crystal-symphony3

Note - this page contains multiple reviews.

Name: Warren Lefkowich
Email: warren@westendinn.com
Age: 45
Occupation: Hotelier
NumberOfCruises: 12
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Crystal-Symphony
SailingDate: 11/19/99
Itinerary: Bombay to Singapore
Cabin: 8053
FoodDiningRoom: 98
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 97
FoodRoomService: 99
CruiseStaff: 98
CabinAmenities: 97
FoodLidoDeck: 98
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 99
FoodMidnightBuffets: 97
CabinSteward: 98
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 98
DeckService: 99
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 99
PrivateIsland: 99
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 98
TenderService: 98
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff: 98
EntertainmentLounges: 97
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 96
EntertShowLounge: 96
OverallPortsofCall: 98
BeautySalon: 98
EntertainmentPoolside: 98
CruiseActivities: 97
Casino: 99
AirSeaProgram: 99
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 99
DiscoNightclubs: 96
DeckSpace: 99
Stabilization: 98
ShopsOnBoard: 98
SpaceRatio: 99
OverallCruiseValue: 99
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 29 Feb 2000
Time: 14:19:59
Remote Name: spider-wb074.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:

Comments

Having been on the Crystal Harmony a year earlier from Auckland to Honolulu - I had a good idea of what
to expect from the Crystal Symphony and was pleased to find my expectations exceeded. Something
Crystal has over most other cruise lines is its service. And they know how to deliver. This was something
like my twelfth cruise and this ship will no doubt become a home away from home. There are a few
buzzwords you will constantly hear on Crystal. 'It would be my pleasure', 'I'd be happy to' and 'certainly' -
something every business could learn from. They listen to their guests. They anticipate their guests
needs. From the moment you board the ship the crew looks you in the eyes and smiles. This eye contact
and smile philosophy is brilliant. It really makes it impossible to get upset with almost anything that might
not be right. Problems are handled quickly and resolved promptly. It shouldn't be a big surprise with all
this said that the cruise was great. Boarding in Bombay was simple, traveling with a friend in separate
cabins we arrived early at the pier. Expecting to wait as it was only 2pm - we instead just walked right on,
our luggage was about 8 minutes behind us. The cruise nicely spaced out with days at sea encompassed
Male, Madras, Port Blair, Phuket and Singapore. A nice part of the cruise were the days at sea. Which
seemed to be at least 2 days back to back between each port. Located on Deck 8 we each had Category
B cabins with a veranda. The cabins were very spacious and comfortable. Having a refrigerator and VCR
was a plus. Fine crystal and silver will also impress even the most jaded cruiser. Bathrooms had two sinks
and slight improvements in designs over the Harmony, as the ship is a few years younger. Great space
ratios and a European hotel staff make for nicer than usual cruise.

ining aboard the Symphony is
wonderful. While there is still early and late seating, maybe one day they will realize a way to provide
open seating on all their ships. We tested the waters as far as what we could get away with at dinner and
never experienced a raised eyebrow once. So needless to say the caviar flowed freely. On several
occasions we would ask if the chef could make something 'off' the menu and sure enough moments later
it would appear. This was honestly the first time I can ever remember ordering whatever I felt like and
having it delivered right away. The food quality is excellent. Lunchtime Lido buffet was great with a theme
approach to different poolside buffets. Nice salad and pasta stations along with the obligatory buffet
lunch fare make for a nice casual meal. We never ate in the dining room for lunch, as the weather was
too pretty to waste inside.

Things found on the Crystal Symphony you don't find everywhere else are a
nice space ratio all around the ship, interesting public areas that really look classy not glitzy, and a
European staff. In the past I was convinced that some of the best crews were Indonesian, but now realize
that European is the way to go. Not to sound prejudicial - but - that eye contact/smile thing mentioned
earlier doesn't exist with an Indonesian crew; it's just not a part of their culture. And no matter how hard
some lines try to teach their staff, certain cultural things never disappear (and that's o.k.). One of the
best parts of this particular cruise was an evening party planned on a private island off Male. The ship
went all out for this event spending the entire day setting up a stage and barbecue. With a full moon out
and perfect weather it was quite the party - passengers and crew dancing and partying till about 1am - it
was a really great memory.

