Top rated cruise ship, Crystal Symphony, to get major makeover

[mercedes]

One of the world's best known and highest rated luxury ships is getting a major makeover.

Crystal Cruises today announced it'll pour more than $25 million into the 14-year-old, 922-passenger Crystal Symphony later this year in an overhaul that includes a complete redesign of penthouses, pool areas and the Lido restaurant.

The upgrade comes as two of Crystal's main competitors in the luxury market, The Yachts of Seabourn and Silversea Cruises, roll out splashy new ships that are likely to siphon business from the line. Seabourn's new Seabourn Odyssey, which debuted in June, already is winning raves from luxury travelers and travel agents. Silversea's new Silver Spirit arrives later this year.

Details of the Symphony overhaul:

-- Penthouses. The ship's two 982-square-foot Crystal Penthouses will be stripped to the bone and rebuilt with an "elegant residential apartment" feel and extended living spaces. Among highlights: New master bathrooms with sunken Philippe Stark Duravit Jacuzzi bathtubs that will have 90-degree ocean views. More than 60 butler-serviced Penthouses and Penthouse Suites also are getting a do-over that includes new custom cabinetry, flat screen televisions, bedding and more.

-- Lido Cafe. The popular breakfast and lunch venue will be transformed into an upscale dining spot with a completely new Crystal dining experience centered around freshly cooked fare.

-- Pool areas. The Seahorse and Neptune pool areas will be redefined with new spaces, water features and furniture. Among the biggest change: The Neptune pool under the retractable roof-covered, mid-ship area of the Lido Deck will be entirely removed and replaced with teak decking and al fresco dining and lounging options around the Trident Bar.

-- Prego. The dinner-only Italian specialty restaurant will be remade with what the line is calling a more moody and dramatic design. Luxuriously padded, dark chocolate fabric walls will frame delicate chandeliers, art by famed Venetian artists and richly upholstered seating.

As part of the makeover, all Crystal Symphony cabins also will get new sofas that -- in addition to providing extra seating -- will add third berths for families. The Symphony's cabins already got a big overhaul in late 2007, and recently were outfitted with plush new mattresses.

The drydock also will bring upgraded elevators, new lighting systems and other behind-the-scenes projects. The medical center also is getting an upgrade with the addition of digital x-ray equipment.

Work will take place from Sept. 17 to Oct. 1 at a Boston shipyard.

The Crystal Symphony and its sister, Crystal Serenity, routinely are placed at or near the top in cruise ship rankings such as the Conde Nast Traveler readers poll.