Crystal Cruise Line

Private butlers, pickleball courts, casinos and ultra-luxury. You can’t ask for much more.

Crystal is amazing. We wish we could just leave it at that, but then we remember that this cruise line deserves more attention for everything it provides. Let me say something before diving deeper: Crystal Cruises is one of the best ultra-luxury lines on the planet.

Crystal Cruises made a triumphant return in 2023 after A&K Travel Group acquired the brand and invested $150 million in completely transforming two classic ships. Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, originally launched in 1995 and 2003, emerged from their new updates like gods that were in deep slumber for decades. They are stronger now. New, but still with a classic look to them. Luxurious. Powerful.

Crystal Cruises is all about intimacy and giving you the best that cruising has to offer. With nearly one crew member for every passenger, the attention to detail is hard to beat, even amongst competitors. Every stateroom includes butler service and 24-hour room service, and by your second day onboard, everyone will know you by name. Do you like your Margarita at 4pm on the right side of the pool? There is a good chance a crew member will be there waiting for you at this exact time. This level of care ranks among the best in the whole industry.

The dining experience rivals Michelin-starred restaurants, with amazing venues like Umi Uma featuring Japanese-Peruvian cuisine by Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and the Italian Osteria D'Ovidio. Both are actually considered some of the finest restaurants at sea. You All-Inclusive fare covers meals, premium wines, spirits, cocktails, gratuities, basic Wi-Fi and room service. You basically don’t need to spend a dime more once you’re onboard a Crystal Cruise.

Crystal also breaks the mold for ultra-luxury cruising by offering more entertainment options than other ultra-luxury cruise lines. While most luxury lines keep things low-key, Crystal has small-scale Broadway-style shows, piano lounges, the Monte Carlo casinos, pickleball courts, golf practice areas and tons of different lectures with professionals from all over the world. They even have dedicated spaces for children and teens, which is extremely rare for this kind of cruise line. Is there anything that they don’t get right!?

Not really. All of this makes Crystal an excellent choice for multigenerational groups, romantic couples and even solo travelers. Crystal welcomes guests sailing alone with specially designed suites, social gatherings and dining tables for those that decided to sail alone. They are basically a great fit for anybody looking for ultra-luxury on the high seas, and there is even a third ship, the Crystal Grace, ready to join the fleet in 2028. We can’t wait.

Crystal Cruises delivers… well, just about everything. It has great food, plenty of entertainment options, elegant ships and top-tier service. If you are looking for an ultra-luxury trip, it’s Crystal clear that it should be taken into consideration.