Not big on the show lounge venue Caesar's Palace at Sea was wonderful.
Having only Crystal as their concession at sea really makes you wish more cruise lines had land based
(good) casinos on board. All in all Crystal really does do the best large cruise ships. There seems to be
much more competition in the mid and small ship categories, however little or none in the 900 passenger
categories. They deliver a six-star product at the right price and treat repeat guests like family. I'm hoping
one day… maybe… they'll let me purchase a condo on the Symphony.

Name: Bruce Sherman
Email: brucesherman@yahoo.com
Age: 49
Occupation: Computer Consultant
NumberOfCruises: 6
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Crystal-Symphony
SailingDate: September 1999
Itinerary: Meditteranean
Cabin: Standard Outside
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 92
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService:
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 60
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 98
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 98
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 19 Apr 2000
Time: 11:28:01
Remote Name: crtntx1-ar3-104-068.dsl.gtei.net
Remote User:

Comments

If you want excellent service, truly excellent service, then this is the cruise ship for you! In fact, the staff
is so attentive, that at times the service seemed just slightly intrusive.

The food is very good to excellent. Unfortunately, the entertainment is not. In fact, of all the cruise ships I
have been on, the Symphony had the least enjoyable entertainment! It often seemed amateurish or
simply boring. However, this opinion was not shared by all, because many others appeared to be
enjoying themselves during the shows.

The ship itself is very nice and extremely well maintained. It has a contemporary "look and feel." And
speaking of "look and feel," it has a computer room with around 20 workstations. The computer room
offers lessons and training. The computer room also permits you to send and receive e-mail.

For a ship's tour, consisting of 33 digital images, refer to my photo album at:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=152506&a=4826126

Name: Debi Donaldson
Email: ddonalds@gateway.net
Age: 48
Occupation: IT
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Crystal-Symphony
SailingDate: May 16, 2000
Itinerary: Mediterranean
Cabin: A Category
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 100
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 99
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 100
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService: 100
ShoreExcValue: 100
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff: 100
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 100
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff: 100
EntertainmentLounges: 100
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 100
BeautySalon: 99
EntertainmentPoolside: 100
CruiseActivities: 99
Casino: 99
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 100
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 100
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 07 Jun 2000
Time: 14:45:20
Remote Name: flowbie1-outside.csc.com
Remote User:

Comments

We went on the May Mediterranean Cruise on the Symphony. It began in Rome and stopped in Taormina,
Venice, Bari, Italy then over to Kusadasi, Turkey, then Santorini, Mykonos and Athens, Greece. This was an
outstanding itinerary and why we selected a Crystal cruise.

We were in an A cabin with a balcony on the Seabreeze deck - absolutely wonderful. It was an amazing
experience to come into port in the Mediterranean and watch the city appear from your own balcony. Our
whole experience was exceptional. I had heard that Crystal was a 6 star line - and I would agree with that
assessment. Everyone we met that worked on the ship was upbeat, seemed happy and you truely felt that
they wanted to make your day a little better - it was wild. I've had great service in my travels - but I've never
seen it to such a degree. Everyone was so nice - so personable!

The service was unbelieveable - across the board. The food was great (my favorite thing was the afternoon
teas up in the Palm Court) the ship was beautiful, most of the ports were great (Bari and Athens were our
least favorite). I have been on two other cruise ships - one horrible experience (coming across the Atlantic
as hurricane Camille goes up it - I need say no more) and one very mediocre experience (Caribbean
cruise). My fiance (as of a gondola ride in Venice) had never been on a cruise. We were in no way prepared
for this experience. Checkin took 2 minutes - and our luggage was in the room when we got there. All the
people at our table for dinner were great. All the excursions we took were excellent - outstanding tour
guides. All the salon/spa services we used were great. Debarkation took 3 minutes. They seemed to have
all their processes down solid including tender service, docking - everything. Morning announcements (the
only ones they ever had) were only piped to the common areas of the ship - never to the rooms. The
Captain was so entertaining - we started getting up earlier so we could get to a common area to hear his
morning announcement.

