When I set sail on Crystal’s recently relaunched Crystal Symphony after the luxury line’s resurrection in 2023, I knew I had to share the brand again with my parents. After all, the three of us were on Crystal’s inaugural voyage back in 1990, onboard Crystal Harmony, and we had taken a trip together onboard Serenity during its previous ownership, as well. Now under the Abercrombie & Kent umbrella, the ship impressed us once again.
My parents and I each enjoyed our own sizable Sapphire Veranda Suite — the variety that was redesigned for 2023 (differing in configuration and decor from those redesigned in 2018, as well as the earlier classic category).
Our suites essentially replaced two smaller staterooms as part of the ship’s reduction in capacity from 980 to 740 passengers (the result is a nearly 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio).
A Sapphire Veranda Suite
Credit: 2024 Jason Leppert
The category’s spaciousness (up to 430 square feet) appealed to us, as well as its comfortable living, dining and bedroom sections. The luxurious bathroom included a heavenly walk-in shower and its massive rain shower head, a hand wand and two body sprays.
But it’s the crew that remains the heart of the Crystal experience. Save for a few moments of slow pacing at the restaurants, the staff was every bit as attentive and friendly as we experienced on previous cruises from the brand, and that’s a testament to the 80% of crew members who have returned since the line’s change in ownership.
Standout Serenity Restaurants
The culinary experience is also a standout, from the Waterside main restaurant to Umi Uma from chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Most venues are complimentary for one visit as part of Crystal’s all-inclusive pricing, and we tried them all except The Vintage Room (reserved at an extra cost).
Umi Uma, from celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, is a standout dining venue.
Credit: 2024 Jason LeppertNobu’s black cod is still the cat’s meow, but so, too, are the main dining room’s excellent pastas and Dover sole, Tastes Kitchen & Bar’s California street tacos filled with perfectly blackened swordfish and Osteria d’Ovidio’s beef tartare. And The Bistro, Trident Grill, Marketplace buffet, Scoops Ice Cream Bar, daily tea and room service are delicious in their own right. New offerings coming from Beefbar had not yet been introduced for our sailing.
Onboard Amenities
The only other thing missing on our sailing was a casino, which is now The Lounge, a nondescript public gathering space. By the end of 2024, however, a casino in collaboration with Monte-Carlo Societe des Bains de Mer will return, displacing the existing Bridge Lounge to the Library.
The Crystal Plaza stands as a traditional, double-decker ship atrium crowned by colorful stained glass, flanked by high-end shops and serviced by the Crystal Cove bar — bundled in the fare, as are all watering holes onboard. Here, live instrumental music often emanates from a translucent “crystal” piano; I especially enjoyed the talented pianist’s renditions of film scores.
The Galaxy Lounge is Serenity’s main production theater, where performances still include guest favorites such as “Crystal on Broadway” and “Icons in Concert.” There is no denying the chops of the expert dancers and vocalists, but it’s high time for some fresh shows. In the Stardust Club cabaret, meanwhile, a fun “Rock & Pop” revue is unique to Serenity, and the Hollywood Theatre shows movies.
Serenity offers a range of outdoor activity options.
Credit: 2024 Jason LeppertFor families, the Fantasia and Waves kids’ and teens’ clubs remain available, even though the youth onboard mostly gravitated toward the Seahorse Pool & Whirlpool. Other alfresco activities extend to paddle tennis and pickle-ball, table tennis, golf driving nets and a putting green, as well as a full wraparound promenade deck. There’s also a fitness center and the Aurora Spa, though thermal features only extend to steam rooms and saunas (no hydrotherapy pool).
For relaxation, The Palm Court is still a standout traditional observation lounge, while the Avenue Saloon bar (with live piano music) and the adjacent Connoisseur Club cigar lounge are two handsome venues with a vintage, nautical vibe. The only dated venue is Pulse Nightclub, which features a 1990s aesthetic.
Altogether, the renewed Crystal experience can best be described as classic luxury cruising. And with newbuild orders and options for up to three ocean ships and two expedition ships, the future looks even grander.
