Crystal Serenity Review
Rating by category
Additional details
Since I began cruising in the late 90's I have heard and read things about Crystal Cruises which made me doubt it would ever be a cruise line I would like. The usual gist of the comments were "why pay more when it is nearly the same as what you get on [fill in the blank]?" And too, there was always some allusion to the ratio of older passengers. In order to keep my comments brief, I will say only that none of this is true. What IS true in my mind is that Crystal Cruises is tailor made for the discerning traveler. I will leave the specific comparisons of food, entertainment and quality of service for others to comment on. They are all good to great, but they are not what sets Crystal apart in my mind.
Let me explain:
Cruising is about leaving cares and troubles behind for a time and enjoying life. This begins with embarkation. If you have to enter a terminal, figure out WHAT LINE YOU BELONG IN, or figure out which line is moving the fastest, then you are NOT on Crystal. My first Crystal experience taught me that one merely needs to walk onto the ship and pick up the room key. VOILA!
Cabin Review
9121 is a standard deluxe cabin with verandah. I thought the design and quality of the interior was exceptional. Our bathroom was a nice size (two sinks, bath and shower) the closets were located where you did not block or have to stand in front of the door when you were dressing. We used perhaps half of our storage space. The furniture is comfortable, the air system wonderful and easy to use. The beds were firm but not hard, the pillows soft but not too squishy, the comforters were crisp and smooth to the skin. Regular adjustable bed side lamps and small reading lamps were excellent. The refrigerator was easy to access. The flat screen was well on a shelf above the refrigerator. Two blow dryers, one hanging in the bathroom and the other in a drawer by the vanity.