There were so many highlights of the trip - the dining room was beyond fabulous. Our waitstaff was
incredible. They even brought me a dish I requested from one of the other restaurants on the ship. Anything
we wanted - they brought. Our stewardess was also wonderful. Every time we left the room, it was
straightened. She was pleasant, had a great sense of humor and VERY good at her job. The excursion
directors - also great, they were very serious about ensuring the quality of the tours, and on every tour, they
had usually 2 people from their crew as aids to the tour guides - but really, to handle any concern any
passenger had. They were wonderful! I even won a bit in the Casino - and met several people that won a
lot! (Those winnings of course went directly to the great shops they had onboard - it only seemed fair)

I had heard that the age of Crystal passengers was older than other cruise ships - did not find that to be
true - passengers of all ages, average age was probably 40ish. There were some children - not alot. I would
recommend this cruise for anyone. It certainly isn't the least expensive option, but it most certainly was a
memorable option and we thought, well worth the price. The only thing I did not think was great was the
evening entertainment - it was OK, but to be fair - we went to the first show - it was really good, the second
was not very good and we really never went back. Alot of people did go to the shows, so my assumption is
that they were pretty good. We went to see several speakers and they were good - Linda Ellerbe was
amazing! We even took dance lessons...they were also great.

I had heard the Med is fairly rocky - and I have to confess that I had on the patch since I get violently
seasick - but we did not find it so. There was only one evening for a short period of time as a weather front
went through that it was a little rough - but no one really had a problem with it. Very smooth sailing.

The amazing thing about our experience - which was shared by everyone we spoke to on the ship - was that
Crystal had sold 550 slots to an international Auto dealer conference. Yes, my reaction was exactly yours
when I heard about it - we got notice up front. I took my travel agents recommendation to stay with it (and we
had already booked air/hotels at each end). Those 550 people did not interfere with any activities. They
booked their own excursions and since the ship is pretty large - they just never seemed to be overwhelming
and they did not negatively impact the flow of the ship. In fact, they were pretty delightful - they were all from
Mexico and really seemed to enjoy Europe.

Overall Cruise Value: Outstanding - and we will sail Crystal again.

Name: Barbara Claus
Email: calndrgirl@aol.com
Age: 56
Occupation: homemaker
NumberOfCruises: 15
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Crystal-Symphony
SailingDate: 12/26/99
Itinerary: New Zealand to Los Angeles
Cabin: 8034 deluxe with balcony
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector: 80
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 100
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 100
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService: 100
ShoreExcValue: 75
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 100
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 75
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 100
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff: 80
EntertainmentLounges: 75
WheelchairAccess: 90
ExerciseFacilities: 100
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 75
BeautySalon: 80
EntertainmentPoolside: 100
CruiseActivities: 100
Casino: 100
AirSeaProgram: 80
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 100
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 80
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 12 Jun 2000
Time: 20:36:11
Remote Name: spider-wg023.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:

Comments

In general the Crystal Experience is a wonderful experience. We have cruised on the Crystal Line numerous
times and have never been disappointed until this cruise. We choose this particular cruise because of the
"Millennuim." We crossed the internation dateline and were the "first in 2000 and last out 1999." The two
New Years Eves were very nice. The staff and cruise line went to extremes to make it a memorable event in
our lives. However, the rest of the cruise left a great deal to be desired. There was very poor planning on
the stops that we made. Even the Captain made fun of one of the islands (Fanning Island) that we stopped
to tour. There seemed to be no thinking ahead. We should have been sailing on New Years Day instead of
on an island where everything was closed. We were only given 4 hours in Kona where a trip to the volcano
would have been great had we had the time...but we stopped at Fanning Island instead. The weather was
very rough, and the captain did everything in his power to make the voyage more comfortable. Events
planned on deck had to be changed at the last minute and everything worked out fine. One of the guest
speakers that was announced months before the cruise cancelled. We were never notified of this
cancellation. Many of our fellow passengers had hoped for a big name celebrity to entertain us...we were
very disappointed in this catagory. There was a huge Broadway type floor show premiering on our cruise. It
was horrible!! This was very unlike Crytal entertainment. We all felt that we personally paid for the
extravagant costumes made for this show. The cost of this cruise was alot. But we figured this was because
of the whole "Millennium Experience."

