Crystal Symphony

Founded in 1988 by parent company NYK Lines of Japan, Crystal Cruises’ elegant double seahorse logo has become synonymous to discerning travelers as the pinnacle of luxury at sea. Crystal Harmony, Crystal Symphony and the newer, slightly larger Crystal Serenity are among the world’s cushiest, most spacious vessels, with expansive decks, generous amenities and elegant quarters -- more than half with private verandas. Crystal’s six-star liners have grand lounges, a sybaritic spa outfitted within Feng Shui principles, extensive exercise options, complimentary golf, yoga and Pilates instruction, Asian and Italian specialty restaurants, and the only Caesars Palace at Sea Casino afloat. Computer University@Sea, helping trailblaze 24-hour e-mail and Internet access at sea, has hands-on instruction to boot. In 2004, highlights include 28 round trip sailings from domestic ports, 33 cruises beginning or ending in domestic ports, new seven-night sailings for all three ships in the Mediterranean, Canada/New England and the Caribbean, and new 10-day cruises round-trip from Honolulu. Crystal Serenity’s inaugural World Cruise sails from Los Angeles to New York.

Quick View

Understated elegance, a Crystal hallmark, along with strong onboard programs for relaxation, education, and socializing make Crystal Symphony a magnet for guests preferring leisurely days at sea over port-a-day marathons. Symphony is very nearly an identical sister to the slightly older Harmony, although public spaces have differing personalities. Symphony’s expansive deck space for lounging has drawn raves.

About Gratuities
Crystal Cruises Believes tipping is personal, Crystal fares do not include gratuities. Guidelines, per person per day, are $4 for room stewards, $4 for waiters, $2.50 for assistant waiters, etc. Guidelines for specialty restaurants are $6 per guest, per dinner. A 15 percent tip is added for all bark drinks. Gratuities may be charged to the shipboard account.

Ship Features

2003 brought enhancements to Symphony’s onboard experience including non-alcoholic beverages, from bottled water and soft drinks to juices and specialty coffees including cappuccino. A reserve wine list features some 20 rare and special vintages. Festive Wine and Champagne Makers Dinners are themed around rare vintages and the finest of champagnes. A Late Risers Breakfast bridges the gap from 10a.m. to noon, and Sunday brunch is served in the Crystal Cove when at sea.

Staterooms
Eight guest decks have 480 outside staterooms including two Crystal Penthouses of 982 square feet with verandas. 18 Penthouse Suites with verandas have 491 square feet, and 44 Penthouses with verandahs have 367 square feet. 214 Deluxe Staterooms with verandahs have 246 square feet, and 202 Deluxe Staterooms with about 202 square feet have large picture windows. Seven staterooms in three categories accommodate disabilities.

Stateroom amenities
All have TVs and VCRs, and a large closet with shoe rack. Baths have a shower, tub, double sinks and telephone, hairdryer, make-up mirror and robes. All penthouses have a large Jacuzzi, and the Penthouse Deck also has butler service.

Kid & Teen Stuff
A playroom and babysitting are available. On holiday cruises and selected sailings, Junior Activities Program Directors supervise additional fun, tiered for ages 3 to 7, 8 to 12, and 13 to 17. Parents must sign waivers for children under six months to board.

Cruises Specials

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Life Aboard

Dining
Crystal Dining Room serve international cuisine in two traditional seatings and Jade Garden offers Asian fare including Chinese specialties. Prego restaurant serves Italian in a Venetian atmosphere. On select evenings the Trident Grill around the pool extends hours. There is a complimentary ice cream and frozen yogurt bar, and 24 hour room service.

Sports / Health / Fitness
The 5,000 square foot Crystal Spa and Salon adheres to the principles of feng shui, and has exercise equipment, saunas, and steams rooms along with personal fitness instruction. Two swimming pools include an outdoor lap pool with adjacent Jacuzzi and indoor/outdoor pool with adjacent Jacuzzi. Joggers and speed walkers appreciate the wraparound deck, and there is paddle tennis.

Entertainment
Caesars Palace at Sea Casino has 86 slot machines, six blackjack tables, craps, roulette, and baccarat. The 463-seat Galaxy Lounge showroom presents award-winning productions. There’s a 22-table bridge lounge, a library and a Computer University @ Sea classroom An Ambassador Host Program supplies dancing partners, and there are bridge and dance instructors.

Other Facilities
A trained physician and medical staff are on call 24 hours.