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VIDEO: “Exceptional at sea”: Crystal’s Jordana Botting, travel advisors unpack Crystal Symphony
Crystal has made a luxurious return to the high seas, offering a combination of elegance, sparkling service, and world-class cuisine aboard two newly-refurbished ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity (with a third and brand-new vessel, Crystal Grace, coming in May 2028).
In August, 17 Canadian travel advisors – alongside Jordana Botting, Crystal’s regional sales director for Canada – joined their U.S. counterparts for the line’s largest-ever Canadian FAM, sailing from Athens with stops at Greece’s Nafplion, Mykonos, Rhodes, Patmos, and a two-night stay in Kusadasi, Türkiye, aboard Crystal Symphony.
PAX, exclusively, was invited to cover the voyage, which offered participants a chance to experience "the new Crystal” after its dramatic 2023 comeback under the ownership of A&K Travel Group - a powerhouse co-owned by Geoffrey Kent and Heritage, managed by Monegasque businessman and Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio.
With d’Ovidio’s legacy (his father founded Silversea) and Kent’s globe-spanning luxury portfolio (Abercrombie & Kent, Sanctuary Retreats, Ecoventura), the revitalized Crystal returned in 2023 under a new banner: “Crystal – Exceptional at Sea.”
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Both the Crystal Symphony and its sister ship have undergone multi-million-dollar refurbishments, featuring fewer guests, larger suites, refreshed interiors, expanded wellness options, and a renewed focus on culinary excellence.
READ MORE: On Location: “Pure luxury" - Crystal’s biggest Canadian FAM draws rave reviews from advisors
Crystal Symphony, for one, now carries just 606 guests, down from over 900, providing a more intimate and relaxed experience.

As previously reported, dining emerged as a key highlight of the sailing.
Umi Uma, the only Nobu restaurant at sea, impressed with signature dishes such as black cod miso, Wagyu beef, and delicate sashimi.
BeefBar, the Monte Carlo-born concept making its debut with Crystal, delighted with wagyu-filled bao buns and truffle steak-frites.


Meanwhile, Osteria d’Ovidio, crafted by three-Michelin-starred Chef Massimiliano Alajmo, served Italian masterpieces like burrata ravioli and saffron risotto with licorice.
Even Crystal’s main dining venue, the Waterside Restaurant, upheld its reputation for precision plating and upscale offerings like lobster and caviar.
Travel advisors praised not only the cuisine but also the reimagined accommodations and service.

The Sapphire Suites, recently redesigned, feature double-sized balconies, marble finishes, spacious bathrooms with multiple shower jets, and refined fabrics.
Advisors highlighted the intuitive service and one-to-one guest-to-crew ratio. Butler service anticipated guests’ every need, from fresh canapés to perfectly-timed champagne.
READ MORE: On Location: “I’m so impressed”: Crystal hosts largest-ever Canadian FAM aboard Crystal Symphony
Attendees also noted the combination of classic Crystal charm and modern upgrades.


The smaller size of Crystal Symphony also allowed access to ports larger ships cannot reach, offering flexible itineraries and the ability to explore destinations, like Ephesus, at a leisurely pace.
Advisors appreciated the balance between immersive excursions and on-board relaxation, which included nightly shows, piano bars, and expanded wellness offerings.

What does an "exceptional" experience at sea look like?
PAX’s cameras captured it all aboard the Crystal Symphony—the elegant suites, exquisite dining, attentive crew, postcard-perfect Mediterranean and, most importantly, insights from the advisors who lived in.
Watch the video here!
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