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I’ve already been lucky enough previously to work alongside Fernando (Barroso, Crystal’s World Cruise Ambassador). Both Fernando and I have backgrounds in different companies so we know cruising, but what has really stood out to me is how well-trained and welcoming the crew is. Perhaps this is down to the size of the ships, or maybe that the crew stay on the same vessel so they really take the time to get to know the guests, or who knows, but the crew is really exceptional. I’m certain even with the new ships, Manfredi Lefebvre and Cristina Levis will make sure the new ships retain that family feeling. As a Cruise Director, you are responsible for the ship’s entertainment and activities, and you’re always “switched on.” I want to make sure that any guest who is sailing on one of our ships has a lot of choices when it comes to activities.
Crystal Serenity
Crystal isn't a huge player in Caribbean cruises, but it typically sends one vessel to the region every winter for at least six to eight weeks of sailings that offer a mix of well-known and lesser-known ports. 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. 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. It’s free to join, and you’ll be automatically enrolled after you complete your first full-revenue cruise.
Crystal Cruises unveils exclusive Crystal Chairmen's Cruise for newly ferurbished Symphony
Crystal cancels chairmen's voyage due to Red Sea attacks - Travel Weekly
Crystal cancels chairmen's voyage due to Red Sea attacks.
Posted: Fri, 16 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Regardless of whether they were updated, all cabins are well-appointed and well-thought out. Yes, the newly refurbished cabins more modern and have the amenities today’s traveler expects, but there isn’t a bad stateroom on the ship. Crystal Serenity’s excellent restaurants are mostly located on decks 12, 7 and 5, handy to the pool or entertainment options.
What I didn't love about Crystal Serenity
The news of a fleet growth isn’t a huge surprise since A&K Travel Group, in conjunction with Heritage holdings company purchased the two ships. Crystal Cruises is a decades-old luxury cruise company that went bankrupt in early 2022. Its ships, which included five river cruise ships and one expedition ship in addition to the two ocean vessels, were sold to other brands. Former Silversea Cruises owner Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, who leads Heritage, has dropped hints over that past 18 months that the brand would be expanding, likely into expedition cruising. Crystal offers a wide range of immersive shore excursions in every port which are curated to different activity levels and tastes.
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. Outside the full World Cruise, itineraries can be combined for up to 100 days of cruising without repeating a port.
Before the agreement's announcement, Genting signed a letter of intent with the shipbuilding company for Crystal's new polar-class ships scheduled for deliveries in 2018-Q4 (later pushed back to 2019). For the ship management, A&K contracted the Monaco-based company "V.Ships Leisure Ltd" (part of V.Group Holdings Ltd). On January 19, 2022, Crystal's parent company GHK-Genting Hong Kong Ltd (Malaysia) filed for bankruptcy.
What you will find are luxury ocean and river ships along with a yacht and an expedition ship. We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Crystal’s loyalty program is known as Crystal Society and guests who have cruised with Crystal in the past are entitled to a number of onboard benefits. Details of the revamped Crystal Society are expected to be announced shortly.
What It’s Like to Sail the Crystal Serenity, the Newly Resurrected Luxury Cruise Ship - Robb Report
What It’s Like to Sail the Crystal Serenity, the Newly Resurrected Luxury Cruise Ship.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Grand Voyages 2025
The much-beloved luxury line, which restarted operations in July after an 18-month shutdown, offers cruises to a wide range of destinations around the globe despite operating just two ships. 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. 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. Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation.
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. 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.
The company currently groups the ultra-luxury travel brands Crystal Cruises (ocean-going ships), Crystal River Cruises (European riverboats), Crystal Yacht Cruises (mega-yachts), Crystal Luxury Air (aircraft) and Crystal AirCruises (fly-cruise deals). Fairy godmother-like service, endless amounts of space, and premium—well—everything are the hallmarks of the Crystal experience. Travelers seeking a luxury experience with the amenities and choice of a larger cruise ship will be well served onboard a voyage with Crystal. Crystal Serenity is one of those cruise ships that draws loyalists who will sail again and again, even if the ship isn’t the newest or shiniest on the market. A lot of it comes down to the crew, which have a way of making their passengers feel right at home the moment they step onboard. 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.
Now, new leadership has revived the line and aims to make it better than ever. If you like your cabins to feel modern, those labeled “Classic” fall under the rooms to avoid category. If, however, you want a bathtub, skip the newer rooms and aim for those Classic cabins. Crystal Serenity has self-serve launderettes on every cabin deck with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. 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 3,000-square-foot Fitness Centers aboard both ships are now lined with the latest Technogym® equipment and guests can also enjoy yoga, meditation and personal training sessions. They can also head to Wimbledon Court on the top deck for Paddle Tennis and Pickleball. The place to relax on Crystal’s ships when the sun is shining is the refreshing Seahorse Pool, where cushy loungers and circular day beds with cheerful orange cushions surround a turquoise pool and hot tubs. Our spa offers a wide range of health and beauty services for ladies and gentlemen. There is a complete sauna and steam room facilities, as well as a variety of treatments, including aromatherapy, aqua meditation, exfoliation, reflexology and Swedish massage.Treatements are by appointment only. Our suites and guest rooms artfully pair comfort with the exceptionally elegant design.
Guests will also enjoy the classic, saltwater Seahorse Pool, refreshed workout spaces, tennis courts, and golf driving range on the top decks. Time and time again, it has been proven that the expertise and knowledge of a cruise specialist can enhance every aspect of your cruise experience. While I had slight FOMO just hearing about travelers slipping off to Machu Picchu for an A&K adventure before rejoining the cruise in Lima, my travel envy dissipated as soon as I went on my first excursion. When we docked in Livorno, Italy, I joined a small group on a truffle-hunting excursion, following a sweet pup, Bianca, through a cluster of oak trees at Vialto Farms, a 1,000-year-old farmhouse in Tuscany. After glasses of cold vermentino, we dug into pasta in a light cream sauce topped with freshly grated truffles, followed by a truffle-covered fried egg. A few days later, on Corsica, a bus whisked a group of us to Domaine Orsini, for a wine tasting and a relaxing stint on the covered patio overlooking the island.
In addition to classic walking tours that introduce guests to the destinations being visited, they will include more unusual offerings. For example, on a Mediterranean sailing visiting the Greek island of Santorini there might be an energetic volcano hike, wine tasting or visit to a family-owned ouzo distillery. Appealing to the line's more affluent clientele, there are also exclusive experiences such as a private catamaran sailing. The onboard concierge is also available to assist guests with bespoke experiences.
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