Crystal Symphony
Crystal Cruises
Maximum Passengers: 1010 | |
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. Prinsendam
Holland America Line
Maximum Passengers: 840 | |
This premium, mid-size ship, comprising 9 passenger decks, has the capacity to carry between 793 and 840 passengers to 460 crew. Mature couples and single travellers will fit in well on this cruise. There are even male dance partners available should single female passengers wish to dance the night away. A youth program catering for 5-17 year olds (divided into age groups 5-7/8-12/13-17) offers a varied schedule of activities for younger passengers. This ship is the elite marathon runner of the maritime world specializing in long distance cruising. The company offers intriguing itineraries wherever you choose to go. Sample breathtaking Scandinavian delights in the land of the midnight sun or discover ancient Celtic Kingdoms on one of the Northern European routes (14, 16, 21, 25 and 30 day cruises are available) or try an extensive cruise around the Mediterranean. If you want to experience a longer trip at sea go for the Grand World Voyage option (100 days plus!) taking in different continents and cultures in South America, Africa or the Antarctic. This ship was built in Finland for £62.5 million. It originally entered service in 1988 as Royal Viking Sun and after a complete overhaul (and short time as Seabourn Sun) it began life under its present name in 2002. It weighs in at just under 38k tons and measures 205m in length and 28m in width. This really is a spacious, elegant vessel with stylish levels of décor throughout. There is also a good mixture of public rooms, depending on taste, to relax in. There are a total of 396 cabins onboard, ranging in size from 12.8sq.m to 67 sq.m. 368 cabins come with outside view, 25 are interior view, while 145 have a private balcony. 3 cabins are single person occupancy. There are 4 cabins with wheelchair access with only 4 lifts onboard.
There are15 categories of cabin to choose from. Penthouse Verandah and Deluxe Verandah Suites come with butler service, private concierge lounge, in-suite afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres, free laundry and dry cleaning service along with priority given to disembarkation. Penthouse, Deluxe Verandah, Superior Verandah and Deluxe Verandah Outside rooms all come with fridge. All suites come with walk-in wardrobes, VCR, hairdryers, lockable drawers, bathrobe, tote bag, fresh fruit and turn down service. | What are the cuisine/dining options? |
The La Fontaine Dining Room is the main onboard dining area. It is spacious and operates open seating for breakfast and lunch, however there is a two seating arrangement for dinner (you will also be assigned particular tables). Please also note that there are smoking and non-smoking areas in this venue. You will find generous ocean views and an interesting menu to choose from.
Other dining experiences onboard include:
Lido Restaurant: (seating indoor and outdoor) offers buffet meals, pizza/ salads/ ice- cream
Pinnacle Grill: (seats 48) reservations required (priority will be given to passengers occupying suite grade accommodation) plus a cover charge of £5 lunch and £10 dinner. Serves cuisine reflecting tastes from the North-western Pacific region coupled with a good wine list.
24- hour room service is also available. For a traditional nights entertainment of music, comedy, dance and all round cabaret acts head for Queen’s Lounge, the onboard show lounge. If you prefer to enjoy a quiet drink and swap tales with your fellow sea goers then Ocean Bar is the place for you. The stunning Crow’s Nest lives up to its name with amazing panoramic ocean views to accompany any amount of pre-dinner cocktails or nightcap. If an intimate drink with friends is more your thing then head for Explorer’s Lounge. The Oak Room is where smokers can go to enjoy a pipe or cigar.
For more active passengers there are 2 outdoor swimming pools, a gymnasium, golf driving range, or for the more refined, try your hand at croquet! If you want to unwind take a dip in the 4 whirlpools or try out the Health Spa complete with sauna, steam and treatment rooms. Get lost in a good book in The Erasmus Library or take a chance on the slot machine and onboard casino. There is also a 101- seat cinema and a comprehensive programme of guest speakers The cruise fare includes all normal shipboard services and facilities. There is also a free shuttle bus service in most ports of call to take you from pier to city centre. Gratuities are automatically added to your account at a rate of £5 per person a day, you can adjust this amount on the final day of your cruise. 15% is also added onto every bar and wine purchase. Passengers are not allowed to bring on and consume alcohol except for bottles of wine and champagne (corkage- £12.50 in restaurants and bars). Please note that US laws apply, therefore you must be over 21 to consume alcohol onboard.
The cruise fare does not include airfare and transfers (although you can purchase both through the company), international arrival and departure tax, shore excursions, laundry and dry cleaning services, charges for self-service launderette, internet access and telephone calls (please note you can use your mobile phone but you will be charged on a roaming charge tariff). If an amendment is made to your reservations after you have paid in full you will incur a minimum charge of £50 per guest.
