Crystal Symphony

The tried-and-true Crystal Symphony is one of the world’s grandest cruise ships – a true experience on the water that has traveled to some of the most remote and exclusive destinations.

The ship debuted in 1995 and, 11 years later, was retrofitted with $23 million worth of improvements. In 2012, the Symphony went through yet another makeover to update its features and appearance.

Since first setting sail, the Symphony’s luxuriousness – of large staterooms, top-tier dining, and high-end boutiques – has seen the shores and stunning landscapes of the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Mediterranean, the British Isles, the Baltic Region, the Arctic Circle, the Panama Canal, and the Black Sea.

Rooms and Accommodations

The Crystal Symphony centers around the two-story Crystal Plaza Lobby. Look up into the gorgeous atrium, or lounge around to hear some music in the piano bar. This location’s also the spot of Avenue of the Stars – essentially the ship’s shopping district with stores for Facets luxury jewelry, Apropos, and the Crystal Collection.

Above the public areas are 461 total staterooms: standard Deluxe rooms with and without verandahs and various Penthouse rooms with verandahs.

The basic accommodations, or what you’ll find in the Deluxe rooms, present a comfortable experience. You’ll have the opportunity to dine any time in your room, while at night, 100-percent Egyptian cotton sheets let you sleep in luxury. For any moment you want to rest, a spacious sitting area and flat screen televisions with audio, MP3, and Blu-Ray players present the personal entertainment experience you want.

Bathrooms, too, come equipped with high-quality essentials. Hairdryers and Aveda bath products enhance a space including a shower, double sink, makeup and shaving mirror, and even a telephone.

Penthouse rooms start here but literally and figuratively go above and beyond. Although accommodations vary, the various tiers open the doors to utmost luxury with personal butler service, complimentary beer and wine, a walk-in closet, a Jacuzzi bathtub, a separate shower, shoe shining, free email, afternoon canapés and tea, hors d’oeuvre service, and ‘round the clock service from specialty restaurants.

Dining

Most travelers will have at least one meal in the Crystal Dining Room. This expansive space is where you’ll get to savor modern and traditional cuisine, various international foods, and wine from the cruise line’s world renowned list.

But Crystal emphasizes specialty dining, and for every taste and experience, there’s an option on board. Those seeking culinary adventure should head over to Silk Road and The Sushi Bar, master chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s restaurant. For classic consistency, there’s Prego, the ship’s Italian eatery, and The Vintage Room, a “boardroom” with a wine cellar for pairings.

On the casual end of things, cruisers can take their time at breakfast or lunch in the Lido Café, a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, or grab a quick bite at the Trident Grill, a spot for hamburgers and sandwiches. If you want to be adventurous without the fancy atmosphere, stop by The Bistro, a café with international coffee, wine, cheeses, and desserts.

Along with all specialty and standard options, the Symphony features an ice cream and yogurt bar and offers an indoor and outdoor seating area for poolside dining.

Fitness

No matter if you’re planning a long walk or to scale the highest peaks once you arrive in the next port, the Crystal Spa, Salon and Fitness center is where you prepare – by exercising, relaxing, or rejuvenating.

Crystal had the facility designed with Feng Shui in mind, but once you’re in, you have access to equipment, personal instructors, a weight room, pilates and yoga sessions, and high and low impact classes. For something less intense, try a game at the paddle tennis court or a brisk jog around the Promenade deck.

When you need to cool down, the relaxation area and treatment rooms are the spot for doing so. If you’re looking to feel even more refreshed, why not start rejuvenation in the dry sauna or steam room, get a new hair style, or request a manicure or pedicure? All services and more are on the Spa & Salon’s menu.

Entertainment

Whatever interests you, Crystal has an entertainment solution. A casino, with standard games and a classic, grand appearance, beckons those who get excitement out of trying their luck. Others, however, seek out enrichment with a Computer University @ Sea class.

Evenings are the perfect time to check out a performance in the Galaxy Lounge Showroom, where Broadway-style shows and other grand productions get put on in a venue with quality acoustics. Or spend a night at the movies in the Hollywood Theatre, where you’ll get to watch first-run movies with Dolby surround sound.

If you’re the type to stay out, the Crystal Symphony is perfect for this type of night owl – just pick which venue suits your personality. Dance and watch cabaret performances at the Starlite Club, sip a cocktail at the Avenue Salon piano bar, relax at cigar bar the Connoisseur Club, or get the standard club experience at Luxe Nightclub.

Children and teens, too, can find things to do. Drop them off at the Fantasia Children’s Center or the Waves teen court for various age-appropriate activities.

For the ultimate cruise experience, book a trip on the Crystal Symphony. As the itineraries change per year, check out the latest offerings through Direct Line Cruises.