Port Everglades Welcomes Crystal Serenity

Officials welcomed
Serenity to Ft. Lauderdale

By GERRY BARKER
Photos by Gerry Barker

Port Everglades rolled out the red carpet Saturday, Nov. 9, as Crystal Serenity made its official debut in Ft. Lauderdale. City and tourism officials, along with Crystal executives and Serenity senior staff participated in a welcoming ceremony in the ship's Palm Court.

The ship will be cruising to the Caribbean in December before departing on her world voyage in January, returning to Fort Lauderdale in November, 2025.

The event also served as a homecoming of sorts for Pam and I, who cruised on Serenity almost one year ago. As we toured the ship, work was under way for several new additions. Back by popular demand is the casino. Crystal has partnered with Casino de Monte-Carlo to offer the only Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea

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Pam with Chris, our ship's tour guide

Guests will also have a new restaurant to look forward to -- Beefbar. Since its 2005 debut in Monte-Carlo, it has locations worldwide, including New York. Serenity and its sister ship, Symphony, will host the only Beefbar at sea. Both ships already host the only Nobu at sea.

Jacqueline Barney, Crystal's senior vice president, global marketing, talked about the new planned land experiences coming, drawing on the expertise of their parent company, A&K Travel Group.

Earlier this month, Crystal announced they finalized an order with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for a third ocean ship in addition to the two already scheduled. The new ships will host 690 passengers and weigh in at 61,800 gross tons.

The press release noted, "A standout feature will be a promenade extending through the whole ships’ perimeter, similar to those loved by guests on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, for leisurely strolls with stunning ocean views." A&K Travel Group acquired Crystal in 2022, which marked a new beginning for the cruise line. ​

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