fisherstan

Would love to hear from those who have sailed on Crystal's Harmony, Serenity, or Symphony??? Would you sail these again ? Was it worth the money?
Any info. will be helpful--
THANKS A BUNCH!!

traveller333

I have recently been doing my own research and considering Crystal. It sure does sound like a Premium cruiseline! There were a few deal breakers for us that just don't work. To mention a few and the biggest ...it does have 2 set dining times. We've gotten so spoiled eating when, where and with whom we want I'm just not willing to give that up. Apparently the dining room is too small to change to open seating. (some must love eating at the same table, same people, same time, same wait staff each night). I love having dining options where you can chose from several different restaurants each night. It is also more formal than some other lines which isn't so appealing to me. I recently completed 2 segments of a world cruise (30 nights) and really loved eating with such a variety of people through out. I think for a short 7 night cruise, this wouldn't be as important.

Also, unlike Silversea, Radisson and Seabourn the fare does NOT include cocktails and/or wine at dinner. They charge for the drinks or bottle PLUS add a 15% gratuity. Also, I don't think they include gratuities on the whole so this would be an extra charge as well. Another conern for us, their ships are larger carrying about 1000 passengers and I'm afraid with that many passengers you may lose some of the intimacy that you grow so accustomed to on the luxury cruiselines.

What did appeal to me initially is that most of their cruises are longer (at least 14 days) and they are known for exceptional enrichment lecturers. I've read many reports where the passengers love Crystal cruises and they do seem to have a loyal following. Also, if you're a single traveller, their single supplement is usually less than other luxury lines.

For my likes (not that you share any of the same taste I have) I believe I will stick with Radisson or Silversea which seems to be a much better bang for the buck. I also like the fact that the average age on Radisson is lower than Crystal. I will save Crystal for a later phase of my life.


If you're trying to compare luxury lines to mass market lines, I do think that what you pay for any luxury cruise line is well worth the $$. We originally switched because of feeling so nickle and dimed to death on the mass market lines. We'll never go back.

fisherstan

traveller, thanks so very much for all the useful info. I feel better about going with a luxury line as opposed to the mass market lines. Also I had considered Silversea and Radison and now will look further into them.
I'm curious though about the age comment, what is the median age for Cystals passengers?? We are in our mid forties. Appreciate your time

newyorkgolfer41

Mid 40's should be perfect for Radisson and not too far off the mark for Silversea (they seem a bit older from my observations). The longer the cruise (14 or more days) tend to attract a bit older crowd on ANY ship IMO. I would suggest you consider Radisson IF they have an itinerary that turns you on. As previously mentioned, once you cruise on one of the luxury lines, you won't be content with some of the more middle of the road (Mass)lines.

j_elzie

Hi,

My clients LOVE Crystal! Once people take a Crystal cruise, it is hard to convince them to try another cruise line. The cruise experience is simply fabulous! They take care of their guests with the nicest, most personalized touches. Everyone feels very pampered.

Mid-40's would be an excellent match for Crystal. The Crystal guest is well-educated, sophisticated, has a passion for luxury and adventure, maybe a bit more traditional. It is definitely more personalized and more traditional than the mass market cruise lines. Definitely worth the extra costs, but do consider checking into Crystal's Value Collection sailings, where prices are very competitive with Celebrity.

Have a great day!
Julia

PMB

We have sailed on all 3 of the ships and would not consider any other line. The service is wonderful; the food is excellent; nothing ever seems crowded and they take such good care of you.
Yes, there are two seatings for dinner, and we have met some great friends this way. But if you prefer to eat on your own one night there are many restaurants to choose from. They have award winning Italian and Asian restaurants. They also grill by the pool in good weather and of course there is always 24 hour room service.
Almost all of the rooms have balconies and therefore the public areas are never crowded. There are very professional shows every night, a Ceasars Palace Casino, a beautiful spa and gym etc. etc. Too many choices to ever be bored.
We are looking forward to our next one in September. We think they offer a good value for the quality you get.

allanc

Sailed on the Symphony. Absolutely wonerful. Since we have been on RCI, Celebrity, and Princess. No comparison.
It is worth the money..and we will go again. Notwithstanding all the board opinions we found the three others very similar.
Crystal is not just a step up, it is a different environment. We are now thinking about either a Crystal or an Oceania Regatta cruise.