Crystal Symphony Review

Elegant ship with wonderful service

Review for Pacific Coastal Cruise on Crystal Symphony
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jennas6514
2-5 Cruises • Age 50s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Jun 2019
Cabin: Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah
Looking down to the pool deck (11) from deck 12.
Looking down observation deck from the stern.
The atrium (decks 5 and 6)
Crystal Symphony docked in Astoria, OR
Setting up the Mozart Tea buffet in the Palm Court.

This was my first Crystal Cruise and my second ocean cruise. I was charmed and amazed by the lovely ship (Crystal Symphony) and especially the service. I couldn't sit down anywhere without someone popping up within the minute asking if they could bring me something. The pool deck (Deck 11) was blissfully uncrowded with comfortable seating and plenty of throws to wrap up in on a cold day (and this was a cold, windy cruise to the Pacific Northwest). Nice place to read a book and look out over the water.

The service at the Marketplace buffet on the Lido deck was swift and attentive. My husband has a hard time walking, and a waiter or waitress was always on hand to carry his plates to our table. I liked that during lunch, you could carry your food anywhere on that deck (the grill, the Silk restaurant when it wasn't serving, basically any table you saw) and eat there. No one chased us back into the Marketplace eating area but waited on us where we were. Food was good, and the desserts tempted me a long way off my diet.

Another thing I loved about dining on this ship--you can have anything you want, you have only to ask. One day at lunch in the Waterside dining room, I craved a sandwich, but didn't want the one on the menu. The waiter was happy to recommend another not listed and brought it to me quickly (and it was good).

Cabin Review

Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah

Cabin B1

Smaller than I'd like but comfortable and well appointed. Plenty of drawers / shelves, and hangers in the closet. Our stewardess, Kristina, was quick and efficient and courteous. Refrigerator kept stocked (beverages inclusive), plus we had bottled water constantly replenished. Bathroom has full bathtub, which is nice. Double sinks were nice too. Lots of shelves for storage. The stateroom and bathroom were thoroughly cleaned every day. I think next time I will try for a larger room (a penthouse stateroom or suite), because I need a bit more space, but it wasn't bad for a shorter voyage.

Port Reviews

San Francisco

San Francisco is an easy city to tour on your own. Plenty of taxis, Uber, and public transportation, plus much is within walking distance of the cruise port (Pier 35 for this cruise).

Astoria, Oregon

Beautiful little town, people friendly and welcoming. Columbia River Maritime Museum wonderfully organized, small but with much information. Crystal had free shuttles to center of town and museum. River walk looked interesting. Much within walking distance. Lots of history in this town.

Seattle

Another of my favorite cities. Plenty to see and do, easy to find transportation. Recommend the Seattle Center around the Space Needle, MoPop Museum, Chihuly Glass Gardens.

Victoria

Butchart Gardens are fabulous and beautiful. Never have visited a better botanical garden. Tea at the Empress is classic and elegant. Easy to get around town via taxi.

Vancouver

Much within walking distance and easy to reach places via taxi. The cruise terminal fed into the convention center which was lovely. Easy disembarkation.

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