Crystal Serenity Transatlantic Miami to Lisbon

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Crystal Serenity Transatlantic Miami to Lisbon
Reviewed By: Lowe, Horsham on 5th Jan 2010
Cruise Line: Crystal Cruises	Times cruised before: 10+
Cruise Ship: Crystal Serenity	Sailed: May, 2009
Destination: Transatlantic	Age: 46-55

As regular Seabourn cruisers (small ships/few passengers) we thought we'd 'taste' the Crystal experience - following lots of positive reviews on various forums. We chose a cost-effective transatlantic crossing and the cheapest accommodation (outside/no balcony). The cruise was a 'Big Band' theme with the Glenn Miller orchestra. Ship is large (68,000 tonnes) with approx 1,000 passengers - as a repositioning cruise in the height of the recession, there were only around 350 of us aboard - so plenty of space (perhaps too much space). Service is excellent - the crew try very hard to please although as gratuities are not included and in view of low passenger numbers, perhaps a little too hard on this occasion. Cabin was quite small but well designed and high quality finish. Main restaurant food very good and in view of low occupancy switched to single seating dining - so worked well for us. Two speciality restaurants - Nobu and Prego - no surcharges. Prego experience quite ordinary (no discernible difference from main restaurant.) Nobu high class if you enjoy asian/fish/sushi combinations. Entertainment very good (but small audiences so entertainers had to work hard to please). Big band experience super. Fabric of ship excellent - she is quite lovely. Good selection of shops and great service in cocktail bar. Only one port of call (Bermuda) but transfers very smooth. Overall an excellent cruise experience if you want a large, stable and comfortable ship with plenty of space. Excellent for voyages on bigger seas. Food good rather than great and as non-inclusive (when we travelled - Crystal have since introduced a substantial 'spend as you wish' onboard credit arrangement) - drink prices pitched at the higher end. Each to their own - we had a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing cruise - but prefer the more intimate style of Seabourn. We're off to Central America on Seabourn in February and another Seabourn cruise booked in early 2011 - but for balance we're trying Regent in September and Silversea next May - so we'll let you know how we get on with those lines. Hope this helps.
Quality of Food
High quality, but not to Seabourn standards
Entertainment
Great variety. Quality acts.
Shore Excursions
Very smooth trip in Bermuda
Staff
Highly attentive at all levels and very eager to please
Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities
Excellent range of onboard activities
Cabins
We chosethe cheapest so rather compact relative to other high-end lines, but beautifully furnished and finished
Overall Rating