The Crystal Cruises Experience

I have recently returned from the most amazing Greek Isles and Turkey cruise onboard Crystal Symphony. Symphony is an older ship but don’t let this put you off – she is absolutely stunning! We were in a Sapphire Ocean View Veranda suite which was amazing and more than adequate for 3 of us, with a separate living area and convertible sofa bed.

We were greeted in our suite soon after arriving by our butler who introduced himself and explained anything we needed. We simply had to call him! Butlers are available in every guest room or suite!

The food onboard is the best I have ever experienced! The main restaurant, Waterside, offers A La Carte dining every evening, you also have the option to dine in all 3 of the specialty restaurants at least once during your cruise. Umi Uma - Created by legendary Master Chef Nobuyki (Nobu) Matsuhisa, is a Japanese-Peruvian style restaurant and is fantastic as is Osteria d'Ovidio which offers fine Italian dining. However my favourite was Beefbar – a global streetfood style restaurant. The bao bun starters were amazing, as were the sliders! I opted for filet mignon for main which was superb, even though I was already slightly full from over-indulging in the mouthwatering starters. Beefbar is also open for lunch with a smaller menu but is still equally as nice. The Trident Grill is also open for lunch offering poolside snacks, burgers and snacks, the food here is also the best I have experienced from a poolside restaurant. Marketplace offers buffet style dining for breakfast and lunch with the most amazing choice and live cooking stations, freshly cooking omelettes, pasta etc while you wait.

The pool area was very relaxed and clean, there were always beds available at any time of day and waiters offering refreshing drinks whenever required.

All of the staff onboard were utterly amazing and so welcoming, nothing was too much trouble. We returned to our suite each day to a plate of delicious canapes - as if we hadn’t eaten enough! And not one chocolate for turn down service but a box of 9! Which was replenished each day. We also had a complimentary minibar which was restocked each day.

Crystal appeals to everyone and there was a wide age range of people on board, there is a kids club for younger children and a teen club for older kids. There’s a gym along with pickleball and padel tennis courts for the more active cruiser along and even a putting green for golf enthusiasts with professional golfers often onboard.

Entertainment is varied, with something for everyone, ranging from tribute acts, broadway - themed performances, live music to comedians. There is a casino for those avid gamblers and well-stocked library for those who prefer to just relax with a book for entertainment.

Dress code is relaxed with no specific formal nights, you can dress up as much or as little as you wish – country club casual is definitely the vibe, however white night is an evening not to be missed!

Overall Crystal offer an ultra-luxury cruising experience with most amazing attention to detail, top class service and the most relaxing experience.