So how does Crystal compare in other ways? We spent two weeks aboard the Symphony to check it out.
Overall: The ships are very traditional in styling, with a full teak walking/promenade deck with teak loungers in the shade. There is a good size pool with lots of upholstered sitting areas around it. More umbrellas were needed on our itinerary. Public spaces are quite grand and this feels like a very large ship, but not at all crowded, with only 900+ onboard. There are many activities, a good workout area and spa, a terrific internet cafe with state of the art Apple desktops, plus their classes offer languages, piano, art, cooking and more. For a cruise with days at sea, you will likely never be bored!
The number of guests on board can go past the 900 mark, whereas the largest ships of the other four ALL INCLUSIVE competitors are at 700 on Regent, and about 500 on Silversea and Seabourn. However, there is more public space as Crystal's ships are at 68,000 tons and Regents are at 48,000 making them half again as large.
Service is very comparable on all of these lines, but I have to say that the professionalism and impeccably attired staff on Crystal deserves a shout out.
Whereas some of the other lines have shown a bit of delayed maintenance during the recent challenging financial years, one gets the impression that Crystal's Japanese owners have spared no expense to keep these ships in immaculate and updated condition.
Accommodations: A variety of sizes starting at 200sf with obstructed views (E category on Symphony only) compared to about 240-300 sf minimum on the others. This does give guests a wider range of pricing. The cabins are very tasteful and elegantly furnished.
Guests: Crystal seems to attract a more American and more mature crowd, but this may be due to the fact that they used to do almost entirely long cruises of 10+ days. Recently they have introduced many shorter cruises and I expect the average age to lower as a result.
Entertainment: Here is where Crystal really shines.Shows that are exceptionally and professionally staged and costumed with a very high level of performers on most evenings. Along with the other bars and live music venues, there is also a full size movie theater showing first run films. This was quite fun to take in.
Dining: Due to it's size the dining room is still a little challenging, as one can do early and late dining and pre- assigned tables in the traditional style, or sign up online before, for specific times over a 3 hour range and preferred table sizes including for just 2. Clients have had challenges doing this and you are relegated to a certain part of the lovely dining room. However, their specialty Asian and Italian restaurants are second to none and well worth the $30 fee. There are also other, more casual venues, and the staff does it's best to accommodate all requests.
Pricing: Crystal used to suffer from rather high pricing. This has changed radically in the last 2 years and they are now often the best deal out there. Comparing veranda Cat A and B to suites on Silversea, the pricing is comparable. But for the lower categories, you can book a 12 day trip for as low as $3500pp. However, port charges are additional and should be added in, to do a true comparison with Regent and Silversea. We are offering some great extras on most Crystal sailings, and especially recommend these ships for a multi generational family reunion, or any type of group with a variety of ages to please. This will allow us to offer you even more amenities.
CAT. B VERANDA ROOM ON CRYSTAL
