Reviewed by: Carla Di Mento

Date: December 2023

Cruise line and ship: Crystal Symphony

Cruise name or itinerary: Melbourne to Sydney

Passenger capacity: 606

Year built: 1995 (refurb: 2023)

Size of the ship: 51,044 gross tonnes

Where the ship cruises: Worldwide     

Currency onboard: USD

Embarkation/disembarkation: Always easy as there are numerous crew to assist and only a small number of passengers.

Main features/highlights: Exceptional at Sea’ Crystal Symphony is all you would expect in a luxury cruise brand and yet it is delivered in such an understated, quiet way you feel immediately welcomed and at home.

Special touches such as butler service in every suite, complimentary wines, spirits and champagne throughout the ship and canapes discreetly offered at every turn give you the sense of luxury while you enjoy all the facilities you would expect on board including multiple dining options, a pool, library, Broadway-style shows and intimate lounges. 

A major refurbishment in 2023 has seen the removal of the casino and the expansion of public spaces.

Most suited to: 55+ people who enjoy a leisurely cruise. 

Absolutely nothing on this entire ship is hurried, busy or crowded as the small number of passengers means there are lots of places to lose yourself!

Crystal wants guests to feel confident and relaxed throughout their stay and suggests casual, tidy attire by day with the chance to step it up in the evening with an evening resort look and the opportunity to really glam up with cocktail chic attire on formal nights (For sailings over seven days, there will be at least one optional ship-wide formal night)

Atmosphere: Quiet, stately and elegant with some of the dining and public spaces having received a funky, modern update. There are many places where you can get away on this ship just to sit and read, play boardgames, join a game of bridge or just contemplate the sea.

Staterooms: Since being acquired by A&K Travel Group in June 2022, she has had a major refit with two new guest room categories added including the Single Guest Room with Ocean View, a great option for solo travellers. With many of the guestrooms and suites upgraded in 2023, there are still some classic and 2017 refurbished cabins available in the Aquamarine and Sapphire suite categories for those who prefer a more classic style.

Interconnecting suites on deck 9 offer a fabulous option for guests travelling with families with a suite leading off each side of a small entranceway that can be locked off from the main corridor.

My Sapphire Verandah Suite, 8014 was on deck 8 and featured the most incredible full size bathroom with a huge shower, a walk in wardrobe and lounge area separate from the bedroom, a real treat to have so much space. The only thing lacking was a full length mirror!

Accommodation decks are mainly from 7 to 10, with 5 and 6 for dining and entertainment and decks 11 and 12 for dining, sunning and sports. Guest laundries are on each accommodation deck, or you can splash out and use the valet service. Holidays are too short for washing and ironing!

Dining: Guests will be spoilt for choice with the array of casual and upscale eateries on offer such as Tastes Kitchen & Bar, Trident Grill, The Bistro Cafe, Marketplace Buffet or the main Waterside Restaurant which serves modern, international cuisine with beautiful ocean views.

Complimentary reservations to each of the two specialty restaurants, the glorious Umi Uma by Nobu and the intimate Osteria d’Ovidio are included at least once for all voyages up to 11 days and additional reservations can be made at a cost of $50 USD per person. 

For those looking for a more curated experience, The Vintage room is a unique gourmet food and wine pairing restaurant that can be exclusively booked for up to 12 people. The Chef’s and Sommeliers will work with you to craft the perfect menu and wine selection for your party. While expensive, this would be a very special experience for an onboard occasion.

Entertainment:

• • The Galaxy Lounge (Deck 6) – This is the main show lounge featuring everything from Broadway quality productions to comedians and lectures. With tiered seating, the view is good if not spectacular from all seats. Drink service is provided before each show.
  • The Palm Court (Deck 11) – This big elegant space at the front of the ship evokes a Palm Court feel from the 1930s with big comfortable chairs and a sumptuous feel. A perfect venue for afternoon tea or a trip around the dance floor with the onboard dance hosts.
  • The Hollywood Theatre – A movie theatre with popcorn and one that shows some fairly new releases this space also doubles as a venue for guest lectures and religious services.
  • Jade Night Club – An intimate lounge for a late night drink and dancing. While we were on board, DJ Viviano, one of Studio 54’s original DJ’s was at the decks playing an array of hits from the 70’s and 80’s. While I opted for an earlier night, the feedback around this space was fabulous
  • Avenue Saloon – A moody piano bar that plays an array of jazz and blues serves as a perfect spot for a pre-dinner cocktail!
  • Starlite Club – An entertainment lounge featuring dancing, cabaret performances and other themed events on select evenings. We enjoyed watching a vocal/guitar duo perform one evening.

