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Queen serenity princess serenity9/3/2023 The old crew are back on Crystal SerenityĬrystal’s biggest asset has always been its crew and the mood onboard is fantastically upbeat with this return to service.Īlthough many crew members found jobs with other luxury lines, an astonishing 80 percent of them have come back.įor example, my butler went to Regent, then accepted a job with Explora Journeys, but was back on Crystal Serenity like a shot when he got the email. Pre- and post-cruise stays can tap into A&K’s vast network of destination management companies and safari camps. And there will be a revival of the voluntourism activities that the old Crystal pioneered. Under the new A&K ownership, we are expecting to see more creative excursions. The high rollers’ room is now a shop selling logo wear. Interestingly, they have replaced the casino with a slightly bleak-looking lounge (“a work in progress”, according to one executive). They have refitted the entire spa, now called Aurora. The pool is brand new, surrounded by smart teak decking, as are the two jacuzzis. On Deck 12, Silk, which previously offered Chinese cuisine is now Tastes, with more focus on light Asian fusion and Californian-style dishes. Umi Uma, offering Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s famed Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, has a sleek new design. I tried the eggplant confit with buffalo mozzarella and the salted sea bass with tarragon and both were excellent. The menu has a strong focus on high-end regional Italian cuisine. Stefano Di Gennaro designed the menu, collaborating with Crystal. It is named after Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, executive chairman of A&K Travel Group. Prego, the Italian, has been replaced by Osteria d’Ovidio. The Bistro is more spacious and contemporary. Several of the public rooms are sporting a new look. This hasn’t really dated as the ship was refitted in 2018 anyway. Some staterooms still have a “classic” design. So Serenity has 10, and the entry-level doubles have also been refreshed. The line also crafted more penthouse suites. The new suites are sumptuous, in shades of teal, stone, and cream, with a massive walk-in shower in the marble bathroom. The decks were stripped back to the metal. And the result – a more spacious Sapphire Veranda Suites, of which there are now 151. They combined smaller cabins on decks eight and nine. They’ve enhanced a lot.įor a start, Crystal Serenity‘s capacity has been knocked back from 980 to 740. Many aspects of the ship remain the same – the beautiful Palm Court lounge, the Crystal Cove bar with its distinctive “Crystal” piano, the Waterside Restaurant, and the much-loved dance hosts. My first impression? It won’t be disappointing. Sister ship Crystal Symphony will follow a month later.Ĭrystal is a brand that inspires extraordinary loyalty in its guests, with 60 percent repeat customers. The company and its two ships were acquired for US$128m by Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group. Including the bankruptcy of Crystal Cruises’ parent company, Genting Hong Kong. The sailing comes after an extraordinary period. As Crystal Serenity sets sail from Venice this week on a short preview cruise, the big question is: What has changed?
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