Crystal Symphony

The 1995-built Crystal Symphony cruise ship was the first and smaller of the two Crystal Cruises ocean liners, joined by fleetmate Crystal Serenity (launched in 2003).

The vessel (IMO number 9066667) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 309168000) and registered in Nassau.

Following extensive drydock refurbishments in 2023, under the relaunch of Crystal Cruises by A&K Travel Group, Crystal Symphony resumed revenue service on September 1 (from Piraeus-Athens), while Crystal Serenity resumed operations on July 31 (from Marseille Fos).

History – Construction and Ownership

Crystal Cruises was established in 1988 as a subsidiary of the Japanese company NYK Line (Nippon Yusen Kaisha), one of the world's largest container shipping companies. In 2015, NYK sold Crystal Cruises Inc to Genting Hong Kong Ltd (GHK), after which the company was renamed Crystal Ltd. In January 2022, GHK filed for bankruptcy, and all its assets were put up for sale. In June 2022, A&K Travel Group Ltd (Abercrombie & Kent) acquired the Crystal Cruises brand. The group now includes Crystal Cruises (ocean ships), Crystal River Cruises (riverboats), Crystal Yacht Cruises (mega-yachts), Crystal Luxury Air (aircraft), and Crystal AirCruises (fly-cruise programs).

After GHK’s bankruptcy in January 2022, Crystal Cruises Inc (USA) also filed for bankruptcy the following month. In June 2022, both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity were auctioned in The Bahamas after being arrested in Freeport on February 5. The vessels were sold via sealed tender auction with bids submitted to the Supreme Court of The Bahamas.

On June 15, Bahamian authorities announced the ships were sold—Symphony to CSY Ltd for USD 25 million and Serenity to CSE Ltd for USD 103 million. Both companies are reportedly owned by Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio de Clunieres di Balsorano, a billionaire and co-owner of Silversea Cruises, and Co-Chairman of A&K.

On June 22, it was confirmed that both ships were acquired by A&K Travel Group Ltd—a joint venture between Abercrombie & Kent (owned by Geoffrey Kent) and Heritage Group Monaco (Lefebvre family-owned equity firm). The ships are managed by V.Ships Leisure Ltd (Monaco), a division of V.Group Holdings Ltd. Both ships departed Freeport on July 6 and arrived in Trieste, Italy on July 24 for drydock at Fincantieri’s shipyard, where shore power connectivity was also installed.

Crystal Symphony, a 1000-passenger ship, underwent three major refits between 2006 and 2012 under GHK ownership, as part of a USD 65 million, 5-year fleet renovation plan to upgrade all accommodations and onboard facilities. Interior design was done by Tillberg (Sweden), II By IV (Canada), KNA (USA), and UK-based firms SMC, Clixby, The Syntax Group, Adfecto, and DPA Lighting.

Decks and Cabins

Crystal Symphony has 310 staterooms, the majority of which are Veranda Suites—Sapphire (85, 430 ft² / 40 m² with 110 ft² balconies) and Aquamarine (72, 320 ft² / 30 m² with 85 ft² balconies). The smaller Balcony cabins (Double Guest Room with Veranda) total 22, each measuring 215 ft² / 20 m² with 55 ft² balconies. The Sapphire Oceanview Suites (48) match the size of the Sapphire Veranda Suites.

Following the 2023 refit, Symphony added 18 Single Guest Rooms (out of 71 Oceanview staterooms), bookable without single supplements. New accommodations also include 8 Junior Crystal Penthouse Suites (645 ft² / 60 m² with 160 ft² terraces), and the 4 largest staterooms—Crystal Penthouse Suites (935 ft² / 87 m² with 110 ft² terraces).

The ship has 12 decks (8 passenger-accessible, 5 with cabins). Prior to 2023, 59% of all staterooms had balconies. The ship originally had 477 cabins (65 Suites and 215 Balconies) in 13 categories, including 10 wheelchair-accessible cabins. The largest suites were the two Crystal Penthouses (982 ft² / 91 m², including balcony).

Shipboard Dining Options – Food and Drinks

The main dining room serves open-seating breakfast and lunch, while dinner is offered with assigned seatings or open seating by reservation. Specialty restaurants such as the Italian and Asian venues require reservations but no extra charges. Other choices include the Lido buffet, poolside grill, The Bistro café and wine bar, and room service (available 24 hours). Afternoon tea is hosted in the Palm Court. Suite guests can order from specialty restaurant menus.

