All passengers can order room service off the Waterside menu of the day, while passengers in Penthouse-category suites can also order from the menus of Prego and Umi Uma if they wish, and butlers will serve meals course by course. Staff standards are the highest you can encounter at sea. We could hear snippets of conversation on one side of us and a crying child on the other side. Sea Dream is an excellent choice, often the best choice, for Greek Island, Croatia, and BritishVirgin Island itineraries. Industry executives follow our reports closely as they know we only accept evaluations from carefully “Certified” frequent luxury travelers. NYK-FIL established the leading crew training facility in the Philippines. Those who seek personalized; Four Seasons-style services will appreciate the Crystal experience. On formal nights, guests are expected to dress to the nines with evening gowns and tuxedos or cocktail dresses, dinner jackets and dark suits. The onboard destination crew was always very helpful. Shore excursions are no better than they would be on other lines. Also avoid connecting suites, because you can hear the neighbors. The size of the bathrooms in the standard cabins is a bit disappointing. The library is well stocked and staffed by a gentlewoman who has, seemingly, read every volume in her care. We will see but a cruise line bail-out will be a hard sell, and probably should not be allowed to happen. The line features the highest standards of dining service and we rank the specialty Prego Italian restaurant among the finest at sea. He lives aboard the Residentsea and has his family out for six or seven weeks of the year. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Grill items are delivered with irresistibly crispy french fries; you might also get some surprise chips, salsa and guacamole while you wait. At night, elegant casual is the name of the game. Currently, Crystal’s inclusions match those of luxury rivals Seabourn and Silversea but do not include pre-night hotel stays or shore excursions as Regent is currently offering. Bar drinks are complimentary and refilled promptly. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Silver Muse – The Grill, La Terrazza, la Dame, Spaccanapoli , Atlantide , Indochine, Silver Note, Kaiseki. This is not the right cruise for those who like bingo, horse racing games, and a nightly talent show. I do wonder if it would have been a better experience on a smaller expedition ship where a limited number of guests would mean more time allowed on shore. Some of the same people who used to travel by Greyhound bus are now traveling on cruise ships. In 2007, attracted by high yields and the plans for a newbuild program that would quickly double the line’s capacity, Oceania was purchased by the Apollo Management Group. New, brighter lighting (particularly in suites) lends a cheeriness throughout the ship — even on the rare gloomy day. The ship was, for many years, operated by Regent Seven Seas and the crew had little difficulty meeting Regent’s high service standards. Genting Hong Kong is majority owned by Malaysian tycoon Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay. Prego was created by Piero Selvaggio, proprietor of Valentino’s in Santa Monica. Suites were completely remodeled, with new beige- and blue-accented furnishings, carpeting, bedding, flat-screen televisions and marble-accented baths. The crown jewel of the newly launched Seven Seas Explorer is the Regent Suite, lavish and luminous the suite is situated on the very top deck equal in size to a luxurious home. The Points Guy will not sell your email. You need to make reservations for this must-try dining experience, and you’ll have the best results if you do so online pre-cruise. View Crystal Cruises 2021. Each suite is furnished with a bed that can convert from twin to queen; beds are king-sized in big suites, beginning with Silver Suites on up. It was the music, concert quality sound with each song both contemporary and cool. This is, to put it simply, a $300 dinner experience for two on land and I doubt that the service would be nearly as good or the setting was unique and relaxing. The Explorer Lounge was totally refurbished with plush seating, and corridors were brightened and decorated with Galapagos wildlife photos. All suites come with stocked mini-bar, personalized stationery, atlases and umbrellas, fluffy robes and slippers. Viking pretty much sticks to its stated brochure fine print and the line enjoys a less than enviable reputation when it comes to personalized responses when there is a problem. Crystal is worth every penny. Frankly, the pre-cruise hotel experience was a nightmare for everyone. The nickel and diming makes it nearly impossible to identify the true cost of a Viking experience until a cruise is completed. The culinary range spans from international to vegetarian menus, which are all interpreted in new and surprising ways. I’m home now, but hardly a day goes by that I don’t think about that Frenchman as he travels the world, working, on that gorgeous ship.”, “I’ve seen them all and this is the ultimate. # 3 in Best Cruise Lines for