crystal ship cruise line

Crystal Cruises will set sail again this summer with new name, 'personalized service'

Crystal Cruises is back with a new name and a new look.

After  suspending operations  last year, the cruise line is relaunching as Crystal and will set sail again on July 31, the brand said Wednesday.

The A&K Travel Group, which owns the luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent, acquired the Crystal Cruises brand last year along with its Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity ships, which have been refurbished with larger suites and revamped amenities.

"I am delighted to announce that Crystal is reborn, with Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony reimagined and enhancements made to every part of our guests' journey," Crystal president Jack Anderson said in a news release .

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Crystal Cruises  reportedly shut down  at least its U.S. operations last year after an arrest warrant had been issued for the Crystal Symphony because of unpaid fuel bills. The cruise line had previously suspended sailings for several months after its parent company, Genting Hong Kong, declared bankruptcy in January 2022.

Royal Caribbean Group also acquired another former Crystal Cruises ship , Crystal Endeavor, which joined the Silversea Cruises fleet as Silver Endeavour.

Where will Crystal sail?

With the tagline, "Exceptional at Sea," Crystal will sail to destinations around the world, including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Alaska, Canada and New England and more.

The relaunched line's first sailing on July 31 will be a 12-night voyage from Marseille, France, to Lisbon, Portugal , on Crystal Serenity.

What can guests expect from Crystal?

Travelers can expect larger accommodations and upgraded features on board.

"Palatial suites, spacious verandas and guest rooms have been rolled out on both ships, reducing overall guest capacity," Anderson said in the release. "Personalized service – long a Crystal signature – has been elevated further."

Anderson said the line's eateries – there are nine on each ship – would serve "authentic food from around the globe," while Abercrombie & Kent's local experts would offer destination-specific experiences.

The ships will also have updated spas and gyms.

How much does a Crystal cruise cost?

A nine-night voyage from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Miami departing Nov. 23 starts at $3,800 per guest based on double occupancy, according to the line's website , but prices vary by cruise and room category, and include food and drinks on board.

Bookings open Wednesday for travel advisors and travelers who have made $500 open deposits . Other past passengers can book a cruise starting on Feb. 13, and bookings will open to the general public Feb. 22.

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Crystal Cruises Review — Ships, Destinations, Dining, and More

Katie Seemann

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Keri Stooksbury

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Table of Contents

Basic information, departure ports, private ships/islands, onboard activities, dining and beverages, accommodations, crystal society, final thoughts.

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Crystal Cruises has been offering luxury cruise vacations since 1990. This all-inclusive cruise line doesn’t have a large fleet, but what they do have focuses on total luxury and intimate, small ship sailings.

With Crystal Cruises you won’t find mega-ships like Royal Caribbean or discount party ships like Carnival . What you will find are luxury ocean and river ships along with a yacht and an expedition ship.

Let’s explore what makes Crystal Cruises a unique experience.

Name: Crystal Ltd.

Parent Company: Genting Hong Kong

Number of Ships: 8

Destinations: 800+

Loyalty Program: Crystal Society

Credit Card: None

Crystal Cruises operates 2 ocean ships, 4 river ships, 1 yacht, and 1 expedition ship.

Crystal Cruises Ocean Ships

• Crystal Serenity
• Crystal Symphony

Crystal Cruises River Ships

• Crystal Bach
• Crystal Debussy
• Crystal Mahler
• Crystal Ravel

Crystal Cruises Yacht

• Crystal Esprit

Crystal Cruises Expedition Ship

• Crystal Endeavor

Crystal Cruises sails to over 800 destinations on all 7 continents from 84 departure ports.

Crystal Cruises does not have a private island or port.

Here are some of the activities you may experience on a Crystal Cruises ship (not all activities are available on every ship).

• 360 Degree promenade deck
• Afternoon tea
• Computer University@Sea
• Crystal Life Sauna
• Crystal Life Spa & Salon
• Fitness center
• Golf driving nets
• Junior activities program (seasonal)
• Paddle tennis courts
• Personal training
• Photography workshops
• Resorts World at Sea Casino

You’ll be able to find the dress code for your ocean or expedition voyage, either Crystal Casual or black tie optional, for each day at sea in your Personal Cruise Calendar.

