Crystal Symphony Review

First Crystal Cruise with Pickleball

Review for the Mexican Riviera Cruise on Crystal Symphony
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gscoggin
10+ Cruises • Age 20s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Dec 2019
Cabin: Seabreeze Penthouse Suite with Verandah

We went on this cruise to check out Crystal's luxury ocean cruise line. We picked this one because it has a paddle tennis court on it which we could use for pickleball. We brought four pickleball padles and by the end of the cruise we had about 14 players all rotating in at 9 o'clock a.m. every day. It made the trip. We liked the cruise experience so much that we're planning on doing another one on Serenity that has two paddle tennis courts September 28th in case anyway wants to join us for some pickleball. We have been on Oceania, Regent, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian so have experienced many different classes of ships and classes of service. We had pretty much given up the ocean cruising because we didn't like the masses of people on board and nickle and diming experience. Then we tried luxury cruising. Compared to the Regent, my only complaint is that there could be some more music on the pool deck. I think we only had music one day and then also there is no sports bar, so if you want to watch a sporting event you have to go to your Room. I also like the fact that you don't need to pay for excursions on crystal...(regent includes excursions in their fares). Also I have to say Crystal does a better job protecting their pickleball courts from the wind. They had wind screens all around the court and about a 12' plexiglass on one side so it's pretty protected from the wind that makes it more playable when your cruising.

We really enjoyed the cruise and the ship. They also did fabulous decorating for Christmas. We didn't really care to get off in any the ports since we've been there so many times, just enjoyed the ship. Even went to few of the movies in the Hollywood theater.

We had excellent service all around and big shout out to our Butler Victor who went above and beyond, anticipating our every need. We did tip him extra as he was unbelievable. We had absolutely wonderful 6 star service throughout the cruise from dining, housekeeping, to cocktails at the pool, every crew member was great.

Cabin Review

Seabreeze Penthouse Suite with Verandah

This was the retrofitted cabin. I have a video of the cabin and about 3 others including ph crystal symphony Penthouse and outside cabin on YouTube. The PS has a jetted tub which I used about 4 times...great jets, if you love a tub you'll love that. I thought the TV's are too small but it's OK. Good new release movies and ESPN Live TV. loved the wide open floor plan and the walk in closet and the large deck great Butler service. There's only one plug in the bathroom and it was absolutely unusable there's no plugs by the bed so you have to plug everything in at the desk. If you like to plug your phone in by your bed, you may want to bring a battery pack. I also loved the free pressing in this category.

Port Reviews

Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera)

Stayed at the Westin in Guanacaste 3 hours from port. Private transfer was $250

Acajutla

Just walked around small fishing village with shops

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