Crystal Cruises

Crystal went through a period of change before A&K Travel Group acquired the brand in 2022 and relaunched both ships in 2023. The short answer is yes, it’s still an excellent cruise line. Our own specialist, Kirsty, sailed on Crystal Serenity in 2025 and came back genuinely impressed. The ships have been extensively refurbished, the dining programme has been strengthened, and the service, which was always Crystal’s strongest suit, remains exceptional. For anyone who sailed with Crystal before and wondered whether to return, the consensus among our Crystal Society members is overwhelmingly positive.

Crystal currently operates two ships. Crystal Serenity carries 740 guests and Crystal Symphony carries 606. Both offer the same all-inclusive experience, dining programme, and service standards. The main difference is size and, consequently, itinerary. Symphony’s smaller capacity means she can access certain ports that Serenity cannot. A third ship, Crystal Grace, is due to join the fleet in 2028 and will be the line’s first purpose-built new vessel in over 25 years.

All dining across all nine venues is included, with no surcharges for the speciality restaurants, including Umi Uma by Nobu and Osteria d’Ovidio. Beverages, gratuities, unlimited WiFi, and butler service are also included for every guest. Shore excursions and spa treatments are charged separately. It’s one of the more generous all-inclusive packages in the ultra-luxury sector, particularly given that speciality dining is included without exception.

Yes, and it’s worth emphasising because it’s not as common as you might think. Most luxury lines reserve butler service for penthouse and suite categories. On a Crystal ship it extends to every cabin, including the entry-level ocean-view staterooms. Your butler handles dining reservations, stocks your minibar to your preferences, and is reachable via the in-room iPad throughout the voyage.

All three sit at the ultra-luxury end of the market but they feel meaningfully different in practice. Regent is fully inclusive including excursions, which suits guests who want everything arranged. Silversea leans towards smaller ships and a more intimate, yacht-like atmosphere. Crystal sits between the two in terms of scale, offering a breadth of facilities and dining options that the smaller luxury lines can’t match, while remaining personal enough that the crew know your preferences within a day or two.

Smart casual in the evenings, with no formal nights on either ship. The atmosphere is sophisticated but relaxed, and guests tend to dress well because they want to rather than because they’re required to. Shorts and beachwear are not permitted in the dining venues at dinner, but beyond that the guidelines are light. It’s one of the things first-time Crystal guests tend to appreciate most after more formal luxury sailings.

Both ships offer nine dining venues, all included in the fare. The main Waterside Restaurant serves open-seating breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Speciality options include Umi Uma by Nobu, Osteria d’Ovidio for Italian cuisine, and Beefbar for premium steaks. The Bistro covers casual daytime dining, the Trident Grill handles poolside fare, and the Vintage Room hosts private wine-paired dinners for up to fourteen guests. In-suite dining is available around the clock.

Crystal Grace is Crystal’s first new-build ship in over 25 years, due to join the fleet in 2028. Details are still emerging but the ship will continue the design philosophy of Serenity and Symphony while incorporating the latest thinking in luxury ship design. It’s a significant milestone for the relaunched brand and a strong signal of A&K’s long-term commitment to Crystal. We’ll have full details and sailings available as they’re confirmed.

Crystal Cruises was founded in 1990 and relaunched under Abercrombie & Kent in 2023, continuing its legacy of refined luxury.