Are you thinking about taking a cruise with Crystal Cruises? This article will give you the lowdown on what makes this cruise line stand out, why you might want to book a trip, and what to expect on board. We’ll cover everything from the ships in their fleet to the types of travellers they cater to.
🛳️ Review:
Janet & hubby, London: Our Crystal Cruises trip was awesome! The Penthouse Suite and butler service were top-notch. The food, especially in the specialty restaurants, was out of this world. Only downside? Some activities filled up fast, but can’t wait to book again.
Let us wade through the 1000’s of cruises for you!
Jo, our cruise travel agent will personally search for the right cruise for you.
What Makes Crystal Cruises Different?
When you sail with Crystal Cruises, you’ll experience luxury like never before, with every detail tailored to perfection. Here’s what makes them unique:
- Bespoke Butler Service: Every suite comes with a personal butler. Whether it’s unpacking your luggage or arranging a private party, your butler ensures everything is seamless.
- Curated Shore Excursions: You’ll enjoy exclusive shore excursions that aren’t available elsewhere. From private tours to cultural performances, you get a richer, more immersive travel experience.
- Enrichment Programs: Participate in a variety of enrichment programs like language classes, wine tastings, and expert-led lectures to enhance your journey.
- Wellness Focus: With dedicated spaces for yoga, Pilates, and other wellness activities, you can focus on your health and well-being. Enjoy comprehensive wellness programs, fitness classes, spa treatments, and healthy dining options.
- Gourmet Dining: Savor world-class culinary offerings with menus crafted by renowned chefs. From sushi to Italian cuisine, all specialty restaurants are included in your fare.
- Intimate Atmosphere: The smaller ship size means a more intimate and personalised experience. You won’t feel lost in the crowd, and the high staff-to-guest ratio ensures attentive service.
- Sustainability Efforts: Crystal Cruises is committed to environmental sustainability, implementing green practices across their fleet. You’ll be part of their efforts to conserve marine life and reduce waste.
🛳️ Pro Tip: Secret Chef’s Table
I asked my butler about the off-menu Chef’s Table experience, and it was incredible. The head chef prepared a multi-course meal just for a few of us. It’s not widely advertised, so it felt like a unique, bespoke culinary journey.
Why Would You Choose Crystal Cruises?
Here’s why you might want to book your next cruise with Crystal:
- All-Inclusive Luxury: When you travel with Crystal, everything is included—from gourmet dining and premium beverages to gratuities. You can relax and enjoy your trip without worrying about extra costs.
- Spacious Suites: You’ll stay in large, well-appointed suites with luxurious amenities. Many of the suites feature private verandahs, offering stunning ocean views.
- Exceptional Service: With a high crew-to-passenger ratio, you’ll receive impeccable service throughout your journey. The staff is attentive and ready to meet your needs promptly.
Let us wade through the 1000’s of cruises for you!
Jo, our cruise travel agent will personally search for the right cruise for you.
Pros and Cons
Â
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional personalised service | Higher price point |
| All-inclusive luxury amenities | Fewer itineraries compared to larger lines |
| Exclusive, curated shore excursions | Smaller ships may not suit everyone |
| Focus on wellness and enrichment programs | Limited family-friendly activities |
| Commitment to sustainability | Less variety in entertainment options |
All Ships in their Fleet
| Ship Name | Passenger Capacity | Length (ft) | Year Built | Highlights | Internet Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal Serenity | 740 – nearly one staff member per guest | 820 | 2003 (Refurbished) | Luxurious amenities, spacious cabins, diverse dining options, global itineraries. | Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship. |
| Crystal Symphony | 606 – nearly one staff member per guest | 781.5 | 1995 (Refurbished) | Elegant design, intimate ambiance, exceptional service, renowned dining venues. | Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship. |
New Ships Coming Soon
Crystal Cruises is always looking to up their game, and they’ve got some new ships on the way. These new additions promise even more luxury and cool features to make your trip even better.
Adults Only or Family-Friendly?
Crystal Cruises is mostly for adults, offering a calm and sophisticated vibe. There aren’t many activities for kids, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a more grown-up atmosphere.
Travelling Solo?
If you’re travelling alone, Crystal Cruises is a great choice. They’ve got single staterooms, so you don’t have to pay extra. The friendly environment makes it easy to meet new people and have a great time.
Onboard Medical Facilities
No worries if you need medical help while on board. Crystal Cruises has well-equipped medical facilities and a medical staff available around the clock.
Dress Code
During the day, you can keep it casual with resort wear. But in the evenings, you’ll need to dress up a bit. Some nights are “Black Tie Optional,” so you might want to bring something a bit fancier.
