Crystal Cruises vs Silversea

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 Silversea?

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

A luxurious cruise means many things to many people but we feel that Silversea’s small ship cruises personify the true meaning of comfort. Our intimate, ultra-luxury ships can sail up narrow waterways into the heart of a city, or tie up right at the pier while others must anchor off shore. And for those who yearn to explore the new and unknown, Silversea’s expedition ships can transport you to the furthermost boundaries of the planet.

Enjoy free-flowing premium wines and spirits, delicious gourmet cuisine, in-suite dining, full butler service read more for every suite and of course all gratuities. Whether you long to mingle in the Mediterranean, swim with the turtles of the Galapagos or embrace the glaciers of Alaska, there is something special about knowing that this cruising is all inclusive.

What destinations are Silversea exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

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

Silversea is an ultra-luxury, all-suite cruise line. Its classic All-Inclusive fare includes butler-serviced suites, dining, unlimited wines and spirits, gratuities and Wi-Fi, while shore excursions are typically optional. You can upgrade to their All-Inclusive Plus fare which includes a generous shore excursion credit if you're looking at getting everything paid up before you leave. We’ve had amazing feedback from our past clients, so if you’re looking for some pampering while exploring the world aboard a small luxury or expedition ship, we think Silversea is very hard to go past.

Who cruises with Silversea?

World travellers seeking to explore remote locations with most passengers from the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand.

What are Silversea known for?

Luxury cruises and expeditions, over 1,000 destinations, and overnight and late port departures.

Are Silversea's fares all-inclusive?

Positioned as all-inclusive, although shore excursions and some specialty restaurants incur charges.

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

Shore excursions, selected specialty restaurants, some premium champagne, wines and spirits, spa and salon services, personal training, laundry service and upgraded WiFi packages incur additional charges.

Are gratuities included?

Yes.

Are shore excursions included?

Excursions are not included and cost extra. Expedition-cruise Zodiac, sea and shore excursions are included, with optional excursions available for purchase.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary WiFi is provided for one device at a time in every suite and two devices at a time in premium suites; upgraded premium access packages are available for purchase.

Does Silversea have a loyalty program?

No. Venetian Club only.

Is Silversea a family friendly cruise-line?

Children are accepted from 6 months, or 12 months on select cruises or ships. Children under five cannot participate in expedition excursions or embarkations requiring a Zodiac, and an adult family member must remain onboard during Zodiac excursions.

Are any onboard activities included?

Small ship cruises offer production shows, classical soloists, cultural entertainment and feature films. Expedition cruises offer expert lectures and films.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes, but not on Silversea's expedtion ships.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

No.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Silversea's ships?

Yes. La Dame, Seishin Restaurant and Kaiseki Restaurant attract a charge; most other dining is complimentary.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Soft drinks, water, tea and coffee are included.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Premium wines and spirits are included, although some premium champagne, wine and spirit selections cost extra.

Do Silversea sell any beverage packages?

No.

Do Silversea offer room service?

Yes. 24-hour in-suite dining is available, with butler service for every suite.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Spa and salon services are available at an additional charge.

Are there gyms onboard Silversea's ships?

Yes.

Are fitness classes available onboard Silversea's ships?

Yes. Circuit training is complimentary, while Pilates and yoga may incur charges. Services vary between classic and expedition ships.

Do Silversea offer personal training?

Yes. Charges apply.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes.

Do Silversea offer a laundry service?

Yes. Charges apply.