Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises
2049 Century Park East
Suite 1400
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(888) 799-4625

www.crystalcruises.com | View Ships and Itineraries

Crystal Cruises launched the 960-passenger Crystal Harmony into the sea of luxury vessel in 1990 and never looked back. In 1995, the company introduced a 960-passenger sister ship, Crystal Symphony, giving the company's frequent repeaters more exotic regions of the world to visit, including an annual world cruise. Filling a niche for well-heeled travelers who can afford the tiny yacht-like boutique vessels but prefer more activities and facilities, these 49,400 and 51,044-ton vessels chart a global course, and are very successful indeed. Crystal Cruises is a subsidiary of NYK (Nippon Yusen Kaisha) Line, headquartered in Tokyo.

The company's newest luxury ship, Crystal Serenity, debuted in July, 2003. The 68,000-ton state-of-the-art vessel carries 1,080 passengers giving it one of the highest passenger space ratios in the industry at 62.9. The 14-deck ship expanded the success of Harmony and Symphony. It has a third alternative restaurant and a total of seven dining venues. Serenity also boasts a second paddle tennis court, a completely new learning center and an enlarged computer center.

The boardroom has a wine cellar and there is a special lounge for repeat passengers. Crystal Harmony left the fleet in November, 2005 to sail for parent company NYK as the Asuka II. Plans are underway to design and build a new vessel which will replace Crystal Harmony in the future.

In January, 2008, Crystal changed its smoking policy; passengers may not smoke on their verandas and most of the rest of the ships are off-limit, except for a small area on deck.  In December, the company added the alternative restaurant, Nobu, to Crystal Symphony.

The Crystal Experience

Instead of port-a-day itineraries, Crystal schedules more days at sea due to passengers' desire for extra pampering aboard and the extensive list of guest lecturers, food and wine festivals, theme cruises and the extensive computer classes offered as the Computer University@Sea. Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony are the only vessels to successfully meld the services and facilities of a full-size cruise ship with sublime luxury trappings. During a sunny day at sea, I found no one sunbathing by the pools: they were all inside, raptly engaged in lecture about global warming. But bingo and the casino were also hopping and Crystal's floor shows are among the best at sea. A handicap of cruising aboard a full-size cruise ship, however, is assigned, two seating dining in the main restaurant, although this cruise line was the first to introduce two alternative restaurants.

One of the most luxurious experiences at sea is Crystal's Penthouse Deck with enormous cabins and superb butlers. But even in minimum grade staterooms you'll find mohair throws and down pillows.
Non-alcoholic beverages are now complimentary, including bottled water, soft drinks, juices and specialty coffees including cappuccino and caffe lattée.

A Reserve Wine List was introduced, featuring 20 rare and special vintages. Special Wine and Champagne Makers Dinners are held with dinners themed around rare wines and featuring fine champagnes. Egyptian cotton sheets, king-size goose down pillows and feather bed toppers are now offered as standard bedding in all staterooms and suites fleetwide. A pillow menu is also available to give passengers a choice of four different pillow types.

No other cruise line schedules more guest lectures, seminars and programs highlighting cuisine, music, jazz, politics, finance and fitness.  And, this is the only cruise line with a dedicated singles program with no single supplement fares and special on-board activities.

Fellow Passengers

Primarily 60+ passengers, well traveled and affluent. Singles who take advantage of Crystal's single supplement program.

Taking The Kids:

There are Junior Activities counselors aboard any Crystal cruise where 10 or more children are booked.

Past Passenger Program

Crystal Society members receive Society discounts on select cruises including reservations made during a cruise; special onboard parties and activities and photo session with Captain on Society cruises; priority check-in; Society News newsletter; in-cabin wine and flowers (10+ cruises); Milestone level rewards and recognition program.

Tipping

Crystal's suggested guidelines, per person per day, are: $4.00 for stateroom stewardess ($5.00 for single travelers); $4.00 for the senior waiter; $3.00 for the waiter; $4.00 for the butler (Penthouse Decks only). These gratuities apply to children as well as adults. They may be charged to your shipboard account.

For the specialty restaurants, Prego, Jade Garden, Silk Road and The Sushi Bar, a $6.00 per person per dinner tip is recommended.

A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to all bar drinks and wines. A 15% tip is recommended for Salon and Spa services. Tips for the maitre d', headwaiter, assistant stewardess and night Room Service are at your discretion.

Copyright Anne Campbell, 2008. All rights reserved.