Crystal Symphony

Launched in 1995, Crystal Symphony cruise ship is company's first and the smaller of the two (for now) Crystal Ocean Cruises ships - with fleet mate Crystal Serenity (2003).

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 a 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 1000-passenger cruise ship Crystal Symphony underwent three major drydock refurbishments - in 2006, 2009 and 2012, as part of a 5-year vessel renovation plan to redesign all passenger staterooms and add new venues and amenities. The 5-year project cost the company USD 65 million.

Ship's interior spaces were designed by the companies Tillberg (Sweden), II By IV Canada), KNA (USA) and the UK designer firms SMC, Clixby, The Syntax Group, Adfecto, DPA Lighting.

Cruise itinerary program

Crystal Symphony itinerary program is based on cruises to Europe (UK, Baltic, Mediterranean), Southeast Asia (with departures from Singapore, China, Vietnam), Australia New Zealand, Caribbean (out of Miami FL), Canada-New England (from NYC New York).

Cabins

Most Crystal Symphony staterooms (58%) are 245-sq. foot Balcony rooms. There are a total of 477 staterooms (of which 65 Suite, 215 Balcony, no Inside rooms) in 13 categories, as well as 10 wheelchair accessible cabins. The ship's largest cabins/suites are the two Crystal Penthouses (category CP), sizes 982 ft2 / 91 m2 (balcony included), both featuring boutique-hotel-like decors.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The formal restaurant on Crystal Symphony 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 Symphony'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 Symphony restaurants and food bars.

• “Crystal” (aft Dining Room, features a 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)
• “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 rarest 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)
• “The Sushi Bar” (Japanese specialty dinner restaurant; reservations-only)
• “Prego” (Italian specialty dinner only, reservations only restaurant)
• “Trident Bar & Grill” (fast-food venue; features lush greenery with live olive trees)
• “Lido Cafe” (self-service buffet restaurant; serves the pool deck area).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Тhe “upgrades” of Crystal Symphony added in 2004 the Feng-Shui spa complex (8 spa rooms), a new teak deck, upgraded saunas, separate areas for Yoga and Pilates training classes, The Vintage Room (winery), the “Computer University@sea” area (capacity 25 guests), renovation of the Crystal Dining Room, new decors to all accommodations, and new Photo Gallery (deck 6).

The refit in Norfolk, Virginia, in 2006 featured the “Starlite Club”, the Crystal Casino, new Bistro Cafe and boutiques, a new disco-club, redesigning of the staterooms, reconstruction of the Tiffany deck, new equipment.

In 2009, up-to-date equipment was installed in The Hollywood Theater (audio-visual systems), renovations of the penthouses, bathrooms, of the Main Dining room, of the Lido Cafe and the “Prego” restaurant, new furniture and Jacuzzis on the pool deck.

During the 2012 refurbishment of Crystal Symphony, there was a redesign of some public spaces, which included the Avenue Saloon, that relocated the piano to make more room for brass-tack couches, embossed-leaf barstools, and tufted booths. Seating was also changed in the panoramic-view Palm Court, and the dancing was enlarged. The vessel's two theaters also underwent considerable updates. In addition to new furniture and decor, new stage extension expanded the performance space in the Galaxy Lounge by 30 %. And both the Galaxy Lounge and Hollywood Theatre obtained technological upgrades of lighting, sound, and projectors.

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

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

• “Crystal Cove” (66-seat piano bar)
• “Galaxy Lounge” (463-seat 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” (143-seat cinema; has a stage for live performances; also hosts conferences, lectures, presentations, Broadway-style show productions, comedy shows)
• “Luxe” disco & nightclub (hosts DJ program nightly, karaoke and trivia shows)
• “Avenue of the Stars” (280 m2 shopping area; has three duty-free boutique shops - Crystal Collection, Apropos, Facets)
• “The Bistro” (70-seat Paris-inspired specialty coffee bar, all-complimentary)
• Atrium (2-deck high midship area with a waterfall)
• The Symphony’s “Library” (2000+ books in different languages, movies, and videos, board games)
• “Starlite Club” (350-seat lounge with circular bar; hosts daily trivia quizzes, presentations, bingo games, music performances in the evening)
• “PhotoShop” (photo and video services, accessories, equipment)
• “Connoisseur Club” (fine cognac and cigar club/smoking lounge)
• “Avenue Saloon” (58-seat 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” (22-tables cards playing room)
• “Palm Court” (250-seat 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 a large 20-person capacity Whirlpool)
• “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)
• Deck Games (Shuffleboard, Quoits); Tennis Tables; “Wimbledon Court” (tennis court); Golf Putting Green.