The first-ever Monte-Carlo Casino at sea has embarked on its maiden voyage aboard Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity vessels. This groundbreaking event marks the debut of the Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea, a branding partnership between Crystal Cruises and Société des Bains de Mer, a Monaco-based, publicly traded gaming company renowned for operating the historic Monte-Carlo casino on the French Riviera.
The Crystal Symphony set sail on Thursday with the first Monte-Carlo Casino, a luxurious gaming area spanning over 1,000 square feet. Passengers can indulge in 29 slot machines and three live dealer table games, including blackjack, American roulette, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. The ship’s one-way, four-day voyage commenced from Venice, Italy, and is set to conclude in Croatia.
Previously owned by a Genting Hong Kong subsidiary, Crystal Cruises faced financial turmoil during the COVID-19 pandemic. The cruise line was subsequently acquired by Italian billionaire Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio and his private equity firm, Heritage Group, who purchased the two vessels for a total of $128 million. This acquisition also included Geoffrey Kent, the founder of the international luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent. Under a newly formed entity, A&K Travel Group, Symphony and Serenity underwent extensive renovations. The Symphony, which set sail on this pioneering voyage, cost $25 million and has been in service since 1995. The newer Serenity, entering service in 2003, required an investment of $103 million.
Post-purchase, A&K Travel Group invested significantly in upgrading all suites and staterooms while introducing new wellness offerings. The casinos were not overlooked; they were fully modernized to feature luxury interiors in line with the prestigious Monte-Carlo brand.
“We could not be prouder to unveil the first-ever Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea aboard Crystal Symphony. 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,” said Lefebvre, executive chairman of A&K Travel Group. “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,” Lefebvre continued.
Anticipation builds as the Casino de Monte-Carlo aboard Crystal Serenity is scheduled to make its maiden voyage on December 18. This slightly larger casino will feature 32 slot machines and three table games.
Lefebvre, born in Rome in April 1953, has long been associated with Monaco, a place he now calls home. With a net worth exceeding $1.6 billion, Lefebvre inherited Monaco-based Silversea Cruises after his father’s death in 2011. He sold Silversea to Royal Caribbean Group in June 2018 for $1 billion and a 2.5% stake in the world’s second-largest cruise line, surpassed only by Carnival. Continuing his ties to Monaco, the cruise ship magnate resides in Monte Carlo and is a frequent visitor to the Casino de Monte-Carlo, which has been a landmark since its opening in July 1865. The Government of Monaco retains a nearly 60% stake in this historic casino.
