T+L’s Cruise Ship Review of the Crystal Symphony

Rider Crystal symphony Not long ago, our butler Matzo was frying about the balls. My husband wanted a light snack, so we called some room service chicken soup- catching the dumplings. But, our Butler said with some concern, we are missing some “really good”.

This is the type of on-the-ball service that you can expect while traveling with a crystal, a line famous for its old school service, including Butler assigned to each suit. In fact, earlier on our journey, our suite attendant managed to put a glow on my husband’s good shoes and then, for my pleasure, another pair of humility also needed a polish.

In a way, we were ready for trademark service, because my husband and I had honeymoon on this ship in Southeast Asia almost a decade ago. Felt like coming home after returning to a sail in the Adriatic Sea – although a house that was recently tossed.

that’s because Crystal symphony It was largely renewed and resumed in 2023, with a look and feel it is both contemporary and throw. For example, think of a cool kidney -shaped sofa under the real, retro waterfall in the atrium lobby. The overhaul came after the purchase of luxury tour operator Ebercrombi and Kent ToneAnd its brother -in -law ship, Crystal SenetyIn 2022, bankruptcy was declared after crystal cruises. In doing so, A&K revived the very loving brand and hired more than 90 percent of the employees who helped to make the line so special in the first place.

One thing that is no longer retro, thankfully is the dress code. While there are still so -called formal nights, some on our sailing showed tux, ballgown and family ornaments that used to be a “cheese” on crystal ships. Instead, most of the more than 60 crowds went for a more resort-Y look, including some couples dark jeans that were out of the border a few years ago. It can be a development ToneBut this is one whom I am happy to see.

Look here closer to what makes it makes Crystal symphony Hence special, including more details on ship suites, restaurants and other features.

Statroom and suites

Most guests on the ship live in appropriate suites. We had a 430-class foot sapphire suite, with a walk-on closet, sofa, dining table, an alkov with a queen-shaped bed and a large marble bathroom with double sink and large shower. There were a cocktail table and two chairs on the 110-class foot balcony. The suite was so comfortable that we were more than there, while we usually do on other ships. At the high end, 909 square feet of penthouse suite suits with deep pockets with a 107-class foot balcony. Of course, these premium suites also come with additional allowances: while we enjoyed free laundry, as well as our choice of room options, fansier suits come with all types of extra, including the option of Nobo “Techout”.

A recent addition to the ship is one of the 215-class-foot ocean-scented cabins, designed for single travelers (and prices).

Bar and restaurant

There are an impressive 10 meal options Crystal symphonyAnd many of them are excellent.

The top of the list is Umi Uma, a restaurant of the acclaimed chef and restorator Nobu Matsuhisa, exclusive to crystal ships, which serves Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, Sushi and his signature Misso Black Cod. This is followed by Ostaria D’Ovidio, named for Manfredi Lafebwre D’Ovidio, which owns Ebercromi & Kent and, Extension, Crystal. This is the kind of pasta that you dream about; My favorite was a homemade Cassures With Tulsi Pasteo and Old Grana Padano. All get a compatible meal at both places, and guests can pay an additional fee for repeat trips. Many do.

But the food in the main waterside restaurant is probably as extraordinary. I found myself selecting Alaska crab’s legs, beef Wellington and Roast Pheasant. After my cruise, the ship converted its accidental sit-down restaurant into a beefbar, characteristic Baao Buzzy restaurant brand from buns and other global street food. Poolside trident grill serves delicious burgers in lunch and the market buffet impressed me with the specialty of local cuisine, including a full Greek buffet, as we docked in the crane.

Many drinks and wine are on crystals, but have an over-the-top experience, vintage room, which comes at an additional fee. This intimate dinner party -style site is the place where the Somelier shows the basement of the ship – at prices that can reach four figures.

Afternoon tea is also an opportunity, as done by Tuxido-Clade Vaters, the Skylit Palm Court Observation Lounge serves a scone and real clotted cream on bone China.

Where crystal symphony sail is

The ship will spend in Europe in the early collapse of summer and 2025, including the Western Mediterranean and Greek Islands before going to Africa and Indian Ocean in late November. This will continue in Asia in February 2026, which will offer springTime selling in Japan. Crystal symphony Canada, New England and Caribbean will be in Alaska in summer of 2026 before proceeding.

Shore

Crystal tour has increased thanks to the expertise of Ebercrombi and Kent. In addition to the city walk and bus tour, the line offers more intensive cultural tourism and adventure activities. On my cruise, guests had the option to visit the medieval Kotter, Montenegro – or they could choose for one. Via feta Experience of climbing a hill track. On a delightful “secret of Greek cuisine” in Korfu, about 20 travelers learned to make tzatjiki and mussaka in a hill villa, the vibrant commentator suggested using the remaining cucumber peels, which strips on his face as an aesthetic treatment.

Facilities and entertainment

Have to do something there Tone From morning to wee hours, and it is a matter of pride for the crystal: learn Cha-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-Charis; Video editing from trainers at Line Computer University@Sagar; Get tips to take better iPhone photos; Take pickles on the dedicated court of the ship; In our case, hold a promotion lecture by a White House reporter, which covered President Ford. My husband loved to get swing tips from a golf trainer; The ship has tymed clubs that rent to play in the port.

On my sailing, it was a palm chilli for the pool, although some still grabbed the blanket and populated the throne orange lounge chairs and hot tubs. I liked the spa, with complimentary steam and sauna; Treatment at additional costs consisted of hot stone massage or a cryofacial. The 3,000 -square -foot gym has a lot of wellness diversion plus Windows for ideas; Fitness classes include yoga, pilates and spinning.

The entertainment team is larger for a ship of this size and includes, in the main lounge, a large team of singers and dancers performing broadwee Shotunness – and my sailing also worked on Michael Jackson and Elton John Emphersonores, as well as comedians and other cabaret works on our sailing. A resident is a large band that sets a tempo for dance – even gentle hosts are available to women – and a DJ gives rocks to the small disco late at night. Many guests get excited for the white party, during which everyone is encouraged to wear clothes in white, champagne flows, and the atmosphere is very vibrant.

There is also a fun, pub -like piano bar and a connoisseur club for cigars and conyac. A new gaming room is the first venture of Casino de Monte-Karlo in the sea, and has both slots and tables play. For more sedate vibes, there is a library with about 2,000 titles.

Family friendly options

Crystal symphony The children attract some multi-generation families, especially during the holiday period. A nominated, brightly equipped, the space of the staff is divided into a lounge area for young children and a player to play. Board games, Xbox, Movie Nights, and Crafts Sessions capture the youth. Children will also enjoy the ship’s ice cream shop, scoops. (There are 39 connecting cabins, so parents can bring children and still have some privacy.)

Simple use

Three ADA-prohibited and wheelchair-accessible cabin is marked on deck plans with wheelchair symbols: two 215-class double-foot double ocean-guest rooms; The second is an Aquamrine suit. On its website, Crystal suggests that “guests with limited dynamics should ideally be able to navigate the ship independently. Alternatively, they can choose to travel with a partner who can provide assistance when needed.”