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August 9, 2025

Crystal has eagerly announced that the Crystal Symphony will enter drydock in November 2025 for a significant three-week refurbishment, designed to elevate the guest experience and ensure the vessel’s long-term technical integrity. This ambitious project—encompassing both the suites and several public areas—underscores the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence, elegance, and innovation.

The redesign will prominently feature two suite categories on Deck 10: Aquamarine and Sapphire Classic. While preserving their current layout and luxurious bathrooms with separate tubs and showers, these suites will be entirely refreshed with new furniture, carpets, and wall coverings that align with the aesthetic introduced during the 2023 transformation of the ship. The work will be executed by the De Wave Group, a Genova-based interior design firm renowned for its contributions to luxury vessels.

The main public areas of Crystal Symphony will also undergo significant updates. Among the spaces included in the redesign, particular attention will be given to the Atrium and Crystal Cove. Under the direction of renowned ship outfitter Gerolamo Scorza, the ship’s central gathering area will be transformed into a more modern and harmonious environment. The refurbishment will include the addition of extra seating, the removal of the iconic fountain, and the relocation of the grand piano to a new position. Enhancing the ambiance, a striking two-story decorative mosaic by DeCastelli and a new chandelier will bring an artistic and contemporary touch to the space. The reception area will also see a major update: it will be elevated and enhanced with a new marble desk and a backlit panel, while the surrounding walls and columns will be finished with premium materials. The Crystal Cove Bar will be reimagined with the installation of a new front counter, a custom-built backbar niche, and high-end furnishings, resulting in a more refined aesthetic aligned with the ship’s identity.

The stairwell vestibules on Decks 5 and 6 will also receive an elegant visual refresh, again under Scorza’s guidance. These transitional areas will feature redesigned ceilings, improved lighting systems, and sophisticated architectural details. Brass finishes around the elevator entrances will add a touch of luxury, ensuring a cohesive and polished experience for guests as they move throughout the ship.

The iconic Starlite Club, the heart of the ship’s nightlife, will be subtly yet meaningfully refreshed by Trident Maritime Systems. The dance floor will be updated, and a new central ceiling feature will breathe new life into the venue, while preserving its vibrant and dynamic character.

Further enhancements will extend to other functional areas as well. The public restrooms on Deck 5 will be renovated with new flooring, modern wall treatments, and updated countertops in a more contemporary design. Lastly, the Bistro will undergo a discreet yet effective restyling, featuring the installation of new wooden flooring to create a warmer, more inviting atmosphere.

In addition to the refurbishment of guest areas, Crystal Symphony will undergo a major technical overhaul designed not only to ensure optimal performance but also to support a more sustainable and environmentally responsible approach. One of the most significant upgrades will be a complete overhaul of the fin stabilizers’ hydraulic system, which is essential for ensuring smooth sailing and onboard comfort. The ship’s evaporators will also be renewed, and new fuel and oil purifiers will be installed—designed to accommodate the use of biodiesel in compliance with the latest environmental regulations.

Another key update will involve the freshwater distribution system, with hundreds of meters of piping being replaced to improve efficiency and durability. Operational areas such as galleys, walk-in refrigerators, and storage rooms will be fully renovated along with their associated compressors, ensuring even higher standards in the management of onboard services. The technical upgrade program will also include a full servicing of the auxiliary generators and the targeted replacement of steel components in various sections of the ship, including the fuel tanks.

Once the drydock is complete, Crystal Symphony will return to service with an even more refined and forward-looking offering. In November, the ship will host the second annual edition of the Wellness Retreat cruises—an experience dedicated to guests’ physical and mental well-being, with exclusive programs designed to rejuvenate body and mind in an atmosphere of complete relaxation. Coinciding with these cruises will be the debut of a brand-new production show, Club Nights, created to deliver engaging evening entertainment in a sophisticated and contemporary setting that perfectly reflects Crystal’s unmistakable style.

Crystal has proudly reaffirmed its commitment to carrying forward the brand’s prestigious legacy while continuing to innovate with vision and consistency. The company’s goal remains to ensure that every space on board its ships seamlessly blends timeless elegance with contemporary aesthetics, offering environments filled with warmth, sophistication, and meticulous attention to detail. The upcoming renovations on Crystal Symphony embody this philosophy, underscoring the company’s dedication to delivering profoundly meaningful and memorable experiences in every aspect of life at sea.

Through these enhancements, Crystal further reinforces its guiding principle of being “Exceptional at Sea”, striving to make every voyage an unparalleled journey defined by comfort, beauty, and sustainability.

Stay tuned for news, updates, and reviews of Crystal Cruises on Cruising Journal, complete with photos, videos, and cruise deals.

Giorgia Lombardo

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