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Crystal Cruises Review — Ships, Destinations, Dining, and More

Katie Seemann

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Basic Information

Crystal cruises ocean ships, crystal cruises river ships, crystal cruises yacht, crystal cruises expedition ship, departure ports, private ships/islands, complimentary dining, specialty restaurants, bars and beverages, crystal ocean cruises, crystal river cruises, crystal yacht cruises, crystal expedition cruises, crystal society, final thoughts.

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Crystal Cruises has been offering luxury cruise vacations since 1990. This all-inclusive cruise line doesn’t have a large fleet, but what they do have focuses on total luxury and intimate, small ship sailings.

With Crystal Cruises you won’t find mega-ships like Royal Caribbean or discount party ships like Carnival . What you will find are luxury ocean and river ships along with a yacht and an expedition ship.

Let’s explore what makes Crystal Cruises a unique experience.

Name: Crystal Ltd.

Parent Company: Genting Hong Kong

Number of Ships: 8

Destinations: 800+

Loyalty Program: Crystal Society

Credit Card: None

Crystal Cruises operates 2 ocean ships, 4 river ships, 1 yacht, and 1 expedition ship.

• Crystal Serenity
• Crystal Symphony
• Crystal Bach
• Crystal Debussy
• Crystal Mahler
• Crystal Ravel
• Crystal Esprit
• Crystal Endeavor

Crystal Cruises sails to over 800 destinations on all 7 continents from 84 departure ports.

Crystal Cruises does not have a private island or port.

Onboard Activities

Here are some of the activities you may experience on a Crystal Cruises ship (not all activities are available on every ship).

• 360 Degree promenade deck
• Afternoon tea
• Computer University@Sea
• Crystal Life Sauna
• Crystal Life Spa & Salon
• Fitness center
• Golf driving nets
• Junior activities program (seasonal)
• Paddle tennis courts
• Personal training
• Photography workshops
• Resorts World at Sea Casino

You’ll be able to find the dress code for your ocean or expedition voyage, either Crystal Casual or black tie optional, for each day at sea in your Personal Cruise Calendar.

Crystal River Ships Dress Code

• Comfortable and casual attire is appropriate during the day, however, swimsuits, cover-ups, and baseball hats are not permitted in the dining rooms.
• Crystal Casual attire is appropriate for evenings on board. This is a slightly dressed up version of daytime wear.

Crystal Esprit (Yacht) Dress Code

• Tasteful swimwear, sandals, shorts, casual short sleeves, and cover-ups are appropriate during the day.
• Stylish resort wear should be worn for nights on board. This includes capri pants, blouses, sundresses, and sandals for women. Men should wear khakis, Bermuda shorts, short-sleeve button-down shirts, or golf shirts.

Hot Tip: Be prepared for your cruise’s action-packed days and fun-filled nights — check out our printable cruise packing list!

Dining and Beverages

Dining is a little different on Crystal Cruises because everything is included . There are 3 specialty restaurants across the fleet and each guest is entitled to dine at each of these once or twice per cruise (depending on cruise length) at no extra cost. All beverages in the restaurants, including alcohol, are included as well.

Look out for these restaurants on your next cruise; not all locations are available on every ship.

• 24-hour room service
• Bistro Bach
• Bistro Debussy
• Bistro Endeavor
• Bistro Mahler
• Bistro Ravel
• Churrascaria
• Marketplace
• Scoops Ice Cream Bar
• Silk Kitchen & Bar
• Sunset Grill
• The Vintage Room*
• Trident Grill
• Umi Uma & Sushi Bar*

*Denotes a specialty restaurant that requires reservations.

All locations with the exception of specialty restaurants Umi Uma, Prego, and The Vintage Room have open seating. That means you can dine anytime (usually between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. for dinner) you wish without reservations.

Umi Uma & Sushi Bar, Prego, and The Vintage Room are considered specialty restaurants and require reservations. You can dine at each of the specialty restaurants once per cruise for free. Each additional reservation you make at a specialty restaurant will incur a $30 per person fee.

For any cruise that is 14 days or longer, each guest is allowed 2 complimentary visits to each specialty restaurant before the $30 fee is charged. The Vintage Room wine pairing dining experience is also subject to additional charges.

All beverages are included on your Crystal cruise. Wine, Champagne, premium spirits, and specialty coffees? Yes, they’re all included!

Look out for these bars and lounges on your next cruise; not all locations are available on every ship.

• Avenue Saloon
• Connoisseur Club
• Crystal Cove
• Galaxy Lounge
• Starlite Club

Bottom Line: Crystal Cruises goes the all-inclusive route. Beverages (including wines, Champagne, and specialty coffees), specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are all included.

Accommodations

No matter which room type you choose or what type of ship you’re sailing on, you’ll find luxury accommodations across the Crystal Cruises fleet.

Every stateroom on a Crystal ocean cruise comes with standard amenities including:

• Sitting area
• Double-vanity bathroom
• Full bathtub/shower
• Bathrobes, kimonos, and slippers for onboard use
• Luxury bath products
• Twice-daily housekeeping
• Evening turndown service

Here are some of the highlights:

The Seabreeze Penthouse with Verandah features butler service, a walk-in closet, private verandah, in-suite tea or cocktails, plus canapés and dining from specialty restaurants Umi Uma and Prego.

For the ultimate in luxury, choose the Crystal Penthouse with Verandah. This amazing room features over 1,300 square feet of living space. You’ll find a separate living and dining area featuring a custom entertainment center. The master bathroom includes a Jacuzzi tub, flat-screen TV, heated floor, and bidet. There’s also a guest bathroom with a shower.

Sailing on a river cruise is so different than a more traditional ocean cruise. Crystal river cruises are a great way to travel if you’re looking for luxury because every room on each river ship is a suite!

The “basic” room on a Crystal river cruise is anything but basic. The Petite Suite with Panoramic Balcony-Window features a king-size bed with Egyptian cotton linens, glass shower with 2 shower heads, single vanity with halo-lit mirror, and a huge panoramic window so you won’t miss the spectacular views.

The Two-Bedroom Crystal Suite with Panoramic Balcony-Window sleeps up to 5 guests and comes with butler service. This elegant room features 2 bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, a fireplace with ambient lighting, a separate dining area, and an extra powder room.

Cruising on a yacht is a special treat. Crystal Cruise’s yacht, Crystal Esprit, accommodates only 62 guests, so you’ll enjoy personalized service along with deluxe accommodations.

The Yacht Suite features a king-size bed, bed-side iPads, and large picture window. The bathroom has a glass-enclosed shower, double sink, and a natural stone floor. Personalized butler service and twice-daily housekeeping will round out your luxurious experience.

The 500+ square foot Owner’s Suite features a living area with sofa and chairs, flat-screen TV, and dining table. The bathroom includes a glass-enclosed rain shower and double vanity with a backlit mirror and integrated TV.

On the Crystal Endeavor Expedition ship, all rooms are suites and every suite has a private verandah.

The Penthouse Suite with Verandah features a king-size bed, living area, and a heated storage closet for expedition gear. The bathroom features a glass-enclosed shower with dual shower heads, double vanity, and a separate water closet.

For even more space and luxury, check out the Expedition Suite with Verandah. This expansive suite features 2 bedrooms in over 1,200 square feet of space. Each bedroom features a king-size bed, bedside iPads, and interactive TVs. Each bedroom has an en suite bathroom with dual sinks, heated floors, Jacuzzis, and separate water closets.

The Crystal Society is Crystal Cruise’s loyalty program. It’s free to join , and you’ll be automatically enrolled after you complete your first full-revenue cruise. As a member, you’ll receive special offers, upgrades, onboard credits, special events, and savings on future cruises.

Every member receives benefits including:

• 2.5% savings on all voyages
• 2.5% onboard booking savings when you book your next cruise on board
• Exclusive onboard cocktail party

Plus, you’ll earn cruise credits each time you sail. Each time you hit a new milestone, you’ll be eligible for even more benefits like unlimited free reservations at specialty restaurants, credits towards future sailings, and recognition pins.

Hot Tip: Not sure which credit card to use to get the most bang for your cruise buck? Check out our guide to the best credit cards to book cruises for some guidance.

Crystal Cruises is a luxury cruise line offering ocean, river, yacht, and expedition cruises. Each of its 8 ships is designed for the luxury traveler and includes elegant accommodations and exquisite cuisine.

On Crystal Cruises, everything is included. You won’t pay extra for specialty restaurants, beverages, gratuities, or Wi-Fi.

If you’re looking for mega-ships with endless activities, check out other lines like Disney Cruises , Norwegian , or Princess. However, if you prefer smaller ships or the intimacy of a river or yacht cruise, Crystal Cruises has a lot to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a crystal cruise all-inclusive.

Yes, Crystal Cruises is an all-inclusive line. You won’t have to pay extra for beverages like wine, Champagne, spirits, or specialty coffees. The specialty restaurants are included as is Wi-Fi, room service, and gratuities.

Do Crystal Cruises include excursions in the price?

If you’re sailing on Crystal Cruises’ yacht, Crystal Esprit, Crystal Cruises’ Expedition ship, Crystal Endeavor, or a Crystal Cruises river ship, some shore excursions are included. However, if you’re sailing on a Crystal Cruises ocean ship, shore excursions will come with an additional charge.

Are children allowed on Crystal Cruise ships?

