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This Beloved Luxury Cruise Ship Is Back on the Water — With a Nobu at Sea, a Gorgeous Pool Deck, and a Slate of Epic Itineraries

Beloved brand Crystal Cruises came to an ignominious end during the pandemic. Now, new leadership has revived the line and aims to make it better than ever.

Bars and Restaurants

Where serenity sails, shore excursions, amenities and entertainment, family-friendly offerings, accessibility.

Spending a week on Crystal Serenity feels like staying at a resort that families have been visiting for 20 years. On a July cruise in the Mediterranean Sea, most of the passengers I met had sailed on Serenity many times before. Veteran Crystal cruiser Keith Steiner regaled me with stories of the paddle tennis tournament he plays in every year, alongside the crew, on the line’s world cruises. Linda Glenn, who has been on 130 Crystal cruises, promised to show me the beautiful ring her husband, Stanley, commissioned from the jeweler who supplies Serenity ’s boutique. And the Glenns' grandson, Tate, has been sailing on Crystal Serenity since he was two. He’s 19 now.

What’s strange about all this is I met these folks on Crystal Serenity ’s inaugural journey. 

Crystal Serenity

• Crystal Cruises has the only Nobu restaurants at sea. On Serenity, Umi Uma, a Japanese-Peruvian spot by chef Nobu Matsuhisa is one of the best restaurants on board.
• The 740-passenger ship has all ocean-view rooms — and most have balconies — plus 24/7 butler service.
• Crystal Cruises is known for its exceptional world cruises, and Serenity embarks on its first around-the-world tour in 2024.

Here’s what happened: Crystal Serenity first launched in 2003. To put a time stamp on that, Julie Andrews was named the godmother of Serenity , and “The Princess Diaries” had come out two years before. Fast forward 19 years and Crystal went bankrupt in fairly spectacular fashion in early 2022. Seventeen months later, the brand is known simply as Crystal and is a part of A&K Travel Group, the holding company backed by travel luminaries Geoffrey Kent, of Abercrombie & Kent, and Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, the onetime chairman of Silversea. Since taking the helm, A&K has invested $150 million in Crystal, giving Serenity and sibling ship Crystal Symphony stem-to-stern overhauls. Both ships returned to service in the summer of 2023.

Courtesy of Crystal Cruises

“It’s Crystal enhanced,” Steiner told me, as we sailed from Corsica to Barcelona on a particularly rocky day on the Mediterranean. The retired telecom executive has been on 120 Crystal cruises with his wife, Anne Marie. “Every person we've spoken to would say, from the moment they came on, it feels, it looks, it smells like Crystal. It is Crystal.”

That’s largely because 80 percent of the Crystal Serenity ’s crew is back on board. My butler, Jijo, who had been with Crystal for 17 years before the bankruptcy, knew every one of his guests on that first sailing — I was his only newcomer. Jijo unpacked my suitcase, handled my laundry and my airport transfer, routinely surprised me with an afternoon iced tea, and accompanied me to the IT office when my Wi-Fi went out. When I wasn’t feeling well, he brought me several rounds of chicken consumé, toast, and mint tea as I watched “Top Gun: Maverick” while hiding under Jesurum 1870 bedding. It was, due respect to my husband, even better care than I would’ve gotten back home. 

Here, everything you need to know about the new and improved Crystal Serenity — and what it was like to be one of the first on board.

My 430-square-foot Sapphire Veranda Suite — where I enjoyed my daily iced teas on the balcony, slept phenomenally well on the custom Jesurum 1870 bedding, and reveled in the spaciousness of the shower — was gutted in 2023 and completely redone by cruise ship designer GEM. But A&K, committed to keeping the returning guests happy, left some Sapphire Veranda Suites as they were — including the room Linda Glenn has booked since 2009.

There are no inside accommodations on the 545-room Crystal Serenity — even the entry-level offering has an ocean view. The smallest rooms, at 215 square feet, are the doubles with an ocean view, singles with an ocean view, and doubles with a veranda. Every accommodation comes with 24/7 butler service.

The most luxurious of Serenity' s 377 suites is the 1,275-square-foot Crystal Penthouse. The bathroom — with a full peachflower marble tub — is exquisite, as is the plentiful balcony space. And while most guests get only one reservation at each of the specialty restaurants, Umi Uma and Osteria d’Ovidio, reservations for the penthouse guests are unlimited, and they can order from both directly to their room.

Linda, like most Crystal die-hards, still accidentally calls the Italian restaurant, Osteria D’Ovidio, by its old name, but says the space, overhauled by Tillberg of Sweden, feels completely different. "I think the food's even better," Stanley adds. Umi Uma — one of two Nobus at sea, the other on Crystal Symphony — has brand-new interiors, too. The Umi Uma menu hasn’t changed, which is a relief, because it turns out nothing bonds two people on a ship quite like a shared affinity for Nobu’s black-miso cod and decadent sashimi.

Maya Kachroo-Levine/Travel + Leisure 

With one coveted culinary name already, Cristina Levis, A&K and Crystal Cruises CEO, told me she’s working to “bring home another celebrity chef” for Osteria. (Though, even without a Michelin-touted chef at the helm of Osteria, I loved the lobster acquasale and gnocchi blanketed in porcini mushroom ragout.) The best Italian export on board, however, is served six decks above Osteria at the gelato bar, Scoops. Levis is from a family of gelato makers, and it shows; the stracciatella and coffee gelato I savored on a poolside couch as we sailed from Portofino, Italy, was better than the cone I had in port. 

I also grew very attached to the buffet at Marketplace — it is truly next-level, with a carving station, a great salad bar, some excellent Indian food (who knew you could find phenomenal butter chicken on an Italian-owned ship?), and fresh seafood. I had terrific moules-frites one afternoon, with Rotterdam-sourced mussels in a delicate, garlicky cream sauce, seated outside in the sun, with a beautiful view of Cannes. This is not your average buffet. There’s also the main dining room, Waterside, open for three meals a day; Tastes Kitchen & Bar, with a lovely indoor-outdoor terrace that makes you feel like you’re on the corner of a charming European street; and a grill that does burgers and sandwiches for lunch — and excellent pancakes in the morning.

As for bars, I was partial to the Avenue Saloon — where Joel Spire plays piano every night and there’s a great Manhattan menu. Worth noting, there’s also an extensive non-alcoholic and low-ABV cocktail menu at Avenue Saloon, for those looking for booze-free nightlife.

In 2023, Serenity will sail in North America, along the New England coast in the fall and into Canada, exploring Quebec’s Saint Lawrence River. In the winter, the ship will cruise the Caribbean, stopping in ports like St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Looking ahead to 2024, the ship will begin a five-continent world cruise — the first since A&K bought Crystal — cruising French Polynesia, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, South America, and in Europe, winding up in the Mediterranean Sea again next summer. The 2025 lineup was just announced, too; learn more about the sailings here .

As Crystal becomes more ingrained in the A&K family, “we will bring to Crystal what A&K does best, which is the excursions,” Levis said. Starting in 2025, the cruise line intends to roll out packages that let travelers leave the ship for a few days, knock out a once-in-a-lifetime tour, and then hop back on board.

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. And before I disembarked the ship in Barcelona, I crashed an evening excursion to the trendy El Born neighborhood, where our 10-person group shared a barrage of Spanish tortilla, patatas bravas , and croquetas at Tapeo.

The pool deck — in close proximity to the gelato bar – on deck 12 feels like a relaxed, exclusive Mediterranean beach club. One deck up, there’s a fitness center with Technogym equipment and workout classes, plus pickle ball and paddle tennis courts close by. The spa has a gorgeous, light-wood sauna with a picture window — perhaps my favorite place to watch the world go by — and an extensive treatment menu. I was extremely impressed with my dynamic biotech resurfacing facial and noticed the effects of the healing LED blue-light mask, which dissolves dead skin, for a full week after the treatment.

As for the entertainment, while I didn’t stray much from Pete’s piano in the Avenue Saloon, there are standup comedy and musical theater shows at the Stardust Club, Galaxy Lounge, and the Hollywood Theater. Crystal Cove bar is a great spot to catch live music (classical, jazz, piano, and even the occasional rock moment).

Also of note are the educational seminars, held daily, with guest speakers who lecture on upcoming destinations and give in-depth talks into their industries — whether that’s sports, media, or “even the occasional astronaut,” per Crystal’s website.

