My wife and I have recently returned from an eight-night sailing with Crystal. I wanted to share my honest thoughts on the ultra-luxury voyage, and address the all-important questions - is Crystal really worth the money and would we sail with them again?
Well, we can honestly say it was one of the most enjoyable cruises we have been on for some time. There’s always a moment of nervousness before boarding a ship... Will it live up to expectations? As it turned out, we needn’t have worried - it absolutely did.
Crystal has long been known for operating two of the most refined ships at sea, often described as 'ultra-luxury'. Only a limited selected of ships qualify for that category, and Crystal has two of them.
From the moment we stepped aboard, we knew the ship would suit us. Helped by the complimentary glass of champagne on arrival! It’s a combination of 'old world charm' meets understated elegance. As you move around the ship, the ambience feels polished and calm, more like a private club at sea. It’s not fussy or ostentatious, just thoughtfully done. Unlike many modern cruise ships that can resemble shopping malls, or Las Vegas at Sea, Crystal has held onto the timeless spirit of ocean travel, when space and service took precedence over spectacle.
Part of Crystal’s appeal lies in what it doesn’t do. The ships aren’t filled with gimmicks or noisy distractions, and that restraint works in their favour. Though the vessels are older, they retain a sense of space and comfort that makes the experience relaxing, rather than hectic.
Service is where Crystal truly stands out. The warmth of the Staff stood out from day one, and continued throughout the voyage. Many have been with the company for years, and that familiarity shows. They’re attentive without being intrusive, and seem genuinely proud of the product they deliver.
Chatting with fellow guests, we quickly realised how strong Crystal’s following is. The two ships, Serenity and Symphony, have one of the highest repeat guest rates in the industry - around 94 per cent, according to reports. That level of loyalty is rare, and it helps explain the many awards Crystal has collected over the years, including the 'Best Cruiseline' award by Travel & Leisure World, for twenty consecutive years.
A key distinction is that every section of the ship is open to everyone. There’s no 'ship within a ship' concept, or tiered access with restricted areas. This makes such a difference and creates a notably relaxed and enjoyable social atmosphere.
For us, several aspects made Crystal feel genuinely special. The first is the dining. We can say, hand on heart, that it is amongst the best cuisine we have had at sea. The main restaurant, Waterside, delivers consistently excellent meals. You could dine there every night and still be delighted. Its standard is better than the many speciality restaurants on other lines. But it would be a mistake not to try the speciality options, and there are three of them.
The first, and most famous, is Umi Uma by Nobu. It is a real coup for Crystal to get Nobu on their ships. The fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours is exquisite, with every dish beautifully presented. Next is the Italian venue, Osteria d’Ovidio. The menu blends traditional Italian favourites with dishes from Venice. It was one of the most enjoyable meals we have had anywhere, land or sea. The final speciality venue is Beef Bar, a Monaco-based concept focusing on fine cuts of meat and seafood. It was equally impressive. In short, Crystal is a cruise line for foodies. The variety and quality are excellent.
Our Cabin was one of the newly expanded ‘Sapphire Suites’, created by combining two former cabins into one open-plan space. Decorated in soft blues with elegant lighting, it featured one of the most spacious bathrooms we have seen on a ship.
The itinerary was an eight-night voyage from Barcelona to Lisbon, visiting a string of beautiful European ports, including Ibiza, Cartagena, Malaga and the mystical Casablanca in Morocco. The route offered the perfect blend of Mediterranean charm and North African adventure, and we would highly recommend it.
Reflecting on our time aboard, would we recommend Crystal? Wholeheartedly and without hesitation. From the moment you step on board, the all-inclusive concept makes the experience feel indulgent.
Yes, Crystal is a higher price point than other luxury lines, but what you receive in return is exemplary. That is precisely what ultra-luxury cruising is meant to provide. Both ships were completely refurbished in 2023, and they feel beautifully maintained, polished, and cared for. Two brand-new vessels are also planned, with the first expected to debut in 2028.
Are Crystal the only ultra-luxury cruise line? No, there are others - Silversea, Regent and Seabourn to name but a few, but our latest trip with Crystal exceeded expectations.
It is an indulgence, yes, but also a joy. For anyone seeking an exclusive, small-ship experience with just 650 to 780 passengers, Crystal should be at or near the top of your shortlist.
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Bill is the creator behind Ritzy Travel Guide, a YouTube channel and travel platform. He shares honest impressions from the world’s most fascinating cruise ships and destinations. Known for his honest reviews, he offers a discerning look at modern luxury travel.
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