Crystal Serenity, the first ship to relaunch following Crystal Cruises’ purchase by A&K Travel Group last year, has successfully completed sea trials in anticipation of its inaugural cruise scheduled to depart Marseille, France, on 31 July 2023.
Currently in the final stages of a refurbishment at Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy, the vessel had a full contingent of officers, technicians and engineers on board who thoroughly tested the ship’s navigation, technical and mechanical systems, and all passed inspection.
“We have ensured that the fire-resistant panels were properly certified and not defective,” Crystal said in a statement, eluding to the issue that has seen rival luxury cruise line, Explora Journeys, cancel its maiden voyage of EXPLORA I that was scheduled for 17 July 2023.
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“Completing sea trials is one of the final milestones needed before we can officially return to service,” said Roberto Fazi, Senior Vice President of Marine Operations at Crystal.
“We are proud of the entire team who helped get us to this day both on board and shoreside. We also want to thank our wonderful partners at Fincantieri who worked around the clock to deliver this beautiful ship on time and ready to welcome guests in just a few weeks.”
When guests board for the first time, they will find updated and larger suites with artisanal finishes, refreshed specialty dining venues and cutting-edge onboard wellness, including the completely renovated and renamed Aurōra Spa. Additionally, there is a new pickleball court and re-energised entertainment and events.
“What hasn’t changed is the exceptional service and one of the industry’s best staff-to-guest ratios,” Crystal highlighted.
Following the 31 July cruise from Marseille, Crystal Serenity, will spend the summer in the Mediterranean before repositioning to North America in September for Canadian and Caribbean sailings for the rest of 2023. The ship will also host its World Cruise in 2024, foreshadowed exclusively by LATTE.