Crystal Cruises
The Crystal Symphony and the newer Crystal Serenity are great large luxury cruise ships that
hold 960 and 1080 passengers respectifely but each ship is about 50,000 tons. Standard cruise lines this size typically carry 1300 to 1700 passengers. Crystal offers all the popular destinations and several more exotic locations.
Crystal is the number one rated cruise line in some ratings, but we rate Radisson Mariner and Voyager as our top ships. Crystal has smaller cabins than Radisson and still has two seatings for dining. We find that given a choice most luxury market clients like the freedom of open-seating so they can dine when they want and with whom they want. They can dine with friends or family, or ask to join another table that wishes to meet new people. Crystal has some of the best entertainment and lecture programs at sea. The ships are gorgeous and hold only about 1000 passengers. The service is excellent but the food is definitely below Silversea or Radisson Seven Seas. Since Crystal typically costs more than Radisson, we just think the Radisson product is better overall and a better value by far.
The elegant Crystal lobby sets the tone of sophistication to be found throughout the ship.
The verandah cabins are large and luxurious with your own private balcony. More than half the cabins have private verandahs. This is truly the way to savor life at sea.
The Penthouse Suite with verandah is 491 square feet (403 on Serenity) and includes: living room, large bedroom, queen sized bed or twins, master bath with Jacuzzi & ocean view, stocked service bar, CD player, TV & VCR, guest bathroom, separate shower, bidet & walk-in closet
The Crystal Penthouse with verandah is 982 square feet and includes: living room, dining room, large bedroom, king sized bed or twins, master bath with Jacuzzi & ocean view, stocked service bar, CD player, TV & VCR, guest bathroom, separate shower, bidet & walk-in closet . The layout of the Crystal Penthouse on Symphony is shown below. On the Serenity it is even larger at 1345 sq. ft. with more luxurious amenities.
The Penthouse Deck includes butler service.
