crystal cruises europe 2023

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EUROPE &

The mediterranean, cradles of beauty & culture.

Perhaps no range of itineraries on Earth captures the romance of cruising like these voyages through the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Aegean and Black seas. Spend your days — and nights — immersed in magnificent scenery. Savor the tastes and traditions of a dozen cultures. Revel in landmark sights and uncover hidden secrets. Engage with antiquities in Athens and Ephesus, fresco-graze through Florence, compare vintages in Bordeaux and Porto. Café-hop in Monte Carlo, glide around Venice, dance till late in Ibiza. Life is yours to enjoy; this chapter of it doubly so.

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THE CRYSTAL DIFFERENCE THERE ARE MANY REASONS WHY CRYSTAL IS THE BEST AT SEA. OUTSTANDING EXPERIENCES, SERVICE, DINING, ONBOARD SPACE AND ENTERTAINMENT ARE JUST THE BEGINNING.

DESTINATION EXPERIENCES

As part of the A&K Travel Group family, our destination experiences are curated by Abercrombie & Kent. Being part of this fantastic travel group means that we are now exceptional on land as well as at sea.

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

Crystal is renowned as an industry leader when it comes to quality service, with butler service for every suite. We are proud to say that almost 80% of the previous on-board team are returning.

SPACIOUS SOCIAL AREAS

Our two beautifully refurbished ships Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony’s offer enhanced suite sizes with reduced guest capacity, meaning you can enjoy more space onboard.

GASTRONOMIC EXCELLENCE

From the Captain’s Happy Hour to intimate dining in the Vintage Room to the only Nobu restaurant at sea, our onboard dining experiences are some of the best at sea.

OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINMENT

Whether you’re looking for Broadway-style evening shows, the latest Hollywood release, classes, lectures, or day-time activities our onboard entertainment is one of the best at sea.

Together, let’s make it happen.

Are you ready to become exceptional at sea? Start your travel adventures with Crystal today.

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SUITE DREAMS UPGRADE OFFER

We are delighted to announce our latest offer. For a limited time only, based on availability, you’ll receive an exclusive complimentary suite upgrade on new reservations for 2024 Crystal voyages booked before March 31, 2024. Additionally, guests who take advantage of this offer will benefit from included garment care and dry-cleaning services in all categories.

By confirming a new reservation, you will be upgraded, free of charge, up to three suite categories. Guests booking an Aquamarine Veranda Suite will be upgraded to a Sapphire Veranda Suite , while those booking a Double Guest Room with Veranda will receive a complimentary upgrade to an Aquamarine Veranda Suite . Book your voyage by March 31, 2024, to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity.

THE MEDITERRANEAN EDIT

2024/2025 VOYAGES

EXCURSION HIGHLIGHTS FOR EUROPE & THE MEDITERRANEAN

The Secrets of Greek Cuisine

The Best of Florence & Pisa

Panoramic Coastal Drive to Esterel Mountains & Saint Raphael

Europe & the mediterranean cruises.

Crystal Symphony

WITH ELEGANT LINES AND SWEEPING OCEAN VIEWS, OUR INTIMATE SHIP HOUSES EXPANSIVE SUITES AND GUEST ROOMS, ALONGSIDE A WORLD-CLASS CHOICE OF DINING, WELLNESS AND ENTERTAINMENT.

guest capacity

refurbished in

guest to space ratio

Crystal Serenity

WITH AN INDUSTRY-LEADING SPACE TO GUEST RATIO ACROSS AN ARRAY OF SOCIAL AREAS, CRYSTAL SERENITY OFFERS THE UTMOST COMFORT, QUALITY, PERSONALIZATION AND CHOICE.

Crystal Stories

INTERVIEW WITH EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, A&K TRAVEL GROUP, MANFREDI LEFEBVRE D'OVIDIO

MEET THE GUESTS: ANNE MARIE AND KEITH STEINER

As we get closer to our return to service under new ownership, we want to introduce some of our most valued guests and share why they are excited to be sailing with Crystal again.

