Crystal Symphony Review
Miisleading advertising hides the truth. This is now below 4 star.
Rating by category
Additional details
Comparisons are important, and a good way to paint a valid description. Crystal is considered one of the best 6 star line if you will. We've cruised with them previously which we enjoyed and can serve as an easy comparison.
The boarding experience in Lisbon was up a shabby ramshackle tented gangway. Not even a "Hello and welcome aboard" and certainly no welcome drink nor semblance of service . Following a pleasant check in clerk we were directed to the elevators dragging luggage. What 5 star hotel or cruiser have to been on where nobody accompanied you to the room/cabin ? That should have been the warning signal of what to expect.
Don't swallow the ploy that Crystal sell the 'first night in port' as a plus for arriving pax. Not so, its another cost saver for the company calculated you lose whilst the company gains. $500 per person or more a night buys the best luxury accommodation in 5 star hotels with a wide choice of dining possiblities in any major cities departure port, instead of wasting time and money in a tiny uncomfortable cabin on board.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah
Small. Abject failure to provide even the most basic of first class cruising such as :
lack of housekeeping attention such as turning beds down at night. No Flowers, No chocolates, No champagne, No fresh fruit.
Terrible room service . e.g. Tea served without sugar. Milk for tea served in half point jugs or large tall glasses! Inability of room service order operator to understand plain simple English e.g. I was obliged to spell out the word SCONE and worse to explain what it was and look like, only to be told they don't serve them in rooms . The Food & Beverage manager and Hotel Director assured me this was not the case, but failed to rectify it. Another indication of Sloppy management.
Midships cabins Port side are often affected by sewage smell.
Port Reviews
Lisbon
sound commentary didnt work on 2 buses. check first if you must take one. better is take a TUKTUK tour. cheaper better
St. Thomas
walk around the town is sufficient. theres not much to see anywhere except yet another carib beach. however if youve not been to a Carib island . Research and take a cab