Crystal Symphony’s dining venues include:

• "Crystal" (main dining room; gourmet regional and international dishes with reservation-based dining)
• "The Vintage Room" (exclusive 10-seat fine dining with sommelier; surcharge varies from USD 200 to over USD 1,000)
• "Tastes Kitchen & Bar" (family-style tapas, casual breakfast/lunch, alfresco dinner)
• "Osteria D'Ovidio" (Italian fine dining, dinner only, reservations required)
• "The Sushi Bar" (Japanese cuisine, dinner only, reservations required)
• "Prego" (Italian fine dining, dinner only, reservations required)
• "Trident Bar & Grill" (fast food in a garden-style setting)
• "Lido Cafe" (self-serve buffet for pool deck dining)

UMI UMA (formerly Silk Road) is an Asian fusion restaurant by Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Complimentary for all guests: one dinner on voyages up to 11 days; two dinners on cruises 12+ days (reservations required).

Shipboard Entertainment – Fun and Sport

Enhancements over the years included a Feng-Shui-inspired spa, teak decking, yoga and Pilates spaces, the Vintage Room, a Computer University, a redesigned dining room, new stateroom decor, and a Photo Gallery (Deck 6). The 2006 refit (Norfolk) added Starlite Club, Crystal Casino, new cafés, boutiques, a nightclub, and Tiffany Deck upgrades. In 2009, AV systems were upgraded, new furniture and Jacuzzis were added to the pool deck, and several dining venues were renovated.

The 2012 refurbishment redesigned public areas such as Avenue Saloon (relocated piano, new seating), Palm Court (expanded dance area), Galaxy Lounge (30% larger stage), and theaters with improved AV equipment and decor.

Ship amenities include 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi, laundry and laundromats, and babysitting services.

Entertainment venues include:

• Crystal Cove (piano bar), Galaxy Lounge (main show lounge), Crystal Casino (replaced in 2024 by Casino de Monte-Carlo), Hollywood Theatre (cinema and stage), Jade (nightclub), Avenue of the Stars (duty-free shops), The Bistro (coffee/wine bar), Library, Starlite Club, PhotoShop, Connoisseur Club (cigar lounge), Avenue Saloon (piano bar)
• Computer University @ Sea, The Studio (enrichment classes), Bridge Lounge, Palm Court, Waves (teen lounge), Fantasia (kids club), Seahorse Pool & Whirlpool, Scoops (ice cream bar)
• Fitness Center and Aurora Spa (with yoga, Pilates, saunas, massages), Promenade Deck (walking track), Deck Games, Wimbledon Court (paddle tennis/pickleball), Golf Driving Nets & Putting Green

Crystal Life Spa & Salon includes the Aurora Spa and Beauty Salon (saunas, treatment rooms, steam rooms). The 2023-redesigned Aurora Spa (by TDoS) features a starlight ceiling and ELEMIS/Kerastase services. It is managed by OneSpaWorld and includes 10 treatment rooms and separate male/female sauna and steam rooms.

Itineraries

Crystal Symphony’s itineraries include cruises to Europe (UK, Iceland, Baltic, Mediterranean), Southeast Asia, Australia & New Zealand, the Caribbean, Central America, and North America (Canada & New England). The ship also operates world cruises with Panama Canal and Suez Canal transits.

Following acquisition by A&K, Symphony's maiden voyage departed Venice on August 26, 2023 (VIP-only), calling at Dubrovnik and Greek ports. The official inaugural cruise departed Athens on September 1.

In April 2021, Crystal canceled its 2021 Mediterranean program and replaced it with 10-night Caribbean sailings from Antigua and St Maarten. However, due to logistical issues, these plans were canceled on July 1. New homeports in Boston MA and NYC were announced for Bermuda cruises (August–September 2021).

• Caribbean deployment extended (November 2021–March 2022) with 7-night itineraries and two holiday cruises—10-night "Connoisseur’s Caribbean Holiday" and 11-night "Tropical New Year’s Celebration."
• New itineraries included Miami–San Juan, San Juan–Miami, and Miami roundtrips with back-to-back discounts. Prices started at USD 2000 pp (double occupancy).

