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Note -this page contains multiple reviews.
Name: Marty Cohn
Email: mpclaw@aol.com
Age: 46
Occupation: Lawyer
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Crystal-Harmony
SailingDate: May 23, l998
Itinerary: Vancouver to Anchorage
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 95
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 95
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 17 Jun 1998
Time: 00:56:22
Remote Name: 208.143.92.29
Remote User:
Comments
All I can say is that you have a choice in cruising. Either the Crystal Symphony or the
Harmony, I can't imagine that it could be any better and I have no
interest in finding out.
I would have given most of the catagories a rating of 100% as it just does not get any
better than this. But, there is always that possibility.
Very upscale crowd, but not snotty or pretentious. Not a good choice for families as
activities are geared toward an older crowd.
My only slight complaint was the tours offered on board. On a recent cruise to Alaska,
they create a sense of urgency and close sales two or three days
before the stop. No refunds unless operator cancels. I got smart and purchased my
activities off the ship upon arrival at the port. That way I could see
what the weather was like. Moreover, the activities with the exception of helicopter tours
were anywhere from 30 to 50 per cent cheaper off the ship and
just about every tour was available.
Crystal assumes that money is no object and it isn't for most people on the cruise. But, I
like to stretch my travel dollar so I can do a few more things.
Feel free to e-mail any questions. My wife and I also sailed on the Symphony last November
through the Panama Canal and that trip was sensational.
Name: K. Dickinson
Email: kdick@primenet.com
Age: 65
Occupation: Retired
NumberOfCruises: 9
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Crystal-Harmony
SailingDate: Sept 5 1998
Itinerary: Vancouver to Yokohoma, Japan
FoodDiningRoom: 98
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 95
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 98
DeckService: 98
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 98
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess: 98
ExerciseFacilities: 98
EntertShowLounge: 98
OverallPortsofCall: 100
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram: 95
MedicalFacilities: 100
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 98
DiscoNightclubs: 98
DeckSpace: 98
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 98
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 14 Nov 1998
Time: 22:03:47
Remote Name: 206.165.21.9
Remote User:
Comments
My wife and I have become addicted to cruises and have been on many of the major cuise
lines,
including Princess, Cunard, RCLL, NCL, and had heard of the Crystal as being the best of
the
best. We were looking for an itinerary that included a high percentage of 'days at sea',
since we
enjoy shipboard activities more than the ports of call tours. We selected back to back
tours from
Vancover to Hawaii and from Hawaii to Japan, for 18 days. Only 4 days were we in a port,
all in
the Islands of Hawaii. Other than the first day out, the weather was almost unreal, like a
mill
pond. A typhoon was around Japan when we were a few days out but through some expert
navigation and a bit of luckm the typhoon never rocked the ship. I must mention the
embarkation,
since it was an indication of what we could expect on the cruise. We arrived in Vancouver
in mid
morning, and there were several Crystal employees awaiting to greet us as we neared the
baggage area. We were quickly ushered to a bus and driven to the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
There
we were served a wonderfull buffet in elegant surroundings. We registered at the hotel, so
that
we were able to be driven right to the gangplank and board the ship. Upon boarding, we
were
ushered to our cabin, and then went to the usual first buffet, followed soon by the usual
life boat
drill. From there on we were treated to the wonderful Crystal experience we had heard so
much
about. The food, the service, the friendliness of the staff was a step above that of any
of our
previous cruises. The dining experience with the fine china and crystal servicce was as
impresssive as any five star restaurant we have ever been in. There were 5 formal nights.
75% of
the males were in tuxedos and most of the ladies were in cocktail dresses rather than long
gowns. The Entertainment was first rate, from the production numbers to the guest
comediens.
During the day we enrolled in golf lessons and my wife went to computer classes. There
were
guest lecturers, dance lessons, movies and just sunbathing to occupy the days. There were
two
alternate restaurants, one Italian and one Japanese.We chose each only twice, since the
regular
dining room left nothing to be desired. All in all, it was a fabulous experience. Quite
naturally we
booked another cruise for next year, this time through the Panama Canal. We are now
members
of the Crystal Society, but even more meaningfull, we are a member of the Crystal family.
Name: Sam Goldstein
Email: Sammygold@aol.com
Age: 50
Occupation: Attorney
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Crystal-Harmony
SailingDate: April 14, 1999
Itinerary: Panama Canal
FoodDiningRoom: 97
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 97
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 98
DiningRoomService: 99
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 95
CabinSteward: 99
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 97
DeckService: 99
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 85
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService: 97
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 97
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 95
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 99
DiscoNightclubs: 95
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 27 Apr 1999
Time: 13:28:13
Remote Name: 98aec46d.ipt.aol.com
Remote User:
Comments
This was our first cruise and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Embark/Disembark was well
organized and efficient. We took
a charter from LA on United arranged by Crystal. This enabled us to check in at LAX and
walk right on board from the
shuttle bus from the airport. Desembarking was equally organized and easyThe Crystal
Harmony was first class all the way.
