Crystal Symphony To Receive Posh Redesign During 2012 Dry Dock

[ShipMaven]

January 09, 2012

Crystal Symphony To Receive Posh Redesign During 2012 Dry Dock

CRYSTAL SYMPHONY TO RECEIVE POSH REDESIGN DURING 2012 DRY DOCK
LOS ANGELES, January 9, 2012 – Several of Crystal Cruises’ signature spaces aboard Crystal Symphony will be remodeled during a major $15 million dry dock scheduled for June 2012. In just 15 days at Germany’s Blohm + Voss shipyard, ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises is redesigning the ship’s Avenue Saloon, Palm Court lounge, Galaxy showroom, Hollywood Theatre, Bridge Lounge, and Fantasia and Waves “junior cruisers” areas in ways that are stylishly modern, yet in keeping with each space’s spirited atmosphere beloved by guests. In the past two years, Crystal Cruises has invested more than $50 million in its vessels, generating praise – and even industry awards – for their great style.
“Our guests expect the finest of luxury in every element of a Crystal cruise. They have a keen appreciation for design and expect the very best in furnishings, finishes and fine appointments,” says President Gregg Michel. “By the completion of this project, within the past five years we will have redesigned every room aboard Crystal Symphony – with great attention to rich, chic details.”
Avenue Saloon
For this popular piano bar’s makeover, Crystal is bringing back the designer who created the room’s trademark intimate, “clubby” look: Kirk Nix, with LA’s KNA Design. The piano, shutters, and warm, jazz-era atmosphere remain, but a room reconfiguration adds more seating, including antique-style, brass-tack couches and large, red wall sofa. Rich burgundies, golds, caramels, moss greens, and creams weave through the swivel, embossed-leaf barstools, hand-tufted carpets, plush pillows, textured wall upholstery, and artwork. Wood flooring, bar front and back, stone and wood bartop, edge-lit glass shelves, and pop-up ceiling finalize the new touches.
Palm Court
KNA is also revamping the ship’s signature panoramic lounge for high tea, dancing, cocktail parties, and casual drinks with a view. A sleek, contemporary transformation brings the outside in, taking advantage of sweeping ocean views, while keeping emblematic room elements like palms and wicker. In addition to a new entrance, the bar and dance areas expand with added seating and a larger, spiral-design dance floor with overhead ceiling feature. Conversation tables; laser-cut marble flooring and carpet; lit, alabaster urns; and a studded nail and leather wall design offset the chartreuse, aqua, grey, and ivory color spectrum that plays throughout the all-new sofas and chairs.
Galaxy Lounge
Inspired by the glamorous theaters of yesteryear, Crystal is planning a grand redesign of its main theatre for live performances, Broadway-style musical productions, and lavish entertainment experiences. The elegant redo features namesake-reflective motifs, such as starburst lighting and carpeting and lit crystal-speckled wall panels that hint of the night sky. Formal purple drapes, “old gold” walls and a subtle diamond design in upholstery, fabric wallcovering, and glass doors suggest the richness of royalty. New, mohair chairs and sofas, cocktail tables, and ambient lighting underneath banquettes enhance the sophisticated supper club ambience. A new, limestone floor entrance is flanked by LCD screens announcing upcoming shows and attractions. Additional touches by London’s SMC Design include artwork niches with abstract figurative sculpture and lively lilac, pink, and crimson shades befitting of a dramatic stage.
Hollywood Theatre
London-based Adfecto’s redo of the ship’s movie theater is a visual throwback to the classic Hollywood film era, with all comfort and technical advantages of contemporary cinemas. Plush leather armchairs with individual pull-out tables and an earth tone color palette of aubergine, ebony, cinnamon, ash grey, and ivory set the backdrop; circular-patterned carpeting, sconces lining the walls, and a new entrance reflect art deco elements. Technical updates include boosted surround sound audio processing and an enhanced lecture and presentation control system for enrichment speaker sessions.
Bridge Lounge
The ship’s space for cards, games, and presentations receives a refined rejuvenation via all new furniture, including game tables and chairs; lighting, including striking chandelier, sconces, and recessed fixtures; floor-to-ceiling window treatments; wallcoverings and ceiling feature; presentation tools, including podium, white board, storage, video and sound system; and silver, blue, and sage color scheme, all courtesy of KNA Design.
Fantasia and Waves
A new layout for both Fantasia kids play area and Waves teen video arcade creates separate areas for crafts, relaxation, screenings (two TVs), teens, and computer usage (teens and kids separate). Designer Adfecto has also chosen fun, asymmetrical furniture, Fatboy^TM bean bags, and vibrant colors like crimson, sapphire, and various shades of green. New interactive white board, board games, video game stations, and video project system further refresh junior activities options.
Other ship enhancements include new electronic, “do not disturb” doorbells in all staterooms (as installed on Crystal Serenity last May) and environmentally-efficient lighting installations for all electric upgrades/changes. All remodeling, as well as bi-annual maintenance and cleaning, will take place while dry docked at Hamburg’s Blohm + Voss shipyard from June 1 to 16.
Crystal’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Sounds wonderful.

[Corky]

Ooh, it all sounds so nice. I hope you enjoy it on your next cruise!!

[George C]

Very nice, need to save up and do a high end cruise sooner or later

[Jeanie]

Sounds great, thanks for the share

[Jamman]

Sounds wonderful to me!! Mary Ann, as this is your line of choice, what are your feelings about these new changes?

[ShipMaven]

I'll repeat what I've often said through the years - for those who want to try Crystal, alert your TA because Crystal DOES have great promos from time to time. Crystal turns "all-inclusive" this Spring, which means gratuities AND alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages are included as well as economy airfare. You can back out the airfare if you want to do that on your own or live close enough to the port to drive, thus reducing the fare even more. If your TA's agency belongs to one of the major consortia and your cruise of choice is a "hosted" cruise, you'll also have a complimentary shore excursion and shipboard credit. Figure out how much you spend for your drinks on board and how much you might spend on alternative restaurants, all the little things you're charged for such as ice cream, specialty coffees, etc. - and it might open your eyes because they're free on Crystal. Again, check with YOUR travel agent. There are some great offers right now.

As for the changes, they seem to be keeping the essence of the beautiful Palm Court, so I'm happy. I'll be curious about the Avenue Saloon - I'd be happy to see the same high-powered ventilation as the Connoisseur's Club (cigar club) next door - you can sit next to a cigar-smoker in the Connoisseur's Club and never smell or breath in anything. The Galaxy (show) Lounge re-do seems more cosmetic/decorative as does the Hollywood (movie) Theatre, so I'm not on guard there. I would love to see a re-do of the Casino and Luxe nightclub. I preferred the light and airiness of the original casino that was tied to Caesar's Palace/Las Vegas, but that tie was severed several years ago - so the statue of Caesar at the entrance had to go!

Whatever the changes, I know they'll be in good taste. One of the many things I, personally, love about Crystal is that it's high-end without being hoity-toity or one-upmanship among the passengers and crew. There is no snobbery. The person in the least expensive category gets the same treatment throughout the ship as the person in the most expensive category.