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Crystal Cruises

New owners but same commitment to luxury cruising

It is so often the little details that make all the difference, and on a Crystal cruise, the differences are many.

Crystal, bought in 2015 by Genting HK to begin a new chapter in luxury cruising, was created in 1988 and operates Crystal Symphony, able to carry 940 guests, and the 1,080-guest Crystal Serenity, which was launched in 2003.

Cruise ships Crystal Serenity and Symphony

Cruise ships Crystal Serenity and Symphony

Following insolvency in 2022, the Crystal Cruises brand and the two cruise ships were bought by A&K Travel Group, and resumed operations in 2023.

Crystal Symphony emerged from a month-long top-to-toe refurbishment in November 2017, while Serenity underwent her transformation in Autumn 2018.

Symphony and Serenity feature grand lounges, lavish spas, extensive exercise facilities, complimentary golf, yoga and Pilates instruction, the only Caesars Palace at Sea Casino afloat, as well as expansive decks, two pools, award-winning cuisine and entertainment, and exquisitely-appointed staterooms, more than half of which have private verandahs.

The Crystal Experience

  • Full 360-degree open air teak Promenade Deck with exclusive “Walk on Water” fitness programme
  • The Bistro, a popular European-style coffee and wine bar offering complimentary specialty coffee and tea drinks, along with light snacks served throughout the day
  • Up to seven evening dining options including a choice of classic main or late seating in the Crystal Dining Room, or open seating in specialty restaurants, so guests can always choose where, when and with whom they would like to dine
  • European-trained wait staff in the Crystal Dining Room and in specialty restaurants, featuring the cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa, Wolfgang Puck and Piero Selvaggio
  • Wine cellar with more than 200 vintages including Crystal’s exclusive “C” label
  • Caesars Palace at Sea casino: an exclusive partnership with the famed Las Vegas gaming operation, offering mini-Baccarat, dice tables, roulette, blackjack and over 100 slot machines, all governed by the State of Nevada Gaming Regulations
  • The innovative Creative Learning Institute, offering complimentary Yamaha piano lessons and Berlitz language classes on every cruise; and on select sailings, special certification enrichment with Cleveland Clinic Wellness Seminars, Pepperdine University Business Seminars, the Smithsonian Associates, Society of Wine Educators and Sotheby’s
  • Computer University@Sea facility with 24-hour e-mail and Internet access plus instruction in the latest software
  • The only Feng Shui-inspired spa at sea featuring exotic massages, facial therapies and energy boosting treatments
  • One of the highest space per guest ratios at sea, offering fantastic service in luxurious comfortable surroundings
  • Pre-reservations available for all optional Crystal Adventures shore excursions

Crystal Cruises far-reaching global journeys – from Asia, Australia and Africa to Europe and South America – offer abundant onboard enrichment and more than 2,000 experiences ashore, affording guests numerous choices and opportunities to make the experience their own.

 

PASSENGER VERDICT
Cruise Critic badge

Despite some imperfections, we had a wonderful time, and Crystal is really very special. It exceeded our expectations in most areas.

Read the full review on Cruise Critic
THE FLEET
  • Crystal Serenity

    Youngest ship of the Crystal Cruises fleet ... and full of new ideas...
  • Crystal Symphony

    Decidedly modern after expansive makeover, but still classically elegant...
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