Article Published on: November 15, 2024, 12:14h.
Last updated on: November 15, 2024, 12:24h.
The inaugural Monte-Carlo Casino at sea has set sail for its first journey.
Earlier this year, Casino.org announced the partnership between Crystal Cruises and Société des Bains de Mer, a Monaco-based gaming company operating the iconic Monte-Carlo casino on the French Riviera. This collaboration allows Crystal Cruises to feature the Monte-Carlo Casino brand on its two ships – Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.
Crystal Symphony departed on its maiden voyage with the Monte-Carlo Casino. The gaming area spans over 1,000 square feet and offers players 29 slot machines and three live dealer table games, including blackjack, American roulette, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.
Crystal Symphony and the Casino de Monte-Carlo departed from Venice, Italy. The journey, lasting four days, concludes in Croatia.
Previously owned by Genting Hong Kong, Crystal Cruises faced financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Italian billionaire Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio and his firm, Heritage Group, acquired Crystal’s two ships for $128 million, including Geoffrey Kent, founder of Abercrombie & Kent.
Revamped Ships
Lefebvre and Kent’s newly-formed entity, A&K Travel Group, purchased Symphony for $25 million and Serenity for $103 million. Following the acquisition, both ships underwent extensive renovations, including upgrades to all suites and staterooms, as well as the addition of new wellness amenities.
The casino areas were also modernized to align with the luxurious Monte-Carlo brand.
We are thrilled to introduce the first-ever Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea aboard Crystal Symphony. Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, with over 160 years of experience in the industry, was the perfect gaming partner,” stated Lefebvre, executive chairman of A&K Travel Group.
“I have a longstanding relationship with their team, dedicated to providing upscale experiences for global travelers. The collaboration between our brands signals a promising future,” Lefebvre added.
Crystal Serenity will debut its Casino de Monte-Carlo on December 18, featuring 32 slot machines and three table games, slightly larger than Symphony’s casino.
Monaco Connection
Born in Rome in 1953, Lefebvre has made Monaco his home. The billionaire inherited Silversea Cruises, Monaco-based, from his father in 2011, selling it to Royal Caribbean Group in 2018 for $1 billion and a 2.5% stake.
Lefebvre, worth over $1.6 billion, resides in Monte Carlo and frequents the historic Casino de Monte-Carlo. The Government of Monaco retains a nearly 60% interest in the casino, opened in 1865.