Several of Crystal Cruises’ signature spaces aboard Crystal Symphony will be remodeled during a major $15 million dry dock scheduled for June 2012. In just 15 days at Germany’s Blohm + Voss shipyard, Crystal Cruises is redesigning the ship’s Avenue Saloon, Palm Court lounge, Galaxy showroom, Hollywood Theatre, Bridge Lounge, and Fantasia and Waves “junior cruisers” areas in ways that are stylishly modern, yet in keeping with each space’s spirited atmosphere beloved by guests.
In the past two years, Crystal Cruises has invested more than $50 million in its vessels.
“Our guests expect the finest of luxury in every element of a Crystal cruise. They have a keen appreciation for design and expect the very best in furnishings, finishes and fine appointments,” says President Gregg Michel. “By the completion of this project, within the past five years we will have redesigned every room aboard Crystal Symphony – with great attention to rich, chic details.”
Avenue Saloon
For this popular piano bar’s makeover, Crystal is bringing back the designer who created the room’s trademark intimate, “clubby” look: Kirk Nix, with LA’s KNA Design. The piano, shutters, and warm, jazz-era atmosphere remain, but a room reconfiguration adds more seating, including antique-style, brass-tack couches and large, red wall sofa. Rich burgundies, golds, caramels, moss greens, and creams weave through the swivel, embossed-leaf barstools, hand-tufted carpets, plush pillows, textured wall upholstery, and artwork. Wood flooring, bar front and back, stone and wood bartop, edge-lit glass shelves, and pop-up ceiling finalize the new touches.
Palm Court
KNA is also revamping the ship’s signature panoramic lounge for high tea, dancing, cocktail parties, and casual drinks with a view. A sleek, contemporary transformation brings the outside in, taking advantage of sweeping ocean views, while keeping emblematic room elements like palms and wicker. In addition to a new entrance, the bar and dance areas expand with added seating and a larger, spiral-design dance floor with overhead ceiling feature. Conversation tables; laser-cut marble flooring and carpet; lit, alabaster urns; and a studded nail and leather wall design offset the chartreuse, aqua, grey, and ivory color spectrum that plays throughout the all-new sofas and chairs.
Galaxy Lounge
Inspired by the glamorous theaters of yesteryear, Crystal is planning a grand redesign of its main theatre for live performances, Broadway-style musical productions, and lavish entertainment experiences. The elegant redo features namesake-reflective motifs, such as starburst lighting and carpeting and lit crystal-speckled wall panels that hint of the night sky. Formal purple drapes, “old gold” walls and a subtle diamond design in upholstery, fabric wallcovering, and glass doors suggest the richness of royalty. New, mohair chairs and sofas, cocktail tables, and ambient lighting underneath banquettes enhance the sophisticated supper club ambience. A new, limestone floor entrance is flanked by LCD screens announcing upcoming shows and attractions. Additional touches by London’s SMC Design include artwork niches with abstract figurative sculpture and lively lilac, pink, and crimson shades befitting of a dramatic stage.
Hollywood Theatre
London-based Adfecto’s redo of the ship’s movie theater is a visual throwback to the classic Hollywood film era, with all comfort and technical advantages of contemporary cinemas. Plush leather armchairs with individual pull-out tables and an earth tone color palette of aubergine, ebony, cinnamon, ash grey, and ivory set the backdrop; circular-patterned carpeting, sconces lining the walls, and a new entrance reflect art deco elements. Technical updates include boosted surround sound audio processing and an enhanced lecture and presentation control system for enrichment speaker sessions.
Bridge Lounge
The ship’s space for cards, games, and presentations receives a refined rejuvenation via all new furniture, including game tables and chairs; lighting, including striking chandelier, sconces, and recessed fixtures; floor-to-ceiling window treatments; wallcoverings and ceiling feature; presentation tools, including podium, white board, storage, video and sound system; and silver, blue, and sage color scheme, all courtesy of KNA Design.
Fantasia and Waves
A new layout for both Fantasia kids play area and Waves teen video arcade creates separate areas for crafts, relaxation, screenings (two TVs), teens, and computer usage (teens and kids separate). Designer Adfecto has also chosen fun, asymmetrical furniture, FatboyTM bean bags, and vibrant colors like crimson, sapphire, and various shades of green. New interactive white board, board games, video game stations, and video project system further refresh junior activities options.
Other ship enhancements include new electronic, “do not disturb” doorbells in all staterooms (as installed on Crystal Serenity last May) and environmentally-efficient lighting installations for all electric upgrades/changes. All remodeling, as well as bi-annual maintenance and cleaning, will take place while dry docked at Hamburg’s Blohm + Voss shipyard from June 1 to 16.
