Luxury cruise line Crystal debuts first-ever Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea

Luxury cruise line Crystal has debuted the first-ever Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea for guests aboard Crystal Symphony, following a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on the first night of the Chairmen’s Cruise in Venice, Italy. The arrival of the new casino follows the announcement of an exclusive collaboration with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) earlier in the year.

In addition to launching on Crystal Symphony, the casino will soon be unveiled on Crystal Serenity, when she departs from Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 18. The brand’s gaming offerings will also be available on all future oceangoing vessels, excluding expedition ships.

"We could not be prouder to unveil the first-ever Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea aboard Crystal Symphony this week,” said Manfredi Lefebvre, Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group, which is Crystal's parent company. 

“There was no better choice for a gaming partner than Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, founded more than 160 years ago and remains a global leader in the casino industry. I’ve known the team for many years and, like Crystal, they are fully committed to delivering upscale experiences that cater to the discerning tastes of travelers from around the world. The future is bright for both of our brands.”

The new casino is positioned where the Bridge Lounges were once located on each ship. Casino de Monte-Carlo offers guests a variety of gaming options at sea, including slot machines, Blackjack, American Roulette and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. 

Measuring more than 1,000 square feet, the casino features 29 slot machines and 3 live tables on Crystal Symphony; while Crystal Serenity will have 32 slot machines and 3 live tables. SBM led the design of the new casinos to mimic the look of the original Le Casino de Monte Carlo. Additionally, guests will have access to Crystal’s premium beverage offerings, including specialty cocktails and a collection of global wines serviced by Avenue Saloon.

“It is a huge pleasure to inaugurate the first Casino de Monte-Carlo ever outside the Principality of Monaco, on Crystal Symphony, and I am very grateful to Crystal for making this dream come true,” said Stéphane Valeri, Chairman and CEO of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. 

“I am truly convinced that the ultimate cruise experience designed by Crystal combined with the Monte-Carlo expertise in gaming will strengthen our brands while creating unique moments. A big thank you to our mutual teams for this exceptional and successful collaboration to be continued, on Crystal Serenity and on new Crystal ships to come.”

Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, added: “After learning how much our guests missed having gaming options onboard, we knew we could maintain the essence of the previous Crystal casino experience while infusing fresh elements into our brand and finding a partner that would ultimately exceed expectations."

"We are so proud of what we have accomplished in collaboration with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. Like Crystal, the Casino de Monte-Carlo embodies sophistication and attention to detail, and we can’t wait to hear feedback from our guests who have been awaiting this next phase of our journey.”