Crystal Serenity

Since setting sail in 2003, the Crystal Serenity gained a reputation as the world’s best cruise ship – with high awards from Conde Nast Traveler and other notable publications supporting this assertion.

A casual yet cultured feel, one inspired by Southern California, pervades the ship built for 1,070 passengers. Recent $17 million upgrades – part of a $52 million total refurbishment over two years – added additional features and accommodations – such as a chef’s herb garden.

Since debuting, the Crystal Serenity has touched down in cities and remote destinations across the globe. Itineraries have included northern Europe, the Mediterranean, transatlantic and world cruises, Alaska, the Caribbean and Panama Canal, and the Mexican Riviera.

Staterooms

Even the standard accommodations aim high – and reach these notes. A crisp, clean feel characterizes Verandah staterooms, decorated in a combination of brown and cream with velvet, leather, silk, and linen. Deluxe staterooms enhance this with large windows providing optimal views.

Certain travelers may want to try the Pure® Rooms, which are allergy-friendly Deluxe staterooms.

The crowning jewel, to speak, is the 35 Penthouse Suites – the ultimate luxurious cruise experience. When having these created, Crystal strived to blend Hollywood glamour with Fifth Avenue elegance. The result is both comfortable and contemporary.

You’ll notice this facet with beds, designed with floor to ceiling headboards, covered with 100-percent Egyptian cotton linens and duvets. The 1,345 total square feet for each room is essentially a living space, with a table for dining, a den and media room, a sleeper sofa, a private workout room, a master bed and bath, a pantry, and a guest and powder room – ideal for a family taking a trip.

Technology defines your experience, with Bose VideoWave III Flat Screen televisions, surround sound audio, and iPod docks. Beyond just entertainment, details matter, and even in the bathroom, you’ll find heated floors, a walk-in glass shower, a TV in the vanity mirror, and a Duravit spa flotation tub, all to an Italian mosaic backdrop, in the bathroom.

Dining

Just like Crystal aims for the highest level of luxury with its staterooms, dining encompasses expansive choices.

The Trident Grill features an open seating plan, with a light, airy feel by a courtyard, while for the more adventurous, there’s Silk Road, the restaurant from chef Nobuyuki Matsubisa. The newly-designed Lido Café and Tastes Bar & Restaurant offer more casual fare, with an open kitchen making cooked to order meals.

There’s always something to explore or try. You can stay familiar, at least in terms of desserts, with Scoops Ice Cream, or delve into many European delicacies at the Bistro and café, where you’ll have the opportunity to try pate, charcuterie, cheeses, desserts, coffee drinks, and premium wines.

Entertainment and Enrichment

During the day as you’re onboard, the Crystal Serenity presents chances for relaxing, rejuvenating, and revitalizing your style. Shop in the boutiques for Dior fashion, Apropos, and Facets fine jewelry. Afterward, get expert beauty treatments at the Crystal Spa, or lounge by the Seahorse Pool and Deck – now designed in new colors. For something more rigorous, take a yoga or pilates class at the Fitness Center.

The Crystal Serenity is all about having new experiences – and that’s not just in port. On board the ship, you’ll have the opportunity to try digital filmmaking at the Creative Learning Institute, or improve your golf game at the complimentary PGA pros clinic. Computer University@Sea offers computer classes and an open lab to explore on your own time – with 40 27-inch iMacs available.

At night, consider your passions, as there’s excitement for every variety. Try your luck at the casino – with a gorgeous chandelier overhead, or for something more intimate, there’s Avenue Salon, a piano bar with a 19th century gentlemen’s club feel, or the Starlite Club, with cabaret performances and dancing. For something traditional, the Galaxy Lounge Showroom centers around performances enhanced by a quality speaker system, or the Hollywood Theater, with Dolby surround sound.

Kids and teens can still find things to do, too. The Waves hangout offers age-appropriate activities, all with beanbag chairs, a Wii, PlayStation, Xbox, and widescreen TVs.

It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience onboard the Crystal Serenity. To see it for yourself, browse the upcoming itineraries and book your trip through Direct Line Cruises.