Gratuities and Tipping
No need to stress about tipping—gratuities are included in your fare. You can just relax and enjoy your trip without any hidden costs.
Facilities & Activities
- Creative Learning Institute: Engage in a variety of classes and workshops, from art and music to language and photography, all designed to enrich your experience.
- Computer University@Sea: Enhance your tech skills with computer classes, internet access, and expert instruction on various software and devices.
- Culinary Classes: Participate in cooking demonstrations and hands-on classes led by world-class chefs, where you can learn new recipes and culinary techniques.
- Crystal Visions Enrichment Program: Attend lectures and presentations by guest speakers, including authors, diplomats, and other notable figures, providing insights into various topics and destinations.
- Golf Instruction: Improve your golf game with professional instruction and state-of-the-art golf simulators, perfect for both beginners and seasoned players.
- Paddle Tennis: Enjoy a game of paddle tennis on the ship’s dedicated courts, a fun and engaging way to stay active.
- Creative Workshops: Get creative with workshops in arts and crafts, perfect for expressing your artistic side while at sea.
- Bridge Lounge: Join fellow passengers for a game of bridge in a dedicated lounge, offering a great way to socialize and enjoy this classic card game.
- Spa: Pamper yourself with a visit to the luxurious onboard spa. Enjoy a variety of treatments, from massages to facials.
- Gym: Stay fit with the fully-equipped gym. You’ll find modern equipment, personal trainers, and a range of fitness classes to keep you active.
- Library: For a quieter moment, head to the library. It’s stocked with a wide selection of books and magazines, perfect for a relaxing read.
🛳️ Pro Tip: Private Library
I discovered that I could reserve the ship’s library for a private reading session. As a book lover, this was perfect for some quiet time away from the crowds. The concierge arranged it for me, and it was a peaceful, exclusive experience.
Entertainment
When you’re on a Crystal Cruises ship, the entertainment options are top-notch. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Theatres: You’ll love the Broadway-style productions in the ship’s theatres. The shows are professionally produced with talented performers, offering everything from musicals and plays to live music concerts.
- Casinos: If you’re feeling lucky, head to the onboard casino. You can play a variety of games like blackjack, poker, and slot machines. It’s a great place to enjoy some excitement and maybe win big.
- Bars and Lounges: There are plenty of bars and lounges where you can unwind with a drink. The Avenue Saloon is a favourite, known for its classic cocktails and live piano music. For something more refined, visit the Connoisseur Club, perfect for enjoying a fine cigar and whisky.
- Dancing: Love to dance? You’ll have plenty of opportunities on a Crystal cruise. There are themed parties and a disco where you can dance the night away. It’s always a lively atmosphere, perfect for letting loose and having fun.
- Movies Under the Stars: For a more relaxed evening, you can watch a movie on the open deck. It’s a cosy setup with popcorn and blankets, making it a perfect way to end your day under the night sky.
🛳️ Pro Tip: Bridge Tours
I wanted to see how the ship was run, so I asked about a behind-the-scenes bridge tour. It wasn’t listed in the daily schedule, but showing interest early got me a spot. Seeing the ship’s operations up close was fascinating.
Restaurants and Drinks Packages
When it comes to dining, Crystal Cruises offers a fantastic array of options:
- Main Dining Room: Enjoy elegant meals in the main dining room, where you can savour gourmet dishes crafted by world-class chefs.
- Specialty Restaurants: Treat yourself to a variety of specialty restaurants. From sushi at Umi Uma to Italian cuisine at Prego, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
- Casual Dining: For a more relaxed meal, head to the buffet or grab a snack at one of the casual eateries on board. Options include fresh salads, sandwiches, and light bites.
- Room Service: Prefer to dine in your room? Crystal Cruises offers 24-hour room service with an extensive menu, allowing you to enjoy a meal in the comfort of your suite.
- Wine Cellar: For wine enthusiasts, the ship’s wine cellar is a must-visit. It boasts an impressive collection of fine wines from around the world. You can enjoy wine tastings and special wine-pairing dinners led by knowledgeable sommeliers.
Drinks Packages and Costs:
- All-Inclusive: Your fare includes a selection of fine wines, premium spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages. You won’t have to worry about extra costs for drinks.
- Premium Packages: If you prefer top-shelf options, Crystal offers premium drinks packages at an additional cost. These packages give you access to an even wider range of exclusive wines and spirits.
Let us wade through the 1000’s of cruises for you!
Jo, our cruise travel agent will personally search for the right cruise for you.
Accommodation Choices
When you go with Crystal Cruises, you’re choosing some of the most unique and luxurious rooms out there:
- Crystal Penthouse Suites: Treat yourself to the ultimate luxury with the Crystal Penthouse Suites. You’ll get a huge space with separate living and dining areas, a private verandah, a personal butler, and a marble bathroom with a jacuzzi tub. Plus, enjoy priority boarding, exclusive dining options, and access to a private lounge.
