Review: Crystal Symphony

What is the line? Crystal Cruises

Name of ship? Crystal Symphony

Passenger occupancy? 606

Itinerary? Crystal Symphony will sail in the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, Asia, and Australia in 2023 and 2024.

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

Crystal has attracted a following of travelers seeking understated luxury, privacy, and space. Crystal is known for effusive onboard service from longtime cruise veterans who establish yearslong relationships with guests who come back again and again. Butlers carefully catalog guest preferences, from room temperature to the exact specifications of a coffee order—and remember them. Crystal is focused on personalization—want the chefs to whip up your grandmother’s best cookie recipe? If they have the ingredients, they’ll make it happen.

Tell us about the ship in general

Fresh off a down-to-the-steel drydock and refit, the ship feels brand new, with one exception—it was originally built in 1995 before propulsion “pod” technology, so the vibration from the propellers in some parts of the ship is noticeable. The recent refurbishment reduced the passenger count onboard, giving the ship an immense amount of space per passenger—even for a luxury liner (84.2 cubic feet). You won’t find fancy whizz-bang amusements as on larger ships, but between top-notch bars, restaurants (including a Nobu outpost) and entertainment ranging from stage productions, films, lectures, and the line’s legendary White Party, there’s little shortage of amusement onboard.

Who is onboard?

Well-heeled and exceptionally well-traveled. Crystal’s itineraries skew closer to two weeks, so retirees and others with time on on their hands are well-represented onboard, but you’ll also find a smattering of families and multi-generational groups, particularly during holiday periods.

Describe the cabins

Cabins have been refreshed in contemporary color palettes, and there are now single-occupancy cabins which are identical to doubles except they’re inventory-controlled for solo travelers without a single supplement to the fare. All stateroom and suite categories have butler service, although additional services (like free laundry, pressing, and dry-cleaning) are offered in higher-tier suite categories. Design features include Italian marble and high thread count linens, and guests arrive to welcome champagne, a minibar setup replenished daily with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks, plus free standard WiFi. Some suite categories have a design choice between contemporary and “classic” designs so fans of the heritage Crystal room design can stick with what they know.

Tell us about the crew

In a word—tenured. Crystal’s onboard crew are your typical international mix, but many of them have been with Crystal their entire careers—many with decades of experience onboard the same ship, building ongoing relationships with repeat cruisers, often greeting them as old friends with hugs at embarkation. Crystal’s ratio of staff to guests is also nearly 1:1, meaning the service is utterly attentive.

What food and drink options are available on board?

Plenty. The main Waterside Restaurant is top-notch, with a menu of both classic and contemporary gastronomic delights. Specialty restaurants include Umi Uma, Nobu Matsuhisa’s Japanese-Peruvian Fusion, and Osteria d’Ovidio, fine Italian dining with regional tasting menus. Specialty restaurants are included in the fare once each for a voyage up to 11 days (longer voyages offer more inclusions) and are unlimited for top-tier suites. There’s also the Bistro, serving coffee and light bites, a cook-to-order grill, Tastes Kitchen & Bar offering tapas-style table service, Scoops Ice Cream Bar, and Marketplace, the buffet-style restaurant, not to mention 24 hour in-suite dining (top tier suites can order in from Umi Uma and Osteria d’Ovidio). For an additional supplement, guests can dine in The Vintage Room for a food and wine pairing experience. Most alcohol is included, so bars like Crystal Cove off the Atrium, the Starlight Club cabaret, pub-style Avenue Saloon, Connoisseur Club cigar bar, and Luxe Night Club are also included, unless guests want top-shelf wines or liquors, which are also available.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

The Aurōra Spa offers a fantastical diversity of treatments – everything from coconut poultice, bamboo, hot stone, and Swedish massages to facials, medi-spa treatments to tighten skin and smooth wrinkles, IV treatments, acupuncture, body wraps, teeth whitening, and salon services for hair and nails.

Activities and entertainment

While not offering the host of amenities of a megaship (you won’t find bowling alleys or rollercoasters here) there’s still plenty of sophisticated entertainment, from traditional production shows like jukebox revues, artist tributes or Broadway homages to a theatre for guest lectures and films. There’s also a cabaret, the Starlite Club, which hosts stand-up comedians, lectures or live music for dancing, or the after-hours Jade Night Club for dancing, drinks, and karaoke. Guests will also enjoy the classic, saltwater Seahorse Pool, refreshed workout spaces, tennis courts, and golf driving range on the top decks.

How was the experience for families?

Families are less common on Crystal, but there’s still a dedicated kids and teens clubs called Waves, and Fantasia, respectively. Crystal anticipates offering kids and teens programming on select voyages when passenger numbers warrant.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

Crystal is in the process of building out a suite of excursions in cooperation with parent Abercrombie & Kent, which specializes in small-group luxury destination experiences.

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

Recyclable items have separate receptacles and in-room toiletries are in large refillable bottles which help reduce waste.

Anything we missed?

Unlike most cruise lines, Crystal does not restrict how much wine or alcohol guests may bring onboard with them, although they note that restrictions may be in place in some destinations served by the line.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

Fairy godmother-like service, endless amounts of space, and premium—well—everything are the hallmarks of the Crystal experience. Travelers seeking a luxury experience with the amenities and choice of a larger cruise ship will be well served onboard a voyage with Crystal.