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© 2024 CRYSTAL CRUISES LTD

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Crystal Cruises Launches New Itineraries for 2023

“Always with an eye to offering our guests multiple choices, we intentionally planned voyages that explore travelers’ favorite places outside the traditional seasons, as this allows them to glean a different perspective on the destinations and their cultures and seasonal traditions,” says Carmen Roig, Crystal’s senior vice president of marketing and sales. “Voyage durations have also been planned with guests’ calendars in mind, from convenient, 6-night options to elaborate 2-week-plus options, and everything in between. Like every part of the Crystal Experience, selecting and planning a voyage should perfectly suit each traveler’s needs.”

• Southeast Asia and India , with six-, seven-, eight- and nine-night sailings visiting Chennai, Goa and Mumbai, India; Yangon, Myanmar; Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, Vietnam; Ko Samui, Phuket and Bangkok, Thailand; Singapore, maiden call Kampot (Cambodia); Port Klang and Penang, Malaysia; and Colombo, Sri Lanka and others offered January through March; longer 13- and 15-night sailings offered in November.
• The Middle East, Holy Land and Egypt, with March and April sailings of six, eight, nine and 11 nights and seven-, 10- and 13-night options in October exploring Aqaba, Jordan; Manama, Bahrain; Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island and Khor Fakkan, as well as Kuwait City, Kuwait; Doha, Qatar; Salalah and Muscat, Oman; Ashdod and Eilat, Israel; and Safaga, Sharm el Sheikh and Sokhna, Egypt.
• The Mediterranean, with a 12-night April Black Sea exploration throughout Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Greece and Italy; and seven-, nine- and 11-night May and June voyages along the Dalmatian Coast, Mediterranean and Western Europe, including Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Morocco and more. The ship returns to the region in September and October for fall itineraries of seven and 10 nights.

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Crystal Cruises Review — Ships, Destinations, Dining, and More

Katie Seemann

Senior Content Contributor and News Editor

336 Published Articles 41 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 28 U.S. States Visited: 29

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles 3062 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

Director of Operations & Compliance

1 Published Article 1166 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 10 U.S. States Visited: 20

Basic Information

Crystal cruises ocean ships, crystal cruises river ships, crystal cruises yacht, crystal cruises expedition ship, departure ports, private ships/islands, complimentary dining, specialty restaurants, bars and beverages, crystal ocean cruises, crystal river cruises, crystal yacht cruises, crystal expedition cruises, crystal society, final thoughts.

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Crystal Cruises has been offering luxury cruise vacations since 1990. This all-inclusive cruise line doesn’t have a large fleet, but what they do have focuses on total luxury and intimate, small ship sailings.

With Crystal Cruises you won’t find mega-ships like Royal Caribbean or discount party ships like Carnival . What you will find are luxury ocean and river ships along with a yacht and an expedition ship.

Let’s explore what makes Crystal Cruises a unique experience.

Name: Crystal Ltd.

Parent Company: Genting Hong Kong

Number of Ships: 8

Destinations: 800+

Loyalty Program: Crystal Society

Credit Card: None

Crystal Cruises operates 2 ocean ships, 4 river ships, 1 yacht, and 1 expedition ship.

• Crystal Serenity
• Crystal Symphony
• Crystal Bach
• Crystal Debussy
• Crystal Mahler
• Crystal Ravel
• Crystal Esprit
• Crystal Endeavor

Crystal Cruises sails to over 800 destinations on all 7 continents from 84 departure ports.

Crystal Cruises does not have a private island or port.

Onboard Activities

Here are some of the activities you may experience on a Crystal Cruises ship (not all activities are available on every ship).

• 360 Degree promenade deck
• Afternoon tea
• Computer University@Sea
• Crystal Life Sauna
• Crystal Life Spa & Salon
• Fitness center
• Golf driving nets
• Junior activities program (seasonal)
• Paddle tennis courts
• Personal training
• Photography workshops
• Resorts World at Sea Casino

You’ll be able to find the dress code for your ocean or expedition voyage, either Crystal Casual or black tie optional, for each day at sea in your Personal Cruise Calendar.

Crystal River Ships Dress Code

• Comfortable and casual attire is appropriate during the day, however, swimsuits, cover-ups, and baseball hats are not permitted in the dining rooms.
• Crystal Casual attire is appropriate for evenings on board. This is a slightly dressed up version of daytime wear.