There is certainly a kids’ club on Serenity and children are welcome. In fact, children grow up on this ship, coming on the holiday cruise every year, and making lifelong friends — as I learned from my friend Tate. Waves and Fantasia are the kids’- and teens’-only spaces on board. Personally, though, I would come on Crystal with a spouse, longterm travel partner, grown-up family members, close friends, or even solo. 

There are eight ADA rooms on Crystal Serenity — some aquamarine veranda suites and some aquamarine ocean-view suites. According to a Crystal spokesperson, the ADA suites "are designed to accommodate guests with additional needs or who are wheelchair bound. The furniture can accommodate a wheelchair or scooter, there is extra space between beds, more room in the living area for easy movement, and the bathroom is larger with a roll-in shower, fold-down shower bench, and easy-to-reach shower head and sink faucet. Additional equipment is available upon request, such as rubber shower mats, shower stools, and a shower bench."

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Review: Crystal Symphony

What is the line? Crystal Cruises

Name of ship? Crystal Symphony

Passenger occupancy? 606

Itinerary? Crystal Symphony will sail in the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, Asia, and Australia in 2023 and 2024.

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

Crystal has attracted a following of travelers seeking understated luxury, privacy, and space. Crystal is known for effusive onboard service from longtime cruise veterans who establish yearslong relationships with guests who come back again and again. Butlers carefully catalog guest preferences, from room temperature to the exact specifications of a coffee order—and remember them. Crystal is focused on personalization—want the chefs to whip up your grandmother’s best cookie recipe? If they have the ingredients, they’ll make it happen.

Tell us about the ship in general

Fresh off a down-to-the-steel drydock and refit, the ship feels brand new, with one exception—it was originally built in 1995 before propulsion “pod” technology, so the vibration from the propellers in some parts of the ship is noticeable. The recent refurbishment reduced the passenger count onboard, giving the ship an immense amount of space per passenger—even for a luxury liner (84.2 cubic feet). You won’t find fancy whizz-bang amusements as on larger ships, but between top-notch bars, restaurants (including a Nobu outpost) and entertainment ranging from stage productions, films, lectures, and the line’s legendary White Party, there’s little shortage of amusement onboard.

Who is onboard?

Well-heeled and exceptionally well-traveled. Crystal’s itineraries skew closer to two weeks, so retirees and others with time on on their hands are well-represented onboard, but you’ll also find a smattering of families and multi-generational groups, particularly during holiday periods.

Describe the cabins

Cabins have been refreshed in contemporary color palettes, and there are now single-occupancy cabins which are identical to doubles except they’re inventory-controlled for solo travelers without a single supplement to the fare. All stateroom and suite categories have butler service, although additional services (like free laundry, pressing, and dry-cleaning) are offered in higher-tier suite categories. Design features include Italian marble and high thread count linens, and guests arrive to welcome champagne, a minibar setup replenished daily with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks, plus free standard WiFi. Some suite categories have a design choice between contemporary and “classic” designs so fans of the heritage Crystal room design can stick with what they know.

Tell us about the crew

In a word—tenured. Crystal’s onboard crew are your typical international mix, but many of them have been with Crystal their entire careers—many with decades of experience onboard the same ship, building ongoing relationships with repeat cruisers, often greeting them as old friends with hugs at embarkation. Crystal’s ratio of staff to guests is also nearly 1:1, meaning the service is utterly attentive.

What food and drink options are available on board?

Plenty. The main Waterside Restaurant is top-notch, with a menu of both classic and contemporary gastronomic delights. Specialty restaurants include Umi Uma, Nobu Matsuhisa’s Japanese-Peruvian Fusion, and Osteria d’Ovidio, fine Italian dining with regional tasting menus. Specialty restaurants are included in the fare once each for a voyage up to 11 days (longer voyages offer more inclusions) and are unlimited for top-tier suites. There’s also the Bistro, serving coffee and light bites, a cook-to-order grill, Tastes Kitchen & Bar offering tapas-style table service, Scoops Ice Cream Bar, and Marketplace, the buffet-style restaurant, not to mention 24 hour in-suite dining (top tier suites can order in from Umi Uma and Osteria d’Ovidio). For an additional supplement, guests can dine in The Vintage Room for a food and wine pairing experience. Most alcohol is included, so bars like Crystal Cove off the Atrium, the Starlight Club cabaret, pub-style Avenue Saloon, Connoisseur Club cigar bar, and Luxe Night Club are also included, unless guests want top-shelf wines or liquors, which are also available.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

The Aurōra Spa offers a fantastical diversity of treatments – everything from coconut poultice, bamboo, hot stone, and Swedish massages to facials, medi-spa treatments to tighten skin and smooth wrinkles, IV treatments, acupuncture, body wraps, teeth whitening, and salon services for hair and nails.

Activities and entertainment

While not offering the host of amenities of a megaship (you won’t find bowling alleys or rollercoasters here) there’s still plenty of sophisticated entertainment, from traditional production shows like jukebox revues, artist tributes or Broadway homages to a theatre for guest lectures and films. There’s also a cabaret, the Starlite Club, which hosts stand-up comedians, lectures or live music for dancing, or the after-hours Jade Night Club for dancing, drinks, and karaoke. Guests will also enjoy the classic, saltwater Seahorse Pool, refreshed workout spaces, tennis courts, and golf driving range on the top decks.

How was the experience for families?

Families are less common on Crystal, but there’s still a dedicated kids and teens clubs called Waves, and Fantasia, respectively. Crystal anticipates offering kids and teens programming on select voyages when passenger numbers warrant.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

Crystal is in the process of building out a suite of excursions in cooperation with parent Abercrombie & Kent, which specializes in small-group luxury destination experiences.

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

Recyclable items have separate receptacles and in-room toiletries are in large refillable bottles which help reduce waste.

Anything we missed?

Unlike most cruise lines, Crystal does not restrict how much wine or alcohol guests may bring onboard with them, although they note that restrictions may be in place in some destinations served by the line.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

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.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

First look: Crystal Endeavor, the stylish new expedition cruise ship from luxury line Crystal Cruises

Editor's Note

Call it one of the biggest stories in luxury cruising in years.

The recent unveiling of Crystal Endeavor -- the new luxury expedition ship from Crystal Cruises -- marks a major turning point for the line, which many industry watchers consider the ultimate luxury cruise brand.

The 200-passenger vessel is Miami-based Crystal's first entrant into the market for expedition cruises — the increasingly-in-demand type of cruises that involve travel to remote, hard-to-reach places on small, hardy ships.

As I'm seeing this week in an exclusive first look at the vessel , it's like nothing the line has operated before.

Until now, Crystal has been known for traditional luxury cruise ships that include two ocean-going vessels that carry 980 and 848 passengers, respectively, and five small river ships based in Europe. The line also until recently operated a single, 62-passenger yacht.

But Crystal Endeavor is something different. It's a true expedition ship -- a vessel specifically designed to take travelers to the most off-the-beaten-path parts of the world, including the ultimate playgrounds for small expedition ships: Antarctica and the Arctic.

Crystal Endeavor is a luxurious vessel, for sure (more on that in a moment). But as is typical for expedition ships, it's also a tough vessel, with a big, reinforced bow that will let it bump through ice in polar regions and extra tanks for fuel and food. It has its own landing craft on board to bring people ashore in remote locations, and it sails with a large and seasoned "expedition team" that includes a geologist, an ornithologist, a mammologist and a photography expert.

In short, it's a luxury ship built for off-the-beaten-path adventure as much as for traditional pampering. And that's right in the sweet spot of what luxury travelers are craving these days.

Here, a closer look at what sets Crystal Endeavor apart from the rest of the Crystal fleet, and what you can expect if you book a voyage on the vessel:

It's small and intimate

Among luxury cruise operators, Crystal has long been known for vessels that are relatively large. At 68,870 gross tons and 51,044 gross tons, respectively, the line's two main ocean ships (Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony) are among the biggest luxury ships in the market, and they're filled with an unusually broad array of onboard venues including multiple restaurants, bars and showrooms.

Crystal Endeavor, by contrast, is much smaller -- and offers fewer venues (though maybe not as few as you might think). At just 20,200 gross tons, it's less than a third the size of the Crystal Serenity, and it holds barely a fifth as many passengers (200 versus 980).

The size difference can be wonderful or not depending on your preferences. Many Crystal regulars like the liveliness of the line's bigger vessels, where the large array of venues means that there always seems to be something going on, from dance classes to comedy shows. They also like the broad array of options when it comes to things like dining (Crystal Serenity boasts 10 different dining concepts, some sharing the same spaces) and even room types.

