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Why Go?
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 Fantastic sushi bar, Asian restaurant by famed Nobu
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Learn computer skills at the Creative Learning Institute
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Editor's Picks: Best Ships for Couples
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Superb, themed afternoon tea (such as Mozart or chocolate)
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Crystal Spa and Salon -- one of the best at sea
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Itineraries and Ports of Call: Asia • Australia & New Zealand • Baltics & Northern Europe • Caribbean - Eastern • Caribbean - Southern • Europe - Black Sea • Europe - British Isles & Western • Europe - Eastern Mediterranean • Europe - Western Mediterranean • Middle East & Africa • South Pacific • Transatlantic • World Cruise
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Crystal Serenity Review
This morning over breakfast in the Crystal Dining Room, a waiter I'd never met before was so thrilled -- really, thrilled -- to take my breakfast order and bring me coffee refills that I could have sworn it meant the world to him to make me happy. By the same token, by the time my husband hoisted himself up onto his regular stool at the top-of-the-ship Sunset Bar, the bartender would literally have set a chardonnay, his regular drink, in front of him before he'd even gotten situated.
There was the sweet deck steward who sought me out when dining at the poolside Tastes, and knew to bring me a diet Coke without even asking. And the crew member who happened to be polishing elevator buttons but who really wanted to know how we were enjoying the cruise and by the way were we staying on for a few days in Barcelona at the end of the voyage?
Service was so consistently out-of-this-world on Crystal Serenity that guilt had precluded us from making many requests of our butler (we were residing in a standard penthouse cabin), to the point where one evening he pleaded with us: "Can I bring you anything? Caviar? Pate?" We opted for a bowl of potato chips.
Having sailed on most of the world's luxury cruise lines (and a three-time veteran on Crystal), I anticipated we'd feel pampered. What felt unique to me on this cruise, an 11-night Western Mediterranean sailing, was that almost every interaction with the folks who work here felt absolutely genuine -- as if they were born to please you at this moment. And, in fact, so many of them were veterans of the line, for years and years and contracts upon contracts, that it's clear that Crystal's managed to please them in return.
Ultimately what came to define our experience on Crystal Serenity, the line's still-new ship, was that blend of industry-best service and innovative dining. I'm sure the trip didn't revolve around the aforementioned pampering and fantastic food-related events (such as the Mozart Tea, dinner at the Italian Prego, and a continent-encompassing Asian-themed mega-buffet) for everyone -- Crystal's much praised enrichment program is in its glory on this ship -- but it sure did please us.
The ship itself is the third in the fleet following Crystal Harmony, which debuted in 1990 (and departs the fleet this year) and near-sibling Crystal Symphony, which launched five years later. Most significant about the vessel itself is that Crystal Serenity, which was launched in 2003, has benefited from a decade-plus of evolution at the cruise line. The ship, carrying 1,080 passengers and the largest in the luxury segment, is significantly bigger than its predecessors, and yet carries an expanded capacity of just 150 folks.
As a result, there's a lot of extra space for the types of programs and events for which Crystal is known. Chief among them is the line's Creative Learning Institute, which features, on each voyage, veritable mini-courses in everything from foreign languages to computer skills. Responding to demand, Crystal Serenity offers twice as many penthouse cabins as on the fleet's other ships. There are two paddle tennis courts instead of one; tried-and-true Crystal devotees are fiercely competitive in this arena.
And yet, even as Crystal Serenity delights, what puzzles me is why the line somehow remains a closely guarded secret among a broader passenger base who'd appreciate the combination of big-ship activities and amenities with luxury food and service. No question, once people travel on Crystal they tend to get hooked (on the voyage following ours, two-thirds of all passengers had sailed with the line before!). But the onboard atmosphere can feel, for the newcomer, a bit like a cruise line designed for the for 50-plus, well-traveled, well-heeled country club contingent, most of whom have retired and have met before (indeed in many cases have sailed together on previous trips). We, in our early 40's were easily among the youngest.
The conundrum? There's really no reason why a younger, sophisticated cruise traveler wouldn't enjoy the Crystal Serenity experience. For some reason, though, the line seems mired in its appeal to a relatively limited and somewhat older passenger base. Its biggest drawbacks? Itineraries tend to be longer than average (which means they could be off-limits to younger travelers who may not have as much vacation time). As well, Crystal continues to hew to a fixed dining scenario -- two seatings, assigned tablemates -- which is a turn-off to travelers who prefer more flexibility. While thorough and engaging, onboard programs could be a bit more dynamic. And shore excursions, at least on our Western Mediterranean cruise, are clearly geared for folks not terribly interested in off-the-track adventures (for the most part, we ventured out on our own).
Ultimately, Crystal is attempting some minor experimentations; it's tested some seven-night itineraries, offers more dining options than before, and does attempt to provide some razzle-dazzle late evenings in the Pulse disco, all in the aim to broaden its appeal. But it speaks to the line's strength, in a way, that it is not interested in rocking the boat to draw passengers at any cost. And it's a safe bet that unlike other lines who try too hard too fast, Crystal won't lose its identity, either.
Read Complete Crystal Serenity Review
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Crystal Ships: Crystal Serenity • Crystal Symphony
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