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 oldest
in the fleet, when the Crystal Harmony was transferred to the Japanese parent
company NYK to become the Asuka II. The current ships are the 940-passenger
Crystal Symphony (1995) and 1080-passenger Crystal Serenity (2003).
Itineraries
The two ships pretty much cruise the world including an
around the world cruise.
Dining and Decor
The food and service are top-of-the-line, and unusual for a
luxury 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 dining
alternatives of an Italian or Asian restaurant with variable dining hours.
Programs
Crystal offers an excellent program of special interest
lecturers on a wide variety of topics and theme cruises might involve wine and
food, golf or art. The line is attracting some families and children’s programs
are provided when numbers warrant.
Onboard Experience
Most passengers are American, though some Europeans and even
a few Japanese may be aboard. The atmosphere is sophisticated and the formal
nights dressy indeed. Many of the crew stays with Crystal for years making
happy reunions when regulars return to their favorite ships. The staff turnover
is 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 Serenity
because of their significantly larger size that provides big-show
entertainment, more fellow passengers and additional services and public
spaces. However, a smaller percentage of cabins are suites compared to the
aforementioned three lines.
