After Crystal Cruises was purchased by A&K Group, its two oceangoing ships received multi-million-dollar revitalizations. So, the 606-passenger Crystal Symphony and 740-passenger Crystal Serenity set sail once again in 2023. While they looked quite snazzy, one activity was missing — casino gaming. Now, in a new chapter for Crystal, slots and table games will return soon!
By mid-November, thanks to a new collaboration with the venerable Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), Crystal will open the first and only Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea. So, guests who love to play the slots or roll the dice will soon have that option on their Crystal vacation.
What’s the timing? The Meandering Traveler has learned that the gaming experiences are expected to debut on Crystal Symphony during this year’s “Chairmen’s Cruise.” That departs from Venice, Italy, on November 14, 2024.
Soon to follow, the new casino will debut on Crystal Serenity in December 2024. In addition, Crystal says that the Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea will be aboard the line’s two future oceangoing ships and all new Crystal vessels (excluding any expedition vessels).
(Crystal Serenity which is shown above in Moorea, Tahiti, and Crystal Symphony will soon open casinos on board. Photo by Crystal Cruises.)
Casino Gaming: Coming Back to Crystal
For a bit more explanation, Crystal’s former owner, Genting Hong Kong, ceased sailing and ended up in Bermuda bankruptcy court in 2022. Subsequently, during a court auction A&K Group bought both ships and the Crystal brand name.
But Genting Hong Kong owned more than just Crystal Cruises. It also owned land-based casino resorts and had sizable casino gaming expertise. One of its entities operated Crystal’s oceangoing gaming operation.
Thus, when the two Crystal ships began sailing for A&K Group, the new owners needed to find a new casino partner. And now that’s happened.
Array of Casino Gaming Activities
“Starting later this year, this newly announced alliance between Crystal and Monte-Carlo SBM will bring a high level of gaming expertise to the ships,” emphasizes Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. “So, Crystal’s guests will be able to access an array of onboard gaming activities — slot machines, blackjack, roulette and more.”
From A&K Group’s perspective, “we’re delighted to welcome Casino de Monte-Carlo into the Crystal family as our newest collaborator,” says Manfredi Lefebvre, the group’s executive chairman. He adds that the affiliation symbolizes the group’s commitment to offering Crystal’s guests the finest entertainment and gaming experiences available at sea.
Stephane Valeri, chairman of the board and CEO of Monte-Carlo SBM, adds: “We’re confident that we will provide a gaming moment unlike any other in the cruise industry.”
Casino Gaming: Where Will You Find it on Crystal?
If guests sail, where will they find casino gaming on their ship? We’ve learned that the Casino de Monte-Carlo — spanning more than 1,000 square feet — will be positioned in the spaces that are now currently the Bridge Lounges.
In turn, Crystal Serenity‘s current Bridge Lounge venue will then move to the ship’s Library. On Crystal Symphony, the Bridge Lounge will be repositioned to The Lounge (the former casino location).
“We have listened attentively to the feedback from our loyal guests regarding their desire to have casinos back on board,” says Cristina Levis, CEO, A&K Travel Group.
Thinking of a Crystal Cruise?
So, are you a gaming fan? Given the soon-to-be-added casino on both ships, check out Crystal’s official website. It shows the global regions that its two ocean ships will visit. Those range from Europe to the South Pacific and beyond.
Popular voyages? The Meandering Traveler previously wrote a blog about Crystal’s Grand Journeys in 2025. But whatever type of voyage suits your fancy, Pavlus’ Steudle suggests consulting with a personal travel planner.
That professional can discuss the latest and greatest options. He or she can also uncover the best deals. Best of all, that professional will also manage your booking and provide great service.
And keep in mind that there are no service fees when consumers book through Pavlus Travel! Just use the contact information below.
Important Notes from Pavlus Travel
- For information about the best deals, sign up for Pavlus’ email newsletter, which spotlights terrific pricing on a multitude of cruise and travel options. Readers can simply add their email to the sign-up box on the top right corner of the Pavlus Travel website.
- If anything tweaks your interest in this blog above, and you DO have questions about specific pricing, brochures, savings, accommodations, accessible options and so on, please contact us at 800-528-9300.
- Or visit us online at Pavlus Travel’s official agency Web site; there you can “live chat” with us online too!
- This blog site provides “basic, general information” about travel. It’s not staffed by travel advisors.
- Any price examples and included vacation features in blogs are subject to change. They also don’t represent the full range of options; a travel advisor can assist with additional information.
- Please don’t use the Reply Section below if you are asking for pricing, travel dates, accommodations, brochures or other specific requests. Please use the 800 number or online link.
