Crystal's revitalized Crystal Serenity sailed into Port Everglades last week, just weeks after a major drydock revitalization that reduced the ship’s capacity to 980 passengers—allowing for open seat dining and giving guests even more space to spread out.
Travel Agent magazine boarded for a day tour of the new or revitalized spaces. Check out our slideshow of original photos above.
A World of Differences
Among the highlights? Formerly the Crystal Dining Room, the new Waterside now has modern, contemporary décor, integrated lighting, a new ceiling feature and more tables of two and four.
Offering a new dining experience, the Stardust Supper Club has new tables and chairs. Reminiscent of the 1960s "Rat Pack" era, guests who dine here during black-tie-optional evenings can expect a four-course menu and live musical performances.
The Palm Court received a significant makeover. Its stage was removed and replaced with an "in-the-round" concept for entertainment.
In addition, guests will find new cocktail tables and chairs, wingback chairs with footstools, sofas and coffee tables—a combination of cozy, individual seating areas.
Most notably, a new tea blending area was added. Traditional afternoon tea is served in the lounge but this new space also features fresh pastries and snacks.
As shown in our photos, the Bistro on the second level of the atrium has new seating, and both the Avenue Saloon and Connoisseurs Club have lovely new hardwood-style flooring.
The new casual Silk Kitchen & Bar serves traditional Chinese comfort food in an elegant al fresco atmosphere. It was packed during our lunch visit, serving such fare as noodle dishes, wok entrees, traditional dumplings, Chinois soup and more.
If loyal past guests spent time enjoying tables games or slot machine play, they'll remember the Resorts World Casino at Sea was formerly decorated in red coloring and appointments. Now, it has a calmer, light grey look in everything from new carpeting to wall colors and gaming player seating.
Seabreeze Penthouse Suites
A new category of accommodations, Seabreeze Penthouse Suite, was created in drydock. We toured No. 10011. Ranging from 350 square feet to 509 square feet, these suites have both pampering butler service and a private balcony.
Stepping inside No. 10011, guests will immediately see a large king-sized bed with blue, silver and white decor touches. Two small end tables flank the bed; plus, this suite has one or two flat-screen TVs, depending on the suite selected.
The sitting area consists of a large couch and chair, and nearby is a cabinet holding glassware for drinks, along with a mini-fridge. A handy drawer pulls out to reveal a bottle of wine, bottled water and soft drinks, among other items.
A writing desk with chair is adjacent to a large walk-in closet; guests will have plenty of space for hanging clothing, and the closet also features multiple drawers and shelves.
The bathroom has two double sinks and a roomy shower (no tub). Outside the balcony is quite wide and furnished with two chairs and a table.
More Updates
Other updates to the ship include the transformation of the former Lido into the new daytime buffet-style Marketplace and evening Churrascaria, a new open-seating Brazilian-styled barbecue experience.
During the drydock the line also added a new production show: "Crystal on Broadway, The Show." It's presented in Galaxy Lounge, which also received technological enhancements.
Computer University@Sea received new carpeting, seating and computer equipment, along with 70-inch TVs. Throughout the ship carpeting was replaced and other decor updated too.
Visit www.crystalcruises.com.
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