Crystal Esprit – Small, perfectly formed and oozing with class!

Crystal Cruises are well known for being a high-end cruise line, promoting truly all inclusive cruises with unlimited drinks, tips, wifi, transfers & even excursions included. The company offers ocean cruises, river cruises, expedition voyages and also yachting on the small, but perfectly formed Crystal Esprit. I have just been lucky enough to visit the Esprit for a tour and some lunch and here’s what I thought of the yacht.

The Esprit only has 31 suites, so 62 passengers at full capacity with all the cabins being identical apart from one Owners Suite. The standard suites are of a good size,beautifully decorated and have an ocean view with large windows that let in plenty of light. Every suite comes with it’s own butler to cater to your every need. In fact there is a crew of 90 for only 62 guests.  You have to realise that what you pay for on this yacht, rather than square footage in your cabin is exclusivity, amazing food and drinks, absolutely top notch service, immersive land tours and really a very different cruising experience to that on large cruise ships.  The suites had all mod cons including plenty of USB ports, an I-pad and even a TV somehow embedded in the mirror in the bathroom.

A word that’s often used to describe the Esprit is intimate. It’s not just the fact that the vessel itself is compact, but the crew make it feel like you’ve been welcomed in to the family once you’re on board. They want to ensure you get a very personal service and exceed your expectations. One guest at dinner mentioned how much they liked peanut butter and the next day there was a plate full of peanut butter cookies in their cabin. Another mentioned the wine they loved that was paired with dinner one evening and the next day a bottle appeared in the cabin.  I’ve read lots of reviews with examples like this. That’s service for you! I certainly got that warm, friendly vibe from every staff member I met.

You won’t find West End shows on the Esprit. It’s much more low-key with a little music in the bar and sometimes even the Captain entertains with his guitar. There are outdoor lounge areas as well as the indoor bar and a small pool area at the back of the yacht with very comfy loungers and further loungers on the top deck. Also look out for the pre-dinner caviar event held on each cruise – very decadent. Usually a minimum of 2 complimentary excursions are included in every port as well as snorkeling, water skiing, kayaks and jet skis. One unusual feature is its submersible. You get to descend 300 meters into the sea to spot marine life. Although it looks amazing this is one thing that’s not free. There is a fee of $599 to do this – it holds up to 3 people.

The dress code is described as ‘Country Casual’ with the emphasis on casual. No ball gowns or tuxedos on this ship.

Just next to the reception is a really cute little area called The Pantry that has nibbles such as cheese & crackers, hummus, fruit bowls, freshly baked biscuits as well as tea and coffee which you can take off the ship. The Patio buffet restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch and although I didn’t get to eat there I am told it’s like no buffet you will ever come across on a large ship. Top notch ingredients are sourced to make it something special. The Sunset Grill served a snack menu and I had some melt-in-your-mouth steak with chimichurri sauce and sweet potato fries. Absolutely faultless. In the evening you can dine at the Yacht Club restaurant which serves Michelin inspired dishes which I’m told taste as amazing as they look.

All in all there was a very special feel about this yacht once on board. I have to say that I would love a sailing with this laid back atmosphere whilst enjoying gourmet food and receiving the most attentive service.

If you want more information about Crystal’s cruise offerings click here. Or call me on 0330 303 8205.

TTFN!