Couples It would be almost impossible for a guest to beat those fares, inclusive of baggage handling, taxes, and transfers, by booking on their own. Atlantide – Rated A- This elegant bar and grill prepare grilled to order steaks and the catch of the day in elegant presentations, including red snapper in a sea salt crust and succulent lobster. Crystal Cruises is an American cruise line headquartered in Miami, Florida, United States. WHAT ARE THE THINGS THAT STOOD OUT ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE? But much of the negative words about products in the top-tier luxury segment can be attributed to creative writing from competitor’s marketing departments. Apollo clearly feels that the cruise industry has legs. And attached to the library is the best coffee house at sea. Unfortunately, the parent company of Crystal is in a great financial crunch and there are many worries about future stability. This feels like a personal product rater than a cookie-cutter mass-market ship. The two large ships in the fleet, each in the 850-920 Guest range, have just gone through $40 million refurbishments and the ships now have a neutral color scheme with a great many modern touches. But isn’t it about time that the owners opened up their considerable purse strings and gave us some new tonnage? Dress is casual, gratuities, soft drinks, and water are included in the fare. This is the line of champagne and caviar, of lux dreams, realized. I just had a new knee a few months before and found this set up dangerous as the tub wall was so tall (being elevated) I could hardly get in and to get out had to not only get over the side but drop down 6 more inches. When we got there the bed was stripped and all the bedding was on the desk and there was no chair anywhere in the room – even at the desk! Crystal Esprit – CURRENTLY RATED THE # 2 SHIP IN THE WORLD, 91 International Officers and Crew – Let us repeat that – 91 Staff and 62 Guests. The company Crystal Cruises was founded in 1988 (headquartered in Century City, Los Angeles) as a subsidiary of the Japanese NYK Line (abbrev "Nippon Yusen Kaisha") - one of world's largest container shipping companies. While the evening dress code is supposedly enforced at 6 p.m., no one ostracizes guests who are still watching sail-away after 6 in the clothes they wore all day. On two Crystal Cruises sailings on the Serenity and one on the Esprit, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Explorer, Environmentalist, Educator, and Film Producer will be onboard, sharing his vast experience and his love and concern for our water planet. The voyages only are open to Taiwanese travelers. “Honestly, you feel like you are floating along in a senior citizen home. IT IS HARD TO IMAGINE THAT THE BRAND AND ITS PROFITABLE FLEET WILL DISAPPEAR. Here’s how long it will take, Some of the year’s hottest new ships could be delayed, Stream these 13 movies, television shows to get your cruise ship fix, A switcheroo at Palm Beach Airport means new lounge access for Amex Platinum, Centurion members, 5 things to know about America’s newest national park, Emirates unveils ritzy new premium economy cabin and more aboard the A380, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. They have pushed the boundaries of what ‘all-inclusive’ means, offering an experience in which guests will want for nothing and enjoy everything they could wish for … But the introduction of the more contemporary and casual Europa 2 in 2013 has changed the industry’s perception of the Hapag-Lloyd product. From Penthouse grade upward, there’s imaginative use of space, with features like a sleeping area separated by curtained glass screens, right up to the massive Wintergarden Suite, with a glass-enclosed conservatory area featuring a tub and a daybed. Much of Silverseas reputation is based on the assumption that 300 passengers is small enough to make guests feel truly pampered and large enough to provide a wider range of amenities than smaller capacity rivals. It took less than 15 minutes and the shore agents were friendly and helpful.Our cabin attendant was delightful. ), FIVE THINGS ABOUT SILVERSEA WE REALLY LIKE. We did find examples of obvious portion control. This allows us to answer your specific questions rather than generalizing. On formal nights, tuxedos or dark suits are obligatory for every restaurant aside from the buffet venue. From the champagne chilled to perfection or the caviar served with hand-carved mother-of-pearl and delicately buttered blinis, Crystal has an unspoken desire to make your every wish come true. On curated voyages the world over, a commitment to contemporary luxury offers a superior level of personalized service, exceptional dining and all-inclusive amenities. Not only our cabin attendant (expected) but other crew (a captain in the Verandah restaurant and a manager at the pool grill regularly addressed us by name ) . We saw the Captain a lot and he never spoke to us – but to be fair we don’t go to the Captain’s cocktail parties either. Given current pricing and it’s new inclusions policy together with onboard service that produces the industry’s highest