Crystal is 95% back. Still need to provide more amenities (umbrellas on deck 12 outside dining, towels on back decks, cushions on chaise on back deck.) These are minor compared to the annoying inconveniences, bad food, poor service on our recent Seabourne and Regent cruises.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
A&K has kept the food variety and quality nearly as great as the old Crystal. There were some issues with wait times in Waterside early on and evidence of short staffing, but overall service and food was far superior to any Seabourne and Regent we've been on. Wouldn't take either of those again unless trying to get someplace no one else was going when i wanted to go (i.e. USA to Sydney)
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Saw a couple of good movies, walked out of several bad ones. Had one great comedian and one lame comedian. Don't care for floor shows so didn't see any. Speakers were generally entertaining and knowledgeable (didn't hear anything i couldn't look up on google if i was curious).
Entertainment
3 out of 5
See Activities comments
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Better than any other cruise line i've been on (over 50 cruises on several cruise lines). Staff looks for ways to serve you when not overwhelmed with demand.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
This is an older ship but well maintained. There were evidence of rust in many areas on the outside decks. We didn't like the Saloon layout (doesn't promote meeting people) and the Bistro is walled off from the atrium, which closes it in. On the Symphony it used to be open to the courtyard and activities going on. Felt more like a "town center' rather than a college cafeteria.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Everything was excellent. HVAC was unbalanced but other than that no issues.
Ship tip
Be aware smaller rooms have reduce closet space and storage is minimal. Old design was much more travel friendly. Get upgraded room (Aquamarine or Sapphire) if you can afford it. Single travelers would enjoy smaller oceanview room.
Just back from 9 nights on Crystal Serenity. Barbados Nov 18 to Fort Lauderdale Nov 27.
Absolutely #1 for staff.
Food was all outstanding as we were told.
We cruised 650 Sq ft Junior Suite #8001 with 160 sq ft balcony. Worth the price.
We were less enthralled with new design work and windowless restaurants, but still worth getting on this ship. Staff is all that good.
Good news. Just got home after Canada/New England cruise and the rear decks have been stocked with umbrellas and towels again. Our experience was great - the usual Crystal product, but it did appear that there were some logistics problems with the itinerary. Lots of changes to the detriment of time off the ship. (Both before and during the cruise)
Thanks for your review. Strange to me that you didn’t seem interested in the itinerary at all but we all like different things about cruises, so if it was all about the ship for you then I’m glad you really enjoyed that part.
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