Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises launched the 960-passenger Crystal Harmony into the sea of luxury vessel in 1990 and never looked back. In 1995, the company introduced a 960-passenger sister ship, Crystal Symphony, giving the company’s frequent repeaters more exotic regions of the world to visit, including an annual world cruise. Filling a niche for well-heeled travelers who can afford the tiny yacht-like boutique vessels but prefer more activities and facilities, these 49,400 and 51,044-ton vessels chart a global course, and are very successful indeed.

2009 New York Cruises: Crystal Symphony sails on Canada/New England voyages ranging from seven- to 11-days in duration. The luxury ship sails round-trip from Manhattan. See specific itineraries at the end of this story.

The Crystal Experience: Instead of port-a-day itineraries, Crystal schedules more days at sea due to passengers’ desire for extra pampering aboard and the extensive list of guest lecturers, food and wine festivals, theme cruises and the extensive computer classes offered as the Computer University@Sea. Crystal Symphony is the only vessels to successfully meld the services and facilities of a full-size cruise ship with sublime luxury trappings.

A handicap of cruising aboard a full-size cruise ship, however, is assigned, two seating dining in the main restaurant, although this cruise line was the first to introduce two alternative restaurants.

One of the most luxurious experiences at sea is Crystal’s Penthouse Deck with enormous cabins and superb butlers. But even in minimum grade staterooms you’ll find mohair throws and down pillows.
Non-alcoholic beverages are now complimentary, including bottled water, soft drinks, juices and specialty coffees including cappuccino and caffe lattée.

In January, 2008, Crystal changed its smoking policy; passengers may not smoke on their verandas and most of the rest of the ships are off-limit, except for a small area on deck. In December, the company added the alternative restaurant, Nobu, to Crystal Symphony.

Egyptian cotton sheets, king-size goose down pillows and feather bed toppers are now offered as standard bedding in all staterooms and suites fleetwide. A pillow menu is also available to give passengers a choice of four different pillow types.

No other cruise line schedules more guest lectures, seminars and programs highlighting cuisine, music, jazz, politics, finance and fitness. And, this is the only cruise line with a dedicated singles program with no single supplement fares and special on-board activities.

Fellow Passengers: Primarily 60+ passengers, well traveled and affluent. Singles who take advantage of Crystal’s single supplement program.

Past Passenger Program: Crystal Society members receive Society discounts on select cruises including reservations made during a cruise; special onboard parties and activities and photo session with Captain on Society cruises; priority check-in; Society News newsletter; in-cabin wine and flowers (10+ cruises); Milestone level rewards and recognition program.

Tipping: Crystal’s suggested guidelines, per person per day, are: $4.00 for stateroom stewardess ($5.00 for single travelers); $4.00 for the senior waiter; $3.00 for the waiter; $4.00 for the butler (Penthouse Decks only). These gratuities apply to children as well as adults. They may be charged to your shipboard account. For the specialty restaurants, Prego, Jade Garden, Silk Road and The Sushi Bar, a $6.00 per person per dinner tip is recommended. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to all bar drinks and wines. A 15% tip is recommended for Salon and Spa services. Tips for the maitre d’, headwaiter, assistant stewardess and night Room Service are at your discretion.

CRYSTAL CRUISES ITINERARIES

CANADA/NEW ENGLAND

Sept. 19 & 30, Oct. 11, 19, 2009 Eleven Day voyages between New York and Montreal stopping in Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, St. John (New Brunswick), Halifax, Quebec City and Montreal (overnight).

Sept. 30, Oct. 22 & 30, 2009 Eleven Day voyage from Montreal to New York with overnight stay in Montreal, Quebeck City, Prince Endward Island, Halifax, Boston (overnight), Newport and New York (overnight)

EUROPE

Sept. 5, 2009 14-day voyage from London to New York aboard Crystal Symphony. Ports of call are Dublin; Reykjavik, Greenland and Halifax.

PANAMA CANAL

19 Day voyage from New York to Los Angeles via the Panama Canal departing Nov. 2, 2009. Ports of call are Philadelphia, Charleston, Miami, Grand Cayman, Columbia, Caldera (Costa Rica), Acapulco; Cabo San Lucas.

CARIBBEAN

New York to Miami, a 12-day Food & Wine cruise visiting Bermuda, St. Maarten, Antigua, Curacao and Grand Cayman.

Copyright Anne Campbell, 2009. All rights reserved.