Family facilities: Crystal Symphony offers both Wave’s Teen centre and Fantasia Children’s playground for younger cruisers.

Inclusions: Beverages including select fine wines, champagne, premium spirits, and all nonalcoholic beverages such as bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty coffees. All dining options (except The Vintage Room) and at least one night at each specialty restaurant. Butler service, gratuities, 24 hour room service and WiFi are also all included in your cruise fare.

Exclusions: Shore excursions, spa services and premium alcoholic beverages.

Dress codes: On non-formal nights a long sleeve shirt and pants are totally acceptable for Gents, no need for a jacket while Ladies can feel relaxed in a smart dress or pants. On formal nights guests can really go to town!

Spa and Fitness Facilities: Located on Deck 11 there is a well-equipped gym with an instructor and the excellent  Aurora spa which offers a multitude of treatments.

Insider tips: Try and experience dining at all of the eatery options. Scoops Ice cream bar is a wonderful treat on a sunny day!

Self-service laundry: Available on all decks except Deck 9.

Reviewed by: Kathy Fossati   

Date: 20 March 2023

Cruise line and ship: Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Eclipse

Size of ship: 317 meters in length – 122,000 grt

Passenger capacity: 2,850 (Crew: 1,210^)    Year built: 2009

Year refurbished/revitalised: 2016

Where the ship cruises: Alaska, South America, Hawaii, South Pacific, Mexican Riviera, Australia & New Zealand, Eastern Caribbean, Southern Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada & New England

Currency onboard: USD

Main features/highlights

Celebrity Eclipse is the third ship to be built in the Solstice class ships. She is the sister ship to Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox she brings elegance to this medium-sized ship allowing you to experience destinations with intimacy and without feeling crowded with quiet spaces to relax and robust suite perks.

The Lawn Club at the top of the ship is an unusual feature only on the Solstice class. Featuring real grass, this area often hosts lawn games or picnics. The Persian Garden is the onboard spa facility which is large, airy and included for AquaClass guests.

Those who love shopping will find a large shopping area set apart from the main lounge areas and includes labels such as Tiffany & Co. The Martini Bar and Crush feature a clever ice-covered bar so your drinks don’t get warm and up to 100 different brands of Vodka.

Most suited to

30 to 70 year olds wanting a modern experience with exceptional food and luxurious surroundings. Music fans will also appreciate the diversity of bands, duos and soloists that perform in various venues from early evening until late at night. Perfect for first-time cruisers as it’s not so big that it’s overwhelming but not so small that you get bored.

Atmosphere

Vibrant yet calm and relaxing. The ship is so spacious and nowhere seemed to be crowded. With three pools there are plenty of sun lounges and spaces to sit on deck with several bars meaning you never have to go far or wait long for a drink.

Dining

It’s a food-lovers paradise, with many options onboard from the complimentary Moonlight Sonata, which will satisfy almost any tastes, to the upscale but extra-cost French bistro Murano and the fun, animated experience at Qsine.

We had lunch in the Grand Epernay Dining Room – absolutely lovely food and the service was exceptional. There are so many options so we’ll just highlight most of them below:

• Moonlight Sonata Dining Room – is the ship’s main dining room, spanning two decks at the aft end of the ship. The room is bright and light in tone and makes ample use of the ship’s signature design element, glass. The two-story glass wine tower is a showstopper. (B,L,D)
• Oceanview Cafe – a multi-station buffet for breakfast, lunch and casual dinner. Outside of regular mealtimes, ice cream, pizza, pasta, sushi, afternoon tea and late-night snacks are on offer, all without additional charge. The buffet layout is excellent, with many serving and prep stations situated as islands in the middle of the room, rather than stretched along the walls. The result is a dependably uncrowded, spacious operation offering an extensive number of choices.

• Mast Grill – Outside and forward of the main swimming pool, the Mast Grill serves burgers, hot dogs and fries.
• Luminai – This restaurant is free, but only for those in suites. Lunch and dinner menus change daily – often with produce sourced from the port visited that day. The food, service and ambiance are excellent.
• Blu – A private dining room reserved for passengers booked in Celebrity’s AquaClass. The atmosphere and theming are wellness, meaning there are healthier options with fresh and creative dishes with a changing menu. Blu is open for breakfast and dinner and does not take reservations.
• AquaSpa Cafe – is located in the adults-only Solarium, and serves food like small salads and wraps for breakfast and lunch. They also offer yogurt parfaits, juices and smoothies, although these cost extra. It’s usually quiet and relaxing in the early morning and is very popular with solo travelers.

