Crystal Cruises
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”
—Henry Miller
Getting to Know Crystal Cruises
Their Motto: The Difference is Crystal Clear
Itineraries: Alaska • Asia, Australia & New Zealand • Caribbean • Central America & Panama Canal • Mediterranean • Northern Europe & The Baltics • South America • Trans-ocean • World Cruise
Cruise fare includes: accommodations plus all non-alcoholic beverages. Transfers and luggage handling are included as part of Crystal’s Air/Sea Program.
History
Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK), the largest shipping company in the world, owns Crystal Cruises. The Tokyo firm launched the line in 1988 and started sailing the now-retired Crystal Harmony two years later. Today, Crystal sails two vessels: the 940-guest Crystal Symphony (maiden voyage in 1995) and the 1,080-guest Crystal Serenity (2003 debut). Since that time, the line has acquired fans from every part of the globe and consistently ranks at the top of polls presided over by venerable travel magazines such as Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler.
What I love about this cruise line is the fact that president Gregg Michel has been with the company since its inception. Crystal takes passenger feedback seriously and continually revamps itineraries, onboard entertainment, and shore excursions to custom-tailor the perfect luxury cruise.
Onboard Vibe
Crystal is perhaps the most formal of all luxury cruise lines. Guests enjoy dressing for dinner along with set dining companions and times. Bridge is a popular sea day pastime. When I think of a Crystal Cruise, I picture elegantly dressed couples sipping champagne while discussing their travels around the world.
Fellow Travelers
Sophisticated travelers over 50 prefer Crystal Cruises for visiting exotic destinations and enjoying relaxing days at sea. Guests look forward to formal nights and make use of all the ship has to offer.
Dress Code
Dress is casual during the day. After 6:00 p.m., you’ll follow one of three dress codes: formal evening attire, informal evening attire, and casual evening attire. Formal attire for women includes evening dresses and gowns; men may wear a tuxedo, dinner jacket, or a dark suit and tie. Informal evening attire for ladies means cocktail dresses or pantsuits; men may wear suits or sports coats and slacks. Ties are optional. Casual means just that: casual dresses and pantsuits for women and sport shirts and slacks for men.
Food & Wine
If you’re a foodie, Crystal is the luxury line for you. Both ships offer a variety of dining experiences, from afternoon tea and in-suite dining to a fine meal paired with exquisite wines in The Vintage Room. This option, for small groups, allows you to select wine from Crystal’s reserve list. Chefs will then pair your selections with unique culinary treats for a multi-course extravaganza. In addition, specialty restaurants onboard each ship are under the tutelage of famed chefs Wolfgang Puck, Nobu Matsuhisa, and Piero Selvaggio.
Entertainment
During the day, you’ll find a variety of enrichment lectures, card games, tips from PGA golf pros, and more. In the evening, Crystal presents Broadway-style shows as well as opportunities to enjoy music and dancing.
Children’s Program
The children’s program is available for ages 3 through 17. You’ll find babysitting services and a children’s playroom available on all cruises. On holiday and summer sailings (as well as select other sailings throughout the year), Crystal also offers a full-fledged program under the auspices of a junior activities director.
Smoking Policy
While smoking is prohibited in the restaurants and lounges, you may smoke in your stateroom/suite but not on your private verandah. There is a cigarette smoking area in most bars and lounges, and you may smoke on most open decks. Cigars and pipes are only allowed in the Connoisseur Club and most open decks.
The Ships
For detailed information about each Crystal ship, click on the links below:
- Crystal Serenity (1,080 passengers)
- Crystal Symphony (940 passengers)
- No additional ships are in development at this time
Book This Cruise Line If…
…you love the finer things in life, including 100 percent Egyptian linens, Schott-Zwiesel leaded cut crystal, and fine dining by famed chefs like Nobu Matsuhisa.
For More Information…
…talk with your travel agent, call Crystal at (888) 722-0021, or visit the Crystal Cruises website.