For the first time in its over 160-year glorious history, the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo crosses the borders of the Principality to embark on an unprecedented adventure: setting sail. In an evening marking a historic chapter in maritime luxury, the first Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea was inaugurated in November 2024 aboard the Crystal Symphony during the exclusive Chairmen’s Cruise in Venice. This moment represents the fusion of two excellences that have redefined their respective industries: on one side, the Casino de Monte-Carlo, an enduring symbol of the art of gambling and European elegance; on the other, Crystal, a leader in luxury cruises for over thirty years.
Spanning over 1,000 square feet, the onboard casino masterfully recreates the refined atmosphere and unparalleled elegance of its original Monegasque location, offering guests an extraordinary gaming experience. With 29 state-of-the-art slot machines and three live tables featuring Blackjack, American Roulette, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em, this floating sanctuary of high-end gambling promises to transport guests into a journey where Crystal’s exceptional service blends with the playful yet luxurious vibe of the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Every detail has been meticulously curated by the team at Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, ensuring that the experience lives up to the prestigious Monegasque brand.
From the interior design echoing the sumptuous halls of the original casino to staff training, everything has been orchestrated to recreate the magic that has defined the Casino de Monte-Carlo for over a century and a half. The experience is enriched by a selection of premium cocktails and fine wines served at the adjacent Avenue Saloon, providing a holistic luxury entertainment offering. This innovative collaboration, which marks both a major milestone in the maritime luxury industry and a groundbreaking development in gambling at sea, will extend to the Crystal Serenity and future oceanic vessels of the group, promising to set new standards for elite entertainment on open waters. We had the honor of working and participating in this extraordinary event as videographers, and in this article, we will share our experience with you. Enjoy the read!
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The Legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo: Always a Synonym for Excellence
Stepping through the doors of the Casino de Monte-Carlo means entering a place where the very history of luxury and elite entertainment was shaped. Born in 1863 from the bold vision of Prince Charles III of Monaco and entrepreneur François Blanc, this architectural complex was not just a casino but the savior of an entire principality. At a time when Monaco was undergoing a severe economic crisis, the Casino became the catalyst for an extraordinary revival, so much so that the neighborhood itself was renamed “Monte Carlo” in honor of its visionary sovereign.
Designed and constructed by legendary architect Charles Garnier, the same genius behind the Paris Opera House, the Casino boasts frescoed ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and inlaid wood that create an atmosphere where French classicism merges with baroque grandeur. It is no wonder that these halls have attracted the global elite for generations: European and international aristocrats, film stars, crowned heads, and renowned artists have all contributed to the legend of this extraordinary place. Did you know that all Monegasque citizens, including the princely family, are prohibited from gambling at the casino? This rule, introduced by Charles III, was meant to protect his people, showcasing how social responsibility was as important to him as commercial success.
Today, this heritage of excellence sails towards new horizons aboard Crystal ships, carrying not only the prestige of the name but also the unparalleled savoir-faire that has made it famous worldwide. From James Bond scenes in GoldenEye and Casino Royale to international social chronicles, the Casino de Monte-Carlo has always represented the pinnacle of glamour and elite entertainment. Now, as you sit at the gaming tables aboard the Crystal Symphony or the Crystal Serenity, you are not simply participating in a game, you are becoming part of a legend that continues to write its story, this time on the waves of the oceans.
An Elite Partnership: Crystal Cruises and Monte-Carlo SBM
When two luxury giants join forces, the result can only be extraordinary. On one side, Crystal Cruises, which has been a reference point in the luxury cruise industry for over thirty years; on the other, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), an institution that has defined elite entertainment and high-end lifestyle since 1863. This partnership symbolizes the marriage of two visions united by the same obsession with excellence. Crystal Cruises, with its ships completely refurbished in 2018 – Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony – has always represented the pinnacle of luxury cruising. Every onboard detail, from the opulent suites to the impeccable service, has been conceived to satisfy the most demanding travelers.
As Manfredi Lefebvre, Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group, highlights: “This affiliation symbolizes our commitment to providing our passengers with the finest entertainment and gambling experiences available at sea. Together, we aim to create unforgettable moments and continue defining new standards of excellence in the cruise industry.” On the other hand, Monte-Carlo SBM brings with it an unparalleled heritage of know-how in the luxury and entertainment sector. As Pascal Camia, Director of International Development at Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, observes, “It is symbolic that gaming, the historical activity of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, is the main growth driver for its international development.”