Crystal River Ships Dress Code

• Comfortable and casual attire is appropriate during the day, however, swimsuits, cover-ups, and baseball hats are not permitted in the dining rooms.
• Crystal Casual attire is appropriate for evenings on board. This is a slightly dressed up version of daytime wear.

Crystal Esprit (Yacht) Dress Code

• Tasteful swimwear, sandals, shorts, casual short sleeves, and cover-ups are appropriate during the day.
• Stylish resort wear should be worn for nights on board. This includes capri pants, blouses, sundresses, and sandals for women. Men should wear khakis, Bermuda shorts, short-sleeve button-down shirts, or golf shirts.

Hot Tip: Be prepared for your cruise’s action-packed days and fun-filled nights — check out our printable cruise packing list!

Dining is a little different on Crystal Cruises because everything is included . There are 3 specialty restaurants across the fleet and each guest is entitled to dine at each of these once or twice per cruise (depending on cruise length) at no extra cost. All beverages in the restaurants, including alcohol, are included as well.

Complimentary Dining

Look out for these restaurants on your next cruise; not all locations are available on every ship.

• 24-hour room service
• Bistro Bach
• Bistro Debussy
• Bistro Endeavor
• Bistro Mahler
• Bistro Ravel
• Churrascaria
• Marketplace
• Scoops Ice Cream Bar
• Silk Kitchen & Bar
• Sunset Grill
• The Vintage Room*
• Trident Grill
• Umi Uma & Sushi Bar*

*Denotes a specialty restaurant that requires reservations.

All locations with the exception of specialty restaurants Umi Uma, Prego, and The Vintage Room have open seating. That means you can dine anytime (usually between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. for dinner) you wish without reservations.

Specialty Restaurants

Umi Uma & Sushi Bar, Prego, and The Vintage Room are considered specialty restaurants and require reservations. You can dine at each of the specialty restaurants once per cruise for free. Each additional reservation you make at a specialty restaurant will incur a $30 per person fee.

For any cruise that is 14 days or longer, each guest is allowed 2 complimentary visits to each specialty restaurant before the $30 fee is charged. The Vintage Room wine pairing dining experience is also subject to additional charges.

Bars and Beverages

All beverages are included on your Crystal cruise. Wine, Champagne, premium spirits, and specialty coffees? Yes, they’re all included!

Look out for these bars and lounges on your next cruise; not all locations are available on every ship.

• Avenue Saloon
• Connoisseur Club
• Crystal Cove
• Galaxy Lounge
• Starlite Club

Bottom Line: Crystal Cruises goes the all-inclusive route. Beverages (including wines, Champagne, and specialty coffees), specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are all included.

No matter which room type you choose or what type of ship you’re sailing on, you’ll find luxury accommodations across the Crystal Cruises fleet.

Crystal Ocean Cruises

Every stateroom on a Crystal ocean cruise comes with standard amenities including:

• Sitting area
• Double-vanity bathroom
• Full bathtub/shower
• Bathrobes, kimonos, and slippers for onboard use
• Luxury bath products
• Twice-daily housekeeping
• Evening turndown service

Here are some of the highlights:

The Seabreeze Penthouse with Verandah features butler service, a walk-in closet, private verandah, in-suite tea or cocktails, plus canapés and dining from specialty restaurants Umi Uma and Prego.

For the ultimate in luxury, choose the Crystal Penthouse with Verandah. This amazing room features over 1,300 square feet of living space. You’ll find a separate living and dining area featuring a custom entertainment center. The master bathroom includes a Jacuzzi tub, flat-screen TV, heated floor, and bidet. There’s also a guest bathroom with a shower.

Crystal River Cruises

Sailing on a river cruise is so different than a more traditional ocean cruise. Crystal river cruises are a great way to travel if you’re looking for luxury because every room on each river ship is a suite!

The “basic” room on a Crystal river cruise is anything but basic. The Petite Suite with Panoramic Balcony-Window features a king-size bed with Egyptian cotton linens, glass shower with 2 shower heads, single vanity with halo-lit mirror, and a huge panoramic window so you won’t miss the spectacular views.

