Crystal Cruises has a small fleet of just two ships, but they are two of the most luxurious ships afloat. The Crystal Serenity and the Crystal Symphony also have some of the highest guest-to-staff ratios at sea, ensuring impeccable service. And while the fleet is small, it sails the globe, calling on Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean, the Mexican Riviera, New England, the Panama Canal and South America.
Crystal's goal is to provide its guests with the finest travel experience available not just in the luxury cruise market, but in the overall luxury travel market. To accomplish this, the cruise line focuses on attention to detail and the provision of a variety of choices in dining, shore excursions, enrichment programs and entertainment to its guests. Furnishings that include some of the world's finest brand names – such as Riedel leaded crystal, Wedgwood bone china and Frette linens – add to the atmosphere of uncompromising quality.
In keeping with the luxurious surroundings of both ships, their elaborate menus range from classic gourmet fare to the eclectic cuisine of the cruise line’s ports of call. Each ship features an elegant main dining room, a casual Lido Buffet, and Italian and Asian specialty restaurants, among other dining options. Wine enthusiasts will marvel at the ships’impressive wine cellars, which offer a list of more than 230 wines. A special reserve wine list offers rare, sought-after vintages such as 1959 Chateau Lafite Rothschild.
Crystal's Creative Learning Institute caters to passengers who want to combine a cruise vacation with the pursuit of knowledge. The five “pillars” of the Creative Learning Institute include: Arts and Entertainment, Business and Technology, Lifestyle, Wellness, Wine and Food.
Crystal also offers an array of shore excursions, plus land program specialists who can create personalized itineraries for adventurous passengers who prefer to explore ports on their own. The cruise line also has a number of themed cruises, such as wine and food festivals, with shore excursions related to the theme.
While Crystal's clientele tends to be mostly adult, each ship has a dedicated playroom for children, and a junior activities counselor is present on cruises that have ten or more children on board.
Crystal Cruises is the recipient of many of the travel industry's highest awards, including "World's Best Cruise Line" ('96, '97, '98, '99, '00, '01, '02, '03, ''04, '05 and '06) and "Best Large Ship Line" ('96, '97, '98, '99, '00, '01, '02, '03, '04, '05 and '06) in Travel and Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler surveys, respectively. Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity feature elegantly appointed staterooms (most with private verandahs), an unprecedented array of dining options (Italian and Asian alternative restaurants as well as casual dining in the Trident Bar on designated nights), award-winning entertainment, a lavish Crystal Spa and Salon adhering to Feng Shui principles, extensive exercise and sports facilities and instruction, and the only Caesars Palace at Sea casino.
Points of Distinction
· Both ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, have the highest per-guest space ratios of any ships in their class
· Over half of all staterooms feature a private verandah on Crystal Symphony; 85% of staterooms on Crystal Serenity have a private verandah
· Crystal Cruises boasts the highest percentage of professional chefs in the large luxury cruise market. Cuisine by Nobu Matshuisa, Piero Selvaggio and Wolfgang Puck
