The two-week makeover of luxury cruise ship Crystal Symphony is now complete. Partnering with three interior design companies from the U.S. and U.K. the makeover was the culmination of a five-year plan costing USD$65 million.

All staterooms have also been revamped with an additional facelift given to areas of the ship including the paddle tennis court, tenders, galley and bridge.

“In keeping with our tremendous focus on design, we wanted to create something both highly contemporary and yet extremely accessible,” Crystal Cruises President Gregg Michel said.

“The ultimate result is all our guests’ favorite gathering places now feeling even more welcoming, while also offering the stylish sophistication and comfortable elegance luxury travelers look for in a vacation setting, and expect from Crystal.”

In line with the company’s continual charitable endeavours, four 20’ containers of furniture were donated to Hamburger Tafel , an organisation that assists local underprivileged communities.

Palm Court

Now with a more intimate feel, the popular venue for dance enthusiasts sees a shift to modern lounge seating surrounding a larger spiral dance floor.

A colour palette shift to aqua, chartreuse, ash and cream along with new lighting by DPA Lighting Consultants has further brightened

up the venue.

Avenue Saloon


The colour scheme, furnishings, material and seating configuration has been revamped in this luxe pub with burgundies, golds, caramels, moss greens and ivory enveloping passengers in a warm, homely vibe

to enjoy the all-inclusive cocktails and wines on offer.

Increased seating has also been created as a result of the piano relocation.

Galaxy Lounge

Now with a more contemporary feel, the revamped Galaxy Theatre features diamond-patterned glass doors, gold fabric panels, large digital screens, new mohair seating and cocktail tables along with a stage extension resulting in an increase of performance space by 30 per cent.

Hollywood Theatre

Inspired by the Art Deco movie palaces of a bygone era, the venue popular for showcasing feature films and presentations now features further state-of-the-art audio visual additions.

Crisp white seating juxtaposes against the warmth of the smoked woodgrain walls, deep purple velvet curtains and ambient underseat lighting.

Waves and Fantasia

Teens have been given more privacy in their dedicated Waves area while a more homely atmosphere has been created for children in Fantasia.

Segmented to create specific areas for activities, storytelling, relaxation, video games and movie screenings, the junior cruisers’ area was redesigned by London design firm Adfecto and includes such features as Wii, Playstation, Xbox, Kinect, Blu-Ray players and a movie projection system.

Crystal Symphony is now sailing on her first of seven all-inclusive Baltic and Northern Europe cruises.

Originally written by Natalie Aroyan for e-Travel Blackboard.