We were privileged to be invited on Crystal Symphony to experience a Barcelona to Rome voyage. As a ‘cruise virgin’ I naturally held preconceived expectations of cruising and each one of them was blown away. Whilst I knew that this would be a luxury all-inclusive experience it was way beyond anything even I could have anticipated.
Crystal Symphony is larger than some of its small luxury cruise competitors taking 922 passengers. For me, personally, travelling on a slightly larger ship worked in its favour but it never at any stage felt busy. This is in part due to the superb choice of restaurants, on-board facilities and evening entertainment which was both infectious and great fun! There is even a small cinema onboard serving popcorn and drinks should guests prefer a quiet afternoon or evening.
The all-inclusive concept on Crystal Symphony includes a-la Carte fine dining and guests can choose to dine (at least once during a voyage) in the renown Nobu restaurant Silk Road and the extraordinarily good Italian Prego. If this isn’t enough, guests can enjoy an informal lunch at the Lido Café or a glorious afternoon tea at Palm Court. The house champagne included is excellent and the first class wine selection which complimented dinner included Sancerre and Montrachet (being a white wine drinker I can’t speak for the reds but was reliably informed these were top grade too!).
As a ‘forty something’ who previously believed that cruising was for the ‘more senior’ luxury traveller, I would hand on heart jump at the opportunity to take another Crystal Cruise if only for the sheer luxury and unadulterated good fun! For anyone wishing to 'dip their toe in the water' when it comes to cruising then a Crystal Cruise is definitely one to try.