repeat factors, we felt Crystal has to be rated above many of it’s more ultra-sophisticated category competitors. One night my husband could not even cut into his pork chop and the same thing happened of his steak the next night. During dinner hours, order dishes to your exact taste from the Compass Rose menu and they will be served course-by-course. We find them to be a little more expensive than the other cruise lines; however, you don’t pay for excursions so by the time you count that they are commensurate. Most of Silversea’s top suites are located in the most forward part of the ship. Find detailed reviews of all Crystal cruise ships and destinations. There is never any rush as all restaurants operate on a single sitting basis. Guests are normally expected to make full payment for their cruises far in advance – often as much as 18 months prior to sailing. Personally, I do feel that it’s a one and done type of experience. The ships have good pedigree. Bathrooms especially feel cramped, with very narrow countertops, and there are no walk-in closets. Dress aboard Europa 2 is, shall we say, Euro-chic, but not in a necessarily Italian way. Crystal Ocean and Yacht Qualifications: To be considered for a position with us, we require a minimum of 2-3 years of experience from other cruise lines, leading international hotels and/or restaurants. © Copyright traveltruth.com 2020. But then a funny thing happened. Our CSI Inspection Team has reported on any number of “unanticipated features” you just don’t see on other ships in any size or price range. We saw officers eating lunch in the Veranda and Pool Grill and they never spoke to anyone. More than 50 percent of passengers are Regent repeaters on 14-plus night cruises. Together Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity enjoy a reputation as The World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line. Cabins, called “suites,” all have balconies and virtually all bathrooms are fitted with separate tubs and showers. It is part of the ship’s upper deck buffet area by day and nicely transformed in the evening. You need to be a minimum of 18 years old, professional, friendly, and have an excellent command of the English language. When he gets to Hong Kong he sends one of the ships tender to pick up potential clients for a nice lunch aboard ship. For many, it was their only time off during a very hectic ten-day itinerary. The Master Suite is a two-bedroom suite with 2108 square feet and it includes dinner with a Senior Officer and other amenities. They are: 01 – Maximum time in port with a minimum number of days at sea. A glance around the dining room on the first night indicated any number of Americans who quickly learned that their German wait-staff spoke quite passable English. The interiors reek of luxury and superb interior design and more than one Europa 2 guest has commented that the ship really feels much more like a floating version of “Europe’s very best boutique hotel.”. Find A Cruises with Crystal Cruises, select the destination and we will help you identify the your perfect dream vacation. A complimentary bottle of Champagne greets you in your cabin. Crystal Endeavor, launching in 2020, will be Crystal Cruises’ first expedition ship. My wife loved being taken by the arm and escorted to the dinner table. Entry-level suites on the luxury ships start at 287 square feet (expedition accommodations are more snug) while the most high-end accommodations span 1,389 square feet. feet and they are well worth the up-charge. The ships are less personal than their competitors. Now we’re going back on this lovely small ship for their Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, Rome program. feet, but there are only three of them. Dining is an event and, on certain evenings, even the wait staff works in formalwear. Veggie burgers are not officially on the menu, but are available on request. In its statement, the company warned that its suspension of payments to creditors would likely result in the company being considered in default of multiple debt obligations. Those sailing Crystal for the first time are generally amazed at how much better run these vessels are then the mainstream mega-ships. ALSO HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE PURCHASE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE THAT INCLUDES SUPPLIER DEFAULT PROVISIONS THAT WOULD INCLUDE CRYSTAL. Designed with intimate seating arrangements, the spacious main restaurant offers a thoughtfully-designed balance of privacy and social connection. This will make Viking, by passenger count, the largest mid-ship or small ship (depending on definitions) in the industry. Viking Cruises has one “Reg Flag” that turns off many cruisers and it is something that needs to be faced up front if you plan to sail this line. They are all relatively young, and they are all close friends. There are those who speculate whether or not it can survive in an environment where size dictates purchasing savings. But let’s break that down a bit. There are prestige suites that are larger providing 300 sq. Cabin-wise, accommodations