Built in Finland in 1995,
Crystal Symphony is a cruise liner operated by Crystal Cruises and registered in the Bahamas. She is essentially the twin of a ship built five years earlier that is now sailing for the parent company NYK as the
Asuka II. During her latest refit,
Crystal Symphony underwent a $13-million renewal of all soft furnishings and had numerous improvements made to many public areas. At 778 ft and measuring 51,044 tons, this ship cruises at a respectable 22 knots under the command of a Norwegian captain, Norwegian and Japanese officers, and a well-trained European and Filipino hotel staff of 545. Service is excellent and name recognition high amongst the many repeat passengers who come for a luxurious experience on a large, roomy ship with lots of facilities.
Crystal Cruises is owned by NYK, a large Japanese cargo container company with deep pockets. The Japanese connection is mostly limited to some menu choices, a handful of officers and perhaps a sprinkling of Japanese passengers.
Passengers are mostly North Americans including many Californians, aged 55 and up. Some English-speaking Europeans and Australians add spice to the mix. Announcements are in English and if Japanese passengers are aboard, the ship has a host/interpreter. Passengers like the big-ship luxury and amenities that Crystal offers. Tipping is done directly by the passengers.
In the summer months, the Symphony cruises Northern Europe then sails transatlantic for New England and/or Canada cruises based in New York and Montreal. Then she heads to the Caribbean for Panama Canal transits and ports of call on the Mexican Riviera. Early in the year a Pacific crossing leads to East Asian itineraries. By late spring, a European-bound voyage brings her full circle. The line is known for its themed cruises such as classical music, film, theater and golf, sometimes hosted by well-known celebrities.
The most popular lounge is the Palm Court, a large glass-enclosed wraparound room that serves as the venue for sightseeing in hot southern climes. It is also used for reading, enjoying formal afternoon tea to chamber music, and drinks before and after dinner during the hours of waning daylight. On this same Lido Deck, there's an outdoor lap pool, a second indoor-outdoor pool, and adjoining whirlpools, lots of deck chairs in a wide variety of groupings, a snack and ice cream bar, and an indoor-outdoor buffet. The deck above has one of the largest ocean-view spas at sea, with an elaborate fitness center, saunas, steam rooms, aerobics, and body treatments, plus a paddle tennis court, golf-driving range and putting green. The jogging and walking teak deck at the promenade level runs the full length of the superstructure, and guests can walk the perimeter of Sun Deck. The University@Sea Internet Cafe with classroom instruction has been expanded. The library offers 1,500 titles and a wide selection of DVDs. The bridge room doubles as a highly popular Yamaha piano-instruction center. Tiffany Deck 6 houses most of the public rooms radiating off the two-deck-high central atrium, which is understated compared with the glitzy Caribbean megaships. The forward Galaxy Show Lounge presents large-scale productions that are not a feature of smaller upscale ships such as Regent, Silversea and Seabourn. Additional public spaces include Caesar's Palace at Sea casino, a proper cinema for screening films and hosting lectures on theme cruises, several boutiques surrounding the atrium, a cozy bar, a night club, a library and a card room. Enrichment programs often include renowned speakers and themed sailings on garden design, fashion, health and fitness, and wildlife. Dining is a delight, and the two special dinner options by reservation are Prego, a smartly decorated regional Northern Italian restaurant and the Jade Garden, a Chinese-French option. The main dining room has two seatings, unusual for a ship of this caliber, but the food is excellent and the wine list emphasizes California selections. One significant advantage of reserved tables is that the waiters get to know passengers' preferences. The Crystal Cove is a popular rendezvous for drinks outside the Crystal Dining Room.
Most cabins measure at least 246 sq ft and are outside, with well over half having private verandahs. The majority range the full lengths of Decks 7 to 10. Amenities include sitting area, queen or twin beds with duvets and down pillows, desk, TVs with excellent programming and VCR, Internet access, minibars, refrigerator, safe and baths with stall showers and tubs. Connections are available for personal computers. Room service from an extensive menu is available 24 hours a day, and penthouses have butlers.
For experienced travelers accustomed to high standards of luxury and service, the Crystal Symphony offers a rich, colorful and rewarding cruise—one that excels in spite of two dining room seatings. Even with 900-plus passengers aboard this ship, cabin stewards and waiters are apt to greet them by name almost from Day One.
