Crystal Cruises - compare
 

I'm not familiar with this cruise line and I'm wondering if anyone can compare the level of service, size of staterooms, food, etc. to that of the Princess (Dawn) and also to HAL (newer ships). Thanks for the help.

Lois

I can't speak from experience, but by reputation Crystal is a much more upscale experience than the lines you mentioned.

I have been on one Crystal Cruise in 1997 and have been on 4 Princess Cruises, the most recent being the Dawn just last month. I have not been on Holland America at all.

I would say Crystal is definitely at least a step above Princess. The level of service and quality of food definitely surpass Princess. The service is more polished, without being feigning. The food choices on Crystal are more interesting, although I'm not that adventurous an eater so sometimes that doesn't matter to me. I can't remember anything specific about the cabins, I think they are comparable in size. But at the time some amenities such as the shampoos provided were a higher quality than Princess'.

There is an all around existence and feeling of luxury on a Crystal Cruise that are not on your average Princess Cruise. That said, the level of luxury comes at a price. In addition it all depends on your comfort level in such surroundings to decide which you would enjoy more.

For example, I believe formal nights on Crystal are still formal for everyone. On Princess a person might be dressed in tux/gown for dinner and that night go to the show and have someone wearing shorts, T shirt and flip flops seated next to him/her. Would you prefer one situation over another? Would you want that kind of flexibility for yourself and fellow passengers?

Also, I know that most Crystal passengers are repeaters. There are lots of folks who spend several months aboard every year (World Cruise and/or others) and so many of them know each other. I don't know first hand, but I've heard this creates an interesting dynamic between passengers and between repeat passengers and crew. Notice any other cruise bulletin boards for Crystal and you'll see they don't get much participation - I think partly because those folks are usually on board cruising rather than going on the internet.

Hope this helps.

Crystal is a wonderful cruiseline. It is a bit more formal than many. If you're considering an upscale line, I prefer Radisson and think it's a better value, better food and better cabins but I can't find fault with Crystal either if they have the itinerary and price you're looking for.

I've been on 4 Crystal cruises and am booked on the Nov 04 trans-atlantic on the Serenity. It is my favorite line which I take whenever I can afford it (usually re-positionings or Canal). I've been on Princess 7 times (2x last year) and like their ships too. Hamlet's description is accurate. Basically, I think Crystal ships are elegant, but not stuffy; understated; extremely well maintained (clean, good state of repair); sophisticated decor (zero neon, flashing lights - lots of fabric, brass and wood); cabins are large and well appointed. Their biggest plus is their service - they pay their staff the highest salaries in the industry, so they are happy and genuinely want passengers to enjoy their trip (no feeling that they're schilling for tips). Truly, whatever the customer wants, the customer gets, whether it's special meals in the dining room, pre-dinner snacks in the cabin (one trip I requested carrots & celery instead of cookies - no problem), extra ice/no ice. Entertainment (shows & lectures) is the best of any cruise line. Definitely several steps above Princess and HAL.

We spent almost three weeks late last year on the Crystal Symphony from Buenos Aires to Ft. Lauderdale. The food was amazing with terrific variety and it was by far the most amazing customer service experience we've ever had. A five-star experience.

Why does this happen? Lois posted a question and it seems asked for some help, she received some WONDERFUL and helpful replys.

Why is there not a follow up from Lois or least a simple thank you to those that responded?

Are manners becoming a thing of the past?

Lois, are you still out there?

Crystal is an upscale cruise line but NOT a very good value. It is NOT all inclusive like other 6 star cruise lines.

Have not been on a Crystal Cruise yet, but am considering it. One question....How can one tolerate all those formal evenings?

Actually, this is EXACTLY why I am booked on Crystal this summer. I adore dressing up and Crystal totally enforces their dress code. It is not a "suggestion", it is a requirement.

If you are not looking to dress up, Crystal is not your line. Period.

I do appreciate all the replies, as I'm sure everyone usually does. In my original post I already said "thanks for the help". It has been awhile since I've looked at this board and did not think I offended anyone. I believe everyone that reads the answers posted here benefit from our experiences. That's why I thanked everyone in advance.

Lois

I agree that it's nice when the OP returns to the thread and gives a little feedback on the advice given.

At the same time, however, I do not EXPECT the OP to do this and I certainly don't get my knickers in a bunch if they fail to do so.

RBR - I know it's been a while since you aired your complaint - but you should just relax a bit.

I may be in the minority here but IMO Crystal is too formal for our taste. I love the Luxury Lines but feel I fit in better with other Luxury Lines. With this said though, Crystal is a wonderful cruise line with a dedicated following. I wish it were all inclusive like other luxury lines. This experience is not comparable to Princess or HAL,like comparing apples with oranges.

Reply To Crystal Cruises Thread:

This line fits my exacting requirements perfectly. Like myself, many individuals in my office have eliminated patronizing the "mass lines like Celebrity etc" and moved on to the real premium lines to ensure we get a higher % compliance to the product offering advertised by the line.

The Celebrity, Holland America etc have moved down market to attract a wider range of patrons and hence have moved away from CONSISTENTLY providing the product offering they advertise. These lines have "loosened" up the expectations and enforcement of dress, arrival times in their dining room etc and created a more "customized" experience - which really is "do what you want and who cares about anything else". Obviously this appeals to a large segment of the general population.

However, there are many individuals who insist on decorum, classy dress and behavior, a quiet environment and excellent service and food - hence we are moving to the premium lines and are willing to pay for it.

What is excellent about Crystal and their competitors is that these lines are careful to CONSISTENTLY CULTIVATE AND ENFORCE their product offering so that the patrons can COUNT ON RECEIVING the product offering advertised.

I am a refugee from Celebrity as they simply have abandoned the premium product they used to provide in favour of an increasing % of "riff raff" and large groups which destroy the ship board experience for many - ie they do not CONSISTENTLY deliver the images, service, ship board experience they portray in their advertising.

That is why there is an increasing % of people posting vastly different experiences

Oh well.

Lois, when choosing a luxury cruise line consider that Crystal does NOT have open seating like Silversea, Seabourn, or Radisson. It is also not all inclusive. This may or may not be important to you.

After cruising on any of the luxury lines, you will NOT be content going back to Princess, HAL, Celebrity, NCL, etc. There is no comparison.

Please educate me on this one--several of you said Crystal is not all inclusive. What does not come with the price of the cruise? How are tips handled?

Wine with lunch and dinner, tips.

I need to add that you can negotiate with some travel agents so that the gratuities are prepaid by the agency. That helps bring the price in line with "all inclusive". I agree that I would like wine included, but the price difference between Crystal and Silverseas more than covers the wine. Soft drinks, specialty coffees, and such are included on Crystal.
We will be taking our 5th Crystal cruise, and I find the service to be perfection.
Having the same waiter every night that you dine in the main dining room ensures you of very special service, as they remember what you like to drink, that you like chocolate desserts so if none is on the menu they go to another restaurant and get you one, and other special touches.