The Two-Bedroom Crystal Suite with Panoramic Balcony-Window sleeps up to 5 guests and comes with butler service. This elegant room features 2 bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, a fireplace with ambient lighting, a separate dining area, and an extra powder room.

Crystal Yacht Cruises

Cruising on a yacht is a special treat. Crystal Cruise’s yacht, Crystal Esprit, accommodates only 62 guests, so you’ll enjoy personalized service along with deluxe accommodations.

The Yacht Suite features a king-size bed, bed-side iPads, and large picture window. The bathroom has a glass-enclosed shower, double sink, and a natural stone floor. Personalized butler service and twice-daily housekeeping will round out your luxurious experience.

The 500+ square foot Owner’s Suite features a living area with sofa and chairs, flat-screen TV, and dining table. The bathroom includes a glass-enclosed rain shower and double vanity with a backlit mirror and integrated TV.

Crystal Expedition Cruises

On the Crystal Endeavor Expedition ship, all rooms are suites and every suite has a private verandah.

The Penthouse Suite with Verandah features a king-size bed, living area, and a heated storage closet for expedition gear. The bathroom features a glass-enclosed shower with dual shower heads, double vanity, and a separate water closet.

For even more space and luxury, check out the Expedition Suite with Verandah. This expansive suite features 2 bedrooms in over 1,200 square feet of space. Each bedroom features a king-size bed, bedside iPads, and interactive TVs. Each bedroom has an en suite bathroom with dual sinks, heated floors, Jacuzzis, and separate water closets.

The Crystal Society is Crystal Cruise’s loyalty program. It’s free to join , and you’ll be automatically enrolled after you complete your first full-revenue cruise. As a member, you’ll receive special offers, upgrades, onboard credits, special events, and savings on future cruises.

Every member receives benefits including:

• 2.5% savings on all voyages
• 2.5% onboard booking savings when you book your next cruise on board
• Exclusive onboard cocktail party

Plus, you’ll earn cruise credits each time you sail. Each time you hit a new milestone, you’ll be eligible for even more benefits like unlimited free reservations at specialty restaurants, credits towards future sailings, and recognition pins.

Hot Tip: Not sure which credit card to use to get the most bang for your cruise buck? Check out our guide to the best credit cards to book cruises for some guidance.

Crystal Cruises is a luxury cruise line offering ocean, river, yacht, and expedition cruises. Each of its 8 ships is designed for the luxury traveler and includes elegant accommodations and exquisite cuisine.

On Crystal Cruises, everything is included. You won’t pay extra for specialty restaurants, beverages, gratuities, or Wi-Fi.

If you’re looking for mega-ships with endless activities, check out other lines like Disney Cruises , Norwegian , or Princess. However, if you prefer smaller ships or the intimacy of a river or yacht cruise, Crystal Cruises has a lot to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a crystal cruise all-inclusive.

Yes, Crystal Cruises is an all-inclusive line. You won’t have to pay extra for beverages like wine, Champagne, spirits, or specialty coffees. The specialty restaurants are included as is Wi-Fi, room service, and gratuities.

Do Crystal Cruises include excursions in the price?

If you’re sailing on Crystal Cruises’ yacht, Crystal Esprit, Crystal Cruises’ Expedition ship, Crystal Endeavor, or a Crystal Cruises river ship, some shore excursions are included. However, if you’re sailing on a Crystal Cruises ocean ship, shore excursions will come with an additional charge.

Are children allowed on Crystal Cruise ships?

Yes, children aged 6 months and older are welcome on any Crystal Cruises ship with a few exceptions. When traveling on the Crystal Esprit, children younger than 7 are not allowed on the Zodiacs. Some ports require Zodiac transportation to disembark the yacht, so young children would have to stay on board with an adult in those situations. Children under 6 years old are not allowed on Crystal Endeavor expeditions to the Arctic or Antarctic.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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Crystal Cruises

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About Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises knows that the difference is in the details. Luxury and sophistication define the Crystal experience. Crystal's award-winning ships provide the ultimate in luxury cruises and their crew welcome guests with gracious hospitality and unsurpassed service. The Crystal Experience is designed to provide an indulgent home away from home as the world is explored.

