Crystal Cruises vs Explora Journeys

Why should we cruise with Crystal?

We asked Crystal why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Welcome to the exceptional world of Crystal. Together we will take the voyage of a lifetime. From the moment you step onboard our beautiful ships you will be welcomed into the warm embrace of the Crystal family. Make new friends, reunite with familiar faces, and share precious moments with loved ones on unforgettable adventures in the world’s most exciting destinations.

What destinations are Crystal exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Crystal from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Crystal Cruises is a luxury ocean cruise line known for it's elegant ships, generous space at sea, highly personalised service and a refined onboard experience. With butler service in every room category, acclaimed dining including Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa and an almost one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, Crystal is best suited to travellers who value polished service, fine cuisine and a quieter style of luxury cruising.

Who cruises with Crystal?

Well-travelled luxury travellers, predominantly couples, with North Americans forming the largest guest group. Families also travel on selected holiday and summer sailings.

What are Crystal known for?

Ultra-luxury cruising with highly personalised service, butler service in every guest room and suite, spacious ships, acclaimed dining, premium beverages, enrichment and sophisticated entertainment.

Are Crystal's fares all-inclusive?

All-inclusive with fares includimg accommodation, all standard dining, select wines, Champagne, spirits and soft drinks, 24-hour in-suite dining, unlimited WiFi, onboard entertainment and activities and gratuities for dining, bar and housekeeping staff. Shore excursions and spa treatments are additional.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Additional costs include shore excursions, spa and salon treatments, premium experiences, laundry or dry cleaning when it's not included with the cabin category and additional specialty restaurant reservations beyond the complimentary allowance.

Are gratuities included?

Yes. Gratuities for dining, bar and housekeeping staff are included in the cruise fare.

Are shore excursions included?

No. Shore excursions are purchased separately.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary unlimited WiFi is included for all guests, with premium connectivity options available.

Does Crystal have a loyalty program?

Yes. Crystal Society rewards repeat guests with milestone benefits, recognition and exclusive onboard privileges.

Is Crystal a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes, although Crystal primarily caters to adult luxury travellers, families are welcome, with children's facilities and organised programs offered on selected sailings.

Are any onboard activities included?

Included activities include Broadway-style entertainment, live music, lectures, enrichment programs, art and dance classes, movies, paddle tennis, pickleball, golf practice facilities, fitness facilities and other scheduled activities.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes. Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity feature Le Casino de Monte-Carlo with slot machines and table games.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Spa and salon treatments, selected premium experiences and other personal services incur additional charges.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Crystal's ships?

Yes. Crystal offers multiple dining venues including Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa and Osteria d'Ovidio. At least one complimentary reservation in each specialty restaurant is included, with the number increasing on longer cruises.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No. Complimentary specialty dining reservations are included according to cruise length, with additional reservations available for a per-person charge.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages are included.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. A curated selection of wines, Champagne and premium spirits are included throughout the cruise.

Do Crystal sell any beverage packages?

No. Select alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are already included in the cruise fare.

Do Crystal offer room service?

Yes. Complimentary 24-hour in-suite dining is included for all guest rooms and suites.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Aurōra Spa and salon services are available, with treatments charged separately. Sauna and steam room facilities are also available.

Are there gyms onboard Crystal's ships?

Yes. Ships have fully equipped Technogym fitness centres that are open 24 hours.

Are fitness classes available onboard Crystal's ships?

Yes. Wellness programs include yoga, Pilates, spinning, stretching and aerobic instruction.

Do Crystal offer personal training?

Yes. Personal training and personalised fitness consultations are available.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity both provide complimentary self-service laundry rooms with detergent.

Do Crystal offer a laundry service?

Yes. Laundry, dry cleaning and pressing services are available, with complimentary services included in selected suite categories.

Why should we cruise with Explora Journeys?

We asked Explora Journeys why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Explora Journeys is the new luxury lifestyle travel brand launched in 2023 by the MSC group redefining the luxury ocean experience. Vibrant, cosmopolitan relaxed European luxury at sea. Instead of cruises we create journeys – of the mind and across the oceans of the world, as we visit extraordinary places on and off the beaten track.

