$23 million of upgrades for Crystal Symphony

[Jason]

Crystal Cruises to spend USD 23 million on upgrading Crystal Symphony

Source: E Travel Blackboard News

Luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises will be spending USD23 million in refurbishments on the Crystal Symphony in what will be the world’s largest dry dock, it will be the company’s most expensive refurbishment ever.

In the two weeks starting on the 31st of November and ending on the 12th of November 2006, nearly 1,300 people will work around the clock on over 150 different projects to enhance the Crystal Symphony to what will seem like a completely new ship.

Thomas Mazloum, Crystal Cruises Senior Vice-president of Hotel Operations said, “As a leader in luxury travel, Crystal has an obligation to provide our discerning clientele with an experience that continues to deliver upon their expectations and at the same time exceed our own exacting standards. Within the last two to three years, we will have invested in excess of USD35 million dollars in new construction projects that will ultimately transform the look of Crystal Symphony with incredibly sophisticated and modern architectural features and design elements.”

The refurbishments this time will include transforming all the staterooms, most of Tiffany Deck, reconstructing the social lounge, a new casino, new nightclub, redesigning all boutiques, shops and cafes along with many behind the scenes improvements.

This is all a follow on from the last dry docked taken in 2004 which saw the upgrading of all penthouse accommodations, a new Feng Shui-inspired spa, a new Vintage Room, an expanded Computer University @Sea and redesign of speciality restaurants.

This luxury cruise line has won many awards in recognition for its dedication to excellence, from the 10 consecutive wins of “World’s Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” from Condé Nast Traveler and 11 consecutive wins of the same award in Travel + Leisure – no other cruise line, hotel or resort have ever achieved these results. The Crystal Symphony itself last year was voted second in the Condé Nast Traveler “Best Ships in the World”, the distinction going to its fleet-mate Crystal Serenity.

This refurbishment will emphasise Crystal Cruises attention to detail, with luxury additions such as Murano glass bedside lamps, Rubelli fabrics, leather headboards and 20-inch LCD flat screen televisions in all staterooms. From the private to the public, the new boutiques will feature white marble with black accents, chandeliers and clean stone finishes.