Crystal Cruises
Overview
Cruises
Dining
Tipping
Kids
Overview
Luxury, as they say, is in the details. It is so often the little details that make all the difference. And on a Crystal cruise, the differences are many.
From the moment you step on board, you will experience Crystal Cruises’ dedication to making your cruise with us a perfect one. Our Six-Star Commitment means each instant must be memorable, every detail sublime. From the grand designs of our ships to the right vintage wine, a turned-down bed, or even a simple smile, singular attention is paid to every detail of your cruise. For all of us at Crystal Cruises, Six-Star quality means more than awards and accolades; it means the constant pursuit of a single goal: to create the best, then make it better. We are not just aiming to provide a fabulous vacation, we are aiming to create an experience that will enrich your life and provide memories to cherish forever.
Think of the farthest corners of the world connected by a smooth and shining sea. Imagine that a floating luxury resort, filled with everything you ever could desire, is waiting to carry you on the journey of your dreams. At Crystal Cruises, they take pride in navigating that magical highway of the sea, transporting you to the best the world has to offer.
Your days and nights on a Crystal cruise are effortless and carefree. You will revel in a wealth of time, a luxurious sense of leisure and ease; your hours are your own, to spend as you see fit. Released from the pressure of schedules and routines, you are free to play, to rest, to mingle and relax – to allow for the luxury of serendipity. Like the open sea, each day is limitless. You can chart a course, then change it at your whim. Let possibility fill the sails of your imagination and see what magic might appear.
Crystal Cruises gives you space to stretch out and explore. There are broad, sunny decks to stroll and inviting corners to settle into. There are cozy nooks where you can be alone. You can join a spellbound audience at an exciting Broadway-style show or get together with a few new friends over a frothy cappuccino. Your stateroom is a comforting place to call your own, where you can snuggle in and dream.
With skilled and practiced sleight-of-hand, chefs prepare the finest cuisine from around the world. Guests may begin a cruise alone, but within days they find themselves greeting new-found friends. There is a spirit of cheerfulness and good humor to be found wherever you are on the ship. Guests say that’s the real magic of a Crystal cruise. There’s no mystery to it; it’s simply a commitment to heartfelt service that creates an atmosphere of enchantment, every day.
Crystal Cruises now all-inclusive value provides:
* Complimentary fine wines, champagne and premium spirits as well as dining in all restaurants, including specialty venues Prego, and Silk Road and The Sushi Bar by Nobu Matsuhis
* Open-bar service throughout the ship
* Gratuities for housekeeping, bar and dining staff throughout the ship
* All non-alcoholic beverages including bottled water, specialty coffee drinks, soft drinks, fresh juices and Afternoon Tea service
* Acclaimed Crystal Wine & Food Festival® cruises featuring famous chefs and wine authorities on select voyages
* Early embarkation luncheon
* Welcome champagne
* 24-hour room service
* Enrichment & Entertainment Programmes
Cruises
Dining
Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity each feature an exceptional variety of dining options including our main Crystal Dining Room, two specialty restaurants and Room Service available 24 hours.
The extraordinary cuisine for which Crystal Cruises is justifiably famous is offered in our elegant Crystal Dining Room, located in the heart of the ship just off the Crystal Plaza. The Crystal Dining Room is beautifully appointed, with sweeping ocean views by day and a magnificent ambiance at night. Our gracious European-trained waiters and internationally acclaimed chefs provide regionally inspired dishes and classic continental cuisine. The Crystal Dining Room offers the flexibility of two seatings to facilitate your dining preferences, and gives you the convenience of open seating at breakfast and lunch.
Casual poolside dining is offered on many evenings. Served from the Trident Grill (Tastes on Crystal Serenity), dinners on these relaxed, no-reservations evenings under the stars are a unique Crystal Cruises dining option.
Specialty Restaurants
Our alternative specialty dinner restaurants offer exciting variety at no additional cost.
On Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, we feature contemporary Asian cuisine in the specialty restaurant Silk Road and The Sushi Bar, offering signature dishes created by internationally renowned Japanese master chef, Nobu Matsuhisa.
Also on both ships, our Italian restaurant Prego offers elegant dining with a spectacular view and unique Italian cuisine. No matter where in the world you are cruising, you’ll have the option to enjoy Old World charm and authentic regional Italian cuisine, with signature creations by Piero Selvaggio, owner of the renowned Valentino restaurants in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Dress Codes
Each evening on a Crystal cruise has a specific dress code for dining areas that also applies to all public areas of the ship after 6:00pm (except for alfresco dining on deck when available). If you choose to change your attire following the evening dinner and other festivities, please maintain a minimum style of dress in keeping with the dress code for Casual Evening Attire (described in detail below). Guests find that the occasional formal nights create a special atmosphere in contrast to the other more informal or casual nights on board. The three codes of attire are formal, informal and casual. Typically, 10- to 14-day cruises have three formal nights. The number of informal nights is usually based on the number of days at sea, and casual nights are based on days in port or the time of departure. For your convenience, your cruise ticket lists the number of specific dress code evenings during your stay on board.
Tipping
Gratuities
Because tipping is a personal matter, Crystal Cruises does not include gratuities in the cruise fares. Suggested guidelines for stateroom and dining service gratuities are as follows: stewardess, US$5 per guest, per day (single travelers, US$6 per day); senior waiter, US$5 per guest, per day; waiter, $US3 per guest, per day; butler (Penthouse Decks), US$5 per guest, per day.
Tips for the maître d’, headwaiter, assistant stewardess and night Room Service personnel are at your discretion. Gratuities may be prepaid or charged to your shipboard account.
For our specialty restaurants, Prego, Silk Road and The Sushi Bar, we suggest $7 per guest, per dinner. A 15% gratuity for all bar drinks and wines is added to your bar check automatically. We suggest a 15% gratuity for Crystal Spa & Salon services.
Kids
Junior Activities Programme
Crystal Cruises’ commitment to excellence and quality of experience does not end with grown-up cruisers. Kids have a variety of great activities to choose from on every Crystal cruise! They offer a children’s playroom and babysitting services on all cruises. During holiday cruises and selected sailings, additional children’s activities are offered under the supervision of experienced Junior Activities Directors.
Junior Activities Program is Three-Tiered:
3-7 year olds
8-12 year olds
13-17 year olds
Children under six months are not permitted on board without a signed waiver by parent(s).
Hours of Operation
Hours of operation vary depending on the itinerary and number of children on board.
Activities
Activities are determined by age and the number of children on board. On those sailings with Junior Activities Directors, a detailed schedule of events is created at the beginning of each cruise. Once on board, you’ll receive Surf Runner, or Teen Scene, the teenagers guide to special activities, daily newsletter for kids with details for the following day’s schedule and other pertinent information.
Facilities
Fantasia, children’s playroom, offers tables and chairs for arts and crafts, popular Sony PlayStation® game titles, a large screen television set and board games. Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity also feature a teenager’s video arcade, Waves. The Library offers children’s books and children’s videos or DVDs for enjoyment in staterooms.
Dining
Kids may choose from a special Junior Cruiser’s menu, and Crystal’s executive chefs and other culinary staff can prepare custom dishes. The Trident Grill serves complimentary hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza and more. Baby food, high chairs and booster seats are available.
Additional Services
For a small fee, all vessels offer in-stateroom baby-sitting. Guests should contact the concierge on board for this service at least 24 hours in advance.
Cruises with the JA designation offer complete junior activities programs under the supervision of experienced Junior Activities Directors.
Ships
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