If you purchase both cruise and air ticket (Fly Cruise Plan) transfers from airport to pier are all-inclusive. Please note the air fare price does not include local customs and departure tax, or any American surcharges such as American security fee -£1.25 per passenger/ Flight segment fee- £1.65/ Passenger facility charges - £1.50-£13.50. Insignia
Oceania Cruises
Maximum Passengers: 824 | |
Formerly known as the R One, Insignia is a luxury, mid-sized ship aimed largely at couples. Comprising of 9 passenger decks, it can carry between 684 to 824 passengers and 386 crew. It caters for travellers who appreciate good food and style, however there are no formal nights on board. Please note that with no specific child friendly entertainment or supervision onboard this cruise is largely geared towards adult passengers. There are varied itineraries around the Mediterranean, Caribbean and The Americas. Or why not step back in time and take a cruise aboard one of the transatlantic routes available? Interior furnishings reflect décor styles of the 1920’s and 30’s and there is a definite country club ambience indoors. All public areas are finished to a high standard with marble fireplaces in some bars and a Regency style design in the library.
The ship first entered service (as R One) in 1998, joining the Oceania fleet as Insignia in October 2003. It was built in France for £75 million. Weighing in at 30k tons it measures 181m long and is 25 .5m wide. The ship retains 2 lifeboats, 4 tenders and 2 rescue boats. The currency used onboard is the US dollar. There are a total of 342 cabins, ranging from 13.5 sq. m to 90 sq.m in size. A choice of 6 cabin categories is on offer along with 10 price grades. 317 cabins have an outside view, 25 are interior cabins, while only 3 have wheelchair access. There are also 4 lifts onboard. 232 cabins have a private balcony, however none are single occupancy.
The four lowest grades of accommodation are a tight fit for 2 people sharing. All cabins feature a TV, bathrobes, towels, slippers, vanity desk and personal safe. Some cabins (Concierge level) also qualify for extras including a bottle of champagne on arrival, and priority booking for services such as embarkation and reservations in onboard restaurants.
Owner’s Suites offer the largest and most luxurious cabin space (89.3sq.m), benefiting from superb views of the sea from your bed through the floor-to-ceiling glass door. Each cabin features a CD player/Jacuzzi/entrance hall/living room and completely private balcony.
Vista Suites: Features as above, only smaller cabin space. (73 sq.m) | What are the cuisine/dining options? |
All restaurants adhere to an open-seating dining policy. This gives passengers greater flexibility and they can also choose from 4 main restaurants.
The Grand Dining Room has a capacity to seat 340 diners and enjoys ocean views on three sides. Lunch and dinner menus change daily, but please note that due to the low ceiling level it can get extremely noisy at busy times. (Reservations required.)
Toscana Italian Restaurant: Choose from the set menu or chef’s specials. (Seats 96, Reservations required.
Polo Grill: Prime steaks and seafood. (seats 98)
Terrace Café: Tapas /Mediterranean/ self service buffet/pizzeria & grill/ cheeses & salad. (154 indoor seats – 186 outside)
Tides Café: smaller, more informal. Snacks & beverages. Inside: The Regatta Lounge is geared up to offer lectures and guest speakers, therefore limited traditional entertainment is available at this venue. Passengers can also try dancing, arts and crafts or sit in on cooking demonstrations. Drinks can be enjoyed in a range of 8 bars, or in the showroom and observation lounges.
Take a gamble in the casino, card room or slot machines. For a less risky time try the library, complete with trompe l’ oeil ceiling, wide selection of books and deep wing-backed chairs. High tea, wine tasting and art auctions are also on offer.
Pamper yourself in the spa, beauty salon, or steam and treatment rooms. (No sauna)
Outside: The ship only has one swimming pool, (on lido deck.) complete with thalassotherapy tub. If you prefer to run there is a fitness track that wraps itself around the pool deck. Or why not have a go at golf or a game of shuffleboard? Your cruise fare does include all normal onboard services and facilities. The company suggests a gratuity charge of £6 a day per guest in recognition of restaurant service and stateroom attendance. This amount will be automatically charged to your account. For guests staying in the Penthouse/Vista & Owners Suites an additional charge of £1.75 per guest per day will be added to their account for butler services. All beverage purchases and services in the salon and spa are subject to an 18% gratuity charge. Currency exchange is available onboard at a fee of 5%.
All staterooms, verandas and suites are non –smoking. Passengers are only allowed to smoke in Designated Smoking Areas; they are situated in the port corner of Horizons, on Deck 9 and the forward starboard corner of Deck 10. Cigar and pipe smoking is only permitted forward starboard of the pool deck
Technology: Passengers can use mobiles and blackberries to make and receive calls and texts. Charges will appear as “roaming charges” by your home provider and in line with international maritime roaming charges. (Calls cost £1 - £4 per minute depending on area / Texts cost 20p per minute.) You can also use the C-Band satellite phone from the stateroom to dial direct. This will be added directly to your account and charged at £4.75 a minute.
The cruise fare does not include transfers, shore excursions, sightseeing, meals and activities ashore, gratuities, alcohol, laundry or beauty treatments and products in the salon and spa. All cappuccinos and expresso drinks cost extra from the Poolside Grill bar. The purchasing of alcohol and its consumption is restricted to over 21’s. (Staff may also retain alcohol bought ashore.) There is a self -service launderette on Deck 7.
