Crystal Symphony

NEAR PERFECT CRUISE EXPERIENCE! I LOVE CRYSTAL!

June

Pros: Programming, Entertainment, Amenities like pickleball, golf, computer learning lab, movie theater, Suite Design, personalized Butler Service, food

Cons: Wine program of featured wines needs improvement. Couldn't find a wine we liked. We missed having the casino onboard. Only one show at night meant lots of dead time between 7 pm and 9:45 pm. There was no musical entertainment between that time and without a casino, not much to do.

Recommended: No

The ship is sparkling new, rooms are a mix of those renovated in 2017 and 2022. The 2022 renovations proved superb. We stayed in an Aquamarine Suite and the room design is the best of any ship we've traveled aboard so far for a moderate-range suite. It offers two vanities for two people to get ready, a large bathroom with lots of drawers, space, double sink and large rain shower. The tuxedo-clad Butler service for all is cheerful, indulgent and guests feel spoiled. We loved the canapes and bottle of champagne delivered EVERY DAY unfailingly at happy hour! The programming and amenities are extensive and what I consider best in class. The stocked pickleball court has paddel & pickleball raquets & balls, golf driving range and golf lessons are excellent, the pool & jacuzzi are a nice size and plush cushioned lounge chairs are plentiful all over the deck space on the ship. The computer learning lab offers ipad, iphone and computer classes, movies in the movie theater, dance hosts offer dance lessons, there are art lessons and lectures, so there is always something interesting for active adults to do. Again, I consider the programming best in class. What was lacking was fitness programming. There were limited yoga classes scheduled and all WAY TOO EARLY for the vacationer. Who wants to get up at 6:30 on vacation to take a 7 am yoga class. Ship docked in port daily at 8:00 and for all going ashore, the timing was bad for many reasons. Guests complained there was no yoga instructor, person on board was untrained in yoga. The nightly entertainment was exceptional: the musical song&dance group were extremely talented, shows were clever themes with excellent professional costumes & choreography. CJ Martin (Elton John) was outstanding, The pianists were outstanding including Richard Wilson and the Piano Bar entertainer. The musical duo needs to go, they were embarrassing relative to the rest of entertainment. The sushi restaurant was outstanding. The Italian restaurant was good, and Tastes was a great concept but the menu never changed so we couldn't force ourselves to go again, despite loving the atmosphere. It is a tapas menu, so we tasted everything in the first go-around.

Older Jewel

May

Pros: Staff, restaurants. Overall size

Cons: Just a bit older

Recommended: Yes

Staff on the boat is great, attentive and friendly. Restaurants are all very good, especially the sushi restaurant. Bars are nice also, especially the avenue saloon. Good entertainment and musicians. Cruise director Vicky was the best. It’s a 29 year old ship so missing some amenities such as bathroom and bedside plugs(we had a ph suite). Showers were a little small and no poolside bar.

Crystal Symphony - April 13, 2024 - Roundtrip Athens

April

Pros: The staff goes above and beyond to please the guests and always have a smile!

Cons: While some Suites were open for viewing, unfortunately the two largest categories were not.

Recommended: No

The entertainment was quite varied and very enjoyable with a comedian, pianist, broadway-style performances, and various other performers. The food was quite good, however having a few additional entre options in the main dining room would have been nice. The excursions were good for the most part, however they are a bit pricey. The STAFF IS THE BEST!!

Crystal Symphony September 18 through September 26, 2023

September

Pros: Welcoming atmosphere, attention to detail, officers, genuine effort by all staff to make us feel special, ambience, cabin, main dining room, new "Tastes" dining, quality of food and wine all inclusive, nicely refurnished throughout, Catholic Mass as well as services for other denominations

Cons: Aurora Spa - bad experience

Recommended: Yes

We wish we had known more ahead of time about the "White Dress Party", which will be a part of every Crystal Cruise going forward. Although we perused the document "Before You Sail" twice, we didn't realize the white dress party was such a big deal, including the dining room and main area near the fountain and grand staircase being lavishly decorated in white. We would have brought white attire with us. After realizing we were suppose to dress in white attire that evening for the white dress party, we purchased white attire in a shop onboard. We thoroughly enjoyed listening to the band and dancing near the fountain and grand staircase along with the other guests dressed in white.

Cruise from Rome to Venice

September

Pros: Good itinerary, especially Santorini and stops in Croatia. The ship was lovely. The food was delicious and the service was wonderful.

Cons: The choice of excursions were only ok in some of the Greek Islands. Maybe a few more stops in Croatia?

Recommended: Yes

Unfortunately, one of our group of 6 came down with Covid on day 7 and several of our group came down with it shortly after. We were quarantined in our rooms until departure on Friday. Even those of us who tested negative and lived with someone who tested positive had to stay in the room. It really ruined our trip since we were not able to use the ship’s facilities or go ashore for the remainder of our trip. So most of us missed seeing Croatia and that was one of the main places we wanted to visit on this cruise. So not the best experience unfortunately.