- Penthouse Suites: These suites are a bit smaller but still super luxurious. You’ll have extra space, a private verandah, and upgraded amenities. A personal butler will take care of your needs, and you get priority reservations.
- Seabreeze Penthouse with Verandah: Check out these cool, open-concept suites. They feel super spacious and airy, with amazing ocean views from your private verandah. Enjoy a walk-in closet and a spa-like bathroom.
- Deluxe Staterooms with Verandah: These staterooms mix comfort and style. You’ll have a private verandah, luxurious bedding, and elegant decor. The high-end finishes and attention to detail make your stay extra special.
- Single Staterooms: Travelling alone? No problem. The single staterooms offer all the luxury and comfort without the extra cost of a single supplement. They’re designed to make solo travellers feel right at home.
- Accessible Staterooms: If you need a bit more accessibility, these staterooms have wider doorways, roll-in showers, and other features to make your stay comfortable and easy.
🛳️ Pro Tip: Custom Pillow
I found out that Crystal Cruises has a custom pillow menu beyond the usual choices. From water pillows to lavender-infused memory foam, I requested the water pillow and it was truly amazing. Just ask your stateroom attendant for the menu.
Swimming Pools
Main Pool: The main pool area is where the action is. It’s a big, inviting pool where you can take a refreshing swim or just cool off. You’ll find lots of comfy lounge chairs around the pool, plus shaded spots where you can relax with a book or enjoy the sea breeze.Â
Whirlpools: If you’re looking for something more relaxing, hop into one of the whirlpools around the pool deck. These hot tubs are perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring or just taking in the ocean views. The whirlpools are spacious and offer a bit of privacy while still being part of the lively poolside vibe.
Adult-Only Pool Area: Want a quieter spot? Check out the adult-only pool area. It’s designed for relaxation, with a calm atmosphere away from the main pool’s hustle and bustle. You can enjoy the peaceful water, soak up the sun, or read a book in a serene setting.
Glass-Encased Solarium: Some ships have a glass-encased solarium pool area, which is great no matter the weather. You can swim or lounge by the pool while enjoying amazing sea views through the glass walls. It’s perfect if you want some shelter from the elements while still having a poolside experience.
Poolside Service: One of the coolest things about the pool areas on Crystal Cruises is the poolside service. The staff are super attentive and will bring you drinks, snacks, and even meals right to your lounge chair. Whether you want a tropical cocktail, a light lunch, or just some ice-cold water, you’ll be well taken care of.
No-Fly UK Ports
Crystal Cruises makes it easy to start your holiday by offering departures from several no-fly UK ports. Skip the airport hassle and enjoy a relaxed start to your cruise from these convenient locations:
Southampton: Southampton is a popular departure spot that’s easy to get to from many parts of the UK. The port has great facilities and a smooth boarding process, so you can start your cruise stress-free.
Dover: Dover is another handy port to depart from. It’s perfect if you want to do some local sightseeing before you set sail.
Liverpool: Setting off from Liverpool gives you a unique experience, thanks to the city’s rich maritime history and lively cultural scene. The port is well-connected, making boarding a breeze.
Greenock (Glasgow): If you’re in Scotland or prefer a northern departure, Greenock is a great choice. It’s close to Glasgow, so you can explore the city’s attractions before your cruise starts.
Cruise Destinations
With Crystal Cruises, you can check out a bunch of amazing places. Here are some of the cool spots you can visit:
- Caribbean: You’ll love the sunny beaches, crystal-clear water, and lively local culture. It’s perfect for chilling out and catching some rays.
- Mediterranean: The history and stunning views of the Mediterranean are amazing. You can visit famous cities like Rome, Barcelona, and Athens, and enjoy beautiful coastlines.
- Northern Europe: Explore the stunning fjords of Norway, the historic cities around the Baltic Sea, and the charming villages of the British Isles.
- Alaska: Experience the wild beauty of Alaska. From huge glaciers to amazing wildlife, an Alaskan cruise is an adventure you won’t forget.
- Asia: Dive into the diverse cultures and stunning landscapes of Asia. You can visit bustling cities, peaceful temples, and exotic beaches.
- Australia and New Zealand: Walk in the bush with unique wildlife, see stunning beaches and vibrant cities.Â
- South America: Explore the varied landscapes and vibrant cultures of South America.Â
If Crystal Cruises is not quite the right cruise line you were looking for, there are plenty more luxury cruises to choose from or different cruise lines.
Let us wade through the 1000’s of cruises for you!
Jo, our cruise travel agent will personally search for the right cruise for you.