With Crystal Grace, set to debut in 2028, Crystal is expanding its family offering and introducing new outdoor spaces designed to make the onboard experience even more complete. From areas for children and teenagers to the large central pool, private cabanas and the new pool bar, the new ship aims to create distinct environments for every moment of the day.
One of the main new features will be the area dedicated to younger guests, located on Deck 11. The space has been designed as an outdoor environment where children can play and have fun surrounded by the sea.
The youngest guests will have access to a shallow pool, games, outdoor recreational activities and dedicated family areas, designed for spending time together in a safe and welcoming environment. The aim is to create a space where children can move, play and socialize, adding a more dynamic dimension to the Crystal experience.
Also located on Deck 11 will be the new Waves Teen Center, set to become the largest dedicated space for teenagers in the Crystal fleet.
Designed for guests aged 13 to 17, the center will offer a dedicated entertainment lounge with a large screen for video games, movies and group activities. There will also be areas for card and board games, as well as a dedicated space for music and dancing, complete with an audio system and dance floor. The Waves Teen Center will offer activities every day, with special programming during periods when more families are traveling, such as the summer season and holidays.
For children aged 3 to 12, the renovated Fantasia Children's Playroom will be available. The space will offer creative activities and supervised programs, with initiatives tailored to different age groups. Younger children will have access to supervised programs, while older children will be offered activities designed to encourage creativity and social interaction.
Crystal will also continue to offer its in-cabin babysitting service, giving parents greater flexibility during their time onboard.
At the heart of Crystal Grace's outdoor spaces will be the Seahorse Pool, set to become the largest swimming pool ever built by Crystal. The pool will occupy the central section of Deck 10, surrounded by a spacious outdoor area with 140 loungers spread across Decks 10 and 11.
The area will be designed for both relaxation and entertainment. A large outdoor LED screen will allow guests to watch live sporting events, destination-focused programming and, in the evening, movies under the stars. The pool will therefore become one of the key hubs of outdoor life onboard, combining relaxation, socializing and entertainment.
One of the most exciting new features will be the 60 private cabanas located on Deck 11, overlooking the Seahorse Pool. Each cabana will accommodate two guests and will be positioned above the pool area, offering a privileged view of the sea.
These spaces will be designed primarily for guests seeking greater privacy and tranquility, providing a place to relax, chat or simply enjoy the scenery while still having access to the amenities of the pool area. The cabanas will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Completing the outdoor area will be the new pool bar, located on Deck 10, amidships, directly behind the main pool. The venue will be designed as an informal gathering place throughout the day, where guests can order cocktails, spend time together and enjoy views of the ocean. The atmosphere will evolve throughout the day, accompanying guests from afternoon relaxation into the evening.
With these new spaces, Crystal Grace significantly expands the ways guests can enjoy the ship, introducing a more diverse offering for families, children, teenagers and adults.
The presence of areas dedicated to different age groups will make it possible to combine shared experiences with spaces designed for more independent leisure time. The result is a ship in which outdoor spaces take center stage—not simply as areas surrounding the pool, but as true destinations for socializing, relaxation and entertainment, designed to accompany guests throughout the day.
The maiden voyage of Crystal Grace will depart on June 11, 2028, on an eight-night cruise from Civitavecchia to Venice, marking the new ship's entry into the Crystal fleet.
Giorgia Lombardo
