Crystal Symphony
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| 300px Crystal Symphony at Saxarfjärden in the Stockholm archipelago | |
| Career (Bahamas) |  |
|---|---|
| Name: | Crystal Symphony |
| Owner: | Crystal Cruises |
| Operator: | Crystal Cruises |
| Port of registry: | The Bahamas |
| Builder: | Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Turku |
| Cost: | USD 250 Million[1] |
| In service: | 3 May 1995[1] |
| Status: | In service |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage: | gross tonnage (GT) of 51,044 tons[1] |
| Length: | 781 feet (238.05 m)[1] |
| Beam: | 99 feet (30.18 m)[1] |
| Draught: | 24.9 feet (7.59 m)[1] |
| Decks: |
12 decks 8 decks passenger accessible |
| Installed power: | 6 Wärtsilä-Sulzer Generators producing 33,880 horsepower (25,260 kW)[1] |
| Propulsion: | 2x diesel-electric[1] |
| Speed: |
service speed: 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph) maximum speed: 21 knots (39 km/h; 24 mph)[1] |
| Capacity: | 922 passengers |
| Crew: | 545 crew |
Crystal Symphony is a luxury cruise ship owned and operated by the luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises. She was built in 1995 in Kvaerner Masa-Yards (now STX Finland Cruise Oy) in Turku, Finland.[1] She is the only fleetmate of Crystal Serenity. These ships have been constantly voted as the world's best cruise ships by the Travel Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler. In 2003, Conde Nast Traveler called the ship "The Best Medium-sized Cruise Ship in the World",[2] an accolade later given to sister-ship Crystal Serenity. In 2002, her then fleetmate, Crystal Harmony, also received the "Best Mid-sized Cruise Ship" award, while Crystal Symphony got the third spot.[3] In January 2010, Crystal Symphony again got the 2nd spot in Conde Nast Traveler's "Best ships in the World" list, next to Crystal Serenity, out of 90 ships worldwide.[4]
In 2000, prior to her world cruise, Crystal Symphony was the first cruise ship to have a Vessel Sanitation score of 100, during the U.S. Public Health Service inspection conducted aboard.[5]
Contents
Concept and Construction
Crystal Symphony was built in 1992 at Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Turku, Finland. She was ordered in December 1992 and entered service in May 1995.[1] The ship later underwent several refurbishments. In 2004, she underwent a USD 12 Million, 21-day refurbishment, which included the reconstruction of the spa, guided by the principles of Feng-Shui.[6] The number of treatment rooms was increased from six to eight, a new relaxation area and a private canopied teak sun deck were added, and the ship's steam showers and saunas were upgraded. Separate rooms for Yoga, Pilates, and personal training instruction were added to the fitness area.[6] Other highlights of the refit is the addition of The Vintage Room, an on-board winery.[6] A classroom area for "Computer University@sea" was also expanded to accommodate 25-seats.[6] The Crystal Dining Room was also redesigned. All staterooms and penthouses was also updated with new decors, the library was also moved to the atrium,[6] and a new Photo Gallery was added on deck 6.[6]
The ship was refitted a second time in 2006.[7] This process, which cost USD 23 Million, was the largest refit ever for Crystal Cruises.[7] The highlights of this refurbishment was the addition of new places of interest, such as the Starlite Club, the Crystal Casino, new nightclub, the new Bistro Cafe and new boutiques. The staterooms are again, redesigned with a boutique hotel-look.[7] The Tiffany deck was also reconstructed. The "Computer University@sea" was outfitted with new equipment. [7] During this refit, Crystal employed over 750 external workers to join the existing 545 crew to ensure a timely completion.[7] The refit was done in BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair in Norfolk, Virginia.[7]
In 2009 Crystal Symphony underwent a third refit costing USD 25 Million. In this refit, Crystal penthouses were remodeled, and floor-to-ceiling dining room windows and state-of-the-art audio-visual systems were added.[8] The regular penthouses were also redesigned with new color schemes and bathroom fixtures.[8] The Lido Cafe was refined to achieve a modern look. The pool deck furniture and the jacuzzi were replaced.[8] The Prego restaurant was redesigned with a modern look, and all staterooms were given new sofas.[8] The Broadcast center was overhauled, with state-of-the-art facilities.[8]
Amenities
