The age group is mainly over 50 and over 75% of the passengers will be American. A luxury, mid-size ship with 8 passenger decks, carrying 960 to 1,010 passengers and 545 crew. The standard of ship and crew service and attitude is excellent. It caters for the discerning traveller who expects and is prepared to pay for a quality cruise experience. There is a children’s play room and a teen’s room – a child activity programme is available on select cruises.
Just about anywhere, there is a varied and interesting choice of itineraries – Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Grand Americas, Mediterranean, New England & Canada, Northern Europe, Panama Canal, South America, and Trans-Ocean Crossings. (For World Cruises see sister ship Crystal Serenity)
Well maintained, thoughtfully designed and presented. Spacious feel to the ship, there is a generous amount of open deck space, sunbathing areas and sport facilities. While inside there are large public lounges and smaller intimate rooms, depending on individual taste. The ship began service in 1995 and was built in Finland for £150 million; 51k tons (237m long, 30m wide). The CDC hygiene rating is 98. The currency used onboard the ship is the US dollar. Stability rating good to excellent.
All 480 cabins have an outside view, with over half featuring a balcony. The largest suite is 91sq. m, the smallest cabin is 18.7m. A choice of eight categories of accommodation, including 2 Crystal Penthouses with private balcony, 18 Penthouse Suites with private balcony, 44 Penthouse Cabins with balcony, 214 cabins with balcony, 202 Cabins without a balcony.
There are only 7 cabins with wheelchair access. 8 lifts ensure easy movement between the decks. Standards of accommodation are first class and all feature a TV, data socket for a personal laptop computer, phone, refrigerator, mini bar, Aveda personal toiletries, bathrobes and a good supply of towels.
| What are the cuisine/dining options? |
The Crystal Dining Room (main dining area) Dinner is served in two sittings, with fixed table arrangements. There are tables for 2 available. Plate and silver service. Menus varied and well presented. Excellent wine list, but can be expensive. Kosher meals available and full observance given to sterilizing process for tableware.
Other dining experiences on board include:
Prego – Fine Italian cuisine (75 seats booking recommended)
Jade Garden – Chinese/French (100 seats)
Lido Café – Breakfast and lunch buffets
Palm Court – Afternoon teas are served daily
Trident Grill – Lunches by the pool, ice cream (no extra charge). Themed food presentations include an Asian Buffet and a Mediterranean Buffet
The Bistro – Coffees and pastries – relaxed street café atmosphere
Inside: The ship has a Casino with gaming tables; there are Slot Machines; Cinema with 143 seats; onboard library. In the evening the Galaxy Show Lounge runs 2 shows as all the passengers can’t be seated at the once. Cabaret nights with talented artists, music for dancing. Crystal Cove is a small, intimate piano bar.
Travelling single women can enjoy the company of Male hosts (Ambassador Hosts) provided by the cruise line, if required.
Spa facilities and treatments, sauna, steam room, yoga and pilates classes, an aerobics exercise room, a beauty salon. “Avenue of the Stars” is an onboard shopping arcade that includes jewellery, perfume, fashion items, casual wear, convenience and sundry items.
Outside: Large wrap-around teak wood deck for walking, 2 outdoor swimming pools (1 with a magrodome – a retractable cover for cold/wet days, the other one of the longest on any cruise ship), 2 whirlpools, an electronic golf simulator and golf driving range, a full size paddle tennis court.
The cruise fare includes all normal shipboard services and facilities. Bottle water and soft drinks (non alcoholic) are also inclusive. Gratuities are discretionary, though 15% is added to your bar account. There is a singles supplements from 115-200%. The computer learning centre (20 computer stations) has tuition available, but is expensive. Self service launderette on each deck.
The cruise fare does not include port, security and luggage handling charges, airfare, transfers, shore excursions, sightseeing or meals ashore, taxes, visa fees, gratuities, liquor, wines, laundry or valet service, or any item or personal services such as medical treatment, massage, spa services or hairstyling.
Passengers purchasing Crystal Cruises' Air/Sea Program, will receive all-inclusive transfers between the airport and ship on the day of embarkation and disembarkation if they as detailed in this Crystal Cruises Worldwide Atlas 2007.
