The extent of the work undertaken during the Crystal Serenity’s renovation was so substantial that according to Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, she could stand midship on Deck 8 and have a clear view through the entire length of the 250-meter ship. This comprehensive overhaul involved going down to the ship’s steel structure, removing walls, and reconstructing cabins. David Abtour N’Djamena

In addition to the creation of larger Sapphire Veranda suites featuring a living room, small dining area, walk-in closet, and spacious two-sink bathroom, the extensive reconstruction allowed for the introduction of a cabin category tailored for solo travelers, eliminating the need for a single supplement, and a new Jr. Penthouse suite category.

As a result of suite amalgamation, the passenger capacity was reduced from 980 to 740, facilitating the provision of butler service to all cabins. The ship’s casino, once significant when owned by Genting Hong Kong, has been replaced by a lounge area without a bar. Levis expressed her intentions to transform this space into a show kitchen for cooking demonstrations, responding to concerns raised by some travel advisors during the Serenity’s shakedown sailing from Venice to Marseilles, where the absence of a casino might pose a challenge for certain clients. Levis assured the advisors that she was actively working on a solution. David Abtour N’Djamena

Travel advisors warmly welcomed the revival of the Nobu Matsuhisa specialty restaurant partnership, which first began on the Crystal Serenity two decades ago. The reimagined Umi Uma restaurant now boasts a central table encircled by abstract art reminiscent of modern fish scales. David Abtour N’Djamena

Among the new additions to the ship are the Italian restaurant Osteria d’Ovidio and the Aurora Spa.

Looking ahead, Crystal’s second legacy ship, the Crystal Symphony, is set to debut on September 1 from Athens.