The staterooms on all Crystal ships are spacious and elegant and are a haven of serenity. The staterooms and suites are filled with luxurious amenities including the softest linens, feather beds and plush duvets, a personal pillow menu, Egyptian bath towels, Frette robes, indulgent bath amenities, flat screen televisions, wireless internet access, and complimentary in room dining any time day or night.

Crystal Cruises' Perfect Choice Dining invites guests to reserve a table in the dining room whenever they prefer to dine. Traditional dining is also available for those who prefer eating at the same time each day during their cruise. Once guests arrive they will experience extraordinary cuisine and service that is unmatched. Crystal is renowned for their innovative menus and fresh ingredients which showcase the world's unique flavors. From regionally inspired dishes to classic favorites, their chefs will impress even the most discriminating palate. In addition to the Crystal Dining Room, guests can also opt to dine in a number of complimentary specialty restaurants including Prego and The Silk Room & The Sushi Bar. Dining in the Vintage Room is the ultimate experience for wine enthusiasts.

People travel to learn and to discover the world. An important aspect of Crystal's award-winning reputation focuses on their onboard enrichment programs. Days at sea can be spent attending insightful lectures given by well known authors, world leaders and other personalities that will provide guests with an in-depth view of the places that will be explored. Complimentary courses are offered including language lessons with Berlitz, music lessons with Yamaha, and wine tasting with the Society of Wine Educators. Guests can learn about technology with Crystal's Computer University@Sea. The enrichment programs are quite diverse and provide a unique enhancement to the Crystal Cruise Experience.

A Crystal Cruise welcomes guests to the world. The itineraries are designed to allow in-depth exploration on over 165 different itineraries ranging from 7 to 107 days. The Crystal Symphony and the Crystal Serenity sail to ports worldwide and include itineraries to Alaska, the Caribbean, Canada and New England, Mexico, Europe, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Hawaii and the South Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, the Panama Canal, South America and complete World Cruise.

Call now or book online to receive exclusive rates, special deals and extra amenities on your next Crystal cruise.

Featured Crystal Cruises

• Crystal Serenity

• Crystal Symphony

Crystal Cruise Ship Profiles, Deck Plans and Public Areas

• Crystal Bach
• Crystal Debussy
• Crystal Mahler
• Crystal Mozart
• Crystal Ravel
• Crystal Espirit
• Crystal Endeavor

Crystal Cruise Highlights

Experiences of Discovery® Come aboard for an incredible immersive enrichment experience on a myriad of special-interest topics, such as "Ballroom at Sea" and the popular "Crystal Wine and Food Festival." Enhancing the voyage, are experts in various fields who will lead lectures and offer fascinating hands-on interactive demonstrations that relate to these exciting theme cruises. Providing related shore excursions, a deeper perspective is sure to be pleasing to even the most discerning travelers.

Exceptional Dining Travel with Crystal and taste the world — from authentic Pad Thai in Asia to paella while cruising along the coast of Spain. Savor some of the finest gourmet cuisine at sea at the elegant Main Dining Room and the intimate Vintage Room. Incredible specialty restaurants, such as Prego for mouthwatering Italian dishes and mouthwatering delights at Silk Road & The Sushi Bar, the creation of celebrity chef, "Nobu" Matsuhisa.

Luxurious Intimate Ships Elegant ships of Crystal boast some of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea with spectacular well-appointed staterooms. Lavish Penthouses feature private teak verandahs, a Jacuzzi tub and separate shower and butler service. Spectacular accommodations will make even the most well traveled guest feel right at home in sumptuous comfort.

Crystal Adventures Explore the world on an exciting Crystal Adventure, offering more than 2,000 incredible selections of unique shore excursions. Providing guests a range of features, such as a private car or van, English-speaking guide and a special itinerary tour. Exclusive Private Options for smaller groups and Crystal Boutique Adventures, letting guests visit extraordinary settings, are ideal for Crystal guests who expect the very best.

"You Care, We Care" Voluntourism Adventures Invest in the future of well-being at various destinations with "You Care, We Care" Voluntourism Adventures, coupling meaningful and educational tourism with adventure travel to improve destinations with various needs, such as animal rescues. Restore native plant habitats on the beaches of Oahu and rehabilitate marine animals in Barcelona. Help preserve the world for future generations of travelers while experiencing a rewarding experience while creating amazing personal experiences.