Yes, children aged 6 months and older are welcome on any Crystal Cruises ship with a few exceptions. When traveling on the Crystal Esprit, children younger than 7 are not allowed on the Zodiacs. Some ports require Zodiac transportation to disembark the yacht, so young children would have to stay on board with an adult in those situations. Children under 6 years old are not allowed on Crystal Endeavor expeditions to the Arctic or Antarctic.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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Crystal Cruises

Crystal cruise’s two ocean ships (crystal serenity and symphony), as well as crystal’s name, have been purchased by a & k travel group (abercombie & kent). the holding company is chaired by manfred lefebvre d’ovidio, the former owner of silversea cruises., crystal has announced its relaunch with new sailings starting july 31, 2023. welcome back.

Welcome to our definitive guide to Crystal Cruise. Crystal operates some of the largest ultra-luxury ships giving Crystal the opportunity to offer a wider selection of onboard activities than smaller luxury ships. All the restaurants are Michelin inspired and boast 6-star cuisine, with their loyal followers agreeing. Crystal has some of the highest space-to-guest ratios and highest crew-to-guest ratios ensuring the highest levels of service in a spacious and sophisticated environment. All suites include butler service.

Crystal is the leader in entertainment and enrichment programs in the ultra-luxury market. On any night you’ll have a variety of entertainment and enrichment options including live shows, musical performances, movies, and lectures, plus the option to relax in one of its three-bar lounges.

Crystal’s guests enjoy dressing up, showing off their elegant clothes, and mingling with like-minded fellow guests. The average age is a bit higher, but you’ll find guests as young as 45 on most cruises.

Should you choose Crystal Cruises?

Yes, if you want/value.

• A more formal dress atmosphere with Formal Nights
• Traveling in ultra-luxury with children
• All-inclusive pricing for ultra-luxury cruising
• A larger luxury ship (around 850- 950 passengers)
• More dining and entertainment options

No, if you want/value

• ​A very active or energetic environment
• A more casual evening atmosphere
• A younger crowd
• Crystal has a more formal dress code than other ultra-luxury lines. Standards have been relaxed over the years, but during Formal Nights (see below), most men wear tuxedos and women wear full length evening gowns. ​
• Children and teens have dedicated areas, programs and activities for ages 3 to 17 on holiday voyages and most summer sailings
• In-stateroom babysitting services for children 1 year and older is available on a first-come first served basis (fees apply)
• Penthouses have full Jacuzzi tubs and separate shower; double vanity marble sinks in staterooms
• Suites have unlimited complimentary dining in specialty restaurants
• Complimentary self-service laundromats
• Crystal offers a wide variety of “theme cruises” with the longest being its “Wine & Food Festival” now in its 22st year. Ask for details about these special and sought after cruises.

Your Onboard Experiences

Crystal’s restaurants offer an upscale and sophisticated menu serving some of the best dining on the seas.

• Waterside is the main dining room. No reservations accepted. Serves handmade pastas and a mix of classic favorites and progressive modern dishes
• Marketplace offers casual upscale buffet style dining for breakfast and lunch.
• Silk Kitchen & Ba r offers a variety of authentic delicacies such as dumplings, savory crêpes for breakfast, and favorites such as dim sum, noodles and soups for lunch. A dinner menu features tantalizing family-style sharing plates sure to impress any food aficionado. Open seating for breakfast and lunch; for dinner it is a specialty restaurant and dinner reservations are recommended.
• Churrascaria is a Brazilian steakhouse for dinner and includes a selection of tapas, salads, and seafood brochettes

​Room service is always available at no charge.

​SPECIALTY RESTAURANTS

There are two specialty restaurants which guests can enjoy once each – Prego and Silk Road or The Sushi Bar during each cruise. Additional visits are a $30 upcharge/person.

• Prego – Outstanding Italian, steaks and fish.
• Silk Road or The Sushi Bar by Nobu- Japanese-Peruvian cuisine

Penthouse and above guests are entitled to unlimited complimentary specialty restaurant reservations based on availability, and can order in-room service from Prego or Silk Road.

Complimentary beverages including fine wines, champagne, premium spirits and all non-alcoholic beverages such as bottled water, soft drinks and specialty coffees.

ENTERTAINMENT

In part because of its larger size, Crystal offers some of the best entertainment in the luxury cruise category. The Galaxy Lounge features production shows with a hydraulic-rising state and headline entertainers. The Hollywood Theatre shows new releases and classic films in Dobly sound. The Crystal Cove , Starlite and Stardust club hosts “spot shows” performed by the Crystal cast.

​Crystal is known for it broad enrichment programs. Onboard activities include:

• Crystal Vision Enrichment Program – World-renowned experts hold lectures on world affairs, destinations an cultures, history, art and entertainment.
• Creative Learning Institute – Education classes on art, golf, dancing, bridge and more. Selections can include a Digital Film-making course, instructors from Berlitz and Yamaha, professionals in wellness and classes with Odyssey Art at Sea.
• Dedicated Bridge lounge
• Computer Uniersity@Sea – Professional instruction in 30 different areas from digital photofinishing to mastering the iPad, plus a concierge who assists with devices such as smartphones, tables and eReaders.
• Odyssey Art at Sea Classes – guest learn about watercolor, sculpture, knitting and more.

SPA & FITNESS CENTER

The Crystal Life Spa focuses on wellness following the principles of Feng Shui, the ancient practice of balance and harmony, their award-winning spa embodies a tranquil environment, easily allowing you to slip away from the stresses of daily life.

In serene treatment rooms, rejuvenating services such as Aroma Stone Therapy, Japanese Silk Booster Facial and Well-Being Massage are dispensed with expert care.

Separate facilities for men and women include state-of-the-art sauna and changing areas featuring showers with multiple head and side body jets, fiber optic lighting, and a selection of special rain and mist functions.

A private, canopied relaxation area on the Spa’s aft deck invites relaxation before or after a treatment.

In addition to an extensive selection of specialty massages and acupuncture, Medi-Spa cosmetic treatments offer state-of-the-art, noninvasive procedures for those seeking to reduce signs of aging and improve the condition of their skin.

Boutique luxury salon services f eature Deborah Lippmann nail polish products, custom-designed manicure/pedicure areas feature sunken foot bowls, well suited to the “Sole Delight Foot Ritual” with warmed aromatherapy oils and massage prior to a full pedicure.

State-of-the-art Fitness Center offers high-tech equipment includes Technogym® machines for both strength and cardio training; treadmills with flat-screen TVs, cross trainers, recumbent and upright Life Cycles, steppers and more, as well as a range of free weights.

​FELLOW GUESTS

Primarily North American couples 60 years and up with a mix of about 15% from around the world. Guest are very affluent and take pride in showing it in how they dress, and expect others to dress appropriately. More younger guests from 40 and up on shorter cruises. With it’s major refurbishment of the ships in 2017 and 2018, Crystal is trying to appeal to a younger demographic.

Crystal leans toward a more formal dress than most of its competitors, and enforces its dress code. If you enjoy a more informal and relaxed dress code, Crystal might not be your best choice. If you enjoy formality and getting dressed up, and showing off your fine evening wear in an elegant atmosphere, Crystal would be perfect for you. Times are changing. During the Black Tie Optional evening(s), more guests are opting not to wear formal attired during these evenings. For men, a sports coat (without a tie) is becoming more common.

Throughout the day, guests wear a mix of active resort wear. Waterside dining room attire is casual during the day; however, swimsuits, swimsuit cover–ups/robes, baseball hats and denim cutoff shorts are not appropriate. If you choose to change your attire following the evening dinner and other festivities, please maintain a minimum style of dress in keeping with the Crystal Casual dress code. After 6:00 pm, casual daytime attire is not appropriate. Shorts and baseball caps are not permitted for men or women. Guests have two elegant options for preferred evening attire: Crystal Casual and Black Tie Optional. Please refer to the dress codes described in detail below. If you choose to change your attire following the evening dinner and other festivities, please maintain a minimum style of dress in keeping with the dress code described in Crystal Casual.

Crystal Casual Attire Women’s Crystal Casual includes: • Blouse • Sweater • Dress slacks • Skirt • Dress Winter Suggestion: Warm wraps or evening coats, as well as gloves and scarves for fall and winter months

Men’s Crystal Casual includes: • Open-collar shirt • Collared polo shirt • Button-down shirt • Dress shirt (no tie required) • Dress pants/Smart trousers • Sport coat (optional) Winter Suggestion: Overcoat, scarves, gloves and hats for fall and winter months

Black Tie Optional Attire A Black Tie Optional evening offers a celebratory opportunity to dress more formally on a special evening(s). For men, this includes a dark suit with tie, or tuxedo; for women, this includes a formal cocktail dress, evening gown or dressy evening separates. On Black Tie Optional evenings, we request at least a jacket to be worn by men and a dress, skirt or dress slacks and blouse or sweater to be worn by women. Jeans may not be worn in any dining venues or lounges, including the Casino, on Black Tie Optional evenings. (Note: more guests are opting not to wear formal attired during these evenings. For men, a sports coat (without a tie) is becoming more common.)

On most voyages, guests can expect the following: • 7-days (or less) cruises: Crystal Casual only, no Black Tie Optional evenings • 8– to 10–day cruises: Up to one Black Tie Optional evening • 11– to 13–day cruises: Two Black Tie Optional evenings • World Cruises, Holiday voyages and Crossings may be scheduled differently Please be advised that one night of your itinerary (7 days or longer) will be a designated Crystal White Extravaganza, a signature dance party event with the Crystal showband featuring vocalist, violinist and their Latin dance performers. Dress Code is Crystal Casual (suggested white attire). For your convenience, the recommended dress code for each evening of your cruise is listed in the daily itinerary section of the Priority Check–in & Planning Center (PCPC) accessible at crystalcruises.com.