on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity — particularly in the upper ranges — are plush and comfortable. Such tackiness is not going to get Azamara any higher on our rankings than it is. True, our German is rusty, but we found the classical entertainment to be just right after such elegant dining experiences.”, “The Europa 2 well deserves your recognition as The World’s Best Luxury Cruise Ship. The yachts of Ponant go to some extraordinary places and the line’s executives have told us that there will be far more expeditions rather than cruises in the future. Some items are incredible and some are not as impressive. Formal nights, which are celebrated only in The Restaurant, occur once on cruises up to 13 days, twice on cruises of 14 to 20 days and three times on cruises of 21 or more days. In March 2015, NYK Line sold Crystal Cruises to Genting Hong Kong (GHK, Malaysian corporation) for USD 550 million. We even heard of someone being turned away for wearing too casual shoes — despite shoes not being addressed in Seabourn’s official dress code descriptions. Ponant is an inclusive product with wines served at lunch and dinner, all drinks, bottled waters, and zodiac excursions included. Currently, the company is owned by public and private investors based largely in Hamburg. The World, travels the world in silent splendor, never calling attention to itself or the fact that its owners have paid from $1.4 to $7.9 million dollars for their leasehold “ownership”. “Until Crystal expands its fleet, I think we are going to continue to see inventive World Cruises surrounded by itineraries that are often more pedestrian than some of Crystal’s competitors.”. I did and posed a couple of questions, including the subject matter of the paragraph above, and specifically asked for a response from Regent. While you will want to know about the financial condition of the various cruise lines and new policies that are Covid-related, we have chosen to cover this material in our cruisetruth Q&A section. But now, the company has three additional ships, each costing $100 million at 10,000 GRT and 30-35 crew. It has the longest hours for lunch (12:30 to 3:30 p.m.), though it will close in inclement weather. With an abundance of public space and few fellow passengers, you might feel you have the vessel to yourself — no annoying crowds or lines here. Lectures are cultural in nature and are offered in German. It appears that it just can’t be fixed, which is a shame given that it is a lovely ship. Expense isn’t spared. The first of Silversea’s ships, Silver Cloud has undergone an extensive makeover and is one of the most spacious and comfortable. This is a cruise line that obviously takes care of the help. WERE THERE ISSUES RELATED TO DRESS EXPECTATIONS THAT YOU FELT NEED TO BE AMENDED? Regent may offer the perfect blend of “not too much formality”, “ships large enough to offer amenities yet small enough to be called intimate”, and dining choices that create pre-meal excitement. Encore has 300 cabins in eight categories, all designated suites. But let’s go with all-suites as Regent, Seabourn, and Silversea all make the claim. Well we didn’t so much speak, as I got to listen. Outstanding service and some of the best food afloat, combined with a casual “no ties-no formal anything” is a winning combination for these former Sea Goddess yachts. The smaller, sleek 116-guest Silver Discoverer is perfect for cruisers looking for their next big adventure. Enjoy fresh salads, antipasti, freshly grilled fish, pasta and dishes cooked a la minute direct from the open chef’s stations or from the buffet. Major oversight.”, “We made the mistake of doing a three-week cruise and it was a really long time to be away from our American movies and television. It starts with comfort and informality. On our last cruise, Crystal gave us $2,000 to spend any way we want – on tips, shore excursions, or drinks. The new Adriatic sailings featuring the ports of Croatia and may be Europe’s hottest itineraries. “We didn’t like our Crystal cruise. An intimate steakhouse which elevates classic American fare to a new height. Outside and balcony cabins measure 202 square feet; to put that in perspective, Carnival’s standard cabins start at 185 square feet, while other luxury lines start out with 250 to 300 square feet of space in entry-level cabins. There are a number, a wide number, of connecting cabins that serve to enhance management’s goal of making this the more family-friendly of the Hapag-Lloyd fleet. With more than 60 riverboat vessels worldwide and control of 51% of the entire riverboat market, Viking began ocean cruising in 2015 with the launch of its first prototype the Viking Star. They made the trip something special indeed. So they pioneered overnight stays and prolonged port visits. She said that this was her first time “on her own” and on past voyages she was the #2 attendant for the large suites. Since 2015, it has been a subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong History. But I am extremely comfortable, own two beautiful homes, property, and have savings and stock in the seven figures. Guests have come to expect 