Our pre-conceptions of a transatlantic cruise were of long, laborious sea days with little to do but wait until land appeared in the distance. How wrong we were!

We joined our 8 night Big Band cruise aboard Crystal Serenity in Lisbon at a wonderfully smooth and very prompt embarkation process. Once on board we were offered champagne whilst we ate lunch on deck until our cabins were ready, by which point our luggage had also arrived and was waiting for us in our cabins.

We were to be staying in AA category staterooms with balconies which were absolutely lovely. The classic design and clean lines of the furnishings made the room feel very spacious and comfortable as well as providing every amenity we could need. The staterooms featured, TV and DVD player, minibar, shower over bath, twin sinks, and more storage than we knew what to do with! Not to mention the extra added touches such as frette linen bath robes, Egyptian cotton linen and the fantastic pillow menu.

Dining on board was divine, with a huge variety of places to eat, including the Crystal Dining room providing a full waiter service for breakfast, lunch and dinner with some of the friendliest and most entertaining staff at sea; Tastes, on deck for a more casual lunch and dinner as well as a late risers breakfast; the lido for buffet breakfast and lunches and Palm Court for an indulging afternoon tea. Serenity also features two speciality restaurants on board which require reservation prior to dining. The first is Prego, serving beautiful Italian cuisine; the second is Silk Road, offering spectacular Asian delights featuring speciality dishes from the internationally renowned master chef Nobu Matsuhisa. These restaurants are an absolute must to visit whilst on board as the food you will experience is superb.

Much to our delight we found that far from the long dull sea-days we had envisaged, we were never short of things to do, in fact we rather found ourselves with not enough time to do everything we wanted. From ballroom dancing in Palm Court, Spanish and Golf lessons, champagne tasting, films at the Hollywood Theatre and lectures throughout the day, we were always finding new experiences we wanted to try out. The Creative Learning Institute provides great opportunities to attempt a new skill such as a Berlitz language course or a Yamaha keyboard lesson. Not forgetting the chance to grab a DVD or book from the extensive library to enjoy in your stateroom, or perhaps just to relax by the pool on the beautiful Lido deck, or in the Crystal Spa. Crystal Cruises also provide a number of fascinating shore excursion programmes for each of their itineraries, bringing destinations to life with the help of experts and lecturers.

Evening entertainment was both lively and varied, with a number of different shows which were extremely well produced, as well as comedians, singers and dancers to ensure there was something for everyone. There are a number of bars on board appropriate for pre or post dinner cocktails such as the Crystal Cove and Avenue Saloon and after dinner dancing in Palm Court with the help of the Crystal band. Our cruise had a Big Band theme, so we took full advantage of the dancing lessons on offer each sea day to ensure we could take a spin on the dance floor in the evenings with the dance hosts in tow, whilst the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra played big band classics.

Although on board Serenity in a group, staying in rooms by ourselves gave us a surprising insight to how it would feel cruising as a single traveller. We were delighted to realise that there was indeed no place on the ship that we would have felt awkward or reluctant to enter on our own. All classes, dining rooms and public places were so open and welcoming that any single traveller would have felt completely at ease and amongst friends as the wonderful crew attend to every need you could have.

Crystal Serenity is an absolutely beautiful ship boasting a fantastic crew that never fail to make you feel special from the minute you step on board. From deck staff and cabin stewardesses to waiters and bar staff, the service you will receive is perfect. Every detail is attended to and every whim catered for. Perfect for couples, young and old, experience Crystal Serenity and you experience luxury.