• Murano – Only open for dinner, Murano is a nouveau take on classic French cuisine with a contemporary twist. There is a charge for this venue, with the centerpiece being a six-course tasting menu, with the option to have a  wine pairing. You can also order from the a la carte menu. Good luck choosing between the Châteaubriand, venison filet, duck confit, lamb in herb crust… or the lobster flambeed at your tableside!
• Tuscan Grille – an Italian steakhouse restaurant, has the best view of any restaurant aboard the ship, being situated all the way aft. The grilled meats and seafood are outstanding. Other signature touches are an antipasti bar and Caesar salad prepared tableside. There is a charge for this specialty restaurant.
• Qsine – a cute, animated show is screened on each diner’s plate and across the table in between four courses. Known as Le Petit Chef, because the cartoon stars a little chef who mutters in French as he struggles to prepare and deliver your meal through 3D visual mapping. Kids would enjoy it as much as adults! There is a charge for this specialty restaurant.
• Sushi on Five – is more than just sushi, offering sashimi, hot pots, noodle dishes and snacks, which can also be delivered to your cabin. There is also a charge for this restaurant.

Rooms

All cabins, regardless of category, come with robes, safes, hair dryers and stocked mini-bars. A large interactive flat-screen TV in every cabin allows passengers to book reservations, services and excursions; check accounts and menus; and watch on-demand entertainment (for an extra fee). There is plenty of storage space, with many nooks and crannies. Most cabins also feature two twin beds, which can convert to a queen; a sofa bed, cabinet with shelving and desk with chair.

Entertainment

You will be sure to be impressed with world-class entertainment and bars onboard Celebrity Eclipse.

From early morning, Celebrity Eclipse has nonstop activities, such as gym and dance classes, trivia, bingo, game shows, lectures and workshops,  wine and whiskey tastings…  the list goes on.

Inclusions

Dining in the main dining room is included however there are several extra tariff restaurants. Drinks are not included however Celebrity Cruises often have deals available that include a beverage package, WiFi or onboard credit. Blu restaurant is included for Aqua Class and the new Luminae Restaurant is included for suite guests.

Exclusions

Specialty restaurants, beverages, gratuities, shore excursions, laundry and all items of a personal nature. Note that generally gratuities can be included in your fare and deals often include beverages or more.

Self Service laundry

The ship offers a paid laundry and dry cleaning facilities.

Insider tips

Remember to take a power adaptor as the ship has US style plugs. The ship does have formal nights however leave your tuxedo at home. A nice suit or little black dress will go a long way. Don’t eat to much before going onboard – there are so many fantastic places to try so you will be eating a lot!

Viking Orion reviewed by: Kathy Fossati

Date: 2 March 2023

Cruise line and ship: Viking Ocean Cruises – Viking Orion

Size of ship: 227.2 metres (745 feet) in length – 47,842 grt

Passenger capacity: 930 (430 crew)

Year built: 2018

Where the ship cruises: Australasia, Alaska, The Americas, the UK, the Mediterranean, Western Caribbean, World

Currency onboard: USD

Godmother: Retired NASA astronaut Anna Fisher, the first mother in space is “godmother” of Orion – one of the most recognizable constellations in the night sky and can be used to find the North Star, which interestingly early explorers relied on to navigate the seas.

Main features/highlights: 

Viking Ocean Cruises launched its first ocean ship in 2015 and based it on Viking’s river cruise line experience. Everything is included such as food, beer and wine at lunch and dinner, wifi, drinks in your fridge (what will depend on your stateroom category) and specialty restaurants. With 10 decks (and even a promenade deck which is almost unheard of these days) there are no casinos, they won’t try to sell you artwork or jewellery by the chain, no photographer and no children.

The elegant Scandinavian interior design makes you feel immediately at ease in the light and airy environment. Of particular note is the hot tub and infinity pool at the stern of the ship – possibly the best place on the ship to enjoy a sunset. Another highlight is the central pool with a retractable roof permitting all season swimming. This area offers headphones so you are never overwhelmed by a noisy pool deck. It’s these thoughtful features that reflect how well you are looked after while you are onboard.

Most suited to:

Curious travellers who love to explore – Viking is often referred to as ‘the thinking person’s cruise line’. These are smaller ships so they can access less visited ports and often stay longer which is ideal for those wanting to explore a destination in more depth.

Atmosphere:

Viking Orion is relaxed and friendly. The Norwegian heritage of the ship is evident with the light wood grains throughout that show their natural beauty. The colourful textiles including tiles, rugs and tapestries recall the patterns of early Norwegian artists and craftsmen.

