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.