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 the project's supervisor.

During the 2016 drydock (May), 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 (at Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz Spain) also included general maintenance works.

Deckplan changes after the November 2013 drydock included:

• general maintenance work, including propulsion upgrade (left-side Rolls-Royce Azimuth thruster replacement), new hull coating, air-duct cleaning, reverse osmosis plant inspection.
• Introducing new "Deluxe PURE" category of staterooms (hypoallergenic cabins)
• Redesigning the Tastes buffet and the Lido area (deck 12)
• New LED lighting in public rooms.

Drydock 2013 refurbishment project's total cost was USD 17 million.

Maiden Voyage (2023)

The next table shows Crystal Serenity's inaugural cruise (for the relaunched Crystal Cruises under the A&K Travel (Abercrombie & Kent) following the extensive refurbishment in 2023.

The 12-day voyage was priced from US$ 7200 per person ($600 pp per day) with double occupancy.

Crystal Serenity's World Cruise 2027 (Stories of the South Seas)

Crystal Serenity's World Cruise 2027 was opened for booking on January 27, 2025.

The 140-night itinerary starts from San Diego and groups 83 destinations (including 11 overnight ports) in 29 countries on 4 continents.

Prices started at USD 69,000 per person (with double occupancy).

Fares are inclusive of Business class flights (or air credit), US1500 OBC/onboard credit, unlimited specialty dining, free laundry and pressing, pre-scheduled organized events (themed shipboard and exclusive shoreside), private land transfers, luggage valet service.

Crystal Serenity's World Cruise 2026

On March 19, 2024, was opened for booking Crystal Serenity's World Voyage 2026.

Leaving from Los Angeles, the 135-day itinerary visits 72 ports/destinations in 27 countries, ending in Civitavecchia-Rome.

The ex-USA westbound route passes through regions like the South Pacific (Marquesas, Bora Bora, New Zealand, Australia), Asia (Hong Kong China, Mumbai India, Dubai UAE), Suez Canal (transit), and Southern Europe/Mediterranean.

Exclusive events and early-booking benefits include Business Class flight allowance or credit, US$1500 in OBC/’ shipboard credit per person, unlimited specialty dining (at Osteria d’Ovidio and Umi Uma /onboard restaurants), themed onboard events, private land transfers, Luggage Valet services.

Crystal Serenity's World Cruise 2025

On August 30, 2023, was opened for booking the ship's "2025 World Cruise".

The 123-night/124-day itinerary departed from the USA (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) and ends in Europe/Mediterranean (Barcelona Spain). The voyage visited 64 ports/destinations in 31 countries and featured 17 overnight port stays.

Leaving from Florida on January 7, 2025, the World Voyage visited Caribbean destinations (Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Colombia), then continued around South America (Ecuador, Peru, Chilean Fjords/Patagonia) then crossed the Atlantic to Africa (Namibia, South Africa).

Signature destinations (at extra cost) included the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu/from Cusco, Serengeti/from Zanzibar, and India's Ranthambore NP.

World Voyage 2025's pricing included Business Class Airfare per person - allowance (up to USD-EUR 5000/ AUD 8000/ CAD 7000/ GBP 4000) or credit (up to USD-EUR 3000/ AUD 5000/ CAD 4250/ GBP 2500).

The cruise fares also included US$1500 in OBC (onboard credit per person, with double occupancy), private transfers (to/from the airport and the hotel), Luggage Valet (2x pieces per person/4x per stateroom), unlimited specialty restaurant dining (Osteria d'Ovidio and Umi Uma), themed shipboard and exclusive onshore events, complimentary laundry, free-of-charge initial Infirmary medical visit (medications and treatments not included).

Crystal Serenity's World Cruise 2024

In April 2023 was announced World Cruise 2024 scheduled for Crystal Serenity.

The 141-night/142-day itinerary (roundtrip from Miami) visited 70 destinations/ports (8 overnight ports) in 35 different countries and featured a Panama Canal transit, a Transpacific crossing (USA to the South Pacific), and a Transatlantic crossing (from Europe to the USA/Miami).