But there's an intimacy to Crystal Endeavor that you won't find on the bigger vessels, which is its own type of luxury.

On the ship's current sailing, there are just 53 passengers on board, which gives it the air of a private yacht. But even when completely full with 200 passengers, it's not a ship where you'll ever feel like you're cruising with a lot of people.

But it still offers a lot

As noted above, you won't find the diverse array of restaurants and lounges on Crystal Endeavor that you'll find on the line's bigger luxury ships.

But for a ship of its size, it offers an impressively wide array of public spaces spread over several interior and exterior decks.

Perhaps most notably, Crystal Endeavor has a large number of elegant and high-end restaurants given its size.

Filling up a good portion of an entire deck of the vessel (specifically, Deck 4) are the ship's main restaurant, Waterside, and two "specialty" restaurants that will be familiar to Crystal fans: the Italian cuisine-serving Prego and Japanese cuisine-serving Umi Uma & Sushi Bar. All three of these eateries feature superb interior design, sophisticated menus and graceful service that, even just a few weeks into the ship's operation, is impeccable.

In addition, on one or more nights on every sailing, Prego morphs into the Vintage Room, an intimate private dining experience with insanely elaborate, seven-course meals. Each course of the meal is paired with a distinct wine, which the ship's sommelier explains in detail before serving. It's one of those foodie extravaganzas that goes on for hours and is a rare treat.

Adding to this mix of restaurants are two casual eateries: Marketplace and the Bistro.

The former, which can seat up to 100 passengers at a time, is within a glass-enclosed, multiuse space at the back of the ship called the Solarium that also features a small indoor pool and hot tub. Open for breakfast and lunch, it serves up a diverse range of dishes from made-to-order omelets at breakfast to burgers, pasta and grilled fish at lunchtime.

The latter space, with 61 seats, is essentially a cafe, but with light bites available throughout the day from a buffet area in the corner (for now, due to COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions, there is no self-service in this area; items are handed out by crew members).

One note on the previously mentioned Solarium: As a venue for a quick and casual lunch while the ship is underway, it's spectacular. With glass walls that soar two decks high on three sides of the vessel, it offers stunning views of whatever the ship is near while you dine. As a pool space, alas, it doesn't work quite as well, as the pool is oddly plopped down right in the midst of the tables where passengers dine.

Assuming you come for a dip during the Solarium's opening hours for breakfast or lunch (which is a good chunk of the day), you might feel a bit like a fish in a fishbowl -- you'll be on display.

Other major public areas on Crystal Endeavor include the top-of-the-ship Palm Court, an observation lounge and bar and the centrally located Crystal Cove lounge. Located just steps away from the ship's main restaurant area, on Deck 4, the latter has a bar, stage and dance floor, and is the place for daytime lectures, pre-dinner happy hours (it splits this duty with the Palm Court) and evening performances from several musical groups that sail with the ship.

Just behind the Crystal Cove lounge is a small casino -- something that is notable for an expedition ship. In fact, it's the first casino ever on an expedition vessel. It's not a huge casino, with just a handful of tables for games and a few banks of slots. But if playing a few hands of blackjack or rolling the dice on roulette is a must for you even when venturing to such off-the-beaten-path places as Antarctica, this is the ship for you.

In addition, Crystal Endeavor is home to a cigar bar called the Connoisseur Club (stocked with fine Cuban cigars, whiskeys and ports available for an extra charge); a small spa and full-service salon; a fitness room; and a small retail area that offers stunning (and very high-end) jewelry.

Related: 5 amazing adventures you can take on Crystal Endeavor

It's built for adventure

As noted above, Crystal Endeavor is an expedition ship. That is, it's built extra tough to go to some of the most faraway parts of the world.

As is typical for ships of this type, it has a strengthened hull that will allow it to bump through ice in polar regions (for those keeping track, it has a none-too-shabby "PC6" polar class rating), and it carries Zodiac boats for exploring in remote areas. It also sails with kayaks on board and specialized kayaking guides for paddling adventures. There's a mudroom with cubbies where passengers can keep their life jackets and boots during polar adventures.

But perhaps most importantly for a ship meant for adventures in scenic and wildlife-filled places, this is a ship with lots of indoor and outdoor observation areas.

Among the most notable of these is the aforementioned observation lounge, the Palm Court. Located at the very front of the ship, it features floor-to-ceiling window walls on three sides that offer stunning views (there's also a view straight up through a glass-enclosed portion of the ceiling above the room's small dance floor -- you may not be able to dance with the stars here, but you can, quite literally, dance under the stars).

Better yet, doors on each side of the observation lounge lead to a forward-facing outdoor viewing area, and there are more outdoor viewing areas along the sides of the ship on the same deck as well as one deck up.

Crystal Endeavor also offers an almost hidden, close-to-the-waterline outdoor observation area at its very tip that may be one of the ship's great secrets. It took us a few days to find it. But once we did, we were smitten. Home to its own hot tub as well as lounge chairs and other seating, it is the perfect vantage point to view the passing scenery.

This abundance of observation areas may seem like a small thing, but for a vessel designed to spend half its year in polar regions, where glimpsing soaring glaciers, icebergs and wildlife such as polar bears and penguins is at the heart of the experience, it really is one of the most important things.

Unfortunately, not every expedition ship built for such adventures recently has been designed with so much viewing space.

It's got the toys

Amazingly, I've gotten more than 1,000 words into this piece without mentioning what some may consider the biggest wow of Crystal Endeavor: It has its very own helicopters as well as a submarine for use in over-the-top touring experiences.

Or, to be more precise, it will have helicopters and a submarine. As of the time of this story's posting, they hadn't been loaded onto the vessel yet. But they're coming.

I have mixed feelings about the trend of high-end cruise companies putting helicopters onto expedition ships (Crystal isn't the only company to do this; luxury line Scenic Cruises unveiled an expedition ship in 2019, Scenic Eclipse, that also had helicopters, as well as a submarine).

The problem with putting helicopters on expedition ships is that the space needed for a helicopter landing pad and related hangars eats up a huge amount of deck-top space. That leaves less room for deck-top features such as outdoor pools, lounge areas, restaurants and bars.

It's a trade-off and one that I personally wouldn't make if I was in charge of building the perfect expedition ship.

But there surely are some Crystal customers who will be lining up to check off "soaring over the Arctic ice cap by helicopter" from their bucket list -- even if it comes with a sky-high cost (the Crystal website currently notes a per-ride fee of $899 per person). Crystal knows its market.

I'm more excited about the remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) that can be controlled from a Star Trek-like command chair in the top-of-the-ship Expedition Lounge. The captain of Crystal Endeavor, Thomas Larsen, seemed almost giddy as he showed off the chair to me this week, noting that it could be used to take the ROV down to explore shipwrecks and other unusual underwater sites as Crystal Endeavor hovered above.

Passengers will be able to watch a live video feed from the ROV on a large screen in the Expedition Lounge or even from their cabin televisions.

Among other cool toys, the ship has a super-fancy, remote-controlled gimbal camera at its top that can offer real-time views of passing scenery or wildlife at a magnification of up to 90 times. It can be used, for instance, to zoom in on a distant polar bear on an ice flow, with a live feed of the sighting being projected onto screens in the ship's Palm Court lounge or on cabin televisions.

Note that, in a luxury touch, Crystal also stocks top-of-the-line Muck Boot brand waterproof boots on board for passengers to use during landings and also gives out new, high-end parkas to each passenger on expedition sailings that are theirs to keep at the end of trips.

It's got incredible rooms

See my story on how my Crystal Endeavor cabin blew me away , which I posted soon after getting on board.

It's all-inclusive

The initial itineraries Crystal Endeavor is operating aren't inexpensive. In fact, they're among the most expensive cruises currently on offer by any line in the world. Ten-night voyages around Iceland such as the one I'm on start at $16,999 per person -- roughly $1,700 per day . Some of the ship's more unusual sailings in far-off polar regions are even more. A very rare, 28-night voyage across the Russian Arctic that the vessel will operate in 2023 starts at $62,099 per person -- more than $2,200 per day!

Still, as is typical for cruise lines at the high end, Crystal is including a lot in its base price. In addition to a room on board and all meals, which (as noted above) are at a very high-end level, the fares include all but the most premium drinks, including a wide choice of fine wines and spirits; shipboard Wi-Fi; gratuities; and -- perhaps most notably -- guided shore tours in every port where the ship visits and guided expedition landings by Zodiac in more remote locations.

