Crystal Cruises

Click to view Crystal's Before You Sail Guide - a helpful (pdf) resourse covering all you need to know before you start your journey.

Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity both provide complimentary self-serve laundry rooms, including detergent. They are located on Decks 10, 9, and 8 aboard Crystal Symphony and 11, 10, 9, 8 and 7 aboard Crystal Serenity.

Dry cleaning services will be included in select suite categories, as part of certain voyages, or included in select packages and promotions.

Crystal Daytime Dress Code - A less formal look allowing guests to feel comfortable during the day. Day Casual attire may be worn everywhere, including our restaurants (covered swimsuits may only be worn at Trident Grill, Beefbar, and Marketplace), until 18:00. Swimwear on its own, wet swimwear, revealing clothing, bathrobes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps and clothes bearing any offensive messaging are not permitted. Wearing shorts, flip-flops, or casual daytime attire in public areas and dining venues after 6pm is not allowed.

Evening Dress Code (Evening Resort) - A step up from Day Casual, after 18:00 we ask that guests adopt the more refined Evening Resort dress code. For evening dress, women may wear skirts, pants, blouses, sweaters or dark-wash jeans with no rips, while men may wear shirts, sweaters or smart designer sweatshirts, chinos, a sports jacket or blazer, with dark-wash jeans permitted only when worn with a jacket; flip-flops, sliders, swimwear and hats should be avoided.

Evening Dress Code (Formal Evening) - For Formal Evening, women may choose cocktail dresses or gowns, suits, evening skirts or pants with an elegant top and evening shoes, while men may wear suits or tuxedos with shirts, dress shoes and optional ties; this attire is required in all dining venues, bars and lounges after 6.00pm, except Beefbar where it is optional.

The decision to dock or use a tender to transport guests ashore depends on the itinerary and the port agent's assignment for the ship. If it is deemed safe to use a tender, we will provide this service and ensure guests are escorted to shore. Please note that the details of this process will be included in your daily Reflections newsletter for your convenience.

Crystal is pleased to offer a complimentary shuttle service in ports where it is determined that the town or city center is located beyond a reasonable walking distance from the port/ship. A shuttle service is provided when available and is not guaranteed in any port/destination. Schedules and timings of shuttle operations are sometimes dictated by local traffic, security and/or local authorities which may create delays.

While we will always attempt to secure a shuttle service for our guests, there are select ports where local taxi and transportation unions prohibit cruise lines from providing this service. Due to the possibility of the change in dock location, we do not officially announce shuttle bus schedules in advance, the information is published in the daily Reflections newsletter.

A ship “at anchor” is when the ship has closely positioned itself offshore and is secured in position by the ship’s anchor or held in place by modern technology called “dynamic positioning”. The ship may be at anchor due to several reasons beyond our control, including sizing and availability restrictions. In such cases, guests will be transferred ashore by the ship’s state-of-the-art tenders. Our skillful crew members will carefully captain these tenders, which are equipped with comfortable seating and life jackets for your safety. Our hospitable team will be waiting to greet you as you exit the tender ashore and offer assistance and refreshments. We do our best to keep the distances to a minimum while at anchor for your convenience.

Please note: In certain ports around the world, the use of local tenders is mandatory due to port traffic, marine reserve constraints, and various other restrictions imposed by the local authorities. In these cases, the best available vessels will be requested and reserved by Crystal. The ship’s crew members will always be on hand to assist guests when and where possible.

While the ship does have a few of these available for use, we always recommend that guests bring their own. The ship cannot be responsible for any electronics damaged due to loaned adapters.

Both 110-volt (American current) and 220-volt (European current) outlets are provided in your suite or guest room. If you have any inquires about compatibility of appliances, please ask your Butler.

Yes, our ships are equipped with a sophisticated telephone system that allows you to make direct-dial satellite phone calls from your guest room or suite. The ship's telephone number is given in your travel documents before sailing. Use of your in-room phone will be billed to your shipboard account.

Families of all ages are welcome aboard. We offer The Junior Activities Program on select voyages on both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.

Crystal prides itself on providing an inclusive cruise experience where families of all ages are welcome onboard. We offer dedicated areas for young children, Waves, and teenagers, Fantasia, as well as our exceptional Junior Activities Program on select voyages aboard both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.

On select sailings, a Junior Activities Director (JAD) host activities when the minimum number of 12 children is reached. Activities may include scavenger hunts, story times, fashion shows, cookie baking, karaoke, movies, dancing, supervised pool games, video game tournaments, volleyball, paddle tennis, water polo, swimming, late–night pool parties, and more.

We offer in-suite babysitting onboard our ships, subject to availability, which you may book through our Reception Desk or your Butler. We recommend you give 24-hours notice.

