Serenity refurb a breath of fresh air

By Tom Stieghorst

Outside the Galaxy Lounge on the Crystal Serenity.The Crystal Serenity’s $17 million makeover is notable as much for what was subtracted as what was added.

After emerging from a drydock in Cadiz, Spain, the most noticeable change to the 2003-built ship is the complete disappearance of one of its pools.

The space that had been devoted to a pool area with a retractable roof for shelter in inclement weather has been turned into another restaurant, called Tastes. The area, now filled with wicker seating, is also home to the Trident Grill and Scoops ice cream bar.

“It’s great to say we have two pools,” said Crystal President Edie Bornstein. “But the reality was it was really never used.”

Tastes, which has an eclectic menu that runs from Alsatian tarts to California street tacos, opens in the early afternoon for lunch and then is transformed after 6 p.m. into a casual eatery with what Bornstein called a “summer-in-the-Med feeling.”

The Serenity’s other pool remains, as do other fitness facilities such as a 360-degree outdoor promenade for walking, a golf driving range and putting green and two paddle tennis courts.

Another focal point in the makeover was the four penthouse suites.

In an ultracontemporary remodel, interiors of the 1,345-square-foot suites were gutted and the dining area moved closer to the outdoor veranda. The former dining room became a den/library/media room. The color scheme has been lightened to light gray and creme with purple accents.

Another change during drydock was the addition of air- and surface-cleaning equipment to 70 cabins, meant to reduce the irritants that cause allergies.

The so-called hypoallergenic rooms, an industry first, are a boon to passengers who have allergies or other sensitivities that can disrupt a vacation. Now a state-of-the-art, medical-grade air purifier filters out 99.9% of all airborne impurities on an ongoing basis.

A new cherry wood dance floor in the Palm Court gives that area a fresher, richer feel. And the Lido Cafe area has been remodeled with more tables for two and food stations replacing older-style buffet counters.

P&O Arcadia – Cancelled Mini Cruise

P&O Cruises – Official Announcement from their Facebook Page

“Unfortunately due to strong storms in Northern Europe Arcadia has been delayed in leaving her refurbishment in Germany. As a result, we have had to take the difficult decision to cancel the two night cruise departing on Sunday. We are currently contacting all of our customers by email or phone to advise them of the cancellation. Everyone booked will be getting a full refund and a future cruise credit. There are also options for passengers to move to any other two night cruise next year. We are really sorry that we have had to cancel this cruise and passengers can call us on 0843 374 0012 or contact their travel agent to discuss their options. Thank you.”

Seven Seas Voyager emerges from drydock

Seven Seas Voyager emerges from drydock

By Tom Stieghorst
The 700-passenger Seven Seas Voyager is on a Rome-to-Venice cruise, its first since emerging from a scheduled drydock for interior and deck upgrades.

Among many changes, the ship’s nightclub and observation lounge got new furnishings, wall coverings, carpeting and lighting. The Constellation Theater was rejuvenated, penthouse suites were redone and new teak was installed on the balconies of all 350 cabins.

The refurbishment was overseen by Frank Del Rio, CEO of Prestige Cruise Holdings, parent of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Del Rio flew to Marseille, France, for a final inspection before the Seven Seas Voyager set sail, the cruise line said.