Indeed, a notable part of what you'll be paying for on a Crystal Endeavor sailing is access to an incredibly large and knowledgeable team of guides who will lead you around destinations like Antarctica.

These guides will include topic experts such as geologists, ornithologists and biologists who will lecture on board as well as lead guided outings. On some sailings, there will be more than 20 such guides and experts on board.

It offers the ultimate in service

Anybody who has sailed with Crystal before knows that the biggest allure of a Crystal cruise has nothing to do with the "hardware," as people in the industry like to call the physical properties of a vessel. What always has set Crystal apart from nearly every other cruise line in the world (and justified its high prices) is the extraordinary service that you will receive on board its ships.

On this front, Crystal Endeavor is just what you would expect from the line.

A few minutes ago, as I was sitting in a corner of the Palm Court writing this, the room's bar manager, Ana, arrived with a cappuccino, which she quietly placed on the table in front of me while I was typing away.

I hadn't ordered the cappuccino. But, indeed, I was ready for one, which somehow, intuitively, she knew. She clearly had taken note over the past few days that I liked to slowly sip on a coffee as I wrote in a corner of this room, and she must have taken note that my coffee orders on board are invariably cappuccinos, not Americanos or lattes.

It was a perfect example of the amazing, anticipate-your-every-need service that is a hallmark of Crystal and that is already on display on Crystal Endeavor.

Normally, when a ship first starts up operations, there are lots of little (and sometimes big) kinks in the way it operates to work out. But just a few weeks into Crystal Endeavor's operations, the service level already is about as flawless as can be.

As I sit down at the Waterside restaurant for dinner, the wait staff (a special nod to Prince Jose and Chiara) remember that I like my water sparkling, not still. The sommeliers, Rado and Ljudmila, remember that I will drink red wine even with dishes that call for white, and they're ready with a recommendation. In the Crystal Cove lounge afterward, the staff knows that I like my whiskey neat.

These crew members stop by regularly to check on me, but they aren't intrusive. But if I am alone and appear not too lost in thought, they will stop by for just the right amount of friendly banter. It's something intuitive and rare and wonderful to see.

Notably, Crystal Endeavor is designed to sail with 209 crew members -- more than one crew member for each passenger on board. It's an extraordinary crew-to-passenger ratio for a ship this size and one reason the vessel may be hard to beat when it comes to luxury in the expedition cruise space.

TPG's Gene Sloan is reporting live this week from Crystal Endeavor as it sails on one of its first voyages, a circumnavigation of Iceland. You can find all of his dispatches on his author's page .

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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The Roaming Boomers

Review: the new crystal cruises.

Posted by David Porter on Saturday, January 20, 2024 · 11 Comments  

Carol and I just spent five days sailing with the new Crystal Cruises, and we’re happy to give you our review.

Writing this review is a bit of a conundrum as the “new” Crystal Cruises is the result of the bankruptcy of the “old” Crystal Cruises. Let me explain.

Crystal Cruises was founded in 1988 by the Japanese shipping company Nippon Yusen Kaisha, and for nearly two decades, their two ships enjoyed a near cult-like following.

When Carol and I first sailed with them in 2016, we were impressed with the many awards they had garnered over the years, but we also found the experience to match all of the hype.

The Crystal Serenity in Grand Turk

I will never forget meeting a lady onboard who had sailed with Crystal Cruises 93 times. And to further our amazement, two widows were living on the ship year-round. It was pretty remarkable and a testament to the quality of this storied cruise line.

Crystal Cruises was sold to Genting Hong Kong in 2015, and when we made our second sailing with them somewhere around 2019, we saw a dramatic shift in the quality of the service and onboard experience. It was so dramatic that we quit booking Crystal Cruises when we returned home.

Crystal Cruises didn’t make it through the pandemic and, in 2022, filed for bankruptcy.

On June 22, 2022, it was announced that A&K Travel Group, owned by Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio (former Silversea Cruises owner) and Geoffrey Kent (owner of Abercrombie & Kent), had bought the bankrupt line’s brand and two ocean vessels, Crystal Serenity  and  Crystal Symphony , intending to return the ships to service in 2023.

We have confidence in Geoffrey and Manfredi to bring this formerly illustrious cruise line back to its glory days. However, I was concerned that they had bought two old ships (the Serenity was launched in 2002, and the older Symphony was launched in 1995). Old ships and old tech.

CLICK FOR A VIDEO WALKTHROUGH: SAPPHIRE VERANDA SUITE

How could they compete in the luxury cruise space with the likes of Regent, Silversea, and Viking cranking out new ships every year? And further, there are also notable newcomers to the industry, like Explora Journeys.

When I took this all in, Carol and I decided not to book our clients on these old ships. However, it was our clients who forced us to reconsider our position. Some of our clients, old Crystal Cruises fans, called and wanted to book a cruise. And when one of them returned, he proclaimed, “They’re back!”

After hearing that a few times from our clients, I figured I had better get aboard the “new” Crystal Cruises and see what all the commotion was about.

And so, Carol and I are just back from sailing on the Crystal Serenity, and here’s what I found.

Our Review of the Crystal Serenity

When we approached the ship in the Port of Miami, its exterior was pristine, and you’d never know that this ship had been sailing the seven seas for over two decades.

The Staterooms & Suites

We stayed in one of the newly refurbished Sapphire Veranda Suites (see video above). It was lovely and spacious and gave us all of the creature comforts Carol and I enjoy while traveling. We also had a butler available to take care of any busy work and reservations that needed to be accomplished. About half of the ship’s staterooms and suites have been refurbished, so when you book with us, we’ll ensure you get in one of the newer suites. Oh, the butler is included with every stateroom and suite.

BEST MISO BLACK COD EVER!

The Cuisine

We found the cuisine on the Crystal Serenity to be very good. The Serenity offers eight restaurants, one ice cream bar, and 24-hour in-suite dining. Included are two specialty restaurants: Uni Uma (Japanese-Peruvian) by Nobu and Osteria D’Ovidio (Italian). Both specialty dining restaurants require advance reservations and are limited per passenger on each sailing. I enjoyed the best Miso Black Cod I’ve ever tasted in Uni Uma. WOW!

The Service & The Vibe

As I mentioned above, Crystal Cruises has enjoyed remarkable loyalty with its passengers over the years. And now that they are back, those thousands of loyal passengers are returning. And as they said in the video above, we saw tears of joy between the guests and the crew. I’ve never seen anything like it. The bond between the crew and the returning passengers was clearly very meaningful to both. It made you feel like you were invited to experience something extraordinary, and it made you feel like you wanted to be a part of the family.

Summing It All Up

As I mentioned above, we were not planning on booking the “new” Crystal Cruises. I figured, why would I put my clients on two 20-year-old ships with all the new luxury small ships available in the marketplace?

Well, frankly, the experience changed my mind. And even though they still have some refurbishing work to do on their ships, a little birdie whispered to me that Crystal has two new ocean and two new expedition ships in the works. So, they, too, will have brand new ships to offer their guests in the future.

We are happy to offer our clients a booking on the new Crystal Cruises for these reasons. And for now, we will call Crystal Cruises a 4.5-star experience.

How to Book a Crystal Cruise

COMPLIMENTARY VIP PERKS!

The price to book a Crystal cruise is the same whether you book directly with the cruise line or with Roaming Boomers Travel Services.

However, Crystal is a member of our Virtuoso Voyages program. Therefore, we have complimentary VIP perks to share on select voyages.

Virtuoso Voyages VIP Perks when you book Crystal with Roaming Boomers Travel Services:

Enjoy up to $250 USD shipboard credit per person on select voyages (credit varies by voyage length):

• 7-8 night voyages: $125/person
• 9-10 night voyages: $200/person
• 11+ night voyages: $250/person

For more information or to book a fun cruise with Crystal, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request ( click here ), and we’ll reach out to you.

Category: Travel News & Tips · Tags: Crystal Cruises , Luxury Cruises

11 Comments on “ Review: The New Crystal Cruises ”

We sailed on Crystal Cruises Serenity in 2014 and 2019 and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. We enjoyed your article. We will most likely sail again with Crystal under the current ownership thanks to your article. This June we are considering an American Cruise Line cruise along the Columbia River from Portland to Clarkston. Does Roaming Boomers book these cruises? Please contact me.

Hi Carol and Roy, I will reach out to you by email. Thanks.