The food and service were wonderful. The fitness center, which we used most days, was very
well equiped and never full. A
sauna and ateam room were also available at no extra charge. We were surprised about the
variety of food available at all
meals, including low fat foods. Japanese Miso soup was served at breakfast along with the
usual fare.
The two alternative restaurants, Japanese (Kyoto) and Italian (Prego)were excellent,
especially Prego. They were not so far
above the main dining room in quality, however, that we ever regretted eating there. One
annoyance was the need to stand
on line for reservations at the restaurants. We did that within 40 minutes of coming
aboard and waited about an hour. We
did meet people on the reservation line with whom we socialized the rest of the cruise.
One tip on this - because you are
permitted one reservation in each of the two restaurants, you should cooperate with others
to reserve larger tables for more
nights. You can cancel later.
The production entertainment was superb. Singing, dancing and costumes were at the highest
levels and the Galaxy
Theatre was very roomy and comfortable, although cold for some - brinbg a light sweater or
jacket. We took dance lessons
from the on-board dance teachers, the Applegates, who were teriffic. On lesson days there
were two lessons, one at 10:30
a.m. and the other at 2:30 p.m. Every evening there was dancing in the 2100 club with a
live dance band. There was a 50s
theme night and people dresssed up for it. The vast majority of men wore tuxedos on the
three formal nights. After dance
lessons, given at Palm Court, tea was served at 3:30.
Our stateroom on deck 9, amidships, was very nice. Although we overpacked, there was
enough space for everything and
more than enough drawer space. We were able to store all of our luggage under the bed. Our
stewardess was excellent and
personable. The verandah was very nice especially through the Panama canal. We ate
breakfast there and read when we
had time. The bathroom was tight. The ship was under constant maintainence. Paint was
always being dabbed by someone
on rust spots. In general the condition was immaculate. Even the galley was spotless.
I recommend the bridge and galley tours. They were very interesting. I receceived lots of
e-mail. Each incoming and
outgoing message is charged at $3.00 each. This includes each cc, so be careful. My cell
phone didn't work until Key West.
Check with your phone service in advance. I received the signal in many locations but
couldn't get through.
The shore excursions were interesting although the last one to the Mayan ruins at Tullun
was a bit too long and the stop at
the commercial lagoon park of Xe-Ha (Shell-Ha) was not all that worthwhile except to avid
snorklers. On this trip, the ship was
the destination and rightly so.
This cruise was very very enjoyable and had very few, if any, negatives.
Name: Ruth Shepley
Email: rshepley@bigfoot.com
Age: 54
Occupation: Management
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Crystal-Harmony
SailingDate: April 14. 1999
Itinerary: Panama Canal
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 93
CabinComfort: 99
FoodRoomService: 97
CruiseStaff: 99
CabinAmenities: 99
FoodLidoDeck: 98
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 99
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 92
DeckService: 99
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 85
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 89
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 97
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall:
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram: 97
MedicalFacilities: 97
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 99
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 97
Stabilization: 99
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 99
OverallCruiseValue: 99
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 02 May 1999
Time: 14:35:35
Remote Name: ts2p27.mcia.com
Remote User:
Comments
This trip was everything I had hoped it would be despite geting seasick the first day, an
ear infection on the second and
laryngitis on the third. The service and friendliness of the staff was simply outstanding.
I mentioned to our room steward that
even though there were two hair dryers in our stateroom, I wanted to use my own, and it
would not plug in. She immediately
called an electrician and he moved a plug so I could accomodate my dryer. I called the
nurse regarding my sea sickness
(which went away as soon as I took the medicine I had brought) and she checked on me for
three days after that. I saw the
doctor about my ear infection and he called twice a day for three days to see if I was ok.
I ordered decaf cappuccino one
night after dinner and from there on out the assistant waiter asked if I wanted decaf
cappuccino after every evenings meal.
We ate most breakfast and lunches on the Lido deck and the service was so friendly and so
helpful it was amazing. I wanted
to come home call the kids and go right back on for the next cruise. I really don't care
where the ship stops. I like to stay on
board when everyone else gets off and then I have the pool to myself. We choose the
penthouse deck and were very
pleased we did so. When we did the tour of the various rooms, we were very pleased with
the additional bathroom and
storage space we had, however, we did not feel the penthouse suite offered much more than
our regular penthouse room.
Of course, the crystal penthouse was huge. (I guess if I ever won the lottery I might
select that.) Our butler was terrific. One
evening, as he was brining our five o'clock snack... like we needed it.... he noticed we
had friends with us in the hall and he
automatically doubled what he was bringing. I did hear people complain about the ports and
the shore excursions but I also
heard other people had a wonderful time on shore. Wish someone would build a ship and just
go off the coast a little so we
could gamble and buy things without duty, and then have all the wonderful service, shows
etc. It could return to shore every
so often so you could book a cruise for whatever length of time you could go. We enjoyed
this cruise tremendously and
would highly recommend Crystal Cruise lines. Even the disembarkation, which I hate, was
smooth and they treated us like
adults.
