For the first time in history, Monaco’s Société des Bains de Mer has opened a Casino outside of the Principality. A floating Monte-Carlo casino, aboard the luxurious Crystal Symphony cruise ship, was officially inaugurated on 14 November in Venice, Italy.
“The Grand Art du Jeu experience, a signature of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer since 1863, will be deployed on all future ships of the Crystal company,” says a recent press release by the SBM.
Spread over 110 square metres, the casino was designed and conceived by the SBM Design Office under the direction of Olivier Bernard, Director of Real Estate Development, who was present at the inauguration. The space uses decorative elements from the Salon 1889, a private lounge with a belle époque spirit located in the heart of Monaco Casino. It also has a central crystal chandelier and the same patterns on the moldings, carpets and woodwork.
Executive Chairman of the A&K Travel Group, Stéphane Valeri – Chairman & CEO of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, Pascal Camia – Director of International Development MCSBM @ Crystal Casino Monte Carlo in Venice
Croupiers proudly wear the same uniforms
The SBM led the design for these new casinos in order to extend “Grand Art du Jeu” experience in international waters. The Crystal croupiers, trained in methods from the SBM Gaming School, will extend Monegasque codes and gestures.
The inauguration represents the first act of a partnership between Stéphane Valeri, Deputy Chairman of the SBM and Manfredi Lefebvre, Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group, both of whom were present at the inauguration in Italy.
A brand franchise agreement was first signed on 20 June 2024 by Pascal Camia, Director of International Development of the SBM and Cristina Levis, Chairman and CEO of A&K Travel Group, to increase the entertainment on board Crystal luxury cruises and bring the thrill of Monte-Carlo-style Games to new customers.
“The deployment of the Monte-Carlo Casino beyond our borders is, for us, a symbolically strong act. It attests to our desire to open up to new markets,” says Stéphane Valeri.
Next stop: Florida!
Another Monte-Carlo Casino will open on 18 December aboard the Crystal Serenity, departing from Fort Lauderdale (Florida, United States) with three gaming tables and thirty-two slot machines. In the future, all future Crystal cruise ships (excluding expedition ships) will have a Monte-Carlo Casino on board.
