Crystal Cruises two ocean ships are to be revamped with passenger capacity reduced in multi-million dollar refits.
The plans for Crystal Symphony and Serenity are the latest in the luxury line’s brand expansion, which will also see new river yachts, ocean-going vessels and a privately-owned Boeing 777 join the fleet in the next three years.
Crystal Symphony’s refit is set for September 19 to October 21 this year and Crystal Serenity’s for October 14 to November 10, 2018.
The conversion reduces the ships’ capacities – Crystal Symphony to 848 and Crystal Serenity to 980 – and increases the per-guest space ratio aboard the ships to 60.2 and 70.3 respectively.
Several smaller cabins will be converted into new penthouse categories, while other changes include new dining options, improved technology and updates to many public spaces.
Crystal Symphony will see two new categories of balcony accommodation – 12 Seabreeze penthouse suites and 28 Seabreeze penthouses.
Crystal Serenity will see 36 additional penthouses and two additional penthouse suites.
Free wi-fi will be available across all Crystal vessels on completion of Crystal Symphony’s dry dock.
Investment will include hardware and software enhancements to enable expanded internet connectivity and doubled satellite speed.
Company chief executive and president, Edie Rodriguez, said: “Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity are the foundation of Crystal and continue to embody the cornerstones of the celebrated Crystal experience.
“These ships have earned us not only acclaim from the world’s most eminent entities and publications for more than two decades, but more importantly, the loyalty of the world’s most discerning travellers and travel partners.
“We are committed to continuing their reign as the most luxurious ships at sea by investing in changes and updates that will far exceed our guests’ wishes.”
She added: “Throughout this tremendous expansion, our commitment to setting an unprecedented standard of luxury travel experiences is unwavering.
“We will continue to place the quality of our guests’ experience above all other priorities, and our exquisitely designed vessels are integral to that experience.”