Crystal Symphony Cruise Reviews - Reviews

Don't know why all these faces popped up.  Not my intent.

Cruise was too short but that was my choice.  The positive attitude of the crew is infectious and that gives me a positive outlook. Its is a breath of fresh air to be around people who do their job in a professional way and are always smiling.

If there were more departures/arrivals from Los Angeles I would take them.

Hollan American boat was at the same port as Crystal. Holland America used the same land tour operators, but Crystal charges the passenger 2 x the fee. Same itinerary, same bus, same driver, same local guide. Tell them the customers for both boats sit in the same plane on the way home, and we talked!!!

The staff is very friendly and helpful.

Having been on 25+ cruise ships, this is the creme de la creme

The ship is in excellent shape. Crew and staff were all very pleasant.

Upon first seeing our stateroom I felt trapped to have to be on this cruise for 12 days.Way too small for me to luxuriate in on my vacation-had more room on Celebrity.However, the linens, bed comfort , stewardess superb!Entire all inclusive journey was fabulous-overall service and graciousness top of pinnacle. Shore excursions on this Iberian Journey below expectations.Far superb on Mediterranean cruise with Celebrity, but maybe due to the area. Excursion places, which we paid top dollar for were very below class, lessening my entire experience and left me with mostly unmemorable journey.Compared to the arrangements on Celebrity in ports, for tours and lunches this was sub par. We would look for a casual clothing cruise next time to alleviate carrying so much luggage-too dressy.

We chose Crystal for our first cruise on the recommendation of accompanying friends. Boy, are we glad we did. With the exception of their difficult website, all other details were meticulously perfect. From check-in to check-out, our every need and wish were accommodated. Our penthouse stateroom was spacious, well furnished, and restocked daily. The jetted tub was refreshing each night. The two sinks made getting ready for the day and evening easy. Our balcony was heavenly to sit on and just contemplate the majesty of the sea. The butler adjusted his schedule to ours and fixed us pre-dinner drinks each evening at 5:30. The stewardess never knocked on our door, she seemed to know when we we away and cleaned then. Food was gourmet, even breakfast; creme brulee french toast! Lunch was better, and evening dining was scrumptous. Evening entertainment was tasteful, professional, and enjoyable. We retired later than usual because we didn't want to miss anything. The spa was great, providing us with massages and facials. Exercise classes were cramped, due to lack of space. But, the staff made the most of what space we had. I learned new fitness tips and worked hard under the tutelage of the fitness instructors. I cannot say enough good about Crystal Cruises and Crystal Symphony. The ship was stable even in rough seas; only the pool showed we were rocking. We recommend Crystal to everyone we can. Should we cruise again, we shall choose Crystal again.

I don't know how they did it but every staff member remembered our names [my wife & I]. The food was EXCELLENT. I CAN'T THINK OF [1] NEGATIVE THING ABOUT THIS SHIP!!!!!

Very nice accommodations, excellent quality and variety of food and very friendly, courteous and attentive staff throughout the ship.

An amazing ship, customer favorite

From the moment I was called"Madame" for the first time I knew I was in for the time of my life and I was not disappointed. I was treated like royalty but never felt over spoiled. The staff were so attentive and knew all of my preferences by the end of the first day. As soon as I set foot out of my cabin and made eye contact with a crew member I was offered a drink of my choice. A woman at my dinner table does not eat food with wheat gluten and the head waiter never failed to address this nutritional need in a satisfactory way by having the kitchen bake gluten free bread for her and ensure that her entrees were entirely gluten free. The food was spectacular and the plating was some of the loveliest and most creative presentation I have ever seen. I did not taste anything that was less than 6 stars. I found that there was so much food that I could only eat breakfast and dinner and maybe attend teatime. Adding lunch just was too much food. I highly recommend the Mozart Tea as the staff dresses in Mozart era dress and serves a sumptuous high tea. For friends of Bill W. we met once a day and that was great and kept me coming back. Look in your ship's daily reflections newsletter once on board for meeting times and locations. I've only been home for 2 days and I am trying to plan my next Crystal Symphony Cruise!

Excellent trip and relaxing; great sightseeing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was our second cruise, and our second with Crystal. The food was great, the service was memorable. The ships activities were varied and entertainning, and the Jr. Activity Directors took great care of my son.