What destinations are Explora Journeys exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Explora Journeys from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Explora Journeys is a modern luxury cruise line designed for cruisers looking for a luxurious, resort-style experience at sea. Explora was launched in 2023 by the MSC group, and offers all-suite, private-balcony accommodations, a spacious mid-size ship feel and inclusions in your fare that include fine dining across multiple restaurants, unlimited beverages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, thermal spa access, and port-to-city shuttles.

Compared with competitors, Explora’s edge is its contemporary design, wellness-forward luxury and a relaxed onboard style. Travellers who want the most excursion-inclusive fare may prefer Regent Seven Seas, while those seeking read more classic ultra-luxury traditions may lean towards Seabourn or Silversea.

Who cruises with Explora Journeys?

Luxury travellers seeking a contemporary, relaxed and highly inclusive ocean experience, including couples, solo travellers and multi-generational families.

What are Explora Journeys known for?

Luxury lifestyle ocean cruising with spacious all-suite accommodation, extensive included dining and beverages, sophisticated contemporary design, personalised service and a strong emphasis on wellness and destination immersion.

Are Explora's fares all-inclusive?

Highly inclusive cruise fares include suite accommodation, nine culinary experiences including in-suite dining, unlimited premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, high-speed WiFi, onboard gratuities, entertainment, group wellness and fitness activities, access to the spa thermal area and port-to-city shuttles where available.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Additional costs include shore excursions, spa treatments, Anthology and Chef's Kitchen culinary experiences, rare and premium wines and spirits outside the included selection and laundry services.

Are gratuities included?

Yes. Onboard gratuities are included in the fare.

Are shore excursions included?

No, shore experiences are purchased separately and are not included in the standard fare.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary high-speed WiFi is included throughout the ship.

Does Explora Journeys have a loyalty program?

Yes. Explora Club has Classic, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond levels, with benefits including future journey savings, onboard credits, complimentary laundry, priority services, exclusive events and other privileges depending on status.

Is Explora Journeys a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Explora Journeys welcomes multi-generational families, with connecting suites, family-focused Destination Experiences, dedicated children's amenities and savings for younger travellers.

Are any onboard activities included?

Included activities include live entertainment, enrichment, dance classes, sports and games, group wellness and mindfulness sessions, fitness classes, pickleball and other organised activities. Access to the fitness centre and spa thermal area is also included.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes. Explora Journeys ships have onboard casinos.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Additional charges apply to experiences including spa treatments, private coaching or training, Anthology and Chef's Kitchen dining experiencesand premium wines and beverages outside the included selection.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Explora's ships?

Yes. Nine culinary experiences are included, including Sakura, Marble & Co. Grill, Med Yacht Club, Fil Rouge, Emporium Marketplace and In-Suite Dining. Anthology, Chef's Kitchen and selected other exclusive culinary experiences attract an additional charge.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No. Nine culinary experiences are already included in the fare, while premium experiences such as Anthology and Chef's Kitchen are purchased separately.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Specialty coffees, teas, soft drinks, mineral water and other non-alcoholic beverages are included throughout the journey.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Unlimited fine wines, Champagne, premium spirits and cocktails are included throughout the ship and in-suite. Rare wines and selected superior beverages are available for an additional charge.

Do Explora Journeys sell any beverage packages?

No. A broad range of premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is already included in the cruise fare.

Do Explora Journeys offer room service?

Yes. In-Suite Dining is included and available as one of Explora Journeys' complimentary culinary experiences.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Access to the Ocean Wellness spa thermal area is included, while massages, treatments and other personalised spa services cost extra.

Are there gyms onboard Explora's ships?

Yes. Ships feature extensive indoor and outdoor Technogym fitness facilities.

Are fitness classes available onboard Explora's ships?

Yes. Group wellness, fitness and mindfulness activities are included, with classes including strength, cardio, Pilates, mindful movement and Technogym sessions.

Do Explora Journeys offer personal training?

Yes. Personal and group training is available, including private personal training facilities on selected ships. Private sessions incur an additional charge.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Complimentary guest laundrettes with washing machines, dryers, detergent and ironing facilities are available onboard.

Do Explora Journeys offer a laundry service?

Yes. Paid same-day and next-day laundry services are available. Complimentary laundry is included for selected suite categories and higher Explora Club membership levels.