6-star service, complimentary fine wines, premium spirits, and all gratuities as just part of the all-inclusive experience provided by Crystal Cruises. Staffing kids clubs in the summer months makes sure working professionals and families are accommodated. There are comfy linens, the latest flat screen TV’s and I-Pod this and that’s, guests, receive customized stationary, and the showers work with surprising intensity. We don’t have the financial crystal ball your question requires but we can tell you that Uniworld is part of a large, successful travel group: The Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is located in Los Angeles and the company operates a fleet of 21 river-cruising cruise ships along the rivers of Europe, Russia, Egypt, and China. Even the most basic of accommodations has a decent-sized balcony, a marble-lined bathroom and a walk-in closet. The “Brothers” found a barista they liked in Verona, Italy. One major line recently told us that when sailings feature promotional pricing, some passengers are requesting that cabin attendants not change their sheets or clean the room “because we didn’t bring any tip money”. Mains are standouts, particularly the shrimp curry, braised drunken duck and Dover sole. Evenings bring out expensive slacks and knee-length dresses for women, and sports jackets for men. La Dame – Rated A – Reservations required and $60 per person fee. The restaurant has since transformed its slightly gaudy, pseudo-Venetian look into something stylish and luxurious. La Veranda: Enjoy elegant breakfast and lunch buffets in this chic outdoor dining room or al fresco on the shaded open-air deck. While several smaller, luxury lines claim they visit off-the-beaten-path ports, Sea Dream really delivers on that promise. Le Boreal, Le Soleal, and L’Austral were built in Italy’s high-design Fincantieri yard. This has enabled Crystal to eye expansion on several fronts. This should be an important factor as guests choose the degree to which they would like to vacation in an international environment. A sophisticated specialty restaurant serving an array of Pan-Asian dishes. I know of at least seven specific instances when clients who tried to book Oceania directly were advised that they should “seek the counsel of a professional travel agent.” One client was actually told by Oceania reservations, “you really need to be booking with an agent since we are going to be charging you the commission anyway.”. The smoking in the Jazzclub and other lounges was a negative but that was far outweighed by the positives. On formal nights, guests may dine in La Terrazza and choose to dress informally; dresses or pantsuits for ladies, jackets for gentlemen (tie optional). We overheard a lot of people just loving the glitz on the ship, we just aren’t glitz people. We stayed at the Hilton in Rio on Copa Cabana. Our review team has emphasized that, while not leading in several specific areas of service, the overall value combined with casual style and industry-leading inclusions, makes Regent an easy first choice option for consumers. Silversea has signed a memorandum of understanding for the two “Evolution-class” ships with shipbuilder Meyer Werft, with the first expected for delivery in 2022. In fact, the luxury segment seems to be in a constant state of upgrade in all areas including onboard services, food, and shore excursions. Also, a small thing, but after 6 weeks on the ship, at the most 6 staff would address us by name and none of the rest even asked us what our names were. It wasn’t just the plants, the Balinese lounges, what was it? Those guests seeking some of the best services at sea in a German-centric, European atmosphere, will announcements made in German, will find this a more formal way to experience cruise excellence. Plus, Silversea’s Enrichment Programis another prime source of entertainment, filling your days and nights with unique lectures from world experts. Many of the mass market lines are using flash-frozen foodstuffs such as shore-side prepared frozen submarine sandwich loaves and low-quality hamburgers and hot dogs. GENTING IS INVOLVED IN A MAJOR FINANCIAL RESTRUCTURING OF THE GROUP. It is still considered an extremely low-density ship. But for those who enjoy the small details associated with luxury cruising, in a decidedly European environment, the Europa’s rather strong worldwide itineraries might be worthy of consideration. Silver Cloud – The Grill, The Restaurant, La Terrazza and la Dame, Silver Explorer – The Grill, The Restaurant, Silver Galapagos – The Grill, The Restaurant, Silver Wind – The Grill, The Restaurant, La Terrazza and la Dame, Silver Shadow – The Grill, The Restaurant, La Terrazza and la Dame, Silver Whisper – The Grill, The Restaurant, La Terrazza and la Dame, Silver Spirit – The Grill, La Terrazza, la Dame, Spaccanapoli , Atlantide , Seishin, Indochine, Silver Note. OVERALL IMPRESSIONS OF THIS LINE COMPARED TO OTHERS YOU HAVE SAILED: This was our third Regent voyage. The staff makes little effort to address guests by name. Getting loaded on the buses was also terrible.
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