WIFI/INTERNET

Complimentary Wi-Fi/Internet access is provided in your suite and throughout the ship, signal permitting. During the 2017 – 2018 refurbishment, high speed accelerators were added to increase Internet speeds.

GRATUITIES & TIPPING

With Crystal’s all-inclusive cruising, complimentary gratuities are included for housekeeping (Penthouse Butler, Penthouse Attendant, Stateroom Attendant and Trainee Stateroom Attendants), bar and dining staff (including specialty restaurants and in-room dining service staff).

If you would like to present gratuities for other service personnel, please do so at your discretion, or if you have any questions regarding gratuities, please contact the Reception Desk on board.

Crystal suggests an 18% gratuity for Crystal Spa & Salon services, which will be automatically added to your bill and charged to your shipboard account for your convenience.

Below are just a few featured Crystal Cruises.

Use the Search Box on the right to find other Crystal Cruises itineraries and destinations.

Or just give us a call and we’ll help you find your dream vacation.

Crystal [itb-ovexplore-search destinationtype=”Ocean” showdestinationType=”false” filtercruiseline=”3″]

So how to choose the right vacation for you?

Vacations are an investment! With literally thousands of options, choosing the right vacation and the best value is difficult to sort through. That’s where I bring my 12 years of travel experience and expertise to do this right, and get you the best value for your money. With the backing of the largest travel consortium behind me, we have options you can’t find online. Plus our work just gets started once we book your dream vacation. Chat with us to learn more.

The world awaits you and we look forward to assisting you in choosing the exact right adventure on the waters or land for you and your companions!

Let’s chat and find the right vacation for you.

Find Your Cruise

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Home Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises

Exceptional luxury and an award-winning onboard experience await with the newly reimagined Crystal Cruises.

Following Abercrombie & Kent’s acquisition in 2022, Crystal Cruises returned to explore the world’s oceans in 2023. Offering inspiring new itineraries, more spacious onboard accommodations and Crystal’s customary best-in-class dining and service, the operator invites new and returning guests to explore a collection of captivating destinations in sophisticated elegance and style.

For over thirty years, our relationship with Crystal has given our clients access to unbeatable fares and exclusive cruise deals on hundreds of itineraries. So whether you’re a first-time guest or a seasoned Crystal Cruises Society member, we’d be delighted to help you start planning your 2024 or 2025 Crystal cruise. To learn more, call 0800 008 6677 or use our website to find your perfect voyage.

Did you know? We currently offer exclusive fly-cruise fares on a collection of voyages – view our latest Crystal cruise deals for more information.

Your favourite vessels, but different.

The new-look Crystal Cruises reintroduces Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony , two cruise ships synonymous with onboard luxury. With reduced capacities (740 and 606 guests, respectively), you’ll have more space to enjoy the sweeping changes implemented as part of Crystal Cruises’ relaunch. Both vessels now offer larger, updated suites and reimagined spa & wellness facilities; you’ll feel at home from the moment you step aboard. The dining options, as always, promise an array of culinary discoveries, whether you dine in the main Waterside Restaurant or one of up to seven speciality restaurants.

Crystal Cruises 2024 / 2025 Itineraries

Crystal Cruises 2024 collection features an extensive collection of itineraries to an assortment of captivating destinations worldwide. From a 141-night World Cruise to continent-crossing Grand Journeys in Asia, North America and the Pacific Islands, there are plenty of options available if you’re looking for an extended journey. Alternatively, if you want a shorter holiday, then Crystal Cruises presents an array of enticing options ranging from 7 to 14 nights to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Australasia and Alaska. View Crystal Cruises 2024 .

Crystal Cruises will begin 2025 with a 123-night World Cruise aboard Crystal Serenity. Sailing from Fort Lauderdale, the epic voyage will call at 62 destinations across 31 countries and undoubtedly presents the perfect opportunity to see the world in luxury. Elsewhere, you’ll find cruises to almost every continent, with Crystal offering nearly unlimited possibilities to explore in style. The collection includes a Grand Prix voyage aboard Crystal Symphony and a series of itineraries to Canada and New England during the autumn.

Included with Crystal Cruises:

Crystal offers an all-inclusive onboard experience with almost every detail taken care of in your cruise fare.

• All dining in a range of restaurants and eateries
• Complimentary beverages, including fine wines and premium spirits
• Non-alcoholic beverages, including teas, coffees and soft drinks
• 24-hour room service
• All entertainment and enrichment activities
• Access to the fitness suite and instructor-led classes

Furthermore, guests staying in Penthouse accommodation (or above) will benefit from personal Butler service, an in-suite bar, and the option to order dishes from speciality restaurants for in-suite dining.

Book your Crystal Cruise with the UK’s leading specialists.

Our team has first-hand onboard experience with Crystal and can offer unbiased advice to help you select the ideal voyage and accommodation to suit your requirements. To find out more or to receive a quotation, please call our Voyage Consultants on 0800 006 6677 . Alternatively, please submit an online enquiry for your preferred itinerary on our website.

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2026 WORLD CRUISE

Join us for the voyage of a lifetime. Explore every corner of our extraordinary planet on our 2026 World Cruise.

CHAIRMEN'S CRUISE

Set sail on Crystal Symphony, from Nov 14th - 24th, 2024, with two luminaries of travel, Mr. Manfredi Lefebvre, Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group, and Mr. Geoffrey Kent, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Abercrombie & Kent.

THE MEDITERRANEAN EDIT

Join us aboard Crystal Symphony on all-inclusive cruises that explore a region of joie de vivre, culture, tradition, and gastronomy.

REFER A FRIEND TO CRYSTAL AND SAVE

To show our appreciation, we have launched our Crystal Referral Program* to reward all Crystal guests who introduce their friends and family to Crystal. Terms and conditions apply*

CRYSTAL EXPLORER FARE OFFER

Book early to get up to 20% off voyages in 2025 and beyond with our new Crystal Explorer Fare. Terms and conditions apply.

EXCEPTIONAL AT SEA

Sail onboard our newly refurbished ships Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony and travel on cruises that have been designed for deep destination discovery.

FIND YOUR NEXT VOYAGE

WELCOME TO CRYSTAL

Join us on Crystal for the voyage of a lifetime, where days are spent immersed in the world’s most breathtaking destinations, and evenings are elegant affairs filled with fine-dining, entertainment, and captivating company. Step aboard and be warmly welcomed into a world of comfort and sophistication on our reimagined ships, where the crew know you by name and your every nuanced wish is taken care of. Together with Abercrombie & Kent, we get closer to the unseen side of each destination and create memories guaranteed to last a lifetime. Simply put, Crystal is Exceptional at Sea.

THE CRYSTAL DIFFERENCE

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Our onshore experiences are curated by Abercrombie & Kent, leaders in global travel for over 60 years.

PERFECTLY AT HOME

Warm, intuitive service; spacious and comfortable suites and social areas… all that’s left for you to do is relax.

WORLD-CLASS DINING

Unparalleled choice, including the only Nobu restaurant at sea, dining aboard Crystal is an unforgettable experience.

OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINMENT

From Broadway shows and comedy, to live music and lectures, we have a world of options to keep you amused.

Together, let’s make it happen.

Are you ready to become exceptional at sea? Start your travel adventures with Crystal today.

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START YOUR ADVENTURE

Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony now sail to 281 destinations in 112 countries. Where will you go next?

DESTINATIONS

Search our selection of the world’s most iconic and unusual destinations and find your dream voyage.

SEARCH DESTINATIONS

WORLD CRUISE

In it for the long-haul? Join us on one of our World Cruises and travel the world in style.

FIND A WORLD CRUISE

GRAND JOURNEYS

If you crave deep exploration, our Grand Journeys offer an immersive travel experience.

FIND A GRAND JOURNEY

"Crystal is back in all its glory. And even if they won’t describe themselves as luxurious, their guests almost certainly will"

- Condé Nast Traveller

“What Crystal Symphony is – and what makes it so special – is something less tangible. It’s the same reason a Patek Philippe watch is desirable, or an Hermès bag: it offers timeless elegance that is continually appealing to those who appreciate both style and value. Crystal just happens to offer both of those things in spades.”

- Cruise Critic

"The real star of the show, however, is Crystal’s exceptional dining, anchored by the only Nobu restaurant at sea, Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa Restaurant and Sushi Bar, which can be found on both ships."

Explore our two beautifully reimagined ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, and discover a world of timeless elegance at sea.

DINING ONBOARD

Crystal offers endless choices to suit every taste and mood.

UMI UMA BY NOBU MATSUHISA

Lose yourself in the beautiful décor and signature dishes of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

OSTERIA D'OVIDIO

Named for our owner, this restaurant specializes in show-stopping Italian fine dining.

WATERSIDE RESTAURANT

Enjoy fine-dining with a daily changing menu surrounded by sweeping ocean views.

THE VINTAGE ROOM

A gourmet food and wine pairing restaurant that offers some of the best vintages at sea.

Indulge in delicious patisseries and light bites in this spacious, airy café.

