High-rolling gambling destination, Monte-Carlo, embarks on a seafaring adventure aboard luxury cruise ship, Crystal Symphony.
The luxury cruise industry has seen a significant change with the acquisition of Crystal Cruises' two vessels by A&K Travel Group, a newly formed entity. Peter Harf, the founder of the company, purchased the Crystal Symphony for $25 million and the newer Crystal Serenity for $103 million in 2024.
Prior to this, Crystal Cruises was owned by a subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong but faced financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to its demise.
The first-ever Monte-Carlo Casino at sea embarked on its maiden voyage aboard the Crystal Symphony on November 15, 2024. The one-way, four-day voyage began in Venice, Italy, and ended in Croatia. The gaming area on the Crystal Symphony, the first ship to set sail with the Monte-Carlo Casino, measures over 1,000 square feet.
The Casino de Monte-Carlo aboard the Crystal Symphony offers 29 slot machines and three live dealer table games, including blackjack, American roulette, and Ultimate Texas Hold'em. The casino on the Crystal Serenity, scheduled to make its maiden voyage on December 18, boasts slightly more gaming options with 32 slot machines and three table games.
Apart from the introduction of the Monte-Carlo Casino, A&K Travel Group also invested in renovating both the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. All suites and staterooms on both ships underwent upgrades, and the gaming areas were fully modernized and given a luxury interior.
The partnership between Crystal Cruises and SocieΜteΜ des Bains de Mer allows Crystal Cruises to use the Monte-Carlo Casino brand for its gaming operations. This partnership is significant as the Casino de Monte-Carlo, which opened in July 1865, is owned by the Government of Monaco and retains a nearly 60% stake.
Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, the executive chairman of A&K Travel Group, was born in Rome and has long called Monaco home. Lefebvre inherited a Monaco-based cruise line, Silversea Cruises, and sold it to Royal Caribbean Group in 2018.
The acquisition and renovation of Crystal Cruises' vessels mark a new chapter for A&K Travel Group, bringing luxury and excitement to the high seas with the Monte-Carlo Casino at sea.
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