Crystal Symphony is the older of the company’s two ocean vessels, with sisterships including the fleetmate Crystal Serenity and NYK Line’s Asuka II (formerly Crystal Harmony).

The vessel was built by STX Finland at Kvaerner Masa-Yards (Helsinki yard, hull number 1323) and has a volume of 51,044 GT (gross tonnage) and a DWT (deadweight tonnage) of 4,500 tons, with a maximum draught of 8 meters. Her powerplant consists of 6x Wärtsilä marine diesel engines (model L58/64) with a total output of 36.33 MW (48,720 hp). The registered shipowner is CRYSTAL SYMPHONY LTD, while the registered manager is CRYSTAL CRUISES LLC (previously SYMPHONY HOLDINGS LTD until 2023).

The ship was launched from drydock on January 5, 1995, delivered to NYK Line’s Crystal Cruises on April 18, and christened in New York City on May 3. The naming ceremony was held at NYC's Pier 88 Terminal, led by godmother Angela Lansbury (1925–2022), the renowned American actress, producer, and comedian. Her Maiden Voyage began on May 4—a 24-night Panama Canal itinerary from NYC to San Francisco, CA.

Maiden Voyage (2023)

The following table details Crystal Symphony’s inaugural cruise under the relaunched Crystal Cruises brand (now owned by A&K Travel Group/Abercrombie & Kent), following her extensive 2023 refurbishment.

The 7-day itinerary was priced from USD 3,800 per person (USD 543 per person per day), based on double occupancy.

Crystal Symphony's World Cruise 2028

On May 29, 2025, Crystal Cruises opened bookings for Crystal Symphony’s longest-ever Around The World Voyage.

Titled "Treasures of the Tides," the 150-night itinerary is a roundtrip from Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale (Florida, USA), departing on January 11 and returning on June 10, 2028. An optional disembarkation is available in Barcelona, Spain on May 27.

The 2028 World Cruise itinerary includes 84 destinations (ports and islands across 39 countries on 6 continents) and features 14 overnight port stays. It is also available in several shorter segments: 137 days (Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona), 86 days (Fort Lauderdale to Singapore), 33 days (Fort Lauderdale to Papeete), 26 days (Papeete to Melbourne), 47 days (Melbourne to Dubai), 65 days (Singapore to Fort Lauderdale), 45 days (Dubai to Fort Lauderdale), and 31 days (Dubai to Barcelona).

The shore excursions program was developed in partnership with Abercrombie & Kent Ltd, a USA-based global travel company.

Full World Cruise fares started at USD 69,000 per person (based on double occupancy). Prices included a business-class flight allowance, USD 1,500 in onboard credit, unlimited specialty dining (with reservations), themed onboard events, private land transfers, luggage valet service, complimentary laundry, an initial onboard medical consultation, curated shore excursions, and additional perks.

Crystal Symphony Drydock Refurbishments Review

Drydock 2023

In 2023, both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony underwent extensive refurbishments at Fincantieri's shipyard in Trieste. The US$150 million project was overseen by Crystal Cruises' new owner, Abercrombie & Kent (A&K Travel Group).

The refits included a reduction in the number of staterooms (allowing for larger suites and new cabin categories), as well as a lower passenger capacity and redesigned public spaces. On Crystal Symphony, cabins were reduced from 452 to 310, increasing the passenger-per-space ratio from 49 to 51. Passenger capacity changed from 904-1040 to 606-739.

Two new cabin categories were introduced on both ships: "Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite" and "Single Guest Room with Ocean View" (available without single supplements). Additionally, Crystal Symphony debuted the "Sapphire Oceanview Suite" (featuring two large windows).

The new Crystal Spa Aurora was added, offering a range of treatments including Aurora LED, Cryo Facial Experience, and Biotec 2.0 Ultimate Facial.

All staterooms were redesigned and reclassified. The changes included:

• Deluxe Oceanview (197) to Double Guest Room with Oceanview (53) and Sapphire Oceanview Suite (48)
• Deluxe Balcony (148) to Double Guest Room with Veranda (22)
• Seabreeze Penthouse (44) to Aquamarine Veranda Suite (72)
• Seabreeze Penthouse Suite (19) to Sapphire Veranda Suite (85)
• Penthouse Suite (19) redesigned to Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite (2)
• Former Penthouses (44) redesigned into various other cabin types
• Creation of 18 Single Guest Rooms (forward on Deck 7)

According to A&K, replacing the engines and other onboard machinery cost over USD 50 million. Repairs and upgrades (below Deck 4) were necessary due to aging and poorly maintained equipment.