TRIDENT GRILL

Our pool restaurant and grill is the perfect spot for relaxed dining.

TASTES KITCHEN & BAR

Sumptuous, regionally inspired tapas-style cuisine for sophisticated, casual dining.

SCOOPS ICE CREAM BAR

Choose from innovative flavors or traditional delights in our Italian gelateria.

MARKETPLACE

This buffet-style restaurant features a vast array of choices for those who like a little of everything.

SPA AND FITNESS

Elevate your journey with holistic wellness tailored to you. Our onboard fitness facilities offer invigorating workouts using state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, while our beautiful Aurōra spa will leave you relaxed and renewed with a comprehensive range of revitalizing treatments.

EXPLORE OUR SPA

Soak up the health benefits or just steal a moment to relax with a purifying sauna.

FITNESS CENTER

Work up a sweat in our gym, equipped with the latest facilities, personalized training, and group classes.

Soak up the sunshine in style, then go for a refreshing dip on our beautiful pool deck.

From pickleball and paddle tennis, to golf practice and dance classes, our ships offer a host of activities from dawn to dusk.

SUITES & GUEST ROOMS

Our suites and guest rooms artfully pair comfort with the exceptionally elegant design. Elevated details, contemporary craftsmanship, and artisanal finishing embody modern refinement, while the spacious layouts maximize in-room relaxation.

CRYSTAL SERENITY - CRYSTAL PENTHOUSE SUITE

CHOOSE A COMPLIMENTARY BROCHURE AND BEGIN YOUR EXCEPTIONAL JOURNEY.

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TAKE A LOOK AT CRYSTAL'S EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE

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Crystal Cruises will set sail again this summer with new name, 'personalized service'

Crystal Cruises is back with a new name and a new look.

After  suspending operations  last year, the cruise line is relaunching as Crystal and will set sail again on July 31, the brand said Wednesday.

The A&K Travel Group, which owns the luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent, acquired the Crystal Cruises brand last year along with its Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity ships, which have been refurbished with larger suites and revamped amenities.

"I am delighted to announce that Crystal is reborn, with Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony reimagined and enhancements made to every part of our guests' journey," Crystal president Jack Anderson said in a news release .

How long can you be on a cruise?: Why some passengers opt to sail for 6 months or longer

What is the best way to travel to Alaska?: Cunard is offering a cruise and train experience

Crystal Cruises  reportedly shut down  at least its U.S. operations last year after an arrest warrant had been issued for the Crystal Symphony because of unpaid fuel bills. The cruise line had previously suspended sailings for several months after its parent company, Genting Hong Kong, declared bankruptcy in January 2022.

Royal Caribbean Group also acquired another former Crystal Cruises ship , Crystal Endeavor, which joined the Silversea Cruises fleet as Silver Endeavour.

Where will Crystal sail?

With the tagline, "Exceptional at Sea," Crystal will sail to destinations around the world, including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Alaska, Canada and New England and more.

The relaunched line's first sailing on July 31 will be a 12-night voyage from Marseille, France, to Lisbon, Portugal , on Crystal Serenity.

What can guests expect from Crystal?

Travelers can expect larger accommodations and upgraded features on board.

"Palatial suites, spacious verandas and guest rooms have been rolled out on both ships, reducing overall guest capacity," Anderson said in the release. "Personalized service – long a Crystal signature – has been elevated further."

Anderson said the line's eateries – there are nine on each ship – would serve "authentic food from around the globe," while Abercrombie & Kent's local experts would offer destination-specific experiences.

The ships will also have updated spas and gyms.

How much does a Crystal cruise cost?

A nine-night voyage from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Miami departing Nov. 23 starts at $3,800 per guest based on double occupancy, according to the line's website , but prices vary by cruise and room category, and include food and drinks on board.

Bookings open Wednesday for travel advisors and travelers who have made $500 open deposits . Other past passengers can book a cruise starting on Feb. 13, and bookings will open to the general public Feb. 22.

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Courtesy of Crystal Cruises

A luxurious steam room helps you wind down for the evening — No. 6 on our list of top 10 favorite things about a Crystal cruise.

10 of my favorite things about a Crystal cruise

Wine, butler service, enrichment, a top-rate spa & cuisine to die for.

Patti Pietschmann

Los Angeles

CruiseClout score: 95.0

As a travel journalist writing about all the major cruise lines over the years, I must admit I have my favorites. After taking 300-plus cruises to all corners of the globe, I've come to admire all kinds of cruise lines, from mega-ships to little expedition ships. The ones I come back to time after time, though, are the cruise lines that operate luxury ships with lots of passenger perks and pampering.

Crystal Cruises  is at or near the top of that list. My first mate Richard and I have been sailing with Crystal since the Los Angeles-based company introduced its first vessel, the Harmony, 25 years ago. (We were just kids ... if I can remember back that far.)

The Harmony (now long gone) redefined elegance and brought back that loving feeling of cruises of yore, and since then Crystal has just kept on enhancing the cruise experience with Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony , often touted as two of the top cruise ships in the world.

What do I love about a Crystal cruise? Here are 10 of some of my favorite things:

Cookie heaven

There are cookies, and then there are cookies. Crystal Serenity bakes the latter, and they are hard to beat anywhere, not just at sea. The lovelies pictured here are chocolate chuunk-macadamia nut and impossible to decline, but the white chocolate, peanut butter and oatmeal cookies are just as good. Don't worry, there's a fitness center on board!

Wines worthy of the name 

For those who haven't heard yet, Crystal Cruises is now all-inclusive, which naturally includes a wide selection of free varietals and vintages throughout the ship. You're in for a treat with the fully loaded wine bucket during a Tastes lunch aboard Crystal Serenity. Expect fruity whites both dry and lush from France, Austria and California, along with rich, hearty reds that work marvelously with more savory dinner selections, such as the perfect osso buco at Prego restaurant. 

Butler service

Once you've had butler service, it's OK to lust for it again. Yes, it’s available only in Penthouse Deck staterooms and suites, but these crew members are top flight. Our last butler was Engin, an amiable, solicitous gentleman from Turkey who showed he's eager to go the extra yard for his guests. This includes setting up the stateroom and bringing in a savory meals — or, in fine weather, serving lunch or dinner on our veranda . Such feasts may come from Silk Road and Prego, the speciality restaurants, or from the dining room. How anyone can live without an Engin equivalent remains a mystery. 

A perfect-size pool

To be truly useful, a ship's swimming pool must be large enough to accommodate both early-morning lap swimmers and late-afternoon dunkers. The one on both Serenity and Symphony fits the bill by being long enough for reasonable laps and having easy entry steps and an efficient heating system for when the ship glides into cooler climes. And there's plenty of room on the deck for sun worshippers and readers. 

A genuine teak deck

Promenade to Crystal Serenity's Promenade Deck and look down. While too many cruise ships have the fake stuff, this is the real deal: genuine teak. The wood is unobstructed by clutter and it goes all the way around without narrowing or being truncated at some halfway point. It is perfect for runners and walkers, and for that after-dinner stroll.

A spa to die for

On both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, The Spa, in all its feng shui splendor, is one of the best afloat. You'll be treated to free steam baths and saunas and lots of towels along with shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer. For an added fee you can get pampered royally with massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps, salon services and more. Every treatment I ever had on Crystal was a 10, even the mani/pedi.

A fitness center to keep you in shape

The fitness center, which overlooks the sea and is kept spanking clean, boasts the latest equipment for keeping in shape and working off those extra calories you can't resist because the food is just too good.

Cuisine par excellence

And speaking of the food, it's simply sublime on both Serenity and Symphony whether in room service, the buffet, on deck, the dining room or Silk Road or Prego, the alternative dining venues.

Crew members out to please

I've been continually impressed by Crystal's crew members, who are taught to never say “no.” When put to the test, which this diva of the sea does often, they have passed with flying colors.

Enrichment Programs that live up to the name

And finally, I love the dazzling array of shipboard diversions that go beyond bingo (although it is offered) to some of the most intellectually stimulating lectures in the Enrichment Program, to a Computer University at Sea where I learned how to use Photoshop and more, a fully stocked library with the latest books, recent movies (we once caught up on all the Oscar-nominated flicks during one cruise), food and wine demos, beauty lectures and more.

Crystal Cruises was acquired by Genting Hong Kong in June 2015 and is undergoing an enormous expansion that includes the addition of an impossibly opulent riverboat/yacht called Esprit, a jet plane, a shipbuilding yard in Germany and an additional ship or two, all rolling out in the next two to three years.

May she carry on her best-in-class tradition! 

In our series Luxury Cruises

• A taste of what you'll find on a luxury cruise
• Guide to all-inclusive pricing on cruise ships
• Guide to VIP enclaves on cruise ships
• 20 most luxurious staterooms on a cruise ship
• Experiencing Alaska on a luxury ship
• Butler service: A blissful perk on high-end cruises
• Top luxury spas at high-end cruise lines
• 10 world class hotels
• Is a world cruise right for you?

Patti Pietschmann I'm the LA Travel Diva and spend time cruising with first mate Richard, traveling the world, reviewing fine restaurants, going to plays, movies and events. It's the good life.

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Crystal Expedition Cruises

Offering intrepid adventure and fascinating insight into far-flung destinations and cultures, the Crystal Endeavour is able to reach some of the world’s most remote and untouched locations. From distant islands to world-class cities to unexplored polar regions, the Crystal Endeavour explores some of Earth’s most beautiful coastal landscapes, home to exceptional biodiversity and rich cultural heritage.

