Crystal Cruises

Now owned by the A&K Travel Group, which has Manfredi Lefebvre, former owner of Silversea as Co-Chairman, Crystal returned with their popular classic ocean cruise programme, operated on two ships which, although elderly, were built to a very high specification and have been looked after exceptionally well.

On the reimagined ocean ships you can enjoy Crystal's high standards across a whole variety of holiday styles, with a newly-reduced guest capacity meaning there is nearly one staff member per guest. With the best staff retention in the business, Crystal's personal service style is legendary. Right across the all-inclusive fleet the food is amazing, and the chefs have worked hard to introduce a range of unusual and exciting dishes alongside the classic menu.

Crystal Cruises' Outstanding Accommodation

Crystal Cruises has undergone extensive refurbishment which has seen the guest accommodation enlarged and the capacity drop from the former 848 guests on board Crystal Symphony and 980 guests on board Crystal Serenity, to 606 and 740 guests respectively.

Enhanced guest rooms feature elegant design, contemporary craftsmanship and spacious layouts and key mainstays include sumptuous bedding, a pillow menu, twice daily housekeeping, and complimentary wine, spirits and soft drinks from the well-stocked minibar. No matter which room you choose,all include a living area with sofa, daily-changed fresh fruit (on request), television, large walk-in shower, ship's tablet and docking station, security safe, hair dryer and hair iron.

We particularly like the newly created Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite that has quickly become one of our favourite accommodations at sea. At 646 square feet they feature a separate dining and living area and an expansive balcony.

Exceptional Dining on Crystal Cruises

If there's one stand-out area with Crystal, it's the dining. Outstanding speciality restaurants, innovative menus and fantastic casual options ensure unparalleled quality and choice. Many of the well-loved classic venues remain along with some new additions, and with both casual and fine-dining options,there is something for everyone.

Fantastic classic and innovative cuisine is served in the main restaurant, Waterside, as well as speciality options including Italian venue Osteria d'Ovidio, and Japanese-Peruvian fusion from Nobu Matsuhisa in Umi Uma, both of which you can enjoy one reservation in per voyage without charge. The latest culinary addition to both Crystal ships is Beefbar which showcases exciting dishes inspired by the global street food scene.

Enriching Crystal Cruises in 2026, 2027 and 2028

Global Crystal itineraries explore the Mediterranean, Baltic & Northern Europe, Caribbean, Canada & New England, Pacific Isles, Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, Alaska, and more. Crystal are planning two expedition cruise ships and two classic ships due by 2029, with the expedition ships to accommodate 220 guests, and classic ships approximately 650 passengers.

What's Included with Crystal Cruises?

A cruise on board Crystal is all-inclusive, with dining, gratuities, drinks and more included in your cruise fare. You can also expect a wide range of enrichment activities from their pickleball court to fantastic Broadway-style shows so you will enjoy fantastic choice on board. Crystal Serenity and Symphony enjoy a spacious design which means that extensive facilities are available - from excellent sport and fitness opportunities to a range of venues for seminars and workshops, buzzy bars and a fantastic area for children.

• All meals in all restaurants are included (except for The Vintage Room) as well as room service. For speciality restaurants Umi Uma and Osteria d'Ovidio, guests are allotted one complimentary reservation per voyage of up to 11 days
• There is an open bar policy throughout the ship with a superb selection of fine wines and premium spirits. For wine aficionados there is a specialist wine list at an additional charge
• Each voyage will include various talks and presentations as well as evening entertainment
• The expansive gym is free to use, and classes are free to attend. Personal training is an optional extra
• Internet access is free via the ship's WiFi
• In most ports a complimentary shuttle transfer is provided to take guests into the centre of town
• WiFi
• Onboard gratuities (tipping) are not required or expected

Our Crystal Cruises Insider Insight:

Crystal Cruises transformed the face of ultra-luxury cruising. So when Crystal Cruises closed its doors back in February 2022, it was for us the end of an era, as we had been working with the company right from the start in 1990. So we were beyond delighted when the ships and assets were acquired by the A&K Travel Group.

As one of the first to visit the new ships, we cast our critical eye over the Crystal vessels and we continue to like what we see, from the outstanding dining choices, delivered to such a high standard, and the impeccably charming service from the hand-picked crew - the key features of every Crystal product.