This vision extends far beyond the Principality’s borders, with ambitious projects ranging from the Monte-Carlo Club 1863 restaurant in Dubai to the luxurious Monte-Carlo One Courchevel in the French Alps. This strategic alliance goes beyond commercial expansion; it is the fusion of two legacies of excellence promising to create a new frontier in elite entertainment. The croupiers, trained by Monte-Carlo SBM’s team, bring onboard not only their technical expertise but also the unmistakable touch of class that has made the Casino de Monte-Carlo a global legend. Every gesture, every detail, every moment is made to ensure that the onboard experience meets the highest expectations, creating an environment where luxury meets authenticity, and tradition blends seamlessly with innovation.
The Onboard Casino: A Unique Experience at Sea
Stepping into the Casino de Monte-Carlo aboard the Crystal Symphony or Crystal Serenity, guests are immediately enveloped in an aura of exclusivity that only this renowned Monegasque brand can create. Over 1,000 square feet of pure luxury, meticulously designed to recreate the magical atmosphere of the legendary Principality casino, this ship is practically a floating shrine to elite gambling. On Crystal Symphony, 29 state-of-the-art slot machines accompany three live tables, while Crystal Serenity hosts 32 slot machines and the same number of tables.
Here, guests can test their luck at Blackjack, challenge fate at American Roulette, or hone their strategic skills at Ultimate Texas Hold’em. The interior design pays respectful homage to the aesthetics of the original Casino de Monte-Carlo, with contemporary touches. Premium materials, handcrafted finishes, and expertly planned lighting create an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere. Decorative details, such as chandeliers and furnishings, were personally selected by the teams at Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer to ensure stylistic continuity with the mother house.
The crowning jewel of this experience is the staff. Trained directly by the masters of Monte-Carlo SBM, the croupiers are far more than mere gaming attendants: they are ambassadors of the “Grande Art of Gaming” that has characterized the Monegasque casino since 1863. Every move, every interaction with guests reflects decades of tradition and expertise in high-level gambling. The experience is complemented by premium beverage service at the adjacent Avenue Saloon, where signature cocktails and a curated selection of international wines accompany the gaming sessions. Whether you’re spinning the roulette wheel or observing a poker match, you are part of an experience that blends the timeless charm and glamour of Monte Carlo with the adventure of a maritime journey.
Crystal Cruises: Floating Palaces
For over three decades, the name Crystal has been synonymous with excellence in luxury navigation. This legacy reached even greater heights in 2022 when A&K Travel Group acquired the Crystal brand and its two gems: Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Completely renewed and reimagined, these two enormous and luxurious ships now stand as authentic palaces between sky and sea, meticulously designed to not just satisfy but also astonish even the most sophisticated traveler. The suites, recently updated with artisanal finishes and premium materials, offer unparalleled comfort. They resemble private residences with ocean views, providing such a high level of refinement that guests often forget they are aboard a ship.
Crystal achieves culinary excellence through its onboard gastronomy. The highlight of this offering is UMI UMA, the only dining experience at sea curated by Michelin-starred chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa. Here, Nobu’s Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine reaches its peak, delivering a dining experience worth the trip alone. This is just one of the many restaurants onboard, where talented chefs create daily masterpieces using the finest ingredients sourced worldwide. The Crystal experience is enriched by exclusive services that transform every cruise into an unforgettable journey. Thanks to a pioneering partnership with Abercrombie & Kent, guests gain privileged access to sought-after experiences and destinations worldwide.
Cutting-edge wellness offerings, spectacular entertainment, and an unparalleled guest-to-staff ratio ensure that every moment onboard radiates the refinement that only Crystal can create. With the addition of the Casino de Monte-Carlo, these ships have achieved something extraordinary. As Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, explains: “The essence of the previous Crystal experience has been preserved but enhanced with fresh elements that exceed every expectation.” This philosophy is evident in every aspect of life aboard, where elegance merges with contemporary comfort to create a truly wonderful travel experience.
The Global Expansion of Monegasque Luxury
The arrival of the Casino de Monte-Carlo aboard Crystal ships marks the first step in an ambitious strategy by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer to assert itself decisively on the international stage. After more than 160 years of undisputed supremacy in the Principality of Monaco, the group is now exporting its legendary “Art de Vivre” to the most exclusive locations on the planet, bringing along the elegance and luxury that define it.
