When it comes to luxury at sea, Crystal doesn’t just deliver an extraordinary voyage — it curates a design experience that’s as captivating as the destinations. At the heart of this aesthetic vision is Alexandra Don, Vice President of Hotel Services & Design at Crystal Cruises. From onboard spas and boutiques to dining spaces and suites, Alexandra shapes every design element to reflect Crystal’s signature style: timeless elegance, modern sensibility, and comfort at its core.
How would you describe the look and feel of Crystal’s ships?
Crystal’s aesthetic is best described as contemporary with a timeless soul. The design embraces soft, sun-kissed neutrals—think pale greys, warm beiges, and tones drawn directly from the sea—offering a serene, effortless sophistication that mirrors the relaxed rhythm of global cruising. On river ships, which journey through all four seasons, palettes shift to richer hues: forest greens, deep blues, and delicate floral tones inspired by ever-changing landscapes. Every space is curated not just for visual appeal but to evoke calm, warmth, and the essence of travel itself.
What are you working on at the moment?
As part of the recent reimagining of Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, we’ve been collaborating with interior designers to rethink the guest experience—from enhanced suites and open-seating dining to smartly reshaped public areas. Hosting 500 guests on board means creating intimacy at scale, and we’ve done so with intentional layouts, sightlines, and acoustic elements. Thoughtful touches—like screens and subtle dividers—transform large dining spaces into refined restaurants. It’s about making every moment feel personal, elevated, and unmistakably Crystal.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Not from the industry — but from the world. I look to iconic hotels, restaurants, and global destinations that embody understated elegance. It might be the inviting lounge of a Barcelona hotel or the quiet luxury of a New York suite. What matters most is how a space makes someone feel. My guiding question is always: how do we design a space that feels sophisticated and effortless, while remaining true to Crystal’s DNA? We want our guests to feel relaxed, welcomed, and subtly wowed — not like they’re stepping into a showroom.
What are your favorite spaces on Crystal ships?
Palm Court on Crystal Symphony remains a personal favorite—it strikes that perfect balance between airy glamour and inviting comfort. But each ship has its own standout. On Crystal Mozart, the Bistro and dining venues radiate approachable elegance. The transformation of Crystal Esprit also stands out; we completely reimagined the layout to create a seamless inside-outside flow that now feels intuitive and relaxed. Whether it’s casual dining or a quiet corner to unwind, every detail is meant to delight without overwhelming.
What are luxury cruise travelers looking for in terms of design?
Today’s guests crave spaces that are refined yet livable—elegance without excess. Interiors should be calming, beautifully appointed, and instinctively functional. Heavy drapery and flashy finishes aren’t part of the Crystal vocabulary. Instead, we focus on open layouts, soft textures, and panoramic views that connect you to the escape. Even our most iconic spaces, like the Avenue Saloon and Connoisseur Club, maintain their timeless charm. It’s about creating environments where guests feel at home—surrounded by beauty, but never distanced by it.
– Alexandra Don, Crystal Cruises