Crystal Esprit (Yacht) Dress Code

• Tasteful swimwear, sandals, shorts, casual short sleeves, and cover-ups are appropriate during the day.
• Stylish resort wear should be worn for nights on board. This includes capri pants, blouses, sundresses, and sandals for women. Men should wear khakis, Bermuda shorts, short-sleeve button-down shirts, or golf shirts.

Hot Tip: Be prepared for your cruise’s action-packed days and fun-filled nights — check out our printable cruise packing list!

Dining and Beverages

Dining is a little different on Crystal Cruises because everything is included . There are 3 specialty restaurants across the fleet and each guest is entitled to dine at each of these once or twice per cruise (depending on cruise length) at no extra cost. All beverages in the restaurants, including alcohol, are included as well.

Look out for these restaurants on your next cruise; not all locations are available on every ship.

• 24-hour room service
• Bistro Bach
• Bistro Debussy
• Bistro Endeavor
• Bistro Mahler
• Bistro Ravel
• Churrascaria
• Marketplace
• Scoops Ice Cream Bar
• Silk Kitchen & Bar
• Sunset Grill
• The Vintage Room*
• Trident Grill
• Umi Uma & Sushi Bar*

*Denotes a specialty restaurant that requires reservations.

All locations with the exception of specialty restaurants Umi Uma, Prego, and The Vintage Room have open seating. That means you can dine anytime (usually between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. for dinner) you wish without reservations.

Umi Uma & Sushi Bar, Prego, and The Vintage Room are considered specialty restaurants and require reservations. You can dine at each of the specialty restaurants once per cruise for free. Each additional reservation you make at a specialty restaurant will incur a $30 per person fee.

For any cruise that is 14 days or longer, each guest is allowed 2 complimentary visits to each specialty restaurant before the $30 fee is charged. The Vintage Room wine pairing dining experience is also subject to additional charges.

All beverages are included on your Crystal cruise. Wine, Champagne, premium spirits, and specialty coffees? Yes, they’re all included!

Look out for these bars and lounges on your next cruise; not all locations are available on every ship.

• Avenue Saloon
• Connoisseur Club
• Crystal Cove
• Galaxy Lounge
• Starlite Club

Bottom Line: Crystal Cruises goes the all-inclusive route. Beverages (including wines, Champagne, and specialty coffees), specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are all included.

Accommodations

No matter which room type you choose or what type of ship you’re sailing on, you’ll find luxury accommodations across the Crystal Cruises fleet.

Every stateroom on a Crystal ocean cruise comes with standard amenities including:

• Sitting area
• Double-vanity bathroom
• Full bathtub/shower
• Bathrobes, kimonos, and slippers for onboard use
• Luxury bath products
• Twice-daily housekeeping
• Evening turndown service

Here are some of the highlights:

The Seabreeze Penthouse with Verandah features butler service, a walk-in closet, private verandah, in-suite tea or cocktails, plus canapés and dining from specialty restaurants Umi Uma and Prego.

For the ultimate in luxury, choose the Crystal Penthouse with Verandah. This amazing room features over 1,300 square feet of living space. You’ll find a separate living and dining area featuring a custom entertainment center. The master bathroom includes a Jacuzzi tub, flat-screen TV, heated floor, and bidet. There’s also a guest bathroom with a shower.

Sailing on a river cruise is so different than a more traditional ocean cruise. Crystal river cruises are a great way to travel if you’re looking for luxury because every room on each river ship is a suite!

The “basic” room on a Crystal river cruise is anything but basic. The Petite Suite with Panoramic Balcony-Window features a king-size bed with Egyptian cotton linens, glass shower with 2 shower heads, single vanity with halo-lit mirror, and a huge panoramic window so you won’t miss the spectacular views.

The Two-Bedroom Crystal Suite with Panoramic Balcony-Window sleeps up to 5 guests and comes with butler service. This elegant room features 2 bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, a fireplace with ambient lighting, a separate dining area, and an extra powder room.

Cruising on a yacht is a special treat. Crystal Cruise’s yacht, Crystal Esprit, accommodates only 62 guests, so you’ll enjoy personalized service along with deluxe accommodations.