Name: Marjorie Sanano
Email: marjsa@aol.com
Age: 60
Occupation: retired
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Crystal-Symphony
SailingDate: 6 July 1999
Itinerary: Scandinavian
Cabin: B-verandah
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 85
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 80
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService: 95
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff: 85
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess: 90
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon: 85
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram: 90
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 24 Jul 1999
Time: 18:51:30
Remote Name: spider-wm024.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:
Comments
This was our second cruise on Crystal and it met our expectations. The Symphony is a
wonderful
ship-understated elegance and well designed. We especially liked the improvements over the
Harmony in the bath
with double sinks and a wonderful shower with a decent size tub. The food was consistent
in the dining room and
well prepared every time. The Lido was good but the noon buffets are one the things that
make Crystal stand out.
It makes more sense to have a special buffet at the noon hour. The shore excursions were
worth the money
overall, especially when you are admitted before the other ship's tours arrive. Crystal
usually has a free shuttle to
town which really helps when you explore ports yourself and makes it easier to go back and
eat on the ship then
return for more exploring. The entertainment is always first quality and the computer
center with e-mail available
and computer classes were really popular. I think it is just a lot of little things that
set this cruise line apart. It is
worth the extra dollars th have such a memorable cruise. The Scandinavian itinerary is a
beautiful one and I
recommend it especially for the friendliness of the people, cleanliness of most of the
cities and the thought
provoking experience of visiting St. Petersburg.
Name: Sharon Francisco
Email: sfrancisco@scitor.com
Age: 32
Occupation: contracts & finance manager
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Crystal-Harmony
SailingDate: 27 Sep 99
Itinerary: Panama Canal
Cabin: 5054/D
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 100
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService: 100
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 100
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 100
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 98
EntertShowLounge: 100
OverallPortsofCall: 100
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 100
CruiseActivities: 100
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 98
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 100
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 100
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 27 Oct 1999
Time: 10:23:38
Remote Name: sji-ca-cache1.icg.net
Remote User:
Comments
From my stewardess to the head waiters, all of my requests were graciously and promptly
met. Throughout the cruise, I
was impressed by the attentive and personalized service offered by the officers, crew and
staff. The Crystal Harmony is
a beautiful ship. The public areas of the ship were not only elegant and spacious, but
extremely comfortable. I
especially loved the Palm Court. Being able to walk completely around the Promenade Deck
was wonderful. The food
was scrumptious. I savored every bite of every meal and every snack. The lunch buffets on
the Lido Deck were
fabulous. The variety of foods from the featured region was so vast. The entertainment was
phenomenal. The
ensemble’s technical mastery of song and dance was obvious, but even more enjoyable
was their apparent joy of
performing. The costumes were extravagant and the set and lighting changes were flawless.
The extensive schedule
and variety of activities ensured that there was never a dull moment. CU@Sea is a
wonderful touch. My family and
friends enjoyed receiving my virtual postcards, and I enjoyed being able to email them the
details about my cruise. The
embarkation and debarkation processes were very smooth and well choreographed. This cruise
was definitely my best
travel experience to date.
Name: Ruth
Email: ninaruth@san.rr.com
Age: 31
Occupation: Office Administrator
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Crystal-Symphony
SailingDate: 9/16/99
Itinerary: Mediterranean Magic
Cabin: 7127
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector:
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 95
GoodForHoneymoon: 99
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService:
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio:
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 12 Nov 1999
Time: 17:04:39
Remote Name: dsl-207-167-107-12.rhythms.znet.net
Remote User:
Comments
This was a wonderful experience of a lifetime & I can only shed tears of joy to
remember it!
I went w/my best friend & my parents & we were treated like royalty. The shore
excursions were really informative
(though I don't recommend Malta, especially during warm weather) and the on-board lectures
w/Dr. David Stenzel from
Stanford U. were amazing!
I had such an awesome time of both exploring & having quiet time to spend w/God &
just read & rest.
The food was amazing & for any fellow diabetics and/or hypoglycemics out there, this
is THE CRUISE to take. There
were sugar-free dessert selections at every lunch and dinner & they were positively
delightful!
Most of all, the ship itself & her crew were so wonderful that no matter how exciting
our shore excurions were, we were
always anxious to get 'home,' i.e., the Crystal Symphony.
Our cabin stewardess, Margaret & her brother, Remi (turned out to be our Head Waiter)
were so cute we wanted to
adopt them! Ditto with our Waiter, Alfredo, & our Asst. Waiter, Victor.
Being an adventuresome person, I must admit that the idea of taking a cruise sounded very
boring to me & when my
parents gave this to me as a gift, I wasn't that excited. However, it turned out to be one
of the most extraordinary
experiences of my life & as I mentioned before, the shipboard life was even more of a
highlight than the gorgeous ports
of Barcelona, Villefranche, Mallorca, Florence, Portofino & Rome!
My parents are experienced cruisers & my best friend & I met many other savvy
cruisers aboard, all of whom said the
same thing to us, 'Oh! You girls have been spoiled now! I've cruised numerous times &
I'm telling you, Crystal is THE
BEST!'
AMEN!
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