Crystal Cruises has announced that Crystal Symphony has officially re-entered service following an extensive refurbishment after being purchased by A&K Travel Group last summer. Departing on its inaugural voyage from Athens, the 606-guest vessel joins sister ship Crystal Serenity in a new chapter for the brand.
Crystal Symphony now offers larger, revamped suites, specialty dining restaurants and expansive public spaces. In just one year—and on schedule—Crystal revitalized two ships and returned more than 80 percent of the line’s crew.
Following the ship’s inaugural voyage from Athens to Istanbul, Crystal Symphony will sail eastward, towards destinations including Santorini, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi and Mumbai. For the remainder of this year, the ship will sail throughout Oceania visiting locales including Sydney, Auckland, Papua New Guinea and Bali.
Crystal collaborated with cruise ship architectural firm GEM to revamp select guestrooms and suites. As part of the ship’s refurbishments, there are two new guest room categories: The Jr. Crystal Penthouse Suite and Single Guest Room with Ocean View, which serves as an option for solo travelers. These new categories will also increase the availability of the popular Sapphire Suite category.
Guests can also enjoy access to 10 dining options, including 24-hour in-suite dining service. Besides a full-sized paddle tennis and pickleball court, and a revamped fitness center, Crystal’s new spa concept, Aurōra offers a completely fresh design. Aurōra boasts light-bright neutral colors, an illuminated fiber optic starlight ceiling and organic materials such as natural salt crystal and silk-brushed slate stone. The treatment offerings include more signature facials, massages and a full-service Salon.
In addition to Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity being back in service, Crystal recently announced the brand is working with advisors, lenders and export credit agents to sign a memorandum of agreement with two European shipbuilders. The agreement is poised to include the development of four new ships in the next six years including two classic ships and two expedition vessels.
Related Articles
Seabourn Unveils 2025 Voyages to Alaska, Canada & New England
Crystal Is Back! A Look at Crystal Serenity's Suites and More