LOS ANGELES, Jan. 2, 2002 -- In early December, the 50,000-ton, 940-guest Crystal Symphony emerged from her renovation with a new look. In addition to several contemporary design updates throughout the luxury vessel, many of her public areas, as well as the two 982-square-foot Crystal Penthouses, were completely remodeled during the scheduled fall drydock.

"Our refurbishment strategy is always guided by our commitment to product quality, service and innovation," says Gregg L. Michel, president, Crystal Cruises. "To maintain, and to further enhance Crystal Cruises' leadership position in the luxury market, we strive for innovation in design, function and product delivery."

Jade Garden

One of several popular dining venues, the ship's Asian specialty restaurant, Jade Garden, was remodeled from floor to ceiling with new paneling, carpet, furniture, framed artwork and lighting. Geometric patterns in crisp colors, such as royal blue, maroon, gold and jade contrast with the cream, yellow, and taupe-hued background of the dining chairs and carpet. Blonde wood, atmospheric lighting and bamboo-framed Asian artwork and more modern pieces with brushed gold, create a sophisticated backdrop to the unique dining experience. New menu covers and sleek outfits for the service staff will complete the new look in early 2002.

The Crystal Cove and Plaza

The Crystal Cove and Plaza, the central lobby area and gathering place aboard Crystal Symphony, was completely outfitted with new furnishings. Working with the grey tones in the two-story atrium, while complementing the turquoise shades in the adjacent Crystal Dining Room, the new scheme showcases rich blue and lavender patterns, turquoises and greys. Italian sofas and armchairs, with modern leather accent pieces update the look. A specially-designed patterned carpet in greens, purples, and grey runs through the Crystal Cove, while the Crystal Plaza features a large, custom-designed hand-woven area rug. Sheer silver drapery and jacquard curtains in grey-green and metallic lavender frame the expansive windows. To enhance the room's residential feel, the curtains can be drawn at night.

The Crystal Penthouses

Each of Crystal Symphony's two Crystal Penthouses, the luxury line's most lavish accommodations on its coveted Penthouse Deck, has been transformed from floor to ceiling. Like the Crystal Penthouses aboard Crystal Harmony, the spacious suites were completely renovated to replicate the drawing room, master suite and bath of a discerning world traveler's private residence. The hand-tufted entrance carpet and elegantly upholstered walls immediately convey elegance. The living room features a mix of sophisticated dark wood dining, cocktail and end tables and upholstered silk and satin sofas, accent chairs and fringed pillows. While the most pervasive color is gold, the two Crystal Penthouses are distinguished by a soft accent color of rust or blue. The entertainment center houses state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, including a new, large 35-inch flat-screen color television, DVD and new CD and stereo components. Wheat-colored Axminster carpeting, residential lighting and new frames on both original artwork and classic prints add to the comfortable, yet sumptuous, ambiance.

Balloon shades, framed mirrors and subtle lighting, with dimmers, embellish the marble master bath. Fine bed linens and bath towels augment the new decor. Additional Drydock Enhancements:

• The Lido Cafe -- one of the ship's casual dining venues with indoor and outdoor seating with extensive breakfast and lunch buffet service -- sports newly upholstered chairs in sky blue and violet, a slate tiled floor, carpet and window treatments.
• The Crystal Spa & Salon boasts new steam room and sauna facilities.
• Also during drydock, Crystal Cruises complements the ongoing year-round maintenance of the ship and soft goods with more intensive refurbishment. This includes heavy-duty cleaning or replacement of carpets and soft furnishings in all staterooms, re-grouting bathrooms and painting verandahs; sanding and varnishing all dance floors and stages; off loading deck cushions for dry cleaning; installing new teak decking; having teams of French polishers come aboard to refine all marble surfaces; and scouring all housekeeping pantries, galley store rooms and provisioning areas.

Overseeing the project was noted ship architect Robert Tillberg and his Tillberg Design U.S. office in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., who have specialized in cruise ship interior design for over 40 years. The refurbishment was completed at Lisnave Drydock in Lisbon, Portugal. The 10-day drydock for the 50,000-ton, 940-guest Crystal Symphony began on Nov. 16, 2001.

Crystal Symphony will sail 26 worldwide itineraries in 2002, ranging in length from eight to 100 days, throughout North and South America, Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, Australia, and Europe. Crystal Cruises is booked exclusively through professional travel agents.