Crystal Symphony

This 2-minute video from our friend Ralph Grizzard, the Avid Cruiser, looks at the variety of dining choices aboard Crystal Symphony.

How to make a cruise symphony

It's hard to imagine that Crystal Symphony has been in service for almost two decades. But don't let her age fool you because the ship has undergone major work to keep her turning heads in the competitive ultra-luxury cruise market. You will love its updated spaces that are reimagined with luxury cruise travelers in mind. The overall verdict is that the ship looks brand new, contemporary and on trend.

All-inclusive, ultra-luxurious

Like other luxury lines, Crystal has an all-inclusive pricing model. You will love walking around the ship and ordering your favorite drink without having to sign a bill. Beverages like wine, spirits, bottled water, soda, juices and specialty coffee drinks are all included in the cruise fare as well as a complimentary meal in one of the specialty restaurants and pre-paid gratuities.

Luxury cruising the Crystal Symphony way

To be the best, Crystal Symphony has to deliver the finest amenities, service, cuisine, beverages, and entertainment afloat.

As they might say, to be the very best means that they partner only with the very best.

You'll notice touches of luxury at every turn. From indulgent amenities in your stateroom to elegant table settings in the dining rooms, to world-renowned brand names associated with their enrichment and entertainment programs, Crystal brings you the best the world has to offer.

Luxury amenities in staterooms and suites

Your sanctuary at sea is appointed with the soft 100% cotton linens, feather beds and plush duvets, Frette terry cloth robes, Baltic bath linens, wood and padded hangers, and flat-screen televisions. Penthouse suites feature Jacuzzi tubs, Villeroy & Boch china and classic Riedel crystal.

Exceptional dining experiences

Partnering with the best has helped Symphony claim top honors in the culinary department.

Critics agree that Crystal's cuisine is among the finest at sea. Crystal's hand-selected team of chefs abides by three principles: high-quality ingredients, classical French preparation and an abiding passion for their craft. The chefs, sauciers, patissiers and other specialists also relish the inspiration of foreign cultures and ingredients they encounter during their ceaseless voyaging. It is this spark of international creativity — the Crystal touch — that turns a fine dish into a masterpiece.

Silk Road and the Sushi Bar

Don't miss dinner at Silk Road and The Sushi Bar (make a reservation before you embark the ship, if you can). Chef Nobu Matsuhisa fuses his unique, innovative culinary skills with the finest international ingredients to create his signature Japanese cuisine savored by fine food connoisseurs around the world. Those in the know will love the Schott-Zwiesel crystal, Villeroy & Boch and Wedgewood china, Royal Doulton dishware, Sheffield and Sambonet flatware, and table linens by Garnier Thiebaut and Frette.

Other choices

• The Crystal Dining Room: The main dining room is elegant, with plenty of space around each table.
• Prego Restaurant: The Venetian-designed Italian restaurant, showcasing the cuisine of renowned restaurateur Piero Selvaggio.
• Lido Cafe: Buffet-ttyle Indoor/outdoor venue for breakfast & lunch
• Palm Court: For afternoon tea or coffee with a choice of sandwiches, cakes & pastries
• Trident Snack Bar & Grill: poolside buffet
• Bistro Cafe: European-style coffee and wine bar serving light bites, pastries and snacks

Wine anyone?

Crystal’s extensive wine cellar offers more than 300 vintages, with a special Reserve List showcasing rarities such as Screaming Eagle and Château Lafite Rothschild.

Entertainment

Crystal has long been renowned for entertainment. When evening beckons there are plenty of possibilities. Meet friends for cocktails and a dance before dinner. Then take in a Broadway performance after dinner. The entertainment aboard the Crystal ships is the finest and most varied at sea, a spellbinding series of performances to suit every taste and satisfy every mood. You can expect large-scale productions uniting West End and Broadway, intimate lounges, cabarets, karaoke (just try!), dance clubs for disco and hip-hop.

Enrichment

It is Crystal Cruises' mission to help you discover the world, as well as yourself through travel. Crystal Symphony has a  renowned roster of complimentary enrichment programs for you.

• Computer University @ Sea, a state-of-the-art computer room at your disposal - make sure to take a class to learn about all things digital.
• The Crystal Spa & Salon offers wellness opportunities.
• Who said shopping is not educational? Learn how to tie your scarf or discover the hottest trends in fashion at a presentation held at the Avenue of the Stars.
• Bridge Lounge: if you are a beginner no probs, but it's the hosted tournaments that have everyone buzzing.
• Fantasia: Children have their own programs designed just for them.
• Get active! Play tennis, take a walk on the beautiful 360-degree wraparound deck, go for a swim, or hit some golf balls.

Going ashore

Crystal Adventures are available for all ports of call. Make sure to take a peak and see what is available so that you can see for yourself unique excursion opportunities that are developed for Crystal's luxury clientele.

Your take

How about you? Have you sailed on Crystal Symphony? I'd like to hear about your experience!

Note: The author cruised on Crystal Symphony before its purchase by Abercrombie & Kent. Most amenities remain unchanged or upgraded. 

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