Crystal Symphony "Follow The Sun"
Crystal Symphony "Follow The Sun" |
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Reviewed By: Angel, Harrogate on 4th Dec 2008
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| Cruise Line: Crystal Cruises |
Times cruised before: 10+ |
| Cruise Ship: Crystal Symphony |
Sailed:
November,
2007 |
| Destination:
Panama Canal
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Age: 56-65 |
| Cabin: Outside |
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Crystal Symphony cruise 8227 was named “Follow The Sun” leaving a cold November in Yorkshire I could not wait to enjoy a hopefully warm Luxury Cruise.
The BA flight from London to Miami was out of Terminal 5, all the documented problems seem to have been sorted, I was very impressed with the large modern building and passage was very smooth, for some reason we were bussed to the plane rather than board via a walkway.
Overnight in Miami was spent in the Southbeach area at the very nice Loew’s Hotel as I requested a hotel in this area which is more interesting than a Miami airport hotel.
Crystal boarding is listed at Three pm but previous experience led me to know that boarding would be at midday with a champagne lunch and staterooms available at about 2:00pm.
The itinerary included ports in Grand Cayman, Cartegena in Columbia, Panama canal passage, Acapulco and Cabo San Luca in Mexico ending in Los Angeles.
All rooms are outside, I had booked the cheapest grade which had an obstructed view due to a lifeboat, I know that a few passengers were disappointed with the obstructed views, If you are thinking of booking look at the Crystal brochure and choose accordingly, incidentally Crystal Serenity is a newer ship and has no obstructed views. The stateroom was very comfortable, plenty of storage and top quality Egyptian cotton linen, flat screen TV with DVD. The bathroom had two modern glass basins and a small bath with shower. All soft towels replaced after use.
Soft drinks are inclusive onboard a mini fridge in the room had a variety of waters and soft drinks always restocked, fruit was available daily in the room.
Food throughout the ship is wonderful, ask for caviar no problem, ask for lobster for tomorrow again no problem. Crystal try not to say no. Prego is the supplementary Italian, a real experience the mushroom soup in bread bowel is to die for, Silk Road is the Japanese restaurant run by Nobu, fantastic sushi and Japanese cuisine, my American friends said that on land Nobu in California costs” an arm and a leg” Crystal charges $7.00 tip per person.
Crystal are very proud to present very good on board lectures and classes for sea days, we had an expert on international security matters and an orthopaedic surgeon both lecturing, classes for wine tasting, Yamaha keyboards, languages and craftwork and computing. Lots to do and interesting people to meet.
How does Crystal maintain the standard as they have won top Conde Nest award for the last several years, they manage to keep their excellent staff who recognise past passengers and remember their names and preferences and on boarding you feel immediately at home and among friends. Many passengers repeat which is a testimony to the quality product. Crystal is not cheap but you pay for what you get.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| all food excellent | | Entertainment | |
| good shows, lots of interesting inclusive lectures and classes | | Shore Excursions |  |
| acapulco to see the cliff divers | | Staff | |
| all | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities | |
| | Cabins | |
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