Creative Learning Institute Bring out your best on your luxury Crystal cruise as you learn something new at the Creative Learning Institute. Enrich yourself under the direction of experts and coaches from a variety of fields, including The Society of Wine Educators. Fascinating topics include culinary, music, history, history, wellness and more.

Special Cruise Offers

Royal Caribbean Cruises 60% OFF ALL Guests + Kids Sail FREE + FREE GRATUITIES OR Onboard Credit

Norwegian Cruises Up to 5 FREE Offers + Up to $1,700 Cash Back

Holland America Cruises 50% OFF Signature Beverage Package, Specialty Dining, Shore Excursions & Wi-Fi

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Crystal Serenity cruise ship review: What to expect on this transformed luxury vessel

Call it the once and future queen of luxury cruising.

For years, Crystal Serenity was one of the world's most beloved luxury ships. Some would even say it was at the pinnacle of luxury cruising: The ship that delivered the ultimate luxury cruise experience.

But then, in early 2022, it was unexpectedly gone — a victim of the collapse of the parent company of Crystal Cruises .

Now, after an 18-month absence from the luxury cruising scene, Crystal Serenity is back and — dare I say — better than before.

The company that bought Crystal Serenity and the rights to the Crystal brand name from the liquidators of the former company has relaunched the vessel. But not before it poured millions of dollars into a massive overhaul of the ship that has left it sparkling — almost as if it were new.

King Arthur may not yet have returned to rule his kingdom. But Crystal Serenity is back to rule hers, and she is looking better than ever.

If you're a luxury cruise lover (or a Crystal fan), that's exciting news.

Overview of Crystal Serenity

Crystal Serenity is the new flagship for Crystal, a luxury cruise brand that is at the same time all-new and decades old.

Crystal is technically a start-up luxury cruise company — one that just debuted this year and is being built from the ground up. Its owners have nothing to do with the old owners of Crystal Cruises. That company ceased to exist when its parent company, Genting Hong Kong, collapsed in early 2022 and was liquidated.

And yet the new owners of Crystal Serenity and the rights to the Crystal Cruises brand are creating a new cruise line that is about as close to the old Crystal Cruises as can be. Its name is just slightly different (note it's just Crystal, not Crystal Cruises), and it's operating the same two main ships that once sailed for Crystal Cruises. You'll also find many of the same senior staff and crew on those ships as before.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

If it's not a rebirth of Crystal Cruises, it's at least a reincarnation. The old soul of Crystal Cruises is back in a new form.

Still, it's a reincarnation that comes, as noted above, with a massive transformation for Crystal Serenity and the other former Crystal Cruises ship that is relaunching — Crystal Symphony.

Unveiled in 2003, the 68,870-ton Crystal Serenity has been made even more luxurious during an overhaul in dry dock that was so long — around six months — that it allowed for an almost complete rebuilding of significant parts of the ships.

For starters, two whole cabin decks were completely gutted to rip out relatively small cabins and replace them with much bigger suites. This was on top of an overhaul of other cabin areas several years ago. As a result, the ship now has far fewer but far bigger cabins than it once did.

Originally built for 1,080 passengers, Crystal Serenity is now configured to hold just 740 passengers — even as the size of its public areas (lounges, bars, restaurants, etc.) hasn't changed. That means its "space ratio" — a fancy cruise world term that refers to the amount of space on the ship per passenger — is at an almost unprecedented level for a cruise vessel. Specifically, it's at 93, far above the 60 to 75 that is typical for luxury ships.

With its passenger count down, its crew-to-passenger ratio is also through the roof at around 1-to-1.

These are the building blocks on which true luxury cruising is built.

What I loved about Crystal Serenity

The remarkable crew.

There was always something special about the crew on Crystal ships. It was what made the line. And the big news for Crystal fans as the line restarts is that more than 80% of the crew has returned.

