There are good reasons for these accolades. While other cruise lines renovate ships every few years or when the ships be- gin to look tired or shabby, Crystal ships are refreshed and updated often, sometimes every year. In recent years, the com- pany has spent almost $120 million on fleet makeovers and $52 million on the Serenity alone within a two-year period. Staterooms are elegant, and the Crystal Penthouses are drop-dead gorgeous, with furnishings that wouldn’t be out of place in a Manhattan penthouse and state-of-the-art technology. Many veranda staterooms have medical-grade air purifiers; all have top quality bedding, good-sized closet space, and luxurious marble bathrooms. Multiple all-inclusive dining options include restaurants featuring celebrity chefs Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio, as well as several casual dining venues. The award-winning Crystal Spa & Salon, where highly skilled estheticians use Elemis skincare products, equals land- based spas at top resorts. Crystal ships have excellent fitness and sports facilities offering Nordic Walking classes and other instruction. Entertainment options include something for everyone. Music programs range from classical to popular and contempo- rary. Celebrity performers enhance these programs to a higher-than-average level. There are multiple bars and lounges, each providing a different vibe. There’s a glittering casino and a very well stocked library. And for solo female travelers who like to dance, there are skilled ballroom dancers called Ambassador Hosts. Equally exciting are the distinguished lecturers and teachers who provide the line’s renowned cultural enrichment. Crystal Cruises sails mid-size vessels with a relaxed but sophisticated ambience. The ships have generous, well-appoint- ed common areas; cabins at the higher levels are quite spacious. Crystal’s shore excursions are highly rated. Rather than “one size fits all,” guests may choose from the standard type (similar to what is offered by other lines), small group (more personalized), or private (for groups of four or less). The excursions cater to various interests, including culinary, active/ adventure, cultural, and scenic. Resort wear is appropriate for most daytime activities, comfortable clothes for shore excursions, and elegant/casual wear for evenings. During one-week to ten-day cruises, there is one black-tie evening; longer cruises may have as many as three. As formal wear is optional, elegant informal dress is also acceptable. Onboard enrichment is first-rate and may include classes in wine-tasting, languages, Photoshop, and more. While the Crystal experience is mainly tailored to adults, there may be a significant number of children on board during school vacations. Crystal’s passengers tend to be older, affluent, well-educated, active, and seasoned travelers who are accustomed to and expect the finer things in life. Crystal cruises are best for discerning adults who have high expectations and want exceptional service, high-level enrich- ment programs, and the opportunity to explore interesting destinations. Though most passengers fall into the 55+ category, the line has made efforts to attract family (and multi-generational) groups by offering a “Kids Sail Free” program on select cruises, as well as a multi-tier program for ages 3–17. Destinations
Africa Alaska Antarctica Asia Australia and New Zealand Caribbean Hawaii and South Pacific
Indian Ocean Mediterranean
Policies subject to change without notice, always check with your travel agent regarding pregnancy policies and children age policies prior to booking your cruise.
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