Crystal Cruises to Revamp Crystal Serenity This Spring

Crystal SerenityIf ever there was a year for cruises, 2011 is it. Recently, Travel Agent's Ruthanne Terrero sat down with Larry Pimentel to discuss Azamara's development. Just one week later, we tracked Crystal Cruises' redesign of its largest ship, Crystal Serenity, which will cost upward of $25 million.

During a May 8 through May 22 dry dock, more than 400 technicians from all around the world will descend upon Hamburg’s Blohm + Voss shipyard to renovate 531 Deluxe Staterooms, Penthouses and Penthouses Suites; retail centers, outdoor pool deck and other design projects.

Of the concept, interior designer Keith Rushbrook, principal at the Toronto-based II BY IV Design Associates, said, “We wanted modern classic elegance. We wanted Fifth Avenue – crème de la crème New York-inspired living and retail spaces that people love and look forward to spending time in.” See for yourself below.

Deluxe Stateroom and Penthouse Accommodation Décor

Throughout all of the ship's Deluxe Outside Staterooms, Penthouses and Penthouse Suites, new floor-to-ceiling tufted headboards, beside cabinets and wallpaper will accompany sofas, curtains, pillows and custom carpets in contemporary lines and classic stone, silk, velvet, leather, and crisp linen textures. We love the new modern lighting features and electronic "do not disturb" and doorbell system to further personalize our living space.

Shops

Not to be outdone by the Deluxe Staterooms and Penthouses, Crystal Serenity's shops will also undergo transformation. The fine jewelry story, Facets, will resemble a jewelry box, with a mother-of-pearl feature wall, beveled chrome vitrines and a new, private sales area. The boutique, Apropos, will be remodeled into three-shops-in-one, featuring a flagship Christian Dior cosmetic/skincare area, furnished by Zebrano wood and herringbone rosewood, black-plum-magenta carpeting and tufted leather seating.

Pool Deck

Matching Crystal Symphony's revival, the Seahorse Pool teak deck ranks among our favorites, when this spring, it will feature circular pod beds, plush sofa groups and lounge chairs in lime green, azure and mango.

Lighting and Furniture

New, custom carpeting, artwork and mood lighting will adorn the ship's cooridors. In the Crystal Dining Room, new lighting will enhance the expansive space, and new furniture will populate Crystal Serenity's stateroom verandahs.

In the past two years, the line has invested more than $50 million on its ships. Following its 14-day revitalization, Crystal Serenity will set sail for a series touring the Baltic, North Cape and British Isles, before sailing the Mediterranean for the late summer and fall series.

Visit www.crystalcruises.com or call 800-446-6620.