Thank you for the great review. We are strongly considering our first cruise on Crystal in January of 2025. I think I’ll reach directly out to your agency for that booking. Looking forward to speaking with you.

Great. We’re here when you’re ready.

I to have returned to Crystal ( 43 cruises ) in the past and I am pretty happy with the new owners…we will never see the Crystal of the 90’s and 2014 when it was sold, but the new owners have done a great job bringing the “girls” back…still a bit of work, but the crew was overjoyed to return and so was I…I have been on 2 cruises on Crystal since the re-opening and on many other cruise lines ( top ones too ) but there is something special about Crystal that draws me back…I am not so impressed with Regent really with all the hype….love seabourn though and Silver sea too and others, ..but Crystal has a place in my heart still to return to them again and again unless things change….I love the shows too and the earlier shows are so much better than 9:00 at night…

Thank you for stopping by and sharing your love for Crystal. Clearly, you have a connection with 43 cruises under your belt with Crystal.

WE LOVE CRYSTAL, TOO!!! Interested in investigating north Atlantic cruises, especially at a time of year when northern lights are at their peak. Haven’t check Crystal’s offerings; based on what I’ve read you probably know are much (maybe more) than what I can find going from one site to another online. Does Crystal have new itineraries that go to the Northern Lights region?

I’ll have someone from my team reach out to you. Stay tuned.

So when my mother asked me to join her in 2018, I recall being very skeptical. She had sailed in 2015 and couldn’t stop talking about her experience sailing Crystal through the Panama Canal. I was not fond of cruising having done 7 voyages on other brands like Holland America and Royal Caribbean as mother’s favorite way to vacation is onboard a ship. We recently sailed this past year 2024 on the Holiday cruise and it was the lines first fully sold out cruise since it was revived. We were beyond happy in our Aquamarine suite with our Butler Service. Not only was it a pleasant and fabulous experience it’s the loyal customers who make Crystal. It’s not the same as the majors. So don’t expect it. So expect exceptional service, great friendly people and a forever yearning to return to these glorious ships again. Happy Sailing.

My wife and I and another couple were on a dozen or so Crystal Cruises over the years including an amazing Northwest Passage cruise. When the COVID crisis hit them hard, they went out of business. Even when they returned under new ownership, we avoided sailing on them. A year ago, we heard of their second change of ownership and the comments that they had made major positive changes. Accordingly we decided to see if they were as good as we remembered them. We booked passage on the Symphony for a fairly short cruise from Lisbon to Dover along the Atlantic coast. Is was clear to all4 of us tat Crystal is back. The food, the entertainment and the port visits were all outstanding. We will certainly cruise with Crystal again.

I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed your experience. We hear that “Crystal is back” a lot. Because of the age of their ships, it is tough for them to compete, but they’ve got new ships on the way. However, they will have a competitive advantage if they pull off fabulous synergies with A&K. We’re rooting for them.

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Review: Crystal Symphony cruise ship

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Crystal Symphony cruise ship facts

• 1995 launched
• 2023 refurbished

Crystal Symphony is a great cruise ship if you enjoy the good life. It has world-class dining, outstanding service and space to call your own.

In this review

• Crystal Symphony FAQs
• Our review ratings
• Crystal Symphony deck plan
• About Crystal Symphony
• Food on Crystal Symphony
• Guest Rooms and Suites
• Fitness and recreation
• Crystal Symphony activities
• Shore excursions
• Crystal Symphony inclusions
• Fellow guests
• Review conclusion

We think Crystal Symphony is an outstanding cruise ship. In fact it is good you could be forgiven for thinking it’s too good to be true. The legendary cruise ship has returned to service with magnificent suites, butler service, delectable dining and that most exclusive of all modern luxuries; space to call your own.

Now under the careful oversight of new owners the A&K Travel group (with former Silversea chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio ), Crystal Symphony offers a very special cruise experience. Made even more so thanks to the intuitive and warm service provided by the experienced crew, 80-percent of whom previously worked for Crystal Cruises.

• Exceptional cuisine.
• Personal butlers.
• Outstanding service.
• All new suites and refreshed public areas.
• Ample space to call your own.
• None to mention.

Is Crystal Symphony luxury?

Crystal Symphony is a luxury cruise ship with fine dining and polished service, as well as designer suites and a sumptuous day spa.

How many passengers are on Crystal Symphony?

Crystal Symphony can accommodate 606 guests.

Who owns Crystal Symphony?

The luxury A&K Travel Group own Crystal Symphony . The Group’s owners are Abercrombie & Kent founder Geoffrey Kent and Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio’s holding company, Heritage Group.

Is Crystal Symphony all-inclusive?

Crystal Symphony is all-inclusive; with meals, beverages and gratuities all covered by your cruise fare. However, shore excursions cost extra.

Are there formal nights on Crystal Symphony?

Voyages of seven days or longer have at least one optional formal night. Guests should wear formal cocktail/chic attire.

What time can you go to your room after embarkation?

The rooms on Crystal Symphony will usually be ready from 3:00pm on the day of embarkation.

The Crystal Symphony deck plan is mostly easy to get around. There are a total of 8 passenger decks, the highest of which is deck 12.

• Reception : Deck 5
• Accommodation : Decks 5 to 10
• Main dining room : Deck 5
• Theatre : Deck 6
• Observation lounge : Deck 12

Crystal Symphony is unique. Built in Finland and launched in May 1995 the vessel is 238 m. / 781 ft. long with 12 decks. The cruise ship originally had room for over 900 passengers. However, when the A&K Group purchased Crystal they invested heavily in improving the fleet.

So on Crystal Symphony they started by reducing capacity to 606 guests. This allowed them to transform the accommodation decks with bigger suites as well as brand new guest rooms. Crystal Symphony’s restaurants, bars and lounges also got a make over.

It’s worth noting that the casino has gone, making way for a spacious lounge.

New water treatment and energy recovery systems have also made Crystal Symphony greener . In addition, fuel consumption was reduced by painting a special treatment on the hull.

The relaunch of Crystal Symphony took place in September 2023. It is a classic reborn; made better than new.

Crystal Symphony serves some of the best food at sea. Indeed, the cuisine in the Waterside Restaurant is better than any other main dining room afloat. What’s more, a Michelin-starred chef oversees one of the two outstanding speciality restaurants.

In fact there are a total of 9 dining venues on Crystal Symphony; a remarkable number for a vessel so intimate. There is also a tapas-style restaurant, an upmarket buffet and an exclusive private dining room. Not to mention a pool side grill, chic cafe and an ice cream bar.

We rate the Waterside Restaurant as the best dining venue; if only for the indulgent, ever changing menu. Dishes like Seared Ahi Tuna with Wasabi Crumble or Turbot & Butter Poached Lobster with Caviar Velouté are sublimely divine. Not to mention Slow Roasted Veal Fillet with Mascarpone Porcini Risotto & Artichoke. Fellow guests would quip the Waterside Restaurant was so good speciality venues weren’t required!

That said, you shouldn’t miss the speciality restaurants either. Umi Uma makes a triumphant return to Crystal. Master chef Nobuyki (Nobu) Matusuhisa oversees the menu which has fine quality sashimi and signature dishes like Nobu-Style Black Cod, as well as Lobster with Truffle-Yuzu. A new addition to the Crystal dining scene is Osteria d’Ovidio . Named for the company’s co-owner, it celebrates the cuisine of Italy with superb pasta dishes like Tortello Pasta filled with Braised Beef, Figs Vincotto & Gorgonzolla Cheese. You can also enjoy family-style dining in Tastes Kitchen & Bar with sharable dishes like Crispy Fried Prawn Dumplings, and California Street Tacos with Blackened Swordfish & Pico de Gallo.

For an additional fee there is private dining in the exclusive Vintage Room . It has a degustation menu paired with excellent wines from the ship’s extensive cellar.

The Marketplace buffet also serves outstanding cuisine. It has a casual and easy ambiance that makes it popular with almost everyone on board.

The Parisian-style Bistro café has really good coffee not to mention tasty treats. Up on the pool deck the Trident Grill serve lunchtime classics like burgers, melts and salads.

Crystal Symphony’s nightlife is sophisticated and immensely enjoyable. Talented musicians play in the Crystal Cove bar each evening. Down the hall there is dancing in the Starlite Club and a pianist takes requests in the intimate Avenue Salon .

A large cast of seasoned performers entertain in the Galaxy Lounge with Broadway-style production shows; these are very good.

