Luxury cruise line Crystal announced that its vessel Crystal Symphony will enter drydock for a scheduled three-week refurbishment of select areas in November 2025.
The announcement was made earlier today, 8th August.
The project is focused on refining the onboard experience through aesthetic and functional updates to two suite categories and several key public spaces.
According to Crystal’s senior vice-president for hotel operations Bernie Leypold: “We are proud to carry forward Crystal’s legacy while continuing to innovate. Our goal is to ensure that every space aboard our ships feels both timeless and contemporary, infused with warmth, elegance and thoughtful design. These enhancements aboard Crystal Symphony reflect our promise to create meaningful experiences for our guests at every touchpoint.”
A total redesign for optimal elegance
The drydock will see the complete redesign of Aquamarine and Sapphire Classic suites on Deck 10.
Whilst preserving their existing layout and spacious bathrooms featuring separate bathtub and shower configurations, these suites will be outfitted with new furnishings, aligning with the design style introduced during the ship’s 2023 transformation.
Complimenting these updates, new carpets and wall coverings will refresh the look and feel of each suite.
These upgrades will be expertly executed by the De Wave Group, an interior design firm based in Genoa, Italy.
Better public spaces
Several public spaces will also be updated during this time, with improvements designed to elevate the onboard ambiance:
- Atrium and Crystal Cove: Under the direction of Gerolamo Scorza, a leading outfitter in marine interiors, the ship’s central gathering space will be transformed, providing a more modern and fluid layout with additional seating. Key updates include the removal of the water feature, the relocation of the piano, a two-story mosaic produced by DeCastelli and a new chandelier. The reception area will have an elevated space with a new desk, marble top and backlit panel. The surrounding walls and columns will be refinished with new wallpaper. The ceiling slats and lighting will be replaced at Deck 5, while the Crystal Cove bar will receive a new front counter, backbar niche, and bottle shelving. New high-end furniture will elegantly redefine the area.
- Stair Lobbies on Decks 5 and 6: Also led by Gerolamo Scorza, these transitional areas will be refined with updated ceiling structures, enhanced lighting, architectural wall details and new brass finishes around the elevator entrances, bringing a more cohesive and elegant feel to the ship’s public corridors.
- Starlite Club: Trident Maritime Systems will provide a subtle redesign of the dance floor and new ceiling centrepiece will breathe new life into this beloved venue while preserving its vibrant character.
- Deck 5 Guest Restrooms: These public facilities will be aesthetically refreshed by Gerolamo Scorza with new flooring, wall finishes and countertops.
- Bistro: Wooden floors will be updated offering an enhanced look and feel.
Technical upgrades
In addition to the guest-facing areas, Crystal Symphony will also undergo an extensive technical upgrade to ensure optimal performance and long-term sustainability.
Key enhancements include a complete overhaul of the fin stabilizers’ hydraulic system, renewal of both evaporators and the installation of new fuel and oil purifiers designed to accommodate biodiesel.
The ship’s fresh-water piping system will be significantly modernized with the replacement of hundreds of meters of piping.
The galleys, cold rooms, provision areas and associated compressors will also be fully renovated.
Additional work includes a comprehensive service of the generator auxiliaries and targeted steel replacements throughout the vessel, including fuel tanks.
