Crystal Symphony
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Passengers: 960
Crew: 545
Tonnage: 51,044
Entered Service 1995
Registry: Bahamas

Overview

Crystal Symphony recently had a $23 million refurbishment and she is again glamorous and sophisticated.  Ranked as a luxury ship, she differs from others in this category by having two dinner seatings, many more days at sea with lots of terrific classes and lectures.  Aboard this ship, passengers are much more dressy, the large casino hops until the wee hours and you’ll find the most lavish nightlife aboard a ritzy ship with a ritzy $450+ per person, per diem.  And, unlike the other luxury ships, the fare does not include gratuities or liquor (except Penthouse Deck suites), although soft drinks and bottled water are free.

Personally, I think Crystal’s high level of polished service is her greatest strength although the penthouse staterooms with private butlers are a close second.  The food is outstanding with several distinct touches:  the renowned Asian Chef Nobu has a new restaurant aboard Symphony and the Sunday jazz brunch on Crystal Deck is one of the best seagoing experiences at sea. 

Aboard Crystal Symphony you’ll find more camaraderie between passengers, an average of 50 singles per cruise and more luxurious days at sea to enjoy all the special features of this ship.
 
Décor
Beige and pale gray walls and carpets lend to the sense of refined elegance one discovers aboard this ship.  It is low-key and very easy on the eyes and, if you’re like me, you’ll wonder how the crew manages to always keep it spanking clean.

Public Rooms
The heart of the ship is the lovely Crystal Plaza, a two story atrium with a waterfall that is lined by elegant stores, a bar and coffee house for people-watching.  Adjacent to the atrium is the ship’s library where DVD’s and CD’s may be borrowed. 

Tip: make this one of your first stops upon boarding since the most popular DVD’s go first.  Crystal's Creative Learning Institute is a series of lectures on topics ranging from economics, history, wine and food, and piano lessons aboard Yamaha pianos. The Starlite lounge is a perfect spot for pre- or post-dinner cocktails.  The most popular watering hole is Avenue Saloon, with a pianist and cozy seating.  Perfect for sailing away from port is the Observation Lounge.   Crystal's outstanding Las Vegas-style reviews are staged in the Galaxy Lounge and first-run movies appear in the Hollywood Theater Cinema.  Crystal Casino is the largest and most lively casinos aboard any luxury ship.  

The cruise line is known for its popular Computer University@Sea program, a wonderful way to learn new skills.  There’s a large Cyber-café with hefty charges: $50 for two hours or $200 for ten hours.  Renting a laptop computer is a more reasonable $5 per day. 

Dining
The main restaurant with assigned, two seating dining, is the Crystal Dining Room, with lots of tables for two and well-spaced table.  The cuisine is of gourmet quality and the menu is as long as your arm and changed daily.  Two alternative restaurants, with a minimal $7 surcharge, are spectacular:  Prego specializes in Northern Italian cuisine while the new Nobu offers some of the finest Asian food I’ve ever had.   Crystal does an exceptional job at themed buffets served in the Lido Café and be sure to attend “Sunday Jazz Brunch”, scheduled once per voyage.  Next to the pool the Trident Grill serves burgers and ice cream during the day.  My favorite hangout is The Bistro, where cappuccino and pastries or fruit are always available.  

Fitness/Recreation
The Spa and beauty salon is operated by Steiners of London, offering massages, manicures, pedicures, facials and hair cuts.  There are a sufficient number of treadmills, stationary bikes and pulling/pushing machines in the adjacent fitness center. A walking/jogging track surrounds Deck 7.  

Cabins
Crystal fills all staterooms with delectable creature comforts like mohair throws, comfy mattresses, flat screen TV’s and DVD players (DVD’s are complimentary), mini-refrigerator and a hand-held hair dryer.  Standard ocean view cabins are 202 square feet with bathroom containing two sinks.  Balcony cabins are 246-sq. feet.  

Especially popular are the wonderful Penthouse suites, ranging in size from 367 sq. feet to 982 sq. feet.  You’ll have a private butler who brings canapés, makes dinner and spa reservations and replenish beverages.  Another perk of being in a Penthouse Suite is it comes with a bottle of wine and your choice of liquor, the mini-refrigerator stocked with bottled water, beer and soda.  Should you prefer dining on room service, food from the main restaurant, Prego and Nobu are served course-by-course.  Depending on the size you opt for, sleeping and sitting areas are separate and bathrooms are wonderful, with two sinks, separate shower and whirlpool tubs.  There are self-service laundries available for all passengers and a fully laundry/dry cleaning.

Attire 
Overall, this is a dressier ship than most, even in the luxury category.  Attire during the day and during informal nights is country club casual while passengers dress to the nines on three formal nights scheduled during a ten-day itinerary.
 
Tipping
Recommended gratuities are $4 for stewardess and waiter, and $4 for penthouse deck butlers per person, per day.

Copyright Anne Campbell, 2008.  All rights reserved.