7 Night British Virgin Islands & Saint Barts Yachting Escape (St. Martin Roundtrip)
Sail date: December 02, 2018
Ship:
Crystal Esprit Retired 963 17
Cabin type: Suite
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 5 years ago
Review summary
This cruise far exceeded our expectations. When we were told we would not be going to the same islands as were listed in the itinerary when we booked the trip, we contemplated canceling the trip. We're glad we didn't. Crystal really worked hard to make the trip fun, and it worked for us. We had such a good time that we have already booked another trip on the Espirit for 2020.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
I only gave a 4 here, because we had set up our transfer from the airport prior to arrival. We saw the people from Crystal waiting at the arrivals section, checked in with them and were taken to a taxi. When we arrived at the ship the taxi driver expected to get paid, and we had been told we had complimentary transfer. It was eventually sorted out, but there was certainly some mis-communication there on Crystal's part.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Everything was superb. How can you complain about Wagyu beef, venison tenderloin and king crab legs? Kate Mary made a mean Manhattan at the Cove, and Larissa kept us supplied with drinks during the day and wine during dinner.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Not a whole lot to do on the ship, but we did not expect a lot, given that it is just a big yacht. The fitness center was very nice for a small boat, although I was too busy eating and drinking to use it. They could add some activities such as trivia contests.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Wasn't expecting much on a small ship, but Craig was amazing. He must know 500 songs, and plays piano, flute, sax and guitar, and all of them quite well. He was very entertaining, and when Captain Jan played bass along with him, that was really special. Entertainment was a highlight of the trip.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
From the minute we stepped on the ship until we stepped off, we were treated like royalty. Our Butler, Nathanial, made sure that everything we desired was provided. For example, my wife needed some nail polish remover and he found some from a crew member. Kath and Juvi kept our room spotless at all times. Joel and Larissa were always checking to see if we needed something to eat or drink. Koralia, Blerta and Mil were wonderful in the dining rooms, but we must admit that Tyron was our personal favorite. The chocolate chip cookies he had delivered to our room may play a part in that, but he was wonderful. My wife had a massage onboard and said the young woman was delightful. And Louisa did such a good job of selling a future cruise that we booked one before we left the ship.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Again, everything was perfect. My travel party loved the heated toilet seats in the common restrooms, and we heard others remarking the same. The entire ship was spotless no matter the time of day.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Room was great. How often do you have a double sink on a cruise ship? The shower was huge. We had a nice couch, although we never sat on it because we were either eating, drinking, on an excursion or sleeping.
Ship tip
Be aware that getting ashore can be a struggle if you are not in good physical condition. They use something they call the Zodiac, which is nothing but a motorized rubber raft. When it is rocking and rolling with the waves, some folks struggled to keep their footing.
Had a great time here on the ATV adventure. It was fun zipping around the island, and was very cool to stop by the airport and see a couple planes landing on that impossible runway. Best excursion of the trip.
I heard a lot of people complaining that this was a waste of time, but we had a good time. We did the jeep adventure (really a SUV), and drove around to a few beaches, had a drink here and there and just relaxed. A nice few hours.
I really don't remember what we did here. I remember we went to Moskito Island after this, and Moskito was great. Beautiful picnic on Crystal's private beach. Water was a little rough, but we had a nice time lounging on the beach.
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