Subtle accents of leather handrails and touches of slate and teak express warmth and character. There are no formal nights or times when you have to wear a jacket. So relax – you are on holiday!

Staterooms:

Guests on Viking Orion can choose from five stateroom categories. All staterooms feature a king sized bed, verandah, heated bathroom floors and a large shower. The lead in Verandah and Deluxe Verandah staterooms are 25m² making them quite spacious. Once you step outside your cabin, all guests are treated equally. For example, there are no ‘suite only’ restaurants or relaxation areas.

Each stateroom is equipped with a mini-bar that is stocked at the very least with snacks and mixers and you are free to bring as much alcohol onboard as you like, but do remember beer and wine are included at lunch and dinner.

The higher end categories also include coffee-making facilities in the rooms, which, designed by famous designer, Richard Riveire, really do feel more like hotel suites than ship’s cabins.

Dining:

There are ten onboard dining options on Viking Orion and many are alfresco.

The Restaurant – fine dining and the largest dining venue on the ship (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner)

The Chef’s Table – more intimate, degustation meal and wine pairing with each course

The Kitchen Table – in ‘interactive cooking lab’ where you head on a shore tour to the local markets with the Head Chef and come back and learn how to cook incredible locally inspired meals (this tour sells out first and quickly so be sure to book as soon as you board)

Manfredi’s – a stunning Italian restaurant (only open for dinner)

World Café  – the buffet with extensive food offerings (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner)

The Pool Grill – gourmet burgers, salads, hot dogs and sandwiches

Mamsen’s – offering tastings of a Norwegian snack bar and specialties

Aquavit Terrace – sublime alfresco dining at the stern

Wintergarden – a stunning venue on deck 7 for afternoon tea from 4pm to 5pm

Our inspection did not include trying any of the food however the dishes we saw available in the buffet looked delicious!

Bars & Lounges:

There are 5 of these onboard.

The Viking Bar – spread over decks 1 & 2 around the atrium, offers comfortable lounges and is open from morning until midnight.

Torshaven – located on deck 2 has more of an intimate nightclub atmosphere with live entertainment, perfect for the night owls looking for a little more after dinner.

The Pool Bar – can be found on deck 7 mid ship

The Aquavit Bar & Terrace – can be found on deck 7 aft

The Explorers Lounge – deck 7 forward, incredible views to be had from here. Here you can also find a planetarium in the Explorers Dome (only Viking Orion & Viking Jupiter have a planetarium)

Entertainment:

While there are some live shows, Viking focuses on relaxation and destination rather than Broadway style entertainment that you’ll see on larger ships. There are movies on the pool deck, the Star Theatre offering lectures, destination performances including musicians playing local music, a cooking school, and so much artwork to peruse (you can even do a walking tour with headsets!).

You’ll also find a classic duo or a pianist playing the grand piano in the atrium at various times throughout the day.

Afternoon tea is served in the delightful Wintergarden under a canopy of Scandinavian trellised wood – an homage to Norse mythology and Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life.

Activities:

While there is a substantially well-equipped gym, the most beautiful onboard activity is the LivNordic Spa which offers a wide variety of treatments and massages and has a full hair and nail salon. The LivNordic Spa also includes a hydrotherapy pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna and snow grotto where flakes of snow actually fall down on you.

Regardless of where you are in the world, you can go into this little room and be surrounded by snow but first you must begin in the sauna or steam room, and by Nordic tradition do this three times over – invigorating! After this, try relaxing on one of the heated relaxation beds – a perfect way to dry off.

Above Deck 8 forward you’ll find the Sun Deck with mini-golf, table tennis, lawn bowling and shuffleboard.

While some shore excursions are included, there is always the option of going further afield depending on your budget.

Family facilities:

All Viking Cruises vessels are adults only.

Inclusions:

Onboard meals, beer and wine at lunch and dinner, government taxes, onboard gratuities, wifi, access to the LivNordic Spa, 24 hour room service, drinks in your stateroom fridge, premium dining reservations and self-service laundry.

Self-service laundry: 

Dry cleaning and laundry services, including pressing, are available for a fee. Depending on your stateroom category, laundry and pressing may be complimentary. A self-service laundry including detergent, irons and ironing boards is free of charge. 

Electric plugs:

You will find both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in your stateroom. All outlets are European style (2 pin) with a ground, except for two US 110V sockets above the desk and one US 110V socket on each side of the bed; there are no Australian 3 pin sockets.