With a stunning range of intrepid, all-inclusive journeys on offer, this purpose-built, sophisticated expedition yacht features 100 balcony suites, six outstanding fine dining venues, and a vast luxury spa, just to name a few of its assets. One thing is for sure – you won’t need to skimp on luxury aboard the Endeavour. Feel at home in your relaxing and comfortable suite, where attention has been paid to every fine detail; your professional 24-hour butler is focused on providing any additional luxuries and comforts you may require.

Take part in small group excursions led by top experts, such as a thrilling exploration in a submersible or an exhilarating helicopter ride. After an exciting day of exploration, relax in the Solarium, indulge in a luxurious spa treatment, or sample some of Crystal’s fine all-inclusive wines, before your exquisitely unrivalled, Michelin-inspired dining in one of six beautiful venues.

Featured Cruises

Crystal expedition cruise itineraries.

Our Cruise Expert

Gary Buchanan has sailed the Seven Seas during his 33-year career as an award-winning specialist cruise writer. Author of four books about cruising, he regularly contributes to prestigious newspapers such as The Telegraph and magazines including American Express Departures. He is a pundit on all things cruise and is looking forward to enhancing the content library for Panache Cruises.

Gary Says...

“Conveying just 62-guests, Crystal Esprit is a siren of the seas unlike any other and is as close as you can get to cruising aboard a tycoon’s super-yacht. Each suite is perfection personified; skilful chefs create a treasure trove of exquisite cuisine; while the novel submersible transports you to an underwater realm. Guests soak up the sun, scenery and indulgent vibe as they glide into marinas off-limits to larger ships.”

What's included with your Crystal Expedition Cruise?

Complimentary drinks

Butler service

Entertainment

Things to do onboard

Dining and drinks onboard

The ship’s main dining venue is Waterside, which serves classic favourites in addition to a selection of modern specialties.

Michelin-inspired dining at Umi-Uma, a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant by critically acclaimed Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

Enjoy elegant and contemporary Italian cuisine at Prego.

For a more casual bite to eat, head to the Bistro Endeavour, a European-style bar and café.

Within the two-storey Solarium, try regionally inspired dishes against a backdrop of wilderness and wonder.

The Pantry is 24-hour self-service venues for teas and coffees. For cravings at any hour, indulge in 24-hour room service, too!

Onboard Accommodation

All accommodation on board the Endeavour are balcony suites; the pinnacle of comfort and ground-breaking luxury.

• Deluxe Suite with Verandah (304 sq. ft)
• Penthouse Suite with Verandah (457 sq. ft)
• Expedition Penthouse with Verandah (985 sq. ft)
• Owner’s Suite with Verandah (1,130 sq. ft)
• Expedition Suite with Verandah (1,290 sq. ft)

Spa, Health and Wellness

Crystal Life Fitness centre features a range of fitness equipment and hosts yoga, Pilates, and spin classes.

One of the largest expedition spas can be found on the Endeavour. With 3 treatment rooms, saunas and steam rooms, the spa is the perfect place to relax after a long day of exploration.

Crystal Life Salon offers a full range of services for both men and women.

Excursions, Entertainment and Activities

The two-storey, glass-encased Solarium provides awe-inspiring panoramic views from day to night. Retreat here to enjoy a quiet dip in the Crystal Seahorse pool and Jacuzzi.

Indulge in Afternoon Tea at Palm Court, followed by an enriching lecture by an expedition expert, and spend the evenings sipping cocktails and enjoying music and dancing.

Crystal Cove and the Promenade are wonderful venues to enjoy ocean views, cocktails, and conversation.

Resorts World at Sea Casino is the only casino on an expedition yacht!

The Connoisseur Club, Expedition Studio & Captain’s Lounges are also convivial spaces for aficionados to gather and learn.

The Marina is the Endeavour’s state-of-the-art fold-out platform to enjoy the sun, be on the lookout for sea and land creatures, and take in the surrounding natural landscapes.

Enrichment Programmes

Crystal Endeavour explores the world’s most intriguing destinations with extraordinary insight and cultural discovery at its core. The expert expedition team on board delve into the history, art, and nature of each destination, aiming to educate guests on the significance of the most remote locations, cultures and biodiversity within each itinerary.

Take part in a rugged adventure, discover far-flung locations by Zodiac, and marvel at rare and extraordinary wildlife that few others have had the pleasure to see.

Sustainability

Crystal Endeavour is leading the way for the next generation of expedition sustainability. Some of their fleet-wide measures include:

• Reduction in the use of plastics onboard all ships
• Treatment of wastewater to ensure it is non-polluting
• Considerate and safe disposal of hazardous waste
• Increased recycling of waste materials onboard
• Improved fuel consumption
• Air quality protection by not using incinerators in port and ensuring engine load is optimised therefore not emitting excess smoke. Oil burning equipment is also closely maintained to maximise efficiency and minimise emissions

Crystal works in line not only with the legal regulations within the country of registry, but also within those of all its destination countries. Furthermore, as part of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), there are even stricter guidelines in place to promote more environmentally-friendly in its member cruise lines.

From environmentally friendly lubricants used on thrusters and a diesel electric power plant and shore power connectivity to offshore dynamic positioning capabilities utilizing GPS and thrusters to avoid dropping anchor in delicate areas, some of the Endeavour’s most important features are not visible yet hugely impactful.

Crystal Cruises has also pledged to significantly minimise the use of plastics on board, use more efficient fixtures, reusing towels and reducing waste water by up to 650,000 gallons per year just from laundry alone.

Crystal is also partnered with Orca, a leading marine conservation organisation dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises. Crystal passes passes on data collected on expeditions around the globe to support the Orca OceanWatch programme as much as possible.

Crystal Expedition Cruise Ships

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Our Concierge Says

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Crystal Serenity cruise ship review: What to expect on this transformed luxury vessel

Call it the once and future queen of luxury cruising.

For years, Crystal Serenity was one of the world's most beloved luxury ships. Some would even say it was at the pinnacle of luxury cruising: The ship that delivered the ultimate luxury cruise experience.

But then, in early 2022, it was unexpectedly gone — a victim of the collapse of the parent company of Crystal Cruises .

Now, after an 18-month absence from the luxury cruising scene, Crystal Serenity is back and — dare I say — better than before.

The company that bought Crystal Serenity and the rights to the Crystal brand name from the liquidators of the former company has relaunched the vessel. But not before it poured millions of dollars into a massive overhaul of the ship that has left it sparkling — almost as if it were new.

King Arthur may not yet have returned to rule his kingdom. But Crystal Serenity is back to rule hers, and she is looking better than ever.

If you're a luxury cruise lover (or a Crystal fan), that's exciting news.

Overview of Crystal Serenity

Crystal Serenity is the new flagship for Crystal, a luxury cruise brand that is at the same time all-new and decades old.

Crystal is technically a start-up luxury cruise company — one that just debuted this year and is being built from the ground up. Its owners have nothing to do with the old owners of Crystal Cruises. That company ceased to exist when its parent company, Genting Hong Kong, collapsed in early 2022 and was liquidated.

And yet the new owners of Crystal Serenity and the rights to the Crystal Cruises brand are creating a new cruise line that is about as close to the old Crystal Cruises as can be. Its name is just slightly different (note it's just Crystal, not Crystal Cruises), and it's operating the same two main ships that once sailed for Crystal Cruises. You'll also find many of the same senior staff and crew on those ships as before.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

If it's not a rebirth of Crystal Cruises, it's at least a reincarnation. The old soul of Crystal Cruises is back in a new form.

Still, it's a reincarnation that comes, as noted above, with a massive transformation for Crystal Serenity and the other former Crystal Cruises ship that is relaunching — Crystal Symphony.

Unveiled in 2003, the 68,870-ton Crystal Serenity has been made even more luxurious during an overhaul in dry dock that was so long — around six months — that it allowed for an almost complete rebuilding of significant parts of the ships.

For starters, two whole cabin decks were completely gutted to rip out relatively small cabins and replace them with much bigger suites. This was on top of an overhaul of other cabin areas several years ago. As a result, the ship now has far fewer but far bigger cabins than it once did.

Originally built for 1,080 passengers, Crystal Serenity is now configured to hold just 740 passengers — even as the size of its public areas (lounges, bars, restaurants, etc.) hasn't changed. That means its "space ratio" — a fancy cruise world term that refers to the amount of space on the ship per passenger — is at an almost unprecedented level for a cruise vessel. Specifically, it's at 93, far above the 60 to 75 that is typical for luxury ships.

With its passenger count down, its crew-to-passenger ratio is also through the roof at around 1-to-1.

These are the building blocks on which true luxury cruising is built.

What I loved about Crystal Serenity

The remarkable crew.

There was always something special about the crew on Crystal ships. It was what made the line. And the big news for Crystal fans as the line restarts is that more than 80% of the crew has returned.

If you book a cruise on Crystal Serenity, you'll mostly find the same butlers, room stewardesses, wait staff and front desk workers that have wowed customers for years with their next-level service — a service level so exquisite and intuitive that it has long been the talk of the cruise world. It is the interplay of this crew with Crystal's regular customers — and 80% of Crystal's customers are regulars, according to its new owners — that creates an onboard experience that many luxury cruise lovers find unrivaled.