The Yacht Suite features a king-size bed, bed-side iPads, and large picture window. The bathroom has a glass-enclosed shower, double sink, and a natural stone floor. Personalized butler service and twice-daily housekeeping will round out your luxurious experience.

The 500+ square foot Owner’s Suite features a living area with sofa and chairs, flat-screen TV, and dining table. The bathroom includes a glass-enclosed rain shower and double vanity with a backlit mirror and integrated TV.

On the Crystal Endeavor Expedition ship, all rooms are suites and every suite has a private verandah.

The Penthouse Suite with Verandah features a king-size bed, living area, and a heated storage closet for expedition gear. The bathroom features a glass-enclosed shower with dual shower heads, double vanity, and a separate water closet.

For even more space and luxury, check out the Expedition Suite with Verandah. This expansive suite features 2 bedrooms in over 1,200 square feet of space. Each bedroom features a king-size bed, bedside iPads, and interactive TVs. Each bedroom has an en suite bathroom with dual sinks, heated floors, Jacuzzis, and separate water closets.

The Crystal Society is Crystal Cruise’s loyalty program. It’s free to join , and you’ll be automatically enrolled after you complete your first full-revenue cruise. As a member, you’ll receive special offers, upgrades, onboard credits, special events, and savings on future cruises.

Every member receives benefits including:

• 2.5% savings on all voyages
• 2.5% onboard booking savings when you book your next cruise on board
• Exclusive onboard cocktail party

Plus, you’ll earn cruise credits each time you sail. Each time you hit a new milestone, you’ll be eligible for even more benefits like unlimited free reservations at specialty restaurants, credits towards future sailings, and recognition pins.

Hot Tip: Not sure which credit card to use to get the most bang for your cruise buck? Check out our guide to the best credit cards to book cruises for some guidance.

Crystal Cruises is a luxury cruise line offering ocean, river, yacht, and expedition cruises. Each of its 8 ships is designed for the luxury traveler and includes elegant accommodations and exquisite cuisine.

On Crystal Cruises, everything is included. You won’t pay extra for specialty restaurants, beverages, gratuities, or Wi-Fi.

If you’re looking for mega-ships with endless activities, check out other lines like Disney Cruises , Norwegian , or Princess. However, if you prefer smaller ships or the intimacy of a river or yacht cruise, Crystal Cruises has a lot to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a crystal cruise all-inclusive.

Yes, Crystal Cruises is an all-inclusive line. You won’t have to pay extra for beverages like wine, Champagne, spirits, or specialty coffees. The specialty restaurants are included as is Wi-Fi, room service, and gratuities.

Do Crystal Cruises include excursions in the price?

If you’re sailing on Crystal Cruises’ yacht, Crystal Esprit, Crystal Cruises’ Expedition ship, Crystal Endeavor, or a Crystal Cruises river ship, some shore excursions are included. However, if you’re sailing on a Crystal Cruises ocean ship, shore excursions will come with an additional charge.

Are children allowed on Crystal Cruise ships?

Yes, children aged 6 months and older are welcome on any Crystal Cruises ship with a few exceptions. When traveling on the Crystal Esprit, children younger than 7 are not allowed on the Zodiacs. Some ports require Zodiac transportation to disembark the yacht, so young children would have to stay on board with an adult in those situations. Children under 6 years old are not allowed on Crystal Endeavor expeditions to the Arctic or Antarctic.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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Crystal Cruises cruise May 2023

Cruise to the spectacular Northern Europe with Crystal Cruises in May 2023.  From the British Isles to incredible Northern Lights and the magnificent Norwegian fjords and Scandinavia, via the Baltic States and Russia, cruising becomes a unique experience, sailing past enchanted castles and glaciers under the midnight sun, between some of the most fascinating cities in the world. Cruise all the way to the mythical Cape North, separated from the North Pole only by the Svalbard Islands, in the Arctic Sea. Experience all Europe has to offer with Crystal Cruises in May 2023 with destinations to Norway Fjords, Baltic Sea, Scandinavia and more on Northern Europe Cruises. Easily find and compare all Crystal Cruises cruises in May 2023.

Find and plan your next Crystal Cruises cruise in May 2023

Please note that port orders, dates, and itinerary details, including content, are subject to change. Verify specific details for your chosen sailing date on the Crystal Cruises website.

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