Our Independent Opinion
Crystal Cruises
Crystal Serenity
The basics
Crystal Serenity entered service in 2003, and can carry 1080 guests and is slightly larger than her fleet sister, Crystal Symphony. Crystal Serenity has a per guest space ratio of 63, so you will never feel crowded, and has a crew of 650. Palm Court and the Sunset bar are a great place to watch the world go by, read a book or just enjoy some quiet time up on the Lido Deck. We also like the two pools, one has a sliding glass roof over it, and so you can use the pool during inclement weather. Book for a gastronomic experience at The Vintage Room – excellent food with perfectly matched wine and of course Crystal’s excellent service.
We like
Unusual for a modern ship, the Crystal Serenity has a cinema, to watch a movie on the big screen whilst onboard. We like The Bistro on Tiffany Deck, a great place to grab a snack, coffee and for a chat – handy for the shops too. You will also enjoy the alternative dining, such as Silk Road and the Sushi Bar, where you watch the chefs preparing your meal.
What you should know
Crystal Cruises has only recently been marketed in the UK and Europe. You will therefore find a cosmopolitan crowd including many guests from America.
May we suggest
We do recommend you look at the very comprehensive enrichment programmes that Crystal Cruises can offer, from their Computer University @ Sea, to arts and crafts in The Studio – you really feel like you have learned something whilst on your cruise.
Recommended for
We would recommend Crystal Symphony for couples and families alike (they have 2 children’s rooms) who enjoy large ship amenities, fine dining, enrichment programmes and excellent food with service to match.
Crystal Symphony
The basics
Crystal Symphony entered service in 1995, carries 940 guests and is slightly smaller than her fleet sister, Crystal Serenity. Symphony has recently (2006) undergone a $23 million refurbishment, which has given her a new nightclub and lecture lounge, casino, shops, Bistro Café and upgraded Computer University @ Sea facilities. The staterooms have been redesigned with the look of a chic boutique hotel, flat-screen LCD TV’s, Murano glass table lamps and newly constructed bathrooms. The refurbishment has greatly enhanced this very popular ship, and now she looks as good as her younger sister. Palm Court is a great place to watch the world go by, read a book or just enjoy some quiet time up on the Lido Deck. We also like the two pools and Jacuzzi on the spacious pool deck areas. Lunch at the Trident Bar and Grill in the sunshine is the ideal way to spend a lazy afternoon. Book in for a gastronomic experience at The Vintage Room – excellent food with perfectly matched wine and of course Crystal’s excellent service.
We like
We like The Bistro on Tiffany Deck, a great place to grab a snack, coffee and for a chat – handy for the shops too. Unusual for a modern ship, the Crystal Symphony has a cinema to watch a movie on the big screen whilst onboard. You will also enjoy the alternative dining, such as Jade Garden and Prego.
What you should know
Crystal Cruises has only recently been marketed in the UK and Europe. You will therefore find a cosmopolitan crowd including many guests from America.
May we suggest
We do recommend you look at the very comprehensive enrichment programmes that Crystal Cruises can offer, from their Computer University @ Sea, to arts and crafts in The Studio – you really feel like you have learned something whilst on your cruise.
Recommended for
We would recommend Crystal Symphony for couples and families alike (they have 2 children’s rooms) who enjoy large ship amenities, fine dining, enrichment programmes and excellent food with service to match.