On our voyage there were classical performances in the Palm Court . Also, there was late night entertainment with a DJ in the Jade Night Club .

All Crystal Symphony’s guest rooms and suites were refurbished in 2023. Indeed, some decks were entirely gutted to make way for bigger suites.

There are a relatively small number of Single and Double Guest Rooms . Some have picture windows while others have verandas. These are the least expensive rooms on board.

However, most guests stay in more spacious suites like the Aquamarine Veranda Suite or the delightful Sapphire Veranda Suite which has a separate bedroom.

For those who like even more space there is the palatial Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite , or the top of the range Crystal Penthouse Suite with an opulent spa-style bathroom.

It’s worth noting that the decor of some suites has not changed. This is the result of consultation with long-time Crystal guests, some of whom preferred what they knew.

Crystal Symphony has an indulgent spa known as Aurōra. Inspired by the Goddess of Dawn, the Aurōra spa is an oasis of calm in a sea of serenity. It successfully captures the essence of early morning tranquility; there is even a starlit ceiling. Indeed, Aurōra specialise in light therapies with treatments like the 50 minute duration LED & Cryo Facial Experience. I enjoyed a blissful massage treatment ; one of the most relaxing I can remember.

The sparkling Crystal Symphony swimming pool is perfect for a refreshing dip; and it’s surrounded by a glorious teak deck with sun loungers. There is also a large gym with exercise machines and free weights, as well as spin, pilates and yoga classes.

You can play shuffleboard or jog on the magnificent promenade decks. The Wimbledon Court is also open for tennis, or you can practice your golf swing in the driving nets on the top deck.

There is a terrific range of activities on board Crystal Symphony. The Hollywood Theatre has movie screenings; on my voyage these included “About My Father” with Robert De Niro and “Book Club: The Next Chapter” with Jane Fonda.

In the Palm Court you can enjoy decadent afternoon teas. Crystal Symphony also has photography and computer classes, seminars on improving posture and skin care as well as ladies pamper parties. Not to mention spa raffles valued at USD 500.

There is a peaceful, well stocked library which is open every day. If you enjoy golf you will appreciate the Golf Clinic with the ship’s resident instructor. Fitness fanatics can also join the daily yoga and spin classes.

In addition, there are jewellery presentations in the boutique as well as lectures from guest speakers, unhosted bridge, team trivia and mar jongg. Also, there are get togethers for veterans and friends of Bill W.

It’s also worth noting that Crystal has continued its Stateroom Open House program showcasing selected suites and Penthouses. Watch the daily Reflections newsletter for availability.

Crystal Symphony has shore excursions catering to all interests and abilities, from scenic bus tours to small group cultural explorations.

On my voyage we joined a small group 4WD tour into the highlands of Corfu, Greece. We discovered almost deserted villages not to mention a forgotten way of life. Few others who visit the island are afforded such a unique experience.

By contrast, on another day we took a little boat to a delightful local beach near Dubrovnik, Croatia for an afternoon of fun in sun with the locals.

There are also chef’s market tours, curated visits to museums, galleries and even luncheons on farms and vineyards.

A Crystal Symphony cruise fare is all-inclusive. Beverages are included; even champagne and top-shelf spirits. So too are gratuities, as well as wi-fi and internet access. All meals are also included. There is even an allocation in the two speciality restaurants (based on the voyage duration):

• Voyages up to 11 days: One complimentary reservation at each restaurant.
• Voyages from 12 – 22 days: Two complimentary reservations at each restaurant.
• Voyages of 23 days or more: Three complimentary reservations at each restaurant.

Additional reservations can be made, however they will incur a USD 50 supplement per person.

Most voyages also include a Captain’s Reception & Crystal Society Party. It is a great way to met your fellow guests, or reunite with previous travel companions. There is also a Crystal White Dress Party where everyone wears white. It is usually held in the Crystal Plaza with entertainment by the Crystal Showband.

In addition, Crystal Symphony has a free shuttle bus service between the port and downtown (if it is not within walking distance).

There is also a self-service laundry. However, it’s worth noting that certain suite categories get a free dry cleaning and pressing allowance.

The Crystal Symphony dress code can best be described as ‘resort-chic’.

During the day guests are encouraged to wear casual attire – even in the restaurants. So clothing like sundresses, shorts, jeans, T-shirts or linen garments are all fine. In the Trident Grill, Tastes, and the Marketplace buffet you can also wear covered swimsuits.

It probably goes without saying, but you cannot wear swimwear on its own, bathrobes, bare feet, tank tops or baseball caps in dining venues.

After 6:00pm the Crystal Symphony dress code changes to Evening Resort style. So men wear slacks or dark jeans and a collared shirt (jacket optional). Women wear slacks, dark jeans or a skirt, and a blouse.

On formal nights men should wear suits or tuxedos and collared shirts. Ties are optional. Women should wear cocktail dresses or gowns, suits, evening skirts or pants with an elegant top.

It’s hardly surprising that many guests have sailed on Crystal Symphony before; the ship has a loyal following.

Guests range in age from 35 to 75-years old. However, there can be families with young children on board too; especially on warm weather voyages.

Most guests come from the USA and UK, although Canadians, Australians and Europeans also enjoy Crystal Symphony.

It’s worth noting that Crystal Symphony is also gay-friendly.

Crystal Symphony is an excellent choice if you enjoy the good life. There is exquisite dining, intuitive service and a sublime sense of privacy as well as sophisticated entertainment and thoughtfully curated shore excursions. Indeed, Crystal Symphony is so good you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s too good to be true.

The author sailed as a guest of Crystal .

About the Author: Jason Kerr

Crystal Symphony Rooms

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Crystal Cruises Review — Ships, Destinations, Dining, and More

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Table of Contents

Basic information, departure ports, private ships/islands, onboard activities, dining and beverages, accommodations, crystal society, final thoughts.

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Crystal Cruises has been offering luxury cruise vacations since 1990. This all-inclusive cruise line doesn’t have a large fleet, but what they do have focuses on total luxury and intimate, small ship sailings.

With Crystal Cruises you won’t find mega-ships like Royal Caribbean or discount party ships like Carnival . What you will find are luxury ocean and river ships along with a yacht and an expedition ship.

Let’s explore what makes Crystal Cruises a unique experience.

Name: Crystal Ltd.

Parent Company: Genting Hong Kong

Number of Ships: 8

Destinations: 800+

Loyalty Program: Crystal Society

Credit Card: None

Crystal Cruises operates 2 ocean ships, 4 river ships, 1 yacht, and 1 expedition ship.

Crystal Cruises Ocean Ships

• Crystal Serenity
• Crystal Symphony

Crystal Cruises River Ships

• Crystal Bach
• Crystal Debussy
• Crystal Mahler
• Crystal Ravel

Crystal Cruises Yacht

• Crystal Esprit

Crystal Cruises Expedition Ship

• Crystal Endeavor

Crystal Cruises sails to over 800 destinations on all 7 continents from 84 departure ports.

Crystal Cruises does not have a private island or port.

Here are some of the activities you may experience on a Crystal Cruises ship (not all activities are available on every ship).

• 360 Degree promenade deck
• Afternoon tea
• Computer University@Sea
• Crystal Life Sauna
• Crystal Life Spa & Salon
• Fitness center
• Golf driving nets
• Junior activities program (seasonal)
• Paddle tennis courts
• Personal training
• Photography workshops
• Resorts World at Sea Casino

You’ll be able to find the dress code for your ocean or expedition voyage, either Crystal Casual or black tie optional, for each day at sea in your Personal Cruise Calendar.

Crystal River Ships Dress Code

• Comfortable and casual attire is appropriate during the day, however, swimsuits, cover-ups, and baseball hats are not permitted in the dining rooms.
• Crystal Casual attire is appropriate for evenings on board. This is a slightly dressed up version of daytime wear.

Crystal Esprit (Yacht) Dress Code

• Tasteful swimwear, sandals, shorts, casual short sleeves, and cover-ups are appropriate during the day.
• Stylish resort wear should be worn for nights on board. This includes capri pants, blouses, sundresses, and sandals for women. Men should wear khakis, Bermuda shorts, short-sleeve button-down shirts, or golf shirts.

Hot Tip: Be prepared for your cruise’s action-packed days and fun-filled nights — check out our printable cruise packing list!

Dining is a little different on Crystal Cruises because everything is included . There are 3 specialty restaurants across the fleet and each guest is entitled to dine at each of these once or twice per cruise (depending on cruise length) at no extra cost. All beverages in the restaurants, including alcohol, are included as well.

