Crystal Cruises offers a bit of a hybrid experience between high-end luxury and the premium market. The line was established in 1990 and is a subsidiary of the Japanese NYK (Nippon Yusen Kaisha), a venerable firm that dates back to 1885. NYK owns one of the largest container fleets, so Crystal is just a small part of the picture.
Fleet
The fleet has been recently trimmed by one ship, the oldestin the fleet, when the Crystal Harmony was transferred to the Japanese parentcompany NYK to become the Asuka II. The current ships are the 940-passengerCrystal Symphony (1995) and 1080-passenger Crystal Serenity (2003).
Itineraries
The two ships pretty much cruise the world including anaround the world cruise.
Dining and Decor
The food and service are top-of-the-line, and unusual for aluxury line, the main dining room hosts two sittings rather than one open sitting.But loyal Crystal passengers do not seem to mind, and they have two diningalternatives of an Italian or Asian restaurant with variable dining hours.
Programs
Crystal offers an excellent program of special interestlecturers on a wide variety of topics and theme cruises might involve wine andfood, golf or art. The line is attracting some families and children’s programsare provided when numbers warrant.
Onboard Experience
Most passengers are American, though some Europeans and evena few Japanese may be aboard. The atmosphere is sophisticated and the formalnights dressy indeed. Many of the crew stays with Crystal for years makinghappy reunions when regulars return to their favorite ships. The staff turnoveris one of the lowest in the industry.
Competitors
While many of Crystal’s clientele could afford Regent,Silversea or Seabourn, they choose the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenitybecause of their significantly larger size that provides big-showentertainment, more fellow passengers and additional services and publicspaces. However, a smaller percentage of cabins are suites compared to theaforementioned three lines.