For longtime Crystal fans, one of the great joys in returning to the brand's ships, again and again, is to see the same crew members they have come to know and love over the years. I experienced this myself upon boarding Crystal Serenity in July as I bumped into one crew member after another with whom I had sailed before and, at times, developed deep bonds.

In fact, one of the first staffers I met after boarding, the butler for my room, was Prince Jose, who I called out by name for his great service in the last story I wrote from a Crystal ship in 2021. That was nearly two years ago, but he recognized me, and I recognized him, and we immediately got to talking as if no time had gone by.

My all-time favorite bartender from any ship at sea, Ana, also is on board, now promoted to a position at the front desk. We hugged when we saw each other — it's that kind of crew.

The spacious suites

The old knock on Crystal ships was that many of their cabins weren't big enough — at least for an ultra-luxury ship. Newer luxury ships in recent years have been built with more big cabins and suites, which put Crystal's older vessels at a disadvantage.

That's no longer the case, thanks to the overhaul of the cabin decks mentioned above. The two decks were completely gutted, with smaller cabins replaced by suites that are twice as large. I'll go into more detail on this below in the cabins section, but the result is a game-changing transformation for Crystal Serenity's accommodations that give it some of the best luxury cabins in the business.

The promenade

It's a little thing, but the promenade on Crystal Serenity is gorgeous. It wraps all the way around the ship — something that is increasingly rare on cruise vessels. It's lined with beautiful teak boards that have been refinished to look almost brand new.

On Deck 7, not far above the waterline, the promenade also is wide and blissfully uncluttered. If you end up on board Crystal Serenity, do not miss a morning walk around it — 3.35 laps equals a mile — or an evening stroll to soak in the salty air and watch the waves. It's what promenades used to be in the grand old days of cruising.

What I didn't love about Crystal Serenity

The lack of a casino.

I am not a gambler, and you won't ever find me in a cruise ship casino. For me, personally, a lack of a casino is no loss at all. But Crystal has traditionally drawn a lively crowd that likes to stay up late drinking, dancing and soaking in the onboard entertainment, and for some, at least, that includes dropping a little money at a casino.

Crystal Serenity used to have a modest casino area just outside the main theater on Deck 6. Theatergoers would spill out of the theater into the casino on their way to the ship's other entertainment venues on the opposite side of the deck, with some lingering for a game or two. But the casino was taken out during the 2023 overhaul.

For now, the old casino space has been revamped as a lounge. However, it's a lounge without a bar, and it comes off as a dead space on the ship — a room that is rarely used. Over six days on board, I hardly saw a soul sitting in it.

Crystal executives say they still are figuring out what to do with the space, and it could become something different over time. One proposal called for it to become a cooking classroom, though executives said that would be hard to do properly in the space. One Crystal executive mentioned to me there was talk of using the space for an onboard distillery.

Whatever happens, my take is that the casino's removal was one of the rare misses of the ship's overhaul.

Sapphire suite storage space

It's difficult to find fault with much on Crystal Serenity in the wake of its makeover. It's that great a ship. A relatively minor quibble is that the many big (and lovely) new Sapphire Verandah Suites the line added to Crystal Serenity don't have quite as much storage space as I would have expected. These are huge suites at more than 500 square feet, so there is no lack of space to add shelving, drawers and other storage units. But the amount of storage space put into the rooms seems modest, given their size.

That isn't to say that there isn't a good amount of storage in these rooms. There's enough for a typical seven-night cruise, but this is a ship that will often sail longer cruises where you will want extra storage.

Crystal Serenity cabins and suites

Crystal Serenity's array of cabins and suites is relatively simple to understand. It features just nine categories of rooms, with just two of those categories accounting for the vast majority of accommodations.

About 40% of the ship's accommodations (151 out of 377) are Sapphire Verandah Suites. Measuring a whopping 537 square feet including balcony space, these are unusually spacious suites for a main cabin category on a cruise ship. Each of these suites, notably, has a separate sitting room and bedroom, a walk-in closet and a large bathroom, as well as a 107-square-foot balcony.

The somewhat smaller but still spacious Aquamarine Verandah Suites make up another 28% of the ship's accommodations (106 suites). Measuring 409 square feet, including balcony space, these suites lack the separate sitting rooms found in Sapphire Verandah Suites but still are impressively large.

Add in four more Aquamarine Verandah Suites with balconies that are ADA compliant and four Aquamarine Suites without balconies that are ADA-compliant (both sets of which are considered their own cabin categories), and that's 70% of all accommodations on the ship.

The remaining 30% of accommodations include a handful of larger penthouse and junior penthouse suites, and roughly 100 smaller double and single rooms (more on these in a moment).

For longtime Crystal fans, the thing to know is that a large percentage of all these accommodations were massively overhauled and enlarged in advance of the line's relaunch this year. In fact, two of Crystal Serenity's four main cabin decks — decks 8 and 9 — were essentially gutted and rebuilt, with nearly all their smaller cabins ripped out and replaced with the much larger Sapphire Verandah Suites.

It was a massive undertaking that involved knocking out dozens of walls — and one that has profoundly changed the vessel. Once criticized for not having big enough rooms, Crystal Serenity now offers one of the most impressive arrays of big suites of any luxury ship.

My own cabin was one of these all-new Sapphire Veranda Suites on Deck 9, and it was among the most lovely cruise ship suites I have stayed in in recent years. In addition to being wonderfully spacious, it had a sophisticated, contemporary vibe with soothing light gray and beige furnishings, fabrics and wall coverings sprinkled with ocean-inspired blue velvet accents.

As one would expect on a luxury ship, the bedding on my Sapphire Veranda Suite bed was ridiculously luscious, with super-high-end, embroidered Italian-made Jesurum 1870 sheets that were so soft and comfortable that I just wanted to snuggle under them all day. Generously sized, Fior di Pesco marble-topped nightstands flanked the bed, with perfectly placed task lighting floating off the wall just above them.

I also appreciated the tidy cluster of electrical outlets (both U.S.- and European-style) and USB ports on both sides of the beds. On some ships, you only find these on one side of the bed — if at all.

In addition, the bathroom in my Sapphire Verandah Suite was spacious and elegant, with a Fior di Pesco marble-topped vanity embedded with two upscale Duravit sinks on one side and an unusually large walk-in shower on the other side. The shower itself was a showpiece, with high-end Grohe fixtures that spouted water from three directions. These included a massive rain shower head on the ceiling that shot water straight down, two back-wall shower heads that shot out horizontally (hitting you midbody) and a separate hand-held wand. There were separate controls for each of these, so I could mix and match the water delivery devices to my liking.

One small gripe: In a perfect world, the hand-held wand would have been placed higher on the shower wall, so it could double as a main shower head for those who aren't fans of ceiling-mounted rain showers.

The bathroom toiletries, too, were high-end, made by Italian luxury purveyor Ortigia Sicilia with scents of Italian wildflowers.

I particularly liked that the bathroom had an unusually large amount of storage space, with two long open shelves built into the marble vanity under the sinks and a floor-to-ceiling tower of matching marble shelves next to the shower (some of which house the bathroom's towels).

All that extra storage space in the bathroom was in contrast to what some may consider a lack of enough storage space outside the bathroom. While the suite featured a walk-in closet for storage, as I mentioned above, I found it oddly small for a suite of this size, at around six feet by six feet.

The storage available in Sapphire Verandah Suites is surely adequate for the storage needs of a couple on one of the ship's occasional week-long sailings. But this is a vessel that often does much longer sailings of 10 nights or more, including around-the-world trips that last more than four months.

Given that, there would have been logic to using more of the suite's ample room for storage. I might have tucked another built-in storage unit along the wall in the seating area that currently houses a television, with the television inset into it, or in the narrow inset area at the entrance to the room where there currently is a second door to the bathroom (a door that is a "nice to have" for those rare times when a guest is visiting but not critical).

Notably, the walk-in closet is so small that the four pull-out drawers along one of its walls can't be opened all the way unless the inward-swinging door to the closet is at least partially closed. This makes for an awkward time trying to access items put in these draws.

The walk-in closet also is tucked away in an odd location in a corner of the sitting room instead of adjacent to the bedroom. Still, that's just another small quibble.

Overall, the new Sapphire Verandah Suites are a delightful addition to Crystal Serenity, which has long needed a bigger array of suites to please its well-heeled passengers.

Those who want something even bigger than a Sapphire Verandah Suite will find four massive, 1,372-square-foot Crystal Penthouses on the vessel and six 806-square-foot Junior Crystal Penthouses. The latter is an all-new category of cabin for the line.

The four Crystal Penthouses, one of which I toured, are truly over-the-top. Each has an elegant bedroom, an enormous bathroom with mosaic-inlaid floors and walls that evoke a Roman bath, two separate living room areas, a dining area and a butler's pantry that is essentially a miniature private kitchen with its own sink, dishwasher and microwave.

The six Junior Crystal Penthouses offer separate dining and living areas looking out over a private balcony, a bedroom with a large walk-in closet, a spacious primary bathroom, and a half-bath near the entrance for visitors.

Rounding out the ship's accommodations are 46 smaller cabins for two with balconies that measure 269 square feet. There are also 42 cabins for two without balconies that measure 215 square feet. Both cabin categories are officially called Double Occupancy Suites, though, in my book, cabins of that size aren't really suites and shouldn't be labeled as such.

The final cabin category on Crystal Serenity is its 14 Classic Staterooms, which are sold as solo cabins. At 215 square feet, they're essentially the same layout as the Double Occupancy Suites without balconies but only meant for one passenger.

