Exceptional At Sea: My Crystal Serenity Cruise Experience

One of the first things I noticed upon arriving at the cruise port was the simplicity and lack of lines and crowds I have previously experienced when embarking on a ship with other lines. The Serenity has a capacity of 740 guests, and I found this allowed for ample space, very little to no wait time for anything, and personalized service throughout the voyage.

Crystal suites include a welcome bottle of champagne and chocolates!

When I entered my Sapphire Verandah Suite, refurbished in 2023, I felt more like I had entered a luxury boutique hotel room than a cruise cabin. With a very generous amount of space (430 square feet), my suite included a plush queen-size bed, a spacious sitting area, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading to my private verandah—one of my favorite places to be in the mornings with a fresh cup of coffee to take in the open ocean or port views. The suite offered the perfect blend of elegance and comfort with various shades of blue and gold accents throughout.

Coffee on the verandah. Best way to start the day.

Two large flat screen televisions—one in the bedroom and one in the sitting room—offered a multitude of entertainment options. The suite also featured an interactive tablet that allowed me to make reservations and stay up to date on the ship and itinerary news.

The marble bathroom with rainfall shower was also a standout feature—modern, serene, and spa-like, complete with robes and slippers. There was also plenty of shelving space for storage. The bathroom also included Ortigia products, an adjustable magnified wall mirror, and a hair dryer.

Crystal pool, hot tubs, and deck.

This ship may have felt serene and relaxed overall, but there was always something going on or something to do—whether it was lounging by the pool, playing pickleball or ping pong, or golf swing practice (golf clinics included!). The spa and fitness center were full service. There were enrichment lectures, movie screenings, live music, and shows every night. The ship also had Casino de Monte-Carlo. I very much enjoyed playing roulette, but the casino also offered slot machines, blackjack, and more. No reason to be bored if not ashore!

Casino De Monte-Carlo at sea

Golf practice and clinics offered onboard.

Speaking of going ashore, another standout aspect of sailing with Crystal was the amount of time the ship spent while in port. While in the Port of Civitavecchia, I was able to take an excursion to Rome, where I toured the Colosseum and saw the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, St. Peter’s Square, and much more. While in Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, I was able to visit the village of Èze and all the highlights of Monaco, too! If you’ve been dreaming of a cruise that allows you to truly explore each destination with long days in port, overnight stays, and unrushed adventures, this is it.

The service onboard was impeccable. From my butler (every suite onboard has butler service), to the shore excursion desk, to the dining staff, everyone was warm, intuitive, and highly professional. The ship in general was also very clean, and my suite was always attended to promptly.

Palm Court cocktail and gourmet appetizer.

The last, and possibly most impressive, aspect of my Crystal cruise I want to share is the food! It was exceptional—honestly, the best cruise cuisine I’ve ever had. From the main Waterside Restaurant to the specialty venues like Umi Uma by Chef Nobu and the Italian restaurant Osteria, every meal was amazing. It was all so flavorful and beautifully presented. Even the appetizers served around the ship were gourmet quality. If you’re a foodie, Crystal will spoil you!

Umi Uma sushi and sashimi.

Sunset dining at Beefbar.

I was sad when my Crystal sailing came to an end, but I am already seeking my next adventure aboard. Crystal sails itineraries all over the world and plans to expand its fleet beginning in 2028 with the first of three new ships.

If you’d like to know more information about my Crystal experience or what Crystal has to offer, please reach out below. I’d love to help more people become “Crystalized!”

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