We celebrated our 25th anniversary to the Mediterranian. It was our 7th cruise but first on crystal. (NCL, Royal C, Celebrity, Princess) They knew our names from the first day on. The two alternative restaurants (asian and italian) were simply marvelous. The room attendent was attentive and I loved all the aveda products...no need to bring any toiletries. The food was amazing and we are are truly fussy gourmet eaters! The table we were assigned were the loveliest people all celebrating their anniversaries so they do a good job pairing people up. We are in our mid 40's and were worried there would be too many older people...there was an older clientele but we gravitated toward the younger cruisers and they were all interesting and enjoyable. Nothing will stack up to Crystal and it was worth every penny. The downside is it takes alot of pennies to travel on Crystal. We usually travel with our daughters (late teens and 20's)and this was one we went on by ourselves. A good thing. There were only a smattering of anyone younger than 30 and I think they would have felt there was not alot to do onboard with people their own age. I liked that it is a smaller ship with a big feel. We had an oceanview room and opted out of the balcony. It was fine altough our fellow cruisers loved to hear the water at night. I've had balconies in the carribean and felt that we could do without so it is a preference. Since this was a 10 day cruise and we stopped in alot of ports I would have liked an additional day at sea in the middle....not so on other ships... but they took care of you so well it would have been great for a break in the middle of the cruise on such a beautiful ship. We didn't get to see too many shows...the casino was our hot spot at night. Lovely and relaxing.

Crystal is the best cruise line I have sailed on. I have been on Princess and Royal Carribean and both were wonderful. However, Chrystal is a step above.

Embarkation was smooth and quiet, no lines or confusion, people were there to help us, not ignore us, with information given freely and kindly. The food was 6-star and even though I wasn't hungry sometimes, I found myself ordering everything...AND ATE EVERY BIT! Service was impeccable, I never saw so many maitre d's working. Passengers took pride in their appearances, dressing up day and night.A clean, sparkling ship, with a Captain who was available to talk to. Entertainment was excellent. Not many children, no drunks or rowdy, obnoxious people were on board, didn't see any tattoos, blue jeans, tank tops, or ugly belly buttons sticking out..... Very good ballroom dancing areas, good music. NO DISCO dancing, ( YEA!)We are in our 60's, retired, and can afford the time and money to cruise elegantly. We are old-fashioned, we know, but that's the way it is. Disembarkation was a pleasure, no rising at dawn and rushing around, we were free to leisurely breakfast in the dining room then stay in our cabin until time to go.

The experience on the Crystal Symphony cruise was disappointing. Upon boarding, there was chaos with staff seemingly indifferent and guests left to navigate on their own. Only a single staff member with champagne trays guided guests to check-in. Once in my room, my Butler, Miland, was absent for the rest of the trip. The food was subpar except for the last four days at the Waterside Restaurant. Breakfast and coffee were particularly disappointing, with guests advising to wait until off the ship for a decent cup. While the pool staff were accommodating, the bartenders struggled to make good cocktails, leading to many drinks being returned. My Butler was unresponsive, even when asked about city maps or room service. The concierge staff were similarly unhelpful, directing me back to the Butler who never responded. Excursions were disorganized and not worth the cost, causing frustration among guests. Many couples, myself included, vowed never to book with Crystal Cruises again. Recommendations were made for Regent Cruise, specifically Regent Grandeur, as a truly luxurious alternative. This experience was far from a 5-star rating, more fitting of a 3-star, and I will be exploring other cruise options in the future.

The onboard experience was just wonderful. There was so much great food and wine. We enjoyed having space wherever we went on the ship. The ports of call were all good choices with exception of Casablanca. We also had the opportunity for 3 days in Lisbon pre-cruise and 3 days in Barcelona post-cruise, which were both fantastic cities.

The cruise was the best cruise that I have ever been on, and the service on the ship was excellent, service was great, and the food was excellent.

We are on the World Cruise right now headed to Ft Lauderdale FL. As always the butler, service in the venues, food in dining room and cafe are wonderful!!! But there are now three Asian restaurants, which is not enough variety...we need German or Mexican or Irish Pub. The Italian is a fabulous break from the main diningroom. The new decor is now bkack, gray and white with glass and chrome -- which gives off a cold and unfriendly feeling. A far cry from the burgandy, na y and forest green with the cherry wood railings and trim that made it warm, comfortable and welcoming....more luxurious feeling. The entertainment is a lot of repeat shows although very good. Could use some new music...still same period of music just new songs. Enjoy the soft piano music as it invites conversation, but they have added some loud guitars which are not as much of a special feeling. So did not feel like coming home this time .... our with cruise.