Complimentary Dining

Look out for these restaurants on your next cruise; not all locations are available on every ship.

• 24-hour room service
• Bistro Bach
• Bistro Debussy
• Bistro Endeavor
• Bistro Mahler
• Bistro Ravel
• Churrascaria
• Marketplace
• Scoops Ice Cream Bar
• Silk Kitchen & Bar
• Sunset Grill
• The Vintage Room*
• Trident Grill
• Umi Uma & Sushi Bar*

*Denotes a specialty restaurant that requires reservations.

All locations with the exception of specialty restaurants Umi Uma, Prego, and The Vintage Room have open seating. That means you can dine anytime (usually between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. for dinner) you wish without reservations.

Specialty Restaurants

Umi Uma & Sushi Bar, Prego, and The Vintage Room are considered specialty restaurants and require reservations. You can dine at each of the specialty restaurants once per cruise for free. Each additional reservation you make at a specialty restaurant will incur a $30 per person fee.

For any cruise that is 14 days or longer, each guest is allowed 2 complimentary visits to each specialty restaurant before the $30 fee is charged. The Vintage Room wine pairing dining experience is also subject to additional charges.

Bars and Beverages

All beverages are included on your Crystal cruise. Wine, Champagne, premium spirits, and specialty coffees? Yes, they’re all included!

Look out for these bars and lounges on your next cruise; not all locations are available on every ship.

• Avenue Saloon
• Connoisseur Club
• Crystal Cove
• Galaxy Lounge
• Starlite Club

Bottom Line: Crystal Cruises goes the all-inclusive route. Beverages (including wines, Champagne, and specialty coffees), specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are all included.

No matter which room type you choose or what type of ship you’re sailing on, you’ll find luxury accommodations across the Crystal Cruises fleet.

Crystal Ocean Cruises

Every stateroom on a Crystal ocean cruise comes with standard amenities including:

• Sitting area
• Double-vanity bathroom
• Full bathtub/shower
• Bathrobes, kimonos, and slippers for onboard use
• Luxury bath products
• Twice-daily housekeeping
• Evening turndown service

Here are some of the highlights:

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.

For the ultimate in luxury, choose the Crystal Penthouse with Verandah. This amazing room features over 1,300 square feet of living space. 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. There’s also a guest bathroom with a shower.

Crystal River Cruises

Sailing on a river cruise is so different than a more traditional ocean cruise. Crystal river cruises are a great way to travel if you’re looking for luxury because every room on each river ship is a suite!

The “basic” room on a Crystal river cruise is anything but basic. The Petite Suite with Panoramic Balcony-Window features a king-size bed with Egyptian cotton linens, glass shower with 2 shower heads, single vanity with halo-lit mirror, and a huge panoramic window so you won’t miss the spectacular views.

The Two-Bedroom Crystal Suite with Panoramic Balcony-Window sleeps up to 5 guests and comes with butler service. This elegant room features 2 bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, a fireplace with ambient lighting, a separate dining area, and an extra powder room.

Crystal Yacht Cruises

Cruising on a yacht is a special treat. Crystal Cruise’s yacht, Crystal Esprit, accommodates only 62 guests, so you’ll enjoy personalized service along with deluxe accommodations.

The Yacht Suite features a king-size bed, bed-side iPads, and large picture window. The bathroom has a glass-enclosed shower, double sink, and a natural stone floor. Personalized butler service and twice-daily housekeeping will round out your luxurious experience.

The 500+ square foot Owner’s Suite features a living area with sofa and chairs, flat-screen TV, and dining table. The bathroom includes a glass-enclosed rain shower and double vanity with a backlit mirror and integrated TV.

Crystal Expedition Cruises

On the Crystal Endeavor Expedition ship, all rooms are suites and every suite has a private verandah.

The Penthouse Suite with Verandah features a king-size bed, living area, and a heated storage closet for expedition gear. The bathroom features a glass-enclosed shower with dual shower heads, double vanity, and a separate water closet.

For even more space and luxury, check out the Expedition Suite with Verandah. This expansive suite features 2 bedrooms in over 1,200 square feet of space. Each bedroom features a king-size bed, bedside iPads, and interactive TVs. Each bedroom has an en suite bathroom with dual sinks, heated floors, Jacuzzis, and separate water closets.

The Crystal Society is Crystal Cruise’s loyalty program. It’s free to join , and you’ll be automatically enrolled after you complete your first full-revenue cruise. As a member, you’ll receive special offers, upgrades, onboard credits, special events, and savings on future cruises.

Every member receives benefits including:

• 2.5% savings on all voyages
• 2.5% onboard booking savings when you book your next cruise on board
• Exclusive onboard cocktail party

Plus, you’ll earn cruise credits each time you sail. Each time you hit a new milestone, you’ll be eligible for even more benefits like unlimited free reservations at specialty restaurants, credits towards future sailings, and recognition pins.

Hot Tip: Not sure which credit card to use to get the most bang for your cruise buck? Check out our guide to the best credit cards to book cruises for some guidance.

Crystal Cruises is a luxury cruise line offering ocean, river, yacht, and expedition cruises. Each of its 8 ships is designed for the luxury traveler and includes elegant accommodations and exquisite cuisine.

On Crystal Cruises, everything is included. You won’t pay extra for specialty restaurants, beverages, gratuities, or Wi-Fi.

If you’re looking for mega-ships with endless activities, check out other lines like Disney Cruises , Norwegian , or Princess. However, if you prefer smaller ships or the intimacy of a river or yacht cruise, Crystal Cruises has a lot to offer.

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This Is the New Way to Cruise the Mediterranean

A new generation of expedition cruise ships are bringing a completely reimagined style of cruising to the mediterranean..

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Atlas Ocean Voyages’ 196-passenger World Traveller is equal parts polar expedition ship and luxury yacht—perfectly suited for exploring the villages and coastal coves of the Med.

Photo by Rupert Peace/Atlas Ocean Voyages

Lunching on fresh fish and sipping ice-cold rosé in a cove where private yachts anchor to play in the turquoise waters off of Sardinia, it was hard to believe I was traveling on a sister ship to the one that took me through the notoriously rough Drake Passage and a blizzard with hurricane-force winds last year in Antarctica.

Instead of learning about and braving the cold to search for penguins, whales, and seals, we were making pasta with an Italian chef, wandering neighborhood fish and produce markets, competing in onboard cook-offs, and sampling local wines and cuisine.

Welcome to the new generation of expedition cruising.

While the sector has traditionally been associated with sailings to much colder and more remote regions of the world, such as the Arctic and Antarctica, that is changing, thanks to a growing number of modern, upscale expedition ships that are a lot more like luxury yachts and sail in warmer waters for part of the year.

What expedition sailings offer “is a deeper dive wherever you go,” according to Mara Papatheodorou, our onboard culinary expert during a July “epicurean expedition” in the Mediterranean with Atlas Ocean Voyages , an American expedition cruise company that launched in 2021.

Atlas is among several expedition lines offering new and expanded sailings in destinations such as the Mediterranean, where, rather than taking a deep dive into exploring glaciers, icebergs, and polar wildlife, they are using the same equipment to bring passengers closer to the beauty and richness of places like Italy, Greece, Spain, and France—in high style.

With fewer passengers on board, vessels like the World Traveller typically feature larger staterooms and suites than standard cruise ships do.

Photo by Rui Ribeiro

Sailing the Mediterranean, expedition-style

Our 12-day Mediterranean sailing aboard Atlas’s 196-passenger World Traveller began in Rome and ended in Athens, a popular route for ships of all sizes. But save for a stop in Barcelona, we never saw another ship as we traveled along the coast of Italy, France, and Greece, and to small ports and islands such as Elba, Portovenere, Sicily, and Sardinia in Italy, as well as Nice along the French Riviera, the Spanish Balearic island of Menorca, and the picturesque city of Chania on the Greek isle Crete.

While the trip was admittedly anything but the extreme adventure I would normally associate with the term expedition , it offered an intimate, casual, and luxurious way to explore away from the masses. Rather than the natural and wildlife immersion you get during polar cruises, these sailings focus on culinary and cultural immersion on and off the ship. Although, unlike with polar sailings—during which outings are included—excursions do cost extra.

