Crystal Symphony
Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
Eur...ew Zealand
In July 2022, Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group acquired Crystal Cruises. Now known as Crystal, they officially relaunched their second ship, the Crystal Symphony, into service in September 2023. Touting a new tagline, “Exceptional at Sea,” Crystal has set out to implement six-star standards across the board. After an extensive refurbishment, the 606-passenger ship features larger, updated suites with premium finishes, new cutting-edge wellness offerings, incredible entertainment, and outstanding fine dining experiences.Read More
Following the refurbishment, the 12-deck Crystal Symphony now has an impressive amount of public space dedicated to keeping guests entertained and content. Despite its size, the ship caters to a relatively small number of passengers. For those who enjoy shopping, there are three boutiques: Apropos, Crystal Collection, and Facets, offering high-end jewelry brands, luxury cosmetics, perfumes, designer clothing, sunglasses, and handbags. The well-stocked library contains over 2,000 books, along with board games and puzzles for guests to enjoy.
Crystal also offers the Computer University@Sea program, providing group and private computer lessons in their computer lab, with dozens of computers for guest use. Complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi is available for email and web browsing, but guests can opt for a paid upgrade if they require higher speeds. Additionally, professional photographers from Crystal Images capture guest photos throughout the voyage, including formal portraits if desired.
The majority of your fellow passengers are well-educated individuals with an average age ranging from 65 to 67. Many of them have likely sailed with Crystal before, with over 70% being return guests. Additionally, you might come across multi-generational families who prioritize family bonds and aim to create lasting memories during their travels.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
Crystal Symphony has 312 staterooms ranging in size from the 1,106 square foot Penthouse Suite to the cozy 215 square foot Ocean View suite. It is worth noting that there are three distinct styles of refurbished suite interior design—classic, redesigned 2017, and redesigned 2023. None costs more than the other; it is just a matter of personal taste. Only the suite’s placement on the ship increases the cost, with mid-ship suites being more expensive than the bow or the stern. There are 18 single guest rooms with ocean views available for solo travelers without any additional charges or supplements.
Classic design suites have been updated but not fully refurbished. They feel older and feature darker, heavy wood accents and bathrooms with bathtubs. The redesigned 2017 suites have peach-colored accents and are a favorite among past Crystal cruisers. The redesigned 2023 are the most modern with blue accented interiors.
In all of the suites, guests will find unbelievably comfortable beds made up with crisply ironed fine Italian linens and a choice of pillow types that can be ordered from a pillow menu. Bathrooms are stocked with luxurious Ortigia Sicilia toiletries. A hair dryer, an umbrella, and a beach tote are provided as well. Suites have both 110–volt (American current) and 220–volt (European current) outlets.
All staterooms come with butler service. Not only will they pack and unpack your belongings and deliver daily afternoon canapes, but they can also make dinner reservations and spa appointments and stock your mini-fridge with complimentary beverages of your choice.
There are two accessible suites on deck 5 and one on deck 10. When the ship is unable to dock at a port, guests are transported to shore using smaller boats known as tenders. It’s important to note that these transfer operations may pose challenges for guests who use wheelchairs or scooters, as the embarkation and disembarkation processes can be hindered by steep gangways and steps. Crystal does not offer wheelchair assistance on board or at ports of call except in emergencies. Guests with limited mobility who need help should travel with a companion who can assist them with getting around.
Food & Drink
There are nine restaurants on Crystal Symphony, of which Umi Uma is the star. Serving innovative Japanese-Peruvian cuisine created by Michelin-Star Master Chef Nobuyuki, it is the only Nobu dining concept at sea. The fish is incredibly fresh as it is flown into each port from Japan. Guest are permitted to eat at Umi Uma and the other specialty restaurant, Osteria d’Ovidio, once per voyage free of charge. After that, a $50/person is charged to dine there again.
Waterside is the main restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner without needing reservations. They always have vegetarian and vegan options available on their daily changing menu. Marketplace, the buffet-style restaurant, is open for breakfast and lunch and has the only outdoor space on the ship for dining. Tastes Kitchen & Bar serves tapas-style meals meant to be shared, while Trident Grill has burgers and wraps served with a side onion rings or fries. Scoops is the place to go for dessert, serving authentic Italian gelato and frozen yogurt. Lastly, The Bistro is a coffee bar and café where you can enjoy made-to-order specialty coffees, Julius Meini teas, and light bites in the morning and afternoon.
Guests have the option to enjoy meals in their suites anytime they wish, as 24-hour in-suite dining is available. This includes the choice of breakfast or selecting dishes from the Waterside menu.
