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We enjoyed being Crystal(ised) again! |
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Reviewed By: lasky, finchley on 27th Jul 2009
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| Cruise Line: Crystal Cruises |
Times cruised before: 10+ |
| Cruise Ship: Crystal Symphony |
Sailed:
July,
2009 |
| Destination: Norwegian Fjords |
Age: 56-65 |
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We returned last Saturday from our 8th Crystal Cruise. We sailed the Norwegian Fjords on the Symphony from Copenhagen to Stockholm. It was a 14 day cruise, which we cannot rate highly enough. Nothing is too much for the staff who respectfully acknowledge you by name wherever you go on the ship. Quite how they remember all the names is beyond us! The food and presentation of same is wonderful in all the restaurants (although I am not into Japanese Food there is a Nobo on board, as well as a lovely Italian Restaurant - Prego). The main Dining Room offers a wonderful 6 course meal each evening it is also open for lunch or breakfast, however we choose to use either the Lido for an incredible breakfast and lunch buffet or have breakfast in our stateroom (sheer bliss!). There is also a Bistro for coffees and snacks during the day - just in case you get hungry!! It doesn't end there - there is aso a burger/pizza bar for informal on deck lunch and of course a yummy ice cream bar! There are also occasional themed lunchtime buffets in the Crystal Cove, on our second Sunday we had a Jazz Brunch what fun and what fantastic food. On board Crystal you simply cannot do anything for yourself and the moment you have a plate or tray in your hand a waiter appears to whip it away and escort you to your table. On one occasion I jokingly said to the waiter after he politely said "Mam can I take that" "Look why don't you get your own?!!" there was gafaws of laughter all around.
In total we had 6 sea days and not once were either my husband or I bored, there are informative lectures to attend covering a variety of interesting subjects. There are music classes (Yamaha - key board) which was great fun, art at sea, which was terrific. There's lessons in bridge, computors, golf, tennis - you name it its there for you.
The evening entertainment was really enjoyable - wonderful musicals by talented singers and dancers in an array of magnificent costumes, classical music, comedians, magicians, puppets - really something for everyone.
Crystal is not really catering for youngsters but there is a kids room and they are well looked after with a variety of amusements arranged for them.
I suppose if I was to look for one down side it is the size of the cabin - it really is not that spacious and there is a lack of hanging and drawer space, but you know what I can live with it. The bathrooms whilst also being small are well appointed with two basins which is nice.
We are not really into tours - we prefer to do our own thing by hiring a taxi to take us around the ports we visit. We did one tour to the North Cape which was fine but expensive for what it was, but then Norway is unbelievably expensive so it's not Crystals fault. All the tours were really very expensive.
The weather was appalling freezing cold, misty, foggy and rain all the things I hoped it wouldn't be - but it has not stopped us from rating this cruise in our top 3, which after 15 years of cruising is not bad I suppose.
If you are hoping to read negative comments we're probably not the right people!! We just adore Crystal and as you leave the ship all the staff confidently say see you again soon - how right they are - we've already booked for next year!
So if you decide on Crystal we're confident you will have the greatest time. It is not the cheapest line on the market by far but you certainly get what you pay for - 6 very big stars. Really the only extras are alcohol, tours and the casino.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Lido for lunch - buffet style both hot and cold food for all different tastes
Crystal Dining Room - superb elegent formal dining
Nobo - Sushi Bar and Restaurant - you have to like Japanese food!
Prego - Delicious Italian Food
| | Entertainment | |
| We enjoyed nearly all the entertainment but I suppose the singers and dancers were our favourites, with their lavish west end prouctions | | Shore Excursions | n/a |
| Only did one to the North Cape - which was expensive and not really worth it, but it's one of those things that if you didn't do you would wonder what you had missed. | | Staff | |
| We cannot single out one they were all terrific. They are friendly courteous obiliging, they will not let you lift a finger and are on hand all the time wherever you happen to be in the ship | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| I do not think Crystal really cater for children but there was a games room and staff to organise | | Onboard Activities | |
| Temendous amount of diverse activities - extremely interesting lectures, art courses, bridge, music (yamaha keyboard, computer, needlework, fashion the list goes on and on | | Cabins |  |
| The cabins are not particularly large but they are extremely nicely furnished and have all facilities, safe, fridge, tv,dvd,(there is a vast dvd, cd and book libarary) clock, fresh fruit each day, flowers. Lovely fluffy towelling robes and kimono robes, umbrella. Nice size veranda with two loungers and table. Nicely appointed bathrooms with two basins, bath and shower and ladies a good hairdryer it really is powerful, there's one in the bathroom and one in the stateroom | | Overall Rating | |
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