In last week’s edition, I talked about the history and relaunch of the Crystal Cruises brand back into the luxury cruise market. This week, I describe my recent experience. I’ll take you through the onboard facilities and then dive deep into the suite categories, amenities, recreational activities, and wellness spa, along with my personal impressions of what it truly feels like to sail with Crystal Cruises.
My initial impression as I stepped on board the Crystal Symphony was like strolling into a luxury boutique hotel that sails on the high seas. The ship offers the same intimacy and polish found in the modern luxury cruising sector. From the plush carpet underfoot to the soft pastel hues on the walls, the redesign focuses on calm, elegant comfort rather than flashy glitz. With a maximum capacity of 606 guests (although the average number on board is around 450), it boasts a guest-to-crew ratio of nearly one-to-one.
Moving on to the suite options, from the ‘lead-in’ Aquamarine to the Crystal Penthouse Suite, every category reinforces that you’re in “resident” mode rather than “tourist” mode — they all feel like a home from home.
The butler service in every suite category is seamlessly integrated; from assisting with unpacking to selecting your preferred pillow from the menu, you’ll likely find yourself luxuriating in the details — afternoon canapés delivered to your terrace, fresh fruit upon request, Nespresso on demand, a tablet for reservations, interactive ship updates, in-suite dining, daily laundry service, and much more.
For those who like the technical specifics, here’s an overview of the suite categories from the top down:
Crystal Penthouse Suite – The ultimate indulgence aboard the ship: a floating luxury residence with full butler service and the very best in-suite perks.
Up to 909 sq ft of interior space + veranda up to 107 sq ft.
Large private veranda with teak furniture, spacious living room (TV, custom wool carpets, walnut floors, cabinetry, Swarovski® chandelier), and a dining area with panoramic ocean views. Separate study and custom bar.
Large bedroom with queen-size or twin beds, his and hers walk-in wardrobes. Master bathroom with whirlpool/jacuzzi, ocean view, crystal sconces, Calacatta marble floors, separate shower, and bidet.
Services include: 24-hour in-suite dining; unlimited visits to speciality restaurants (by reservation and availability) such as Umi Uma and Osteria d’Ovidio; unlimited laundry and dry cleaning; private transfer to/from the ship up to 50 miles; butler/concierge escort.
Amenities: welcome champagne, complimentary wine/spirits (set menu), soft drinks, fresh fruit, pillow menu, Nespresso machine, binoculars, unlimited Wi-Fi, and an interactive tablet.
Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite – An excellent option if you want near top-tier comfort and service without quite the size (or price) of the full Penthouse.
Up to 645 sq ft (plus veranda 161 sq ft) in the 2023 redesign. Spacious living room and separate dining area, large private veranda, and separate bedroom area with vanity. Queen-size or twin beds plus a third berth. Walk-in wardrobe. Full whirlpool bath, separate shower, bidet.
Services: similar to the full Penthouse — 24-hour in-suite dining, speciality restaurant access, and butler service. Laundry and dry-cleaning benefits are slightly reduced compared to the top tier.
Sapphire Veranda Suite (and Sapphire Ocean View Suite) – These suites represent a “very high deluxe” level: excellent service, spacious layout, and veranda or large ocean-view windows, but slightly less lavish than the Penthouse categories.
The Sapphire Veranda Suite: up to 430 sq ft interior + veranda 107 sq ft. Features a living area, private veranda, walk-in wardrobe, and two TVs. Services include 24-hour in-suite dining, turndown with handmade truffles, shoeshine, and assistance with packing/unpacking. Laundry allowance: dry-clean five items plus one bag of free laundry every 10 cruise days.
The Sapphire Ocean View Suite: has the same interior size (430 sq ft) but with a large picture window instead of a veranda. Living/dining area, walk-in wardrobe, and two TVs.
Amenities: welcome champagne, complimentary wine/spirits (set menu), soft drinks, fresh fruit, pillow menu, Nespresso machine, binoculars, unlimited Wi-Fi, interactive tablet, and hairdryer/hair straighteners on request.
Aquamarine Veranda Suite – Slightly less grand than the Sapphire category but still generous. Private veranda, living area, queen or twin beds, walk-in wardrobe, and butler service. These suites increased in availability following the 2023 refit. While laundry and dry-cleaning benefits may differ slightly from the higher categories, the experience remains premium.
Single Guest Room with Ocean View – Introduced in 2023 and designed for solo travellers. Ocean-view accommodation with comfortable detailing and butler service. An excellent choice for a solo luxury cruise experience without the usual single-supplement premium.
So, what is there to do on or off the ship all day? There’s a full programme of excursions offered at each port, covering a wide range of interests, including historical, cultural, and gastronomic. These vary in length from half to full-day and in activity level, ensuring that all guests are catered for, regardless of mobility. These excursions are not included in the cruise price, and costs range from 100–300 USD per person, depending on the tour and duration.
Alternatively, you can simply disembark and explore independently. In some ports, the ship is docked, while in smaller ones there’s a tender shuttle to and from the shore. Just remember to be back on board at the designated time, as the ship won’t wait for latecomers.
If you decide to have a relaxing day on board, or if it’s a sea day, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. There’s no shortage of loungers or seating around the heated seawater pool and jacuzzi, where you can immerse yourself in a good book. For the more active, there’s a fully equipped gym and weights room offering a variety of classes such as yoga, stretch, Pilates, and kettlebell sessions throughout the day. The spa is open daily and offers a full range of treatments, including hairstyling, manicures, facials, massages, acupuncture, and even mini “face-lifts”. There’s also a steam room and sauna attached to the spa, both free of charge.
There’s no need to bring a book with you, as there’s a library stocked with the latest fiction and non-fiction titles in various languages, available to borrow during your voyage. It also serves as a quiet space for those who enjoy browsing the shelves. If you fancy improving your computer skills, there’s a fully equipped learning centre called Computer University at Sea, offering regular classes and assistance for all levels.
In the afternoons and evenings, entertainment is offered throughout the ship. This isn’t the “mega-ship” style of entertainment, but rather a focus on refined and varied performances across genres. Each evening features headline shows and performances of international calibre, spanning musicals, tribute acts, live bands, and comedy in the Galaxy Lounge Theatre. Other venues include the Hollywood Theatre, which shows films, live sports, and guest lectures; The Starlite Club for cabaret; the Jade Night Club for late-night drinks, karaoke, and dancing; and more relaxed spaces such as the Avenue Saloon and Crystal Cove, ideal for cocktails, live music, and quieter evenings.
To summarise, there really is something on board for everyone.
Next week, I’ll tell you all about the restaurants and culinary experiences on board the Crystal Symphony.
☎️ 01442 879787
📧 yourdreamholiday@traveltimeworld.co.uk
🧑🏼💻 traveltimeworld.co.uk
📍 254 High Street, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 1AQ