Individual babysitters – male or female, as you prefer – can look after a maximum of three (3) children over one year of age for up to three hours in your guest room or suite, excluding overnight. Should you require childcare for longer than three hours, a second babysitter will be arranged. This service is only offered onboard and duties exclude changing diapers and bathing children.

The minimum age to sail on Crystal is six months old at the time of embarkation. Crystal reserves the right to limit the number of infants aged six months to two years.

Due to health regulations beyond our control, babies and toddlers are not allowed in our pools, even if wearing swim diapers. Older children are welcome to enjoy our pools. Thank you for your understanding.

For a smooth and stress-free boarding experience, we recommend arriving by 12:30pm. This will allow you enough time to comfortably complete the immigration and customs process, ensuring that you are ready to board the ship promptly at 1pm. Arriving at this time helps avoid any last-minute rush and ensures you do not miss out on the start of your voyage.

You will find detailed information about your itinerary and voyage on your booking confirmation, including the specific times for each port of call. This allows you to plan and prepare for each stop on your voyage.

We do not restrict the amount of luggage you can bring but we do not provide additional space for storage outside of the guest suite or guest room.

Crystal will send guests a Pre-Arrival Kit, including self-identify luggage tags, 45 days prior to the embarkation date. Please note, Pre-Arrival Kits will only be sent to guests with fully paid bookings and a completed Guest Information Form (GIF). The GIF must be completed prior to the 56-day window and include a valid residential address (some P.O. Box addresses are not applicable). For those who do not receive a Pre-Arrival Kit in advance, luggage tags will be provided at the designated port of call prior to embarkation. The same applies for guests needing additional luggage tags.

Standard embarkation takes place between 1pm and 3pm. If you would like to arrange an alternate time for embarkation, please contact us in advance.

Once the vessel arrives in port and the ship has been cleared by local customs and immigration officials, you are welcome to disembark. Guests may not disembark the vessel until the clearance process is fully complete unless prior authorization is received. While certain transfer groups and those needing assistance may be called at different times, all disembarking guests are required to vacate the ship by 10am.

In the event of a delay preventing disembarkation, our concierge team will be on hand to assist with any issues that may arise, including arranging transfers.

Guests requesting debarkation in transit ports and/or outside the standard disembarkation schedule are subject to the following conditions:

• Guests must be willing and able to carry all their personal belongings ashore. Wherever allowed by local regulations and pending ongoing operations, crew members will assist guests with luggage, (however this is never confirmed in advance).
• Personalized disembarkation requests that violate cabotage rules are never approved.
• Personalized disembarkation requests in tender ports are never approved.

Guests who do not complete the Guest Information Form (GIF) on time will not receive the Pre-Arrival Kit. Rest assured that your luggage will be tagged before embarking on your voyage. All information provided in the Guest Information Form must be entered accurately by the guest. Any errors or omissions may result in fees or penalties imposed by relevant authorities.

Yes, we will mail your Pre-Arrival Kits internationally to the address listed on your Guest Information Form (GIF). Please note, that due to mail regulations, we are only able to mail two paper-branded luggage tags per address internationally regardless of guest count.

Please confirm that your Guest Information Form (GIF) has been completed with your desired address. If the GIF has been completed and your Pre-Arrival Kit did not arrive at your address, please get in touch with your Global Journeys  Travel Advisor. Crystal will provide you with additional luggage tags in the designated embarkation port.

If you are not home before your voyage, your luggage tags will be provided at your designated embarkation port.

We are currently providing two paper-branded luggage tags for each guest. You may receive additional luggage tags before boarding at your designated embarkation port.

There is no predefined limit on the amount of data a user can download. However, the amount of data that a user can download or upload at any given time is subject to the available bandwidth and concurrent usage. The available bandwidth is distributed based on requests from both Premium and Standard Plans, with priority given to premium users.

Video upload and download capabilities depend on bandwidth availability and cannot be guaranteed. Premium packages typically offer more reliability in this regard compared with standard ones.

Information is provided on your in-suite tablets.

The Standard Plan is complimentary for all guests.

The maximum internet speed varies based on satellite availability and weather conditions.

The Standard Plan permits a total of 10 devices, with up to 3 devices connected simultaneously.

Internet onboard cannot match the speed available on land. On land, there are multiple providers and technologies, whereas onboard, only satellite connectivity is available, especially in remote destinations. We ensure fair usage of the available internet to our guests and crew. When internet usage is low, the experience on both the Standard and Premium Plans is similar. However, during times of high demand or limited availability, the Premium Plan offers an advantage over the Standard Plan. While the Standard Plan will continue to function, it may have reduced bandwidth, and certain services such as streaming may not be accessible.

The Premium Plan costs $20 per day or $100 for a package of 7 days. The maximum internet speed varies based on satellite availability and weather conditions at the time of measurement. Premium users generally have an advantage over standard users in accessing available bandwidth. Premium plans are non-refundable; once purchased, they cannot be refunded or exchanged.