This global expansion takes shape through carefully selected projects, each designed to represent a different facet of Monegasque excellence. While the casino aboard Crystal ships embodies the art of gaming and elite entertainment, the opening of the Monte-Carlo Club 1863 restaurant in Dubai in fall 2025 promises to bring the Principality’s finest culinary specialties to the heart of the UAE. A year later, the Monte-Carlo One Courchevel will bring Monegasque luxury to the snowy peaks of Courchevel 1850, one of the world’s most exclusive ski resorts, creating an ideal bridge between the Mediterranean and Alpine heights.
This strategy is more than a commercial expansion; it is a cultural mission. Each new venture acts as an embassy of Monaco’s lifestyle, where high standards, attention to detail, and impeccable service – hallmarks of Monte-Carlo SBM – are reinterpreted in contemporary ways to fit diverse contexts. Whether a floating casino, a desert restaurant, or an Alpine hotel, the goal remains the same: to create unique experiences imbued with the unmistakable touch of Monte Carlo in extraordinary locations. In many ways, this expansion is not merely about growth but about spreading Monaco’s refined art of living worldwide, establishing itself as a universal symbol of luxury and elegance.
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Telling Excellence: Videography as the Art of Memory
Our career in wedding videography has taught us that every event is a unique narrative universe, a story to interpret and convey through moving images. The inauguration of the Casino de Monte-Carlo aboard Crystal ships was much more than a professional assignment for us; it was an opportunity to push the boundaries of our craft, demonstrating how the skills honed in the world of weddings translate seamlessly into the universal language of audiovisual storytelling. When tasked with documenting this exclusive event, we immediately recognized that the approach would remain fundamentally the same as for a wedding: capturing the essence of an unrepeatable moment, conveying the atmosphere, emotions, and details that elevate a simple recording into an emotional narrative.
Our expertise proved to be a valuable asset, encompassing the ability to work discreetly, anticipating other people’s movements, and capturing moments of spontaneity interwoven with formal rigor. The filming required particular sensitivity, as we needed to encapsulate the essence of a legendary place – the Casino de Monte-Carlo – reimagined in a floating space. Every frame had to convey the elegance of the furnishings, the rarefied atmosphere, and the details reminiscent of the historic Monegasque venue. Our lenses lingered on chandeliers reflected on gaming tables, the movements of croupiers, and the expressions of guests.
Luxury videography – be it for a wedding or the inauguration of a casino on a cruise ship – is always an art of subtraction and synthesis. It is about capturing the moment, transforming an ephemeral experience into a shareable memory, and conveying the emotion of an instant that would otherwise be lost. This experience confirmed that our work transcends the rigid categorization of “wedding videography.” We are storytellers of luxury, capable of navigating different contexts with equal sensitivity: from the intimacy of a wedding to the exclusivity of an international event. Every shoot is a journey, and every video is a narrative that surpasses the boundaries of time and space, capturing the essence of a special moment.
The media coverage of the inauguration of the Monte-Carlo Casino aboard the Crystal ships exceeded all expectations, drawing international attention. The broadcast on the State Television of Montecarlo marked a pivotal moment, while numerous media outlets worldwide reported the event, highlighting the significance of this innovative partnership. For us videographers, being among the official suppliers of this historic moment is a great professional pride. Our work captured not only the images but the very essence of an event that marks a turning point in the world of luxury and entertainment. This opportunity not only demonstrates our ability to tell complex stories but also opens new perspectives for future high-profile assignments, allowing us to continue to narrate through images the most exciting moments of contemporary life.
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The Future of Itinerant Luxury
The future of itinerant luxury is emerging as a horizon of revolutionary possibilities where the boundaries between experience, travel, and storytelling dissolve into an increasingly fluid and personalized narrative. The partnership between Crystal and Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer represents a manifesto of this new philosophy: luxury is no longer a static status symbol but a dynamic, connective experience that transforms every moment into a memory to cherish. This collaboration aligns with the shifting expectations of contemporary travelers, who increasingly seek authentic, immersive experiences that resonate with their desire for meaning alongside exclusivity.
The floating casino becomes a symbolic microcosm where the heritage of a legendary location like Monaco merges with the nomadic dimension of modern travel. This is not merely a service but a complex ecosystem of emotions narrating a new geography of luxury. The innovation lies in the ability to export a cultural identity, Monaco’s, beyond its geographical borders, translating it into a universal language characterized by attention to detail, artisanal mastery, and the ability to surprise and engage.
This perspective opens fascinating scenarios for the future of luxury travel: imagining increasingly creative partnerships between premium brands where the goal is no longer simply to provide a service but to co-create unique experiential universes capable of evoking deep emotions and lasting memories. A journey thus becomes a metaphor for a new way of understanding luxury: no longer about possession but participation; no longer about distance but connection.