In the port city of Sète in southeastern France, we sampled local oysters and tuna during a culinary walking tour before happening upon a water jousting tournament along the main canal. An unusual sport that dates back to the 1600s, water jousting involves players who stand on ladders that stretch from huge row boats and try to knock each other off into the water as the town cheers from the sidelines.

In Sicily, we visited one of the original Marsala wine houses (where the fortified Sicilian wine is made) outside of the city of Trapani in the west. We also took a chef-led tour through a neighborhood market in Messina on the northeastern tip of the island, where the ship’s chef bought some of the region’s famed sweet yellow tomatoes, prosciutto, and local cheeses that he used to make a special appetizer for our dinner that night.

On the Spanish island of Menorca, we went to the fishing village of Fornells, where some of the guests did a food- and gin-focused walking tour. I jumped at the chance to enjoy the cool Mediterranean water on a kayaking and snorkeling excursion among underwater rock formations and caves.

During Mediterranean cruises, Atlas Ocean Voyages puts a strong focus on cuisine, serving local dishes on board (left) and guiding passengers through fresh produce and fish markets (right).

Courtesy of Atlas Ocean Voyages/Photo by Jeri Clausing

Mostly, it was all about the food, with both onboard and offboard activities offering Papatheodorou’s promised deep dives into the history of the region’s famed cuisine and wines.

Papatheodorou, a culinary expert, editor, and television producer, was our epicurean leader. She taught us about the history of the region’s foods and wines while emceeing pasta-cooking classes with Marcello Zaccaria—who has worked as Academia Barilla’s executive chef since 2001—wine tasting with a Sicilian sommelier, and chocolate making with Julieta Davey, a Costa Rican sustainability-focused chocolatier who is also known as Mama Cacao.

While many onboard cruise activities can be snooze-worthy lectures designed to fill time at sea, that wasn’t the case with Atlas. True to the educational spirit of expedition cruising, the lectures, cooking lessons, tastings, and talks on the ship were interactive, entertaining, and informative. Who knew there was such an art to pairing the right size pasta with the right sauce? It’s something Papatheodorou referred to as “the cling factor.” Or that you can cook your pasta right in the sauce, rather than boiling it separately?

Besides learning to make dishes like traditional pesto pasta and aglio e olia , or pasta with olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes, guests participated in cook-offs to see who could take a table full of varied ingredients to make the best Greek salads and chocolate desserts using select provided ingredients.

And there’s nothing like a little healthy competition to bond with and get to know the true colors of your fellow travelers.

The growing trend of polar ships getting off the Arctic trail

Atlas, one of the newer entrants to the small-ship expedition market, having launched in 2021, first created its epicurean adventures in the Mediterranean last year for summer sailings when its ships are not sailing Antarctica or the Arctic Circle. With the launch of a third ship last November, the company has expanded its warmer-water offerings to include cultural expeditions in South America, Morocco, and the Azores.

It’s a growing trend among both the more mainstream ultra-luxury lines, such as Viking and Seabourn, that have entered the expedition space and more traditional polar adventure operators.

While the World Traveller was purpose-built for polar, there are ample benefits to sailing with this luxury, intimate expedition ship elsewhere in the world.

Courtesy of Atlas Ocean Voyages

Aurora Expeditions , for example, which has offered Arctic and Antarctic cruises for more than 30 years, in 2026 will for the first time expand beyond the polar regions to offer immersive itineraries in destinations such as Indonesia, Borneo, the Mediterranean, the British Isles, and the Atlantic Coast.

And Aqua Expeditions , which began as a luxury river-cruise operator in the Amazon and expanded to river ships in Southeast Asia and explorer yachts in Galapagos and East Indonesia, just announced plans for a sixth ship, an explorer yacht that will sail the Seychelles, Zanzibar, and Tanzania beginning late in 2025.

Like Atlas, Aurora Expedition ships were built for the harsh polar regions. But unlike the basic exploration and ice-breaking vessels of the past that aren’t exactly known for plush accommodations or hotel-style extras, these newer-generation, under-200-passenger expedition ships offer modern luxurious amenities such as spas, pools, and gourmet cuisine in a casual, intimate, and upscale atmosphere. In other words, being more polished, they translate well to the yacht-like style and vibes of destinations such as the Mediterranean.

Another bonus is that on Atlas and Aurora alike, most standard cabins are larger than those on traditional cruise ships, with balconies, sitting areas, and oversize showers. Public spaces include glass-domed observation lounges with sweeping views, outdoor grills on the pool for dining alfresco, and sophisticated lecture halls for insightful presentations.

The best part, of course, is the ability to anchor off and dock in ports that big ships can’t get to.

Call it expedition, immersive adventure, hybrid, or expedition light. Whatever term you prefer, I call it small-ship cruising at its best.

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Crystal hefner ‘deeply moved’ by support for relationship with new boyfriend james ward.

Crystal Hefner is blown away by all the support she has received since unveiling her new relationship with marine biologist James Ward .

“I am deeply moved by the overwhelming love and support we’ve received,” Hugh Hefner’s widow, 38, says in an exclusive statement to Page Six.

“It truly means the world to me knowing how much people care.”

Crystal says publishing her memoir, “Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself,” earlier this year was a “significant” part of her healing process after enduring an “emotionally abusive” marriage to Hugh.

The former Playmate adds that she is “incredibly grateful” to be in “such a positive place now” in her current relationship.

Crystal hard-launched her romance with Ward earlier this week, telling Us Weekly , “I’ve  never felt like I’ve had someone that truly protects me . And in this relationship, I feel like I have a protector.”

The couple started dating in April after being set up by mutual friends, she told the magazine.

Ward first shared social media photos with the model in July, and they have continuously posted glimpses of their romantic and active adventures all around the world since.

“I’m nurturing the real me, my adventurous spirit, my inner child,” she told People in an interview published Wednesday.

“I feel like I’ve become the person I always needed when I was growing up. I feel accepted and more myself than ever before,” she added.

Ward, a marine biologist, runs a Hawaii-based ocean excursion company called SeeThroughSee after leaving his corporate job in 2013.

The eco tour business offers deep-sea adventures like Kona whale watching, mermaid photo shoots, afternoon cruises and week-long diving tours,  according to its website .

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The oceanographer and Crystal have both documented their adventures on Instagram, including summer trips to the Cook Islands and Mexico.

Crystal was married to Hugh from 2012 until his death in 2017.

The Playboy founder was 91.

Crystal opened up about her toxic marriage to Hugh in January, telling E! News , “It was emotionally abusive. It was very restrictive. I didn’t realize how bad it was until I was away from it for a while.”

She called their tumultuous partnership “traumatic” — and later told People that they were never in love .

“I realized I was dealing with a really big power imbalance,” she said at the time, adding that she “lost [herself] in the process.”

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Rivian is now shipping its Gen 2 R1T and R1S EVs with tri-motor powertrains

Rivian’s 2025 electric truck and suv now have the triple motor option with a max battery pack after launching the new dual-motor earlier this year..

By Umar Shakir , a news writer fond of the electric vehicle lifestyle and things that plug in via USB-C. He spent over 15 years in IT support before joining The Verge.

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Rivian is now shipping its electric trucks and SUVs with a tri-motor configuration, adding an extra power boost over the dual-motor version. The new 850 horsepower powertrain uses Rivian’s new in-house Enduro motors, with one in the front axle and two in the rear axle.

The new tri-motor setup underpins Rivian’s newly redesigned Gen 2 models , which launched earlier this year in just a dual-motor configuration.

As reported by Inside EVs , these 2025 Rivian models are the first from the company to get a tri-motor setup, as the previous generation only came in dual and quad-motor setups. Rivian will start shipping its Gen 2 quad-motor version early next year.

Between the front and rear motors sits Rivian’s new Max battery pack that’s capable of taking the vehicle up to 405 miles on a single charge in conserve mode or 371 miles for all-purpose driving. The R1T Ascend Tri-Max starts at $99,900.

Tesla’s Cybertruck, the top-selling all-electric truck right now, also has dual and tri-motor options. However, the latter “Cyberbeast” model has a higher starting price of $113,990 compared to the Rivian. The EV market has a year-over-year uptick in sales, but electric trucks are still just a drop in the bucket against EV cars and SUVs.

Rivian is adding more configurations in its quest to court more customers and sell more EVs. It needs cash flow to stay afloat in its lead-up to producing its lower-cost R2 SUV in 2026 and the stellar-looking R3 and R3X to follow. Rivian is getting some help from Volkswagen’s investment on that front.

Microsoft launches a Windows app for iPhones, Macs, and Android devices

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