Sailing with Crystal Cruises isn’t just a vacation; it’s an immersive experience in luxury. But before you set sail, you might have some questions, and as expert travel advisors, we cannot wait to answer them on this Crystal Cruises review.
Our job is to recommend our customers the best of the best, so we are constantly sending our team members onboard top luxury cruise ships. By experiencing up close what it’s like to sail with these brands, we can offer a full service. Join us this time as we dive into the Crystal Cruises 2024 experience, reviewing the newly refurbished Crystal Symphony.
For a video version of this review, make sure to view the interview between Carlos Edery, Luxury Cruise Connections’ CEO, and our very own Jeremy Beracha, who recently had the chance to taste the Crystal Cruises experience firsthand. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and stay tuned for more content.
What can you expect onboard Crystal Symphony?
From the moment you step onboard, welcomed by its spectacular signature lobby waterfall, you can tell the Crystal Symphony is a true luxury experience. In Jeremy’s words, “It makes you feel like you really are sailing on another level”.
Having been out of operation for a while, and now being overtaken by the luxury brand Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal ships have undergone a tremendous transformation. Going from a passenger ratio of up to 900 guests to barely 600, means many places in the Crystal Symphony have been transformed, allowing the brand to offer a more personalized experience and a greater crew-to-guest ratio.
Launched in 1995 and refurbished in 2023, the Crystal Symphony is a masterpiece of modern comfort. Think spacious suites with private balconies, butler service for select accommodations, stunning public spaces adorned with Italian marble and Murano glass, and a pool deck that feels like a private sanctuary. Excited already? Let us get to the details.
Crystal Symphony’s Suites
With elegant lines and sweeping ocean views, the newly refurbished Crystal Symphony cruise ship suites are now even more expansive than they were before. Pairing comfort with an exceptionally elegant design, some of the suites have been fully refurbished to provide a more modern look and feel, while a few others have preserved the traditional Crystal feel past guests have come to love.
From the Crystal Penthouse Suite now offering an amazing up to 909 square feet of space, to the spacious Sapphire Veranda – all suites onboard feature lavish finishings, impressive views, and attentive butler service.
Onboard experience and amenities
Enjoy a selection of highly curated spa treatments in an intimate setting. From a sauna to massage rooms, The Aurōra spa offers a peaceful space where you can awaken your mind, body, and soul.
Take advantage of the fitness room to stay in shape during your vacation, enjoy specialized beauty treatments to look sharp all the way, or choose between an acupuncture, or light therapy session to improve your health and vitality.
Dining with Crystal is, on the other hand, a true luxury experience, with nine different options to choose from – from the only Nobu restaurant at sea to a relaxed poolside grill or 24-hour in-suite dining.
When asked about it, Jeremy described the dining experience as outstanding, having tasted the buffet’s menu, with nothing to envy a 5-star restaurant. And what about the over-the-top experience of specialty dining at the Osteria D’Ovidio? An Italian restaurant specializing in traditional meals, or the exotic Umi Uma, with its signature Japanese-Peruvian dishes.
After dinner, head to the Avenue Saloon, an old-school venue where you can request songs to the piano player and socialize with other guests, or head to deck 12 to look up at the stars from the spectacular glass roof.
Public spaces onboard feature the Connoisseur Club, an elegant area where to indulge in the finest cigars and cognac, a fully stocked library, children and teen spaces, and duty-free shops where you can browse through a selection of fine jewelry and cruise wear, alongside designer apparel.
Onboard entertainment abounds at the Crystal Symphony cruise ship, with plenty of entertainment spaces to choose from, giving you the option to share an intimate setting over cocktails with fellow guests or indulge in Broadway-style performances and entertainment.
During the day, challenge a friend to a game of ping-pong, and by late night head to the Jade Night Club, where you can let loose with karaoke, drinking, and dancing.
Exquisitely curated shore excursions
But Crystal Cruises isn’t just about pampering onboard. Their curated shore excursions, led by expert guides are designed to immerse you in the heart of every destination.
Covering destinations all over the seven continents, and with a chronogram specially curated by A&K, you can choose between a wide range of options designed to suit all tastes and activity preferences: From exploring ancient ruins in the Mediterranean to hiking volcanic landscapes in Iceland, or a relaxed walking tour to the main sightseeing spots on your next port of call.
What is the dress code onboard Crystal Cruises?
Crystal Cruises embraces a relaxed elegance. Think cocktail attire for evenings, with a touch of formality for gala nights. During the day, resort casual reigns supreme, with the option to dress up for special occasions like afternoon tea. It’s all about feeling comfortable while maintaining a certain sophistication – think less “beach bum” and more “yacht club chic.”
Are Crystal Cruises all-inclusive?
Indeed, Crystal Cruises offers an all-inclusive onboard experience where all details are taken care of for you. Booking your cruise fare means you will not have to worry about added amenities or tipping the staff.
Guests staying in whichever suite category will enjoy personal butler service, beverages (including select fine wines and Champagne), top-of-the-line Wi-Fi, room service, and complimentary gratuities.
All dining, except at the Vintage Room is included, while shore excursions, spa and salon treatments, and a few ultra-premium wines, Champagne, and spirits labels are also off the all-inclusive tab.
The Crystal Fleet
Currently, Crystal Cruises boasts two luxurious ships sailing across oceans and continents. From the majestic Crystal Serenity to Crystal Symphony, each vessel offers a unique experience while upholding the brand’s unwavering commitment to personalized service and unparalleled luxury.
In the coming years, the brand expects to release two more ocean ships, and two more expedition vessels, offering an even more magnificent experience for their guests.
How much does a Crystal Cruise cost?
Crystal Cruises is certainly not the most budget-friendly option, but the value they offer for the price is undeniable. The all-inclusive nature of the experience, the caliber of onboard amenities and shore excursions, and the unparalleled level of service justify the premium price tag.
Depending on the extent of your chosen itinerary and the destinations offered, prices can range from $3,900 for a 6-night cruise along Africa and The Indian Ocean, to the lavish 125-night World Cruise departing in February 2024, with a start price of $61,600.
Remember, you’re not just paying for a cruise; you’re investing in an unforgettable voyage that will stay with you long after you disembark.
Looking to know more? Contact our travel advisors and take a look at the itineraries that are currently available.
As an expert tip, if you have been curious about sailing with Crystal before, but still haven’t made the decision, now is the time to do so, as the brand is offering introductory prices at the moment, looking to regain the public’s confidence in their service.
With a focus on smaller ports and hidden gems, Crystal Cruises’ 2024 itineraries offer a refreshing alternative to mainstream routes. Sail around the world aboard Crystal Serenity, delve into the vibrant cultures of Asia with Crystal Symphony, or explore the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska with Crystal Endeavor. The possibilities are endless, and each voyage promises a unique and unforgettable experience.
Remember, this review is just a starting point. To truly understand the magic of Crystal Cruises, you need to experience it for yourself. Dive deeper into their website, explore the diverse itineraries, and contact our travel experts, as they will help you tailor your dream Crystal cruise vacation and make it a reality.
So, are Crystal Cruises for you? If you seek an exceptional, all-inclusive luxury experience that goes beyond the ordinary, then Crystal Cruises could be your perfect escape. Remember, it’s more than just a cruise; it’s an investment in memories that will last a lifetime.
Mavi Parra is a journalist, content creator, and traveler with over 10 years of experience in various communications fields. Specializing in digital media and advertising, her work focuses on the relationships between travel, culture, and destinations. Currently, she is Luxury Cruise Connection’s content writer, developing engaging content to educate and promote luxury cruise travel.
