Two cruise ships are reintroducing casino gaming to their voyages starting later this year after demand from guests.
Crystal, which operates the Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony ships, has partnered with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer to offer slot machines, blackjack and roulette to customers.
Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group (pictured front right), which acquired Crystal last year, said the group has “listened attentively” to guests who wanted casinos back onboard.
Casino gaming on Crystal’s ships will debut onboard Crystal Symphony during the Chairmen's Cruise departing from Venice, Italy, on November 14, and on Crystal Serenity this December.
The casino will also be featured on the two future oceangoing vessels and in all the new vessels of Crystal, with the exclusion of Expedition vessels, the company said.
“We are confident the reintroduction of casinos will further enhance the overall cruise experience, providing our guests with the entertainment options they crave while sailing with us,” Levis added.
The Casino de Monte-Carlo, which is over 1,000sq.ft in size, will take the place of the Bridge Lounge on both ships.
The Bridge Lounge will move to the Library on Crystal Serenity and The Lounge – the location of the previous casino – on Crystal Symphony.
Stephane Valeri, chairman of the board and CEO of Monte-Carlo SBM (pictured back left), said: "We are excited to join forces with Crystal to deliver the unique Casino de Monte-Carlo experience at sea.
“With our combined expertise, we are confident that we will provide a gaming moment unlike any other in the cruise industry."
Pictured: Pascal Camia, chief international development officer of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (front left), Cristina Levis, CEO of Crystal Cruises (front right), Stéphane Valeri, chairman and CEO of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (back left) and Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, executive chairman of the A&K Travel Group (back right).
