Public Areas & Facilities

This is Crystal Cruises' long-awaited third ship, the first to be introduced since 1995. Although more than a third larger than Crystal's earlier ships, it's similar in layout and follows the line's successful formula of creating intimate spaces in understated, yet sophisticated surroundings.

Stylish public rooms are uncrowded and uncluttered, yet clubby, in the tradition of elegantly proportioned drawing rooms (even the main show lounge is on a single level). Muted colors and warm woods create a soft atmosphere conducive to socializing in the refined environment. The Palm Court could be mistaken for the kind of British colonial-era lounge you might have seen in Hong Kong or India in the 19th century.

A thoughtful touch is an entirely separate room for scrutinizing the art pieces available for auction. The understatement even continues into the casino, although it contains plenty of slot machines and gaming tables.

Restaurants

The formal restaurant serves international cuisine in two assigned evening seatings. There's no additional charge for the intimate Asian and Italian specialty restaurants, but reservations are required, and a gratuity is suggested for the servers. Daytime dining choices include a Lido buffet, poolside grill, a patisserie, and an ice cream bar.

What Works & What Doesn't

This ship is aptly named. A few anxious moments may pass until dining reservations are secured for the specialty restaurants, but those nerves are nothing compared to what you'd feel trying to get a table at the chef's shoreside counterparts. A West Coast lifestyle prevails, which can be somewhat off-putting to people from fly-over country until they relax and go with the flow. Upscale and tasteful, this ship offers kid-centric spaces, but it isn't a particularly family-friendly cruise experience.

Great for walkers, a wide teak promenade deck encircles the ship.

Accommodations

Layout: As you'd expect on a luxury vessel, Crystal Serenity has no inside cabins; however, although suites are generous in size, lesser categories are somewhat smaller than industry standard at this level. All accommodations are designed with ample closet and drawer-shelf storage, as well as bathroom shelves and twin sinks. An impressive 85% of all cabins have private balconies furnished with chairs and tables. Most suites and penthouses have walk-in closets. Crystal Penthouse suites have private workout areas, pantries, and guest powder rooms.

Amenities: Rich wood cabinetry, soft colors, a small refrigerator with complimentary bottled water and soft drinks, a personal safe, a hair dryer, broadband connection for laptop computer, a television with a DVD player, and a sitting area with sofa, chair, and table are typical standard amenities. Most suites and penthouses also have CD players; all have flat-screen TVs, butler service, personalized stationery, and a fully stocked minibar.

Good to know: Few staterooms have interior interconnecting doors, and accommodations with a third berth are scarce except in penthouse suite categories. Eight staterooms are designed for wheelchair accessibility.

Category	Size (square feet)
Crystal Penthouse	1,345
Penthouse Suites	538
Regular Penthouses	403
Deluxe Ocean View (w/balcony)	269
Deluxe Ocean View (regular)	226

Favorites

Best Splurge: You don't have to swipe the logo china used in the Bistro to impress your friends back home. It's for sale in one of the boutiques.

Best Added Value: A splendid selection of alternative restaurants is yours to enjoy at no additional cost. You may get the urge to drop at least $20 on the table after dessert -- the food and service are that good -- but the suggested gratuity is a mere $6.

Our Favorite Spot for a Nightcap: The Avenue Saloon is dark and inviting, just the right spot to duck into following an after-dinner cigar and brandy in the adjacent Connoisseur Club.

Best Bath News: Every bathroom has a full-size tub, Aveda toiletries, plush towels, and bathrobes are provided for use during the cruise. Most suites and penthouses have whirlpool tub and separate shower.