Drydock 2020

The 2020 drydock (April 13–23, in Singapore) was a USD 10 million project focused on technical maintenance. Minor upgrades were made to public areas and passenger cabins, including new carpets and furniture.

Drydock 2017

Crystal Symphony's 2017 refurbishment (September 23–October 16), completed at Lloyd Werft (Bremerhaven, Germany), reduced passenger capacity to allow for single-seating dining. After the refit, free Wi-Fi became available for all passengers regardless of cabin category.

On Deck 9, two new cabin categories were introduced: Seabreeze Penthouse Suite (12 units) and Seabreeze Penthouse (28 units), matching the size of the existing Penthouse Suite (490 ft² / 46 m²) and Penthouse (365 ft² / 34 m²). Seabreeze Penthouses are connecting staterooms with shared entryways.

All Penthouses featured enhanced all-inclusive amenities, including butler service, in-cabin dining, and complimentary specialty dining.

Cabin conversions reduced total capacity from 1095 to 848, raising the guest-to-space ratio to 60.2.

The Crystal Dining Room was renamed "Waterside" and redesigned with more 2- and 4-seat tables. The traditional two-seating system was replaced with open seating (6:00–9:30 p.m.). Breakfast and lunch service remained unchanged.

Lido Cafe became Marketplace (daytime buffet) and Churrascaria (evening Brazilian steakhouse). Marketplace offers buffet breakfast and lunch; Churrascaria serves grilled meats and seafood, tapas, ceviche, and salads. Meats are served tableside by gauchos (skewer service). A welcome Caipirinha cocktail is included.

Silk restaurant introduced modern Chinese cuisine served family-style. Self-service is available for breakfast and lunch, offering items like dumplings, soups, and noodles. Dinner is open seating (reservations recommended), 6:00–9:00 p.m.

Trident Bar and Grill offers casual fare such as burgers and sandwiches.

Silk Road and The Sushi Bar, both curated by Nobu Matsuhisa, were merged and renamed "Umi Uma." Nobu-trained chefs prepare the menu of Nobu-inspired cuisine.

Dining reservations for Umi Uma and Prego are complimentary for Penthouse guests. Other guests receive one complimentary specialty dining reservation, with additional bookings available for a surcharge.

Free shipwide Wi-Fi was introduced with upgraded onboard hardware and doubled satellite speed. Crystal Connect, the onboard portal, provides access to menus, news, activities, shore excursions, port info, media, and more. It is also available as a mobile app for personal devices.

The Computer University at Sea was redesigned, along with several public spaces including the midship-located Starlite Club (now featuring panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows).

All staterooms were equipped with new 42-inch smart HDTVs and interactive infotainment systems. The project involved Lloyd Werft staff, ship crew, subcontractors, and was supervised by Almaco Group (founded in 1998).

Drydock 2016

The 2016 drydock (at Blohm+Voss in Hamburg, Germany, project cost USD 15 million) included:

• General maintenance, propulsion upgrades (new Rolls-Royce Azimuth thrusters), hull coating, air duct cleaning, and reverse osmosis plant inspection
• Introduction of the "Deluxe PURE" hypoallergenic stateroom category
• Redesign of Tastes buffet restaurant and the Lido area (Deck 12)
• Installation of energy-efficient LED lighting in all public rooms
• Overhaul of all Penthouse Suites

Drydocks 2006, 2009, 2012

Crystal Symphony underwent major refurbishments in 2006 (in Norfolk, VA, USD 23 million), 2009 (in Boston, MA, USD 25 million), and 2012. These formed part of a five-year upgrade plan, with a total investment of USD 65 million—Crystal Cruises’ most extensive upgrade program at the time.

In 2006, all staterooms and public areas were renovated, and the Luxe nightclub was added. In 2009, Lido Deck was enhanced with a new 20-person outdoor Jacuzzi, replacing a swimming pool. The Italian restaurant "Prego" was also updated.

During the 2012 drydock, public venues and two theaters were modernized with updated seating and new technology, including projectors, lighting, and surround sound systems.