The solo cabins, which I wasn't able to see, are also an entirely new category of cabin for the ship.

Other Crystal Serenity cabin tidbits:

• Every cabin has a small hair dryer and a personal safe in the closet.
• There are flat-screen televisions on the walls in bedrooms that offer a wide range of movies on demand for no extra charge. The televisions also receive live feeds from a limited number of cable networks, including CNBC, MSNBC, BBC World News, Fox News, HGTV, Food Network and Travel Channel.
• Every cabin and suite on Crystal Serenity comes with butler service (a change with the new line, as previously only higher-level cabins received butler service).
• Cabins come with pull-out minibars stocked with beer, wine, water and sodas.

Crystal Serenity restaurants and bars

As is typical for a (relatively) small luxury vessel, Crystal Serenity doesn't have a huge number of eateries. Nor are there so many bars that you won't have time to get to them all on a typical cruise. That sort of too-much-is-never-enough excess is the realm of the big mass-market ships.

But what Crystal Serenity lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. The vessel has one main dining room and two main specialty restaurants that each are about as classy and upscale as you'll find at sea — all included in the fare. There are also several casual eateries in the vicinity of the main pool on the Lido Deck. Crystal Serenity's handful of bars and lounges also are classy and refined.

In general, Crystal's cuisine and drinks offerings are high-end, as you'd expect for a luxury product, and served with the sort of elegance and flair that is only found at the best luxury resorts on land or sea.

Restaurants

While I was only on Crystal Serenity for six nights, I was able to visit every food outlet on board — something made possible by the ship's relatively intimate size.

The main dining room on the vessel, and the spot where you'll eat at least a few, if not most, of your dinners, is Waterside. On Deck 5, just off the ship's central plaza, it serves up what the line calls modern international cuisine for dinner in an elegant setting.

We're talking such dishes as sauteed tiger prawns with creamed orzo, broccolini and candied bacon; or broiled lemon sole floating in a shallow dill-and-cockles chowder with snow peas and confit potatoes. More traditional items, such as grilled black Angus sirloin steak with Bearnaise sauce, also appear on the menu, which changes nightly.

Waterside is also open for breakfast and lunch — the place to go when you want something a little more formal for breakfast or lunch than a quick bite at one of the casual eateries on the Lido Deck. The breakfast menu offers everything from eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles and other breakfast classics to a crab omelet (a Waterside breakfast signature). Lunch brings its own enticing array of mouth-watering dishes, from pan-fried rainbow trout with almond-caper butter to lamb kofte.

Still, as wonderful as Waterside is (and for a main restaurant on a cruise ship, it truly is wonderful), the culinary star of Crystal Serenity always has been and remains Umi Uma, the innovative Japanese-Peruvian restaurant created by legendary master chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa. It's an eatery that was on Crystal Serenity for many years before its overhaul, and it has thankfully made a comeback under the ship's new owners — albeit with an all-new look.

Luckily, the overhaul did not extend to the menu. All of the insanely fabulous, melt-in-your-mouth Nobu specialties, such as Matsuhisa's signature Nobu-style black cod marinated in Saikyo miso, baby peach and young ginger, and Wagyu beef filet steak, are all still there.

Note that while unlimited dining at Waterside on Crystal Serenity is included in the fare, passengers only get to visit Umi Uma once per cruise for free for sailings of 11 days or fewer. For sailings of more than 11 days, two complimentary reservations are included.

If you want additional reservations at Umi Uma, you can sign up for another turn, on a space-available basis, for $50 per person. This is basically a crowd-control measure, as otherwise, everyone on board would want to eat there every night. It's that good. If you can get a second or third reservation, grab it. Matsuhisa's restaurants on land can easily set you back $300 or more a couple, so even a $50 per person charge here is an incredible bargain.

The new entrant to Crystal's scene is Osteria d'Ovidio, a high-end Italian eatery that takes the place of Prego, another Italian restaurant that was in the same location for years leading up to the line's shutdown in 2022. Like Umi Uma, it was completely gutted and rebuilt during the ship's overhaul in early 2023 and looks brand new. It also has a new menu focused on Northern Italian cuisine.

I sampled half a dozen of Osteria d'Ovidio's new dishes during a special night of tastings, and there wasn't a bad item in the bunch. The standout, if I had to choose, was the tortello di stracotto di manzo, a wrapped pasta filled with braised beef, fig vincotto (a type of fig molasses) and gorgonzola cheese. It may be my new favorite pasta.

Also, whatever you do if you dine here, order the caffe nocciola e caramello salato dessert. Run that through the Google translator if you must know what it is in advance — or trust me. It'll melt in your mouth.

Crystal Serenity trivia: Osteria d'Ovidio is named after Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, the new controlling owner of Crystal. A familiar name in the cruise business, Lefebvre d'Ovidio owned luxury line Silversea Cruises for many years, until he sold it to Royal Caribbean Group (the parent company of Royal Caribbean).

Notably, Lefebvre d'Ovidio already has a series of restaurants on ships named after him, but not on Crystal or Silversea ships. Lefebvre d'Ovidio's friend Torstein Hagen, chairman of upscale cruise line Viking , has named the high-end Italian eateries on all of Viking's ocean ships Manfredi's in honor of him.

My take: Any restaurant with at least a portion of Lefebvre d'Ovidio's name in it must be destined to be a star. The Manfredi's eateries on Viking ships (which Lefebvre d'Ovidio had a hand in creating with Hagen) were until now my favorite Italian eateries at sea. Now the new Osteria d'Ovidio on Crystal Serenity joins them atop my pantheon of all-time great Italian restaurants on ships. It's an Italian eatery that even my judgy Italian grandmother would have loved.

Like Umi Uma, Osteria d'Ovidio only can be visited once per cruise for free for sailings of 11 days or fewer. After that, there's a $50 per person charge to dine there on a space-available basis. Again, this is mostly for crowd control.

Other eateries on Crystal Serenity include Marketplace, a casual buffet, and The Trident Grill, serving cooked-to-order burgers and hot sandwiches. Both are steps away from the ship's main pool on Deck 12, as is Tastes Kitchen & Bar. The latter serves a mix of classic lunch dishes from around the world at lunchtime — everything from stir-fried egg noodles and a grilled Reuben sandwich to chicken quesadillas and a shrimp Caesar salad. Dinnertime is when the eatery really shines, though.

Designed as a casual alternative to the more formal dining spots on the ship, Tastes offers a dinner menu of elevated, globally inspired dishes in a relaxed, top-of-the-ship setting. All of the dishes, which include ahi tuna poke, hamachi crudo, oven-roasted cauliflower, ricotta gnocchi, California street tacos and chimichurri steak, are placed in the middle of the table and meant to be shared.

There's also a nearby counter serving handmade Italian gelato.

Trident Grill and Tastes are side-by-side on a top deck covered with a glass magrodome that can slide open when the weather is pleasant.

In addition, on Deck 6, just off the central atrium, passengers will find a Parisian-inspired cafe serving espresso drinks and light snacks throughout the day (this is the place to get your coffee fix). In the morning, there's a self-serve continental breakfast here, arrayed along a buffet on one end of the room. The afternoon brings a spread of cold cuts, scrumptious cakes, cannoli and other desserts, and fruit.

Finally, Crystal Serenity has a special 14-seat dining room called the Vintage Room that guests can book for exclusive private dinners that combine an elegant set menu of five to seven dishes with wine pairings for each course. Seven-course meals in the room, including wines, are presented over about three hours in the room and cost $300 per person.

A shorter five-course food and wine pairing in the Vintage Room is available for $220 per person. Occasional seven-course meals overseen by celebrity chefs that sail on the ship cost $1,100 per person, including wine pairings.

Bars and lounges

Some cruise ships have so many bars and lounges that you have trouble visiting them all on a typical seven-night cruise. Crystal Serenity isn't one of them. If you're out for a drink on Crystal Serenity, you're probably heading to just one of three places: Crystal Cove, Avenue Saloon or the Palm Court & Sunset Bar.

At the base of Crystal Serenity's two-deck-high atrium, Crystal Cove is the ultimate social hub for the ship, the place you go when you want to meet all the new friends you're making on board for a pre-dinner cocktail or a nightcap afterward. Open from late morning until the wee hours, it offers live music for much of the day, starting as early as lunchtime and continuing through midnight. The entertainment is low-key enough that you can maintain a conversation with your companions.

On a typical night at Crystal Cove, you might find a saxophonist playing in the early evening, followed by a pianist and a violinist and then a pianist and a singer, capped off by a singer with a guitar.

Avenue Saloon, at the back of the ship on Deck 6, is a cozy venue. Its dark wood and leather-lined walls, heavy red-upholstered barrel chairs and turned-down lights create the air of a speakeasy. You feel like you want to order a whiskey drink here, and indeed, it's home to both a special Manhattan menu and a Negroni menu. It also serves as the ship's piano bar, with a pianist playing most nights.

If you're a cigar smoker, the adjacent Connoisseur Club is the place for you. The clubby hideaway is the cliche of a cigar and pipe smoking den with dark-wood paneling, leather sofas, paisley fabric-covered wingback chairs and high-end single-malt Scotch, Armagnac and Cognac for sale as well as hand-rolled cigars from around the world. Sinatra plays in the background. It is, notably, the only place on the ship you can smoke a cigar or pipe.