Access to video-streaming apps depends on internet availability in the area. However, it is important to remember that the user experience may differ from when you are at home due to the use of a different IP address. Certain streaming platforms may not operate abroad.

Both Premium and Standard (Complimentary) Plans have security restrictions in place to protect user experience and the integrity of the ship's network. These controls are based on industry best practices and may limit access to certain sites considered a security risk.

Our restaurants are complimentary except for The Vintage Room. Beefbar, our latest specialty restaurant, open for lunch and dinner, is also complimentary but requires reservations in the evening. Beefbar offers premium meat cuts such as Kobe & Wagyu at an additional cost. For our specialty restaurants, Umi Uma® and Osteria d'Ovidio, guests are entitled to the following complimentary reservations for up to two people per voyage:

• Up to 11 nights: One complimentary reservation at each restaurant
• 12 to 22 nights: Two complimentary reservations at each restaurant
• 23 or more nights: Three complimentary reservations at each restaurant

Guests staying in Crystal Penthouse or Junior Crystal Penthouse Suites can enjoy unlimited complimentary visits to these specialty restaurants. Any additional reservations beyond the complimentary allowance will incur a charge of $75 per person.

The dining hours are published on a daily basis in our Reflections newsletter. They are subject to potential adjustments due to daily activities, time zone variations, and availability. For more information, please contact obgs@crystalcruises.com or the Concierge if onboard.

Yes, register or log in to your MyAccount on our website to make dining reservations for your upcoming voyages. Your Global Journeys Cruise Advisor wil provide login details when you make your booking.

In most cases, we are happy to accommodate special dietary requirements. To help us provide the best possible experience, please inform our OBGS Team or your Travel Advisor of any allergies or dietary restrictions before your cruise departs. Additionally, be sure to include this information on your Guest Information Form (GIF) to ensure everything is properly noted.

At Crystal, we are committed to delivering an exceptional dining experience, sourcing ingredients from carefully vetted, local purveyors. We pride ourselves on selecting the finest, freshest products available. While we always prioritize quality, please note that we cannot guarantee that all food will be organic.

Kosher meals can be requested with advance notice at the time of the initial reservation. As we have limited availability, this must be requested no less than 90 days prior to sailing. We do offer kosher style and pre-packaged meals based upon availability.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverages onboard. Please note that certain restrictions may apply depending on the country or destination. Crystal is not responsible for any beverages confiscated by local or national authorities.

Guests must be at least 18 years old to enjoy wine and beer, and at least 21 years old to be served spirits. When docked or anchored in U.S. ports, or within the U.S. territorial waters (three-mile limit), guests must be 21 or older to be served any alcoholic beverages.

No, there is no corkage fee.

Yes, Marketplace, Trident Grill, and Scoops are open during embarkation.

Restaurant reservations are available 180 days prior to your embarkation date (dependent on voyage and offerings). To book these, log in to the booking portal in MyAccount to see options for your upcoming voyages. Please note, guests will be allowed to book one complimentary reservation to each restaurant, for up to two people, ahead of time. Additional reservations must be made onboard with the Maitre d’ of Specialty Restaurants and may be subject to a surcharge.

On select evenings throughout each cruise, we offer the exclusive Singles Table program, where solo travelers are invited to dine together at a reserved table for eight in Waterside. The date for this special dining event is carefully selected by the Hotel Director and Cruise Director in collaboration with the Restaurant Manager, ensuring the best possible night for this unique experience. Each dinner is hosted by a Crystal representative, unless all eight seats are confirmed. We encourage guests to continue meeting and dining together throughout the voyage, fostering a sense of camaraderie among fellow solo travelers.

Yes there is a minibar in every guest room and suite. It includes still and sparkling mineral water, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, as well as our selection of wine, beer, and Meinl coffee. Guests may also request specific beverages from their butler while onboard, subject to availability.

An expansive and complimentary in-suite dining menu is available 24-hours a day. Guests staying in premium-suite categories can also order from specialty dining venues with assistance from your butler.

Afternoon tea on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony is an elegant and indulgent event served at the beautiful Palm Court. Guests can enjoy a variety of teas, finger sandwiches, mini croissants, and sweet treats while listening to live entertainment.

Afternoon tea is served in the Palm Court, a stylish and elegant venue onboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.

Afternoon tea is a delightful complimentary experience, and no reservations are necessary. You are welcome to enjoy tea every day in the mid-afternoon in the elegant Palm Court, with the exception of embarkation days when the venue is closed. Please refer to our daily Reflections newsletter for the exact times during your voyage.

Each guest room and suite category includes various amenities which are displayed when you select your preferred cabin type on the depature date you're interested in. 