Crystal Symphony offers six bars and lounges to cater to various preferences. Among them are the Avenue Saloon, a piano bar, and the Connoisseur Club, where guests can indulge in cigars and savor cognac. The centrally located Crystal Cove is an ideal spot for pre-dinner cocktails. In the evening, you can enjoy dancing and drinks at Palm Court or take a seat at the circular bar in the Starlite Club to catch a cabaret performance. For those who want late-night entertainment, be sure to pop into Jade, a cozy nightclub perfect for dancing and karaoke.
There is no beverage package, as alcoholic beverages from the menu, including at least 40 house wines, are included in the cruise fare. However, fine wines and premium spirits like the limited edition Dubliner Liberties Kind of Hell Irish Whiskey ($85/glass) on the Crystal Connoisseur List come at an extra charge.
Entertainment
Great entertainment on a ship this size is unusual. There are two show lounges on Crystal Symphony, where a talented company of dancers and singers, supported by the Crystal ensemble, perform choreographed shows. The Galaxy Lounge features Broadway-style shows like West Side Story, Rent and Rocket Man: A Tribute to Elton John. The Starlite Club features cabaret performances. Additionally, there is a pianist, violinist and guitar player who rotate through the bars and lounges providing musical entertainment.
In addition to the traditional entertainment choices, the Crystal Vision Enrichment Program features expert speakers and a selection of current and recently released movies that can be viewed in the Hollywood Theatre, which is also equipped with devices for the hearing impaired.
Spa & Fitness
With the relaunch of Crystal Symphony, the brand-new Aurōra Spa & Salon takes center stage. This light-filled spa offers an extensive range of beauty and spa treatments for both women and men. There are ten treatment rooms, a steam room, a sauna, and a relaxation room. Notable signature treatments include the age-defying Biotec 2.0 Facial, the Aurōra LED and Cryo Facial Experience, known for reducing wrinkles, and the Chariot of Light, which incorporates LED light therapy into a massage for relaxation and skin revitalization. The Salon offers full-service options like haircuts, hairstyling, and coloring, while men can enjoy tailored classic barbershop services.
There are abundant recreational opportunities on board the Crystal Symphony. Fitness fanatics will love the 3,000+ square-foot gym with free weights, Technogym and Kinesis resistance training equipment. Additionally, there is a full-sized paddle tennis and pickleball court, golf driving nets, and a putting green and the saltwater pool is even large enough to swim a few short laps. Walkers will appreciate taking laps around the outdoor teak Promenade on deck 7 or shorter loops around the astroturf track on deck 12. Crystal also offers a wellness program with yoga, mat Pilates, and spin classes.
Key cruising tips
Health & Safety
There is a medical center on deck 5 staffed with a nurse and doctor on call 24 hours a day. While they do offer certain medications and medical assistance if guests become ill or have an accident during the voyage, it is not equipped to provide ongoing medical treatment. It is recommended that guests who take daily medications bring an ample supply of their medication with them. Additionally, oxygen-dependent guests need to make a request for oxygen equipment at least 30 days prior to departure.
Dress Code
During the daytime, you can wear casual attire like sundresses, shorts, jeans, T-shirts, polos, and linen clothing throughout the ship, including restaurants. You can even wear swimsuits with cover-ups at less formal dining spots like Trident Grill, Tastes Kitchen & Bar, and Marketplace. After 6:00 p.m., it’s time for evening resort wear, which includes more sophisticated clothing choices such as skirts, dresses, tailored shirts, sweaters, dark-wash jeans (without rips), and chinos. They kindly request that guests avoid flip-flops and hats.
Furthermore, for cruises lasting seven nights or more, it’s suggested to pack white evening attire for the White Night Party. Additionally, you’ll need formal cocktail chic attire for the one formal evening.
Junior Cruisers
Crystal welcomes families of all ages are welcome aboard. Fantasia, the children’s playroom, is located on deck 11. During the holidays and select sailings between June and August, there are fully supervised programs for kids ages 3-17. However, a minimum of 12 children will be required to run the program. Children between the ages of 3-12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times, while kids ages 13-17 do not. Additionally, on all cruises, in-suite babysitting is available for children one year and older for a fee. Sitters are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so booking as soon as possible is best.
Service
Crystal is known for delivering a top-tier 5-star service marked by luxury and meticulous attention to detail, and this is made possible through a dedicated team of long-serving staff members. Remarkably, 83% of Crystal’s staff returned with the brand’s relaunch, fostering a strong sense of unity and commitment among the crew that goes beyond camaraderie; it reflects their genuine dedication and passion. This commitment translates into personalized service, thanks to Crystal’s industry-leading passenger-to-crew ratios.
Tipping
Gratuities for your butler, housekeeping, bar and dining staff are included in the cruise fare. However, extra tips are always welcome for staff who exceed expectations. An 18% gratuity is automatically added to your spa and salon services bill.