For a bar with a view, you'll want to head up to the faux palm tree-filled Palm Court & Sunset Bar, which is at the top of the ship on Deck 12 overlooking the bow.

While not staffed nearly as many hours as the other bars (on my voyage, bar service was only available from 5 to 10:30 p.m.), the Palm Court offers sweeping views of the ocean from floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap around 270 degrees. Palm Court also is where Crystal offers a formal afternoon tea service on sea days accompanied by a pianist and a violinist.

Home to one of the ship's biggest dance floors, the Palm Court often has live entertainment and dancing at night. One night on my sailing, an old-timey crooner sang Sinatra tunes for a half hour, accompanied by a pianist.

Crystal Serenity activities and shows

Among the major luxury lines, the original Crystal Cruises was always known for a stepped-up level of entertainment (it's long been a Crystal thing), and the new Crystal is no different. From the day of its relaunch, Crystal Serenity has been a ship that gets lively at night in a way that many luxury ships don't.

The entertainment hubs on Crystal Serenity include Galaxy Pavilion, a full-blown theater at the front of the ship on Deck 6 that offers all sorts of relatively big entertainment productions in the evening. During my sailing, for instance, it was the site of a Billy Joel tribute concert and a show by a comedian who flew in for the performance.

At the back of the same deck is yet another major entertainment venue, the Stardust Club. It's a more versatile entertainment lounge with a stage and large dance floor that offers a mix of dancing, cabaret performances and other themed events. Additionally, on select nights, Stardust opens its doors as a reservations-only Supper Club that offers an evening show with both dining and dancing.

Speaking of dancing, Crystal is one of the few cruise lines in the world that still sails with "ambassador hosts" — older gentlemen who are on hand to dance with single ladies on board. The word is they're always in hot demand. If only I knew how to dance, this would be my retirement plan.

A third entertainment space on the same deck as the Stardust Club, the Hollywood Theatre is a traditional cinema playing recently released movies and also broadcasting live sporting events at times. It's also used as a lecture hall.

For the late-night crowd, there's a small nightclub with a semi-circular bar tucked back behind the Stardust Club. Called Pulse, it doesn't get going until around midnight, assuming anyone on board is still up for it.

Combine all that with the live music at bars and lounges mentioned in the section above, and Crystal Serenity is a luxury ship where passengers can — and do — head out for a big "night on the town," so to speak. Guests usually get quite dolled up when they hit the entertainment areas of the ship at night, looking glamorous and expensive.

On plenty of luxury ships, nearly everyone is in bed by 9 o'clock in the evening. Crystal Serenity isn't one of them.

During the day, the onboard scene is more laid back. As is typical for luxury ships, the top decks of Crystal Serenity aren't loaded with the amusements you'll find on large mass-market ships. You won't find climbing walls or waterslides. Instead, what you get atop Crystal Serenity is a stylish, refined pool deck experience. If you're the kind of person who likes to lounge next to a Four Seasons hotel pool, you know what I'm talking about.

At the center of the top of the ship, a main pool area sports a large pool (the Seahorse Pool — a nod to Crystal's seahorse branding), two large hot tubs and rows of plush loungers of the sort you'd expect on a luxury vessel. Elegant modern white rattan sofas and chairs are sprinkled around under shading umbrellas.

This main pool deck was completely redone during the overhaul of the ship in 2023, with its classic teak flooring resanded, and its pool refurbished with new mosaic tile work. When you're up top on Crystal Serenity, as at so many other areas of the ship, you'll feel like you're on an all-new vessel.

The top decks of Crystal Serenity also are home to two paddle tennis courts that can double as pickleball courts, a complex known as Wimbledon Court. Six decks down, hidden at the back of the ship, you'll also find a golf lover's hideaway with driving nets, a small putting green and table tennis. Even if you don't want to use it, go in search of it, just as a game. It's tucked away so well that it's a bit of a treasure hunt to find it.

Other activity areas on the ship include a large library staffed throughout the day, a computer classroom, a shopping area that wraps around the central atrium on Deck 7 and a bridge lounge for bridge playing, tournaments and classes. (Bridge is big on Crystal ships.) The ship's entertainment staff also offers dance classes at times.

While Crystal Serenity isn't particularly focused on families, it does offer a small teen center and children's playroom on Deck 12, just off the main pool area.

In addition, the ship has a luxurious spa with 12 treatment rooms that was completely revamped in 2023.

Renamed Aurora, the spa has been recast with light-bright neutral colors, an illuminated fiber optic starlight ceiling and organic materials such as Selenite (a natural salt crystal) and silk-brushed slate stone to create a serene feel.

In addition to treatment rooms, the spa is home to a hair salon, men's and women's saunas and steam rooms, and a relaxation room.

Crystal Serenity itineraries and pricing

From September 2023 through January 2024, Crystal Serenity will be based in North America for sailings to New England, Canada and the Caribbean. After that, it'll set off on an epic, 141-day, around-the-world cruise from Miami that will continue through June 2024.

The ship will then spend the summer of 2024 sailing to Alaska out of Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward, Alaska, before returning to the East Coast of North America for another season of sailings to New England, Canada and the Caribbean.

The 2023 and 2024 sailings to New England, Canada and the Caribbean will depart from various North American home ports, including Quebec City, Quebec; New York; Miami; Bridgetown, Barbados; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

As of the publishing of this guide, fares for Crystal Serenity sailings were starting at $3,200 per person for the least expensive cabin on a six-night sailing from Vancouver to Los Angeles. Nine-night Caribbean sailings were starting at $3,900 per person. These fares are based on double occupancy — that is, they are valid when two passengers share a room. Solo passengers pay a higher amount.

Unlike many cruise lines, Crystal doesn't charge extra for taxes, fees and port charges assessed by government agencies and port authorities (to which we say: Bravo, Crystal). Such charges are folded into its base fares.

What to know before you go

Required documents

All passengers must have valid government-issued citizenship documentation to sail. For U.S. residents, that would mean either a U.S. passport or a U.S.-issued Permanent Resident Card (also known as an Alien Registration Card). You'll also need visas for any country you'll be visiting that requires one.

Passports must be valid for at least six months and have blank pages available for entry and exit stamps. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Crystal includes gratuities for housekeeping staff (including butlers) and bar and restaurant staff in its fares. No additional tipping is expected.

Wi-Fi service on Crystal Serenity is relatively fast for a cruise ship and included in the fare.

Carry-on drinks policy

Unlike many cruise lines, Crystal does not restrict the amount of alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks passengers can bring on board for personal consumption. That said, some restrictions may apply based on specific countries that the ship visits.

Smoking policy

Cigarette smoking (including electronic cigarettes and personal vaporizers) is only allowed outdoors in designated areas at the back of decks 8, 9, 10 and 11; in a small corner of the main Seahorse Pool area on Deck 12; and at the Connoisseur Club on Deck 6.

Cigar and tobacco pipe smoking is only permitted at the Connoisseur Club on Deck 6.

Smoking is forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies.

Crystal Serenity has self-serve launderettes on every cabin deck with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. You also can pay to send out your clothes to be washed and/or pressed. As of the publishing of this guide, the cost of washing and pressing a men's dress shirt was $7; the cost of cleaning a women's long-sleeve blouse was $6. The cost of dry-cleaning slacks or pants was $9.

Electrical outlets

Crystal Serenity's cabins and suites offer both U.S.-style 110V outlets and European-style 220V outlets and USB ports at built-in cabin desks. You'll also find both types of outlets and USB ports above the nightstands on both sides of cabin beds. Americans may want to bring an adapter for charging devices in public rooms where the outlets are all European-style.

The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar.

As is typical for cruise ships, Crystal Serenity operates on a cashless system, with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a plastic keycard upon embarkation that you can use to make charges. This same card also gets you into your cabin.

Drinking age

You generally must be 21 or older to consume alcohol on Crystal Serenity. One exception: During sailings in Europe, passengers as young as 18 are allowed to consume beer and wine.

During the day, the dress code is "day casual," which for Crystal means sundresses, elegant shorts, jeans; T-shirts, polo shirts or blouses; or linen clothing. Swimsuits with cover-ups also are acceptable when dining near the pool at the Trident Grill, Tastes and Marketplace eateries.

Note that swimwear on its own, wet swimwear, revealing clothing, bathrobes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps, and clothes bearing any offensive messages are not permitted.

During the evenings, the official dress code steps up to what Crystal calls "evening resort." For women, that means dresses, skirts, pants, blouses or sweaters, dark-wash jeans with no rips, or tailored dress shorts. For men, it's button-down shirts, collared polo shirts, sweaters or smart designer sweatshirts, dark-wash jeans with no rips (only when accompanied by a jacket), chinos, and a sports jacket or blazer (the latter being optional). In addition, men can wear tailored shorts but only when dining in the casual Tastes restaurant.

Flip-flops, swimwear and hats are not allowed in the evenings.

In addition, on cruises of seven nights or more, there will be at least one optional ship-wide formal night where women are expected to turn out in cocktail dresses, gowns, pantsuits or elegant skirts and blouses. For men, the formal night dress guideline is a suit or tuxedo, with a tie being optional.

Related: The ultimate guide to packing for a cruise

Bottom line

Crystal Serenity isn't the newest luxury cruise ship on the market. But after a major overhaul in early 2023, part of a relaunch of the Crystal brand under new owners, it's back to being one of the leading luxury ships at sea.

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