Crystal Symphony has 461 staterooms, ranging from Crystal penthouses to interior staterooms, of which 58% have verandas.[1] Two Crystal penthouses feature personal butler service, complimentary beer and wine, personal jacuzzi, a library, a private workout room, personalized stationery, Riedel glassware, and a dressing area with vanity.[1] Standard staterooms feature flat-panel TV's with access to CNN, CNBC, ESPN, FOX News and TNT, Wi-Fi access, personal voice mail and cellphone service, bathroom with telephone, personal safe, and a refrigerator with bottled water and soft drinks.[1]
Crystal Symphony has 9 dining venues, including the Italian Prego, Japanese Silk Road and The Sushi Bar, The Bistro serving coffees, the outdoor Trident Bar & Grill, offering light snacks, Lido Cafe, and the Palm Court.[1]
The ship has two swimming pools, one with a glass cover. A Feng-Shui-inspired spa, the Crystal Spa has treatment rooms, dry sauna & steam room, which are combined with a salon and a fitness center. The Sports deck features golf driving range, putting greens and PGA golf instructors. There is also an Exercise studio offering high/low impact classes, Yoga, "Spinning" classes and personal training. There is also an exterior, 360-degree teak Promenade deck for walking. There is also Table Tennis, Paddle Tennis and Shuffleboard. Crystal Symphony offers Health&Fitness-themed cruises on select sailings.[9]
Entertainment options on-board are 'The Hollywood Theater', equipped with translation equipment and audio enhancement for the hearing-impaired. There is also a Children's playroom and an area for teens. The "Computer University@sea" offers classes and Internet access. The 'Galaxy Lounge' is a showroom with a hydraulic stage. A shopping arcade featuring upscale items. A library with DVDs and audio books. A casino featuring Texas Hold'em. There is an on-board Observatory lounge above the bridge.[10]
Operational history
In April 2010, Crystal Symphony sailed the Indian Ocean, with a 16-day cruise, departing Singapore to Dubai.[11] This May, she will sail the Red Sea, in a 14-day cruise, departing Dubai to Athens and in the Mediterranean Sea, in a 7-day cruise, departing Athens to Rome.[11] In Early Summer 2010, She will sail the Mediterranean and the British Isles. The rest of Summer 2010 will be spent in the Baltics, excluding a 15-day cruise in the Arctic Circle.[11]
In Winter 2010, she will embark on a 19-day Panama Canal cruise, departing New York City. The rest of summer will be spent in the Mexican Riviera and Hawaiian Islands.[11]
Recognitions
- 2009 - 2nd "Best ship in the World" in Condé Nast Traveler's list of best ships in the world, next to Crystal Serenity[12]
- 2008 - 2nd "Best ship in the World" in Condé Nast Traveler's list of best ships in the world, next to Crystal Serenity
- 2003 - Ship of the Year (Ocean and Cruise News)
- 2003 - "Best Medium-sized Cruise Ship in the World" in Conde Nast Traveler[2]
- 2001 - Ship of the Year (Ocean and Cruise News)
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 Crystal Symphony Fact Sheet. Crystal Cruises. Retrieved 9 May 2010
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Poll Names Crystal Symphony Best Medium-Sized Cruise Ship in the World. Press Release. Crystal Cruises. 5 February 2003. Retrieved 9 May 2010
- ↑ Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Poll Names Crystal Harmony "Best Mid-Sized Cruise Ship". Press Release. Crystal Cruises. 5 February 2002. Retrieved 9 May 2010
- ↑ Crystal Ships Voted Best in February 2010 Condé Nast Traveler. Press Release. Crystal Cruises. 25 January 2010. Retrieved 9 May 2010
- ↑ Crystal Symphony Becomes First Ship to Score Perfect 100s in USPHS Inspection. Press Release. Crystal Cruises. 26 January 2000. Retrieved 9 May 2010
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Crystal Symphony to Receive Multi-Million Dollar Refurbishment During Scheduled Drydock. Press Release. Crystal Cruises. 8 March 2004. Retrieved 9 May 2010
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 A New Crystal Symphony To Emerge Following Crystal Cruises’ Largest-Ever Dry Dock This Fall. Press Release. Crystal Cruises. 30 August 2006. Retrieved 9 May 2010
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Final Touches Complete Crystal Symphony's Dramatic New Look. Press Release. Crystal Cruises. 9 November 2009. Retrieved 9 May 2010
- ↑ Fitness choices aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. Crystal Cruises. Retrieved 9 May 2010
- ↑ Crystal Symphony ship profile. Crystal Cruises. Retrieved 9 May 2010
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Crystal Symphony 2010 Itineraries. Crystal Cruises. Retrieved 9 May 2010
- ↑ http://www.concierge.com/tools/travelawards/cruisepoll/top_medium_ships
External links
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