Name: JOHN SHERRATT
Email: JHSMAC@AOL.COM
Age: 72
Occupation: RETIRED FIRE CHIEF
NumberOfCruises: 6
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Crystal-Symphony
SailingDate: SEPTEMBER 1, 2000
Itinerary: MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE
Cabin: 8077 DELUXE NO VERANDA
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 100
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 100
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 100
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 100
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff: 100
PrivateIsland: 100
GoodForFamilies: 100
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 100
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff: 100
EntertainmentLounges: 100
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 100
OverallPortsofCall: 100
BeautySalon: 100
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 100
Casino: 100
AirSeaProgram: 100
MedicalFacilities: 100
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 100
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 100
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 20 Sep 2000
Time: 19:15:28
Remote Name: spider-tf074.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:

Comments

Our Cruise in the Adriatic-Mediterranean on the Crystal Symphony was the best travel value we have
ever experienced. Yes, you pay a bit more for the Crystal Cruises, but that extra expense is a
humungous value. We were treated like royalty from start to finish. Each crew member we contacted
was superior in attitude, ability, and cordiality. They cannot do enough for you! They are all graduates
of "Charm School." The ship is thoroughly immaculate at all times. Every passenger seems to be
throughly enjoying themselves. We never heard one complaint during the entire cruise. Once aboard
the ship you realize the massive effort that is made to ensure your safety and comfort, and this
continues throughout the cruise. You are waited on, "hand and foot," and the immediate result is that
all the passengers are happy and "walking on air." The Lido Deck was very special to us. We ate
breakfast and lunch there every day - a casual and restful atmosphere prevails as the staff tends to
your every need. Eggs done any way you want them, and they carry your order to your table. What a
way to go!! The main dining room is exquisite and fully staffed with polite head waiters, waiters,
assistant waiters, and Sommoliers. The menu is outstanding and the food is beautifully prepared and
served. Absolutely a miracle serving so many people simultaneously. The entertainment is "smashing,"
with exotic, professional productions, and costumes that will "knock your socks off." We had a classical
guitarist who was GREAT! George Sakarelliou - and a Cabaret Singer, Karen Saunders who
performed so beautifully - What a talent!! Our cabin, a deluxe room without a veranda, served us
beautifully, and it easily held the huge amount of clothing, etc. that we brought with us. Double sink
bathroom w/shower & tub combo, mirrors galore, towels that were abundant, and service and
cleanliness for even the "pickiest" of souls. The cabin view was really excellent. Passenger laundry
room was close by and we utilized it well. At the conclusion of the cruise all I could think of was, "All this
and heaven too." This was truly a wonderful way to see the world, be treated like royalty, and come
away knowing that we truly had the very best cruise one could possibly have.

Name: Evelyn Richardson
Email: rafex1@earthlink.net
Age: 75
Occupation: retired
NumberOfCruises: 14
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Crystal-Symphony
SailingDate: Nov10 2000
Itinerary: Lisbon to Barbados
Cabin: 8076
FoodDiningRoom: 9595
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 98
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 98
CabinAmenities: 9898
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 90
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 80
OverallPortsofCall: 80
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 8575
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 75
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace:
Stabilization: 98
ShopsOnBoard: 65
SpaceRatio: 98
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 04 Dec 2000
Time: 14:08:17
Remote Name: 1cust118.tnt4.north-port.fl.da.uu.net
Remote User:

Comments

Crystal is for those who wish for a formal atmosphere and "my pleasure' service. Arrival in Lisbon was
terrible and so was reception at the Ritz Hotel, not the fault of Crystal this was due to local sub-contracts
and attitude problems at the Ritz, who made it clear there was a difference between those who booked
direct and those who used Crystal service. I complained to Crystal Society on board and to Crystal's
credit they immediately did all they could to compensate me for the inconveniences. I received a $300
credit off a cruise I have already booked for 2001

I enjoyed this cruise very much, days at sea were excellent, had a very interesting mix of table
companions. The dining room staff were happy to provide special desert and dishes for the table to
try,and as always it was "my pleasure" no matter what we asked for.

Crystal a good choice for singles who no longer have a partner to travel with. Supplement for lowest
price cabin is 125% not the 200% asked by some cruise lines. This was my 4th cruise with Crystal I will
be taking number 5 London to Rome April 2001.

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