An alternative option allowed the voyage to be booked as a 125-night segment from California USA (San Diego/Feb 3-Jun 8) to Miami, as well as a 141-night roundtrip from San Diego (Feb 3-Jun 24).

Prices for the full/roundtrip voyage started at US$67800 (EUR 61280/GBP 54190) per person with double occupancy.

World Cruise 2023 (canceled)

Crystal Serenity's "World Cruise 2023" prices started from just USD 43360 per person (USD 310 per day).

The 140-day itinerary (westbound out of Miami Florida USA) included ports and island destinations in the Caribbean, South America, South Pacific Ocean, Southeast Asia, Africa, Southern Europe (Mediterranean).

Also available for booking were shorter itineraries (World Voyage 2023 segments) including 128 days (Miami to Venice, USD 39000 pp) and 119 days (Miami to Piraeus-Athens, USD 35670 pp).

Crystal Serenity ex-Nassau Bahamas cruises 2021 summer

Following the Coronavirus crisis, Crystal Ocean restarted passenger shipping operations with the Serenity ship.

The Europe-UK program was entirely canceled and a new Caribbean program (July 3 through October 17, 2021) was planned.

The company operated two 7-night Caribbean itineraries roundtrips from either Nassau (New Providence Island) or Bailey Town (North Bimini Island).

7-day "Luxury Bahamas Escape - Nassau Roundtrip" itinerary

Prices started from USD 2000 per person with double occupancy.

7-day "Luxury Bahamas Escape - Bimini Roundtrip" itinerary

Prices started from USD 2450 pp.

World Cruise 2024 (canceled)

In mid-September 2021 was announced Crystal Serenity's 105-night "World Cruise 2024" (January 5 thru April 20) leaving from PortMiami and ending in Civitavecchia-Rome.

Crystal's 27th World Cruise (themed "Celebrated Cultures & Treasured Temples") itinerary visits 49x ports (in 22x countries), 14x overnights, access to 45x UNESCO sites, signature destinations like the Caribbean, Panama Canal, South Pacific Islands, Australia-New Zealand, Southeast Asia (Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka), Arabia-Red Sea, Suez Canal, Europe-Mediterranean islands (Crete, Cyprus, Sicily).

All bookings on the canceled "World Cruise 2022" enjoyed an exclusive booking window (September 21-30, 2021), while general public bookings opened on October 1st. Early bookings received 2-for-1 fares plus Book Now Savings (up to USD 17250 per person with double occupancy).

The Grand Voyage was also offered in shorter itinerary segments - ranging from the 89-night World Cruise (Los Angeles to Rome) to 7x short itineraries (13- to 18-night in length).

World Cruise 2022 (canceled)

In September 2021, Crystal announced Serenity's "2022 Grand Voyage" (132-night "Caribbean Idylls and Mediterranean Masterpieces" itinerary) starting in PortMiami (January 17) and ending in Los Angeles (May 29).

The Grand Voyage was offered as 3x full-length itineraries (102-night, 117-day, 132-night) plus 11x smaller itinerary segments (9- to 16-night).

The 132-night/133-day itinerary visits a total of 82x ports/destinations (including 45x islands) in 32x countries and features 19x Caribbean and 6x Canaries destinations, as well as 11x overnights in large port cities and two Transatlantic Crossings.

Some of the visited islands were in the Caribbean (19 total), Spain's Canaries (6), Portugal's Azores-Madeira-Cape Verde, Mediterranean (France's Corsica, Spain's Balearics, Itali's Sicily and Sardinia, Malta, Greece's Cyprus, Crete, Greek Isles), Bermuda.

However, on January 19, 2022, the voyage was canceled (all passengers disembarked in Aruba) after the GHK-owned MV Werften filed for insolvency/bankruptcy protection. Next table shows the originally planned 116-day "World Voyage 2022" as call ports and times.