• Beverages including select fine wines, Champagne, premium spirits, and all non-alcoholic beverages, such as bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty coffees.
• At least one complimentary reservation to Osteria d' Ovidio and one complimentary reservation to Umi Uma, as well as unlimited reservations to Beefbar, subject to availability.
• Butler service in all suites and guest rooms.
• Wi-Fi/Internet access in-room and throughout the ship, signal permitting. An enhanced Wi-Fi/Internet package is available for purchase onboard.

Butler service is offered for all categories of guest rooms and suites. Specific services offered will be determined by suite category.

We offer products by Ortigia, a small Italian soap and scent company founded in Sicily. The luxurious range of soaps, scents, creams, candles, and lotions are formulated using natural products indigenous to Sicily and inspired by the aesthetics, colors, and scents of the island.

Each suite has two terry cloth robes, two kimonos, and two pairs of slippers. You may request additional amenities from your butler when onboard if needed.

Guests can request a cotton duvet instead of a down duvet. This should be noted on the booking. All our laundry cleaning supplies are non-fragranced and are provided by EcoLabs. Please contact your Global Journeys Cruise Advisor if this is required.

In most suites, housekeeping will set up the sofa bed during turndown service on the sofa in the suite. Crystal Penthouses and Junior Crystal Penthouses have the option of a separate bed. For larger families, we recommend a multiple-room configuration.

To ensure your nights onboard are as wonderful as your days, we offer the most exceptional bedding on the high seas. If you wish to have any additional pillows, please choose from the following options:

• Hypo-allergenic king- or standard-size pillow, filled with down-like polyfiber
• Standard-size pillow options include Firm pillow, 95% feather and 5% down, Goose-down pillow, Therapeutic sleep-sensitive pillow, 100% polyester fiber with head and neck indent
• Round neck pillow, Isotonic elastic foam-filled, for neck or lumbar support

Our entertainment offering includes world-class performers and shows, including musicians, cabaret artists, comedians and more.

All performances and shows are available for guests to attend without the need to book ahead.

Yes, we hold events and activities onboard tailored for our solo travelers, based on the number of solo passengers and their interest. If you are interested in meeting other solo guests, let us know pre-voyage or alert the front desk onboard to be updated about solo dining occasions and events such as dancing. These activities are also listed in our daily newsletter Reflections.

Our voyages offer dedicated solo meet-ups, designed specifically for solo travelers to socialize. This is a wonderful way to connect with fellow passengers and make new friends.

For sailings of seven days or less, your voyage will feature casual evenings. On sailings of more than seven days, there will be one formal night, and every sailing will have at least one White Night event.

A White Night will take place on voyages of seven or more days in length. Guests can dress under the Formal or Evening Resort dress etiquette, but we do encourage white clothing. This is a lively event with special lights, decorations, and dancing. We encourage participation, but it is not mandatory.

Yes, we have Ambassador hosts on both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Some of our dancers also host dance workshops during certain voyages for guests to enjoy.

Our Ambassador Hosts provide company for our solo guests. They are available to attend shows, have cocktails, dinner, or even go dancing. All Ambassador Hosts are interesting conversationalists with life experience touching many topics.

Enrichment programs include a lecture series, computer and media classes, art and dance lessons, golf clinics, movies, library service and more.

Bridge will be offered in a variety of ways, including casual games, duplicate bridge, and tournaments, based on the voyage. Guests can participate in open games, or they can book private sessions.

Our ships' Hollywood Theater features a variety of entertainment options with something for everyone to enjoy, including recently released movies, live sports events, guest lectures, and religious services.

Our voyages feature high-profile expert guest speakers from diverse fields. These exceptional individuals share their experiences and wisdom with guests during the voyage.

TaylorMade® golf clubs are available for use during your voyage, ensuring you have the best equipment for your game. You can access them through the sports director or golf pro.

If you wish to play golf while in port, you can rent a set of clubs through our Concierge.

We offer expert coaching by qualified Golf Professionals on most voyages. Whether you are a beginner or want to refine your skills, our golf pros will provide personalized instruction to help you improve your game.

Crystal Serenity has two full-sized courts and Crystal Symphony has one. These courts are available for you to enjoy a friendly game during your voyage.

Pickleball open play is a guest-organized activity; the designated times are listed in our daily newsletter, Reflections. For further assistance and inquires, please contact our Cruise Director while onboard.

Our Promenade Deck is a teak-floored, open-air area that encircles the ship, providing a perfect space for leisurely strolls with breathtaking ocean views. The Promenade Deck features a full-circuit walking and jogging track, ideal for staying active while enjoying the scenic surroundings.

We are no longer offering the Nordic Walk Pole Program onboard but we can lend out poles.

On Crystal Serenity, you will find a shuffleboard court located on Deck 8, and on Crystal Symphony, you will find a shuffleboard court located on Deck 7. These provide an excellent opportunity for you to enjoy a fun and leisurely activity during your voyage.