Passengers can purchase ground transfers from Oceania to enjoy all-inclusive transfers between airport and ship on both embarkation and disembarkation day. Transfers are also available, if you order a pre/post hotel package stay, from your hotel to ship. Seven Seas Voyager
Seven Seas Cruises
Maximum Passengers: 752 | |
A luxury, mid-size vessel comprising of 9 passenger decks, this ship has the capacity to carry between 708 -752 passengers along with 445 crew. A stylish, elegant ship it offers a good standard of service and fine food; probably best suited to single travellers over the age of 50 and couples. There is a Club Mariner Youth programme catering for tots to teens, however this only features on certain summer voyages. Wherever you may wish to go! Choose from extensive itineraries around Europe, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Mexico or the Panama Canal. If that’s too hot to handle, why not head for cooler climes in Scandinavia or Russia? And if that doesn’t whet your appetite there is always the World Cruise option. Built in Italy for £120 million, this ship started its seagoing life in 2003. Measuring 204m in length and 28m wide, it weighs in at (approx.) 42k tons. The interior has been well planned and laid out giving it a spacious feel (one of the highest passenger space ratios in the business). With three stairways and an atrium lobby covering 9 decks you can move around the ship with ease. The CDC hygiene rating is 95. Due to a state of the art pod propulsion system its stability rating is excellent. Onboard currency is the US dollar. There are 354 cabins to choose from, all come with outside view and private balcony. The largest on offer is 130sq.m, the smallest 33sq.m. They are divided into 12 individual price grades depending on grade/size/location. All levels of accommodation come with marble bathroom and tub, walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, TV and DVD player. Master, Grand, Voyager, Seven Seas and Penthouse Suites all have a butler service, while cabin class C-H do not.
No single occupancy suites are available onboard. Wheelchair access is only available in 4 suites; however all 4 are located close to a lift and have large roll-in showers along with a good amount of living space. | What are the cuisine/dining options? |
Centrally located, with the capacity to hold 570 guests, the Compass Rose Restaurant is the main dining area onboard. A wide range of food is on offer (including vegetarian and spa options) and you are not restricted to any seating plan as all restaurants operate an open seating policy. You can enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the Voyager lounge, which is right next door!
For a touch of culinary class, dine out in the 120 seat Signatures supper club. With Cordon Bleu chefs, classic French cuisine and ocean views this venue is a must on any sailing. (Reservations required)
Latitudes – Watch your authentic Vietnamese meal cooked at the open kitchen.
La Veranda – Casual, self-service outdoor/indoor dining. Serves Breakfast & lunch buffets along with Mediterranean & N.African influenced dishes. (seats 450)
Horizon Lounge – High Tea every afternoon, fresh scones & cakes.
Outdoor grill – fast food.
24- hour room service. For a traditional nights entertainment sailing the high seas head for the two-tiered Constellation Showlounge. This venue certainly lives up to its name with a varied programme including cabaret acts, singers, dancers, pianists and comedians. Or listen to the many tunes performed by the onboard show band. Let a pianist play while you sip a cocktail in the Voyager Lounge or relax with a quiet drink in the Connoisseur Club. If dancing is your thing then trip the light fantastic in the Horizon Lounge; with a stunning ¾ moon shaped dance floor overlooking the ocean you won’t want an early night. For a more romantic, intimate venue let grand piano music serenade you in the Observation lounge while you watch the stars sail by.
If you want to take a gamble, hedge your bets in the casino or on the slot machines.
Other alternatives include guest speakers giving lectures on various destinations or why not take a master class in bridge, Cordon Bleu cooking or computer skills?
All normal fitness facilities can be found aboard including a health spa, beauty salon, gymnasium, sauna and steam rooms. For more strenuous exercise try the paddle tennis courts, aerobics rooms or golf driving and practice cages. You can take a dip in the outdoor pool, 3 Whirlpools or 2 Jacuzzis. Or if exercise is not your thing relax in the library or browse around the shopping arcade. The cruise fare includes all normal shipboard services and facilities and onboard gratuities. Beverages, including beer, bottled water and certain wines and spirits are also inclusive. Complimentary room service is available along with in-suite dining (with selections from the dining room in dinner hours). The singles supplement charge is 100% on named suites, 75% on Penthouse Suites and between 10-40% on deluxe cabins. Child tariff tickets are available on request from reservations deptartment.
The cruise fare excludes airfare, all transfers on embarkation and disembarkation day, medical treatment, dry cleaning, shore excursions, beauty and spa treatments, fax and ship to shore calls and e-mail (sent and received onboard – E-mail charges: 10p minute/£25 for 250 minutes/ -12p minute/ £12.50 for 100 minutes - pay as you go- 17p minute).
All 2007 reservations are subject to fuel surcharges (£2.50 per person per day), air fuel surcharges on transatlantic flights purchased through the company (£45 per person) Requesting a specific flight/airline is subject to £50 per person concierge fee. Private car transfers (to/from airport to pier) can be purchased at an extra cost. Hotel pre/post cruise packages are available, please note that early or late booking in times are subject to an additional fee. If cruise terminates in America or San Juan government fees will be charged (£2.37 per person in US/Canada/Mexico/Bermuda/ Caribbean. - £6 per person elsewhere).
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