We wanted to see Alaska again and based on Crystal's previously held number one rating by a popular travel magazine and the many glowing reviews on CC we booked 10 days on the Crystal Serenity. We thoroughly enjoyed Alaska and our cruise. There were many things we enjoyed on Serenity, however, Crystal didn't live up to it's reported luxury status on our cruise. We are most likely "One and Done" with Crystal.

The overall quality of the food was good to excellent. The overall layout, condition and cleanliness of the ship was excellent. The entertainment was a mixed bag but I would say it was above average to excellent. We thought the lectures and the iMovie classes were outstanding! Our cabin service was excellent and for the most part the crew was cheerful and engaging. So why the 'One and Done"?

Our difficulties started with three trips to front desk to get functioning keys. (We all know about first impressions.) Next our experience in the Main Dining Room was the worst experience of any of our two dozen cruises. Our waiter was actually working in another section of the Dining Room so it wasn't poor service, it was literally no service. After three nights I complained and all subsequent visits to MD were excellent. We found Silk Road and Prego to be excellent. However, our worst dining experience was showing up 10 minutes before closing at Tastes without a reservation and being told we should consider room service. Ok, I was rather surprised but it was late and I agreed that RS would be ok. We ordered RS but somehow the order was lost or delivered to someone else. For the first time ever on a cruise we retired to bed hungry. We called RS after one hour had passed and were told it should be arriving soon. It never arrived! Crystal delivered a bottle of champagne the following day with an apology. Oh well, two points for that. Read more