If you book a cruise on Crystal Serenity, you'll mostly find the same butlers, room stewardesses, wait staff and front desk workers that have wowed customers for years with their next-level service — a service level so exquisite and intuitive that it has long been the talk of the cruise world. It is the interplay of this crew with Crystal's regular customers — and 80% of Crystal's customers are regulars, according to its new owners — that creates an onboard experience that many luxury cruise lovers find unrivaled.

For longtime Crystal fans, one of the great joys in returning to the brand's ships, again and again, is to see the same crew members they have come to know and love over the years. I experienced this myself upon boarding Crystal Serenity in July as I bumped into one crew member after another with whom I had sailed before and, at times, developed deep bonds.

In fact, one of the first staffers I met after boarding, the butler for my room, was Prince Jose, who I called out by name for his great service in the last story I wrote from a Crystal ship in 2021. That was nearly two years ago, but he recognized me, and I recognized him, and we immediately got to talking as if no time had gone by.

My all-time favorite bartender from any ship at sea, Ana, also is on board, now promoted to a position at the front desk. We hugged when we saw each other — it's that kind of crew.

The spacious suites

The old knock on Crystal ships was that many of their cabins weren't big enough — at least for an ultra-luxury ship. Newer luxury ships in recent years have been built with more big cabins and suites, which put Crystal's older vessels at a disadvantage.

That's no longer the case, thanks to the overhaul of the cabin decks mentioned above. The two decks were completely gutted, with smaller cabins replaced by suites that are twice as large. I'll go into more detail on this below in the cabins section, but the result is a game-changing transformation for Crystal Serenity's accommodations that give it some of the best luxury cabins in the business.

The promenade

It's a little thing, but the promenade on Crystal Serenity is gorgeous. It wraps all the way around the ship — something that is increasingly rare on cruise vessels. It's lined with beautiful teak boards that have been refinished to look almost brand new.

On Deck 7, not far above the waterline, the promenade also is wide and blissfully uncluttered. If you end up on board Crystal Serenity, do not miss a morning walk around it — 3.35 laps equals a mile — or an evening stroll to soak in the salty air and watch the waves. It's what promenades used to be in the grand old days of cruising.

What I didn't love about Crystal Serenity

The lack of a casino.

I am not a gambler, and you won't ever find me in a cruise ship casino. For me, personally, a lack of a casino is no loss at all. But Crystal has traditionally drawn a lively crowd that likes to stay up late drinking, dancing and soaking in the onboard entertainment, and for some, at least, that includes dropping a little money at a casino.

Crystal Serenity used to have a modest casino area just outside the main theater on Deck 6. Theatergoers would spill out of the theater into the casino on their way to the ship's other entertainment venues on the opposite side of the deck, with some lingering for a game or two. But the casino was taken out during the 2023 overhaul.

For now, the old casino space has been revamped as a lounge. However, it's a lounge without a bar, and it comes off as a dead space on the ship — a room that is rarely used. Over six days on board, I hardly saw a soul sitting in it.

Crystal executives say they still are figuring out what to do with the space, and it could become something different over time. One proposal called for it to become a cooking classroom, though executives said that would be hard to do properly in the space. One Crystal executive mentioned to me there was talk of using the space for an onboard distillery.

Whatever happens, my take is that the casino's removal was one of the rare misses of the ship's overhaul.

Sapphire suite storage space

It's difficult to find fault with much on Crystal Serenity in the wake of its makeover. It's that great a ship. A relatively minor quibble is that the many big (and lovely) new Sapphire Verandah Suites the line added to Crystal Serenity don't have quite as much storage space as I would have expected. These are huge suites at more than 500 square feet, so there is no lack of space to add shelving, drawers and other storage units. But the amount of storage space put into the rooms seems modest, given their size.

That isn't to say that there isn't a good amount of storage in these rooms. There's enough for a typical seven-night cruise, but this is a ship that will often sail longer cruises where you will want extra storage.

Crystal Serenity cabins and suites

Crystal Serenity's array of cabins and suites is relatively simple to understand. It features just nine categories of rooms, with just two of those categories accounting for the vast majority of accommodations.

About 40% of the ship's accommodations (151 out of 377) are Sapphire Verandah Suites. Measuring a whopping 537 square feet including balcony space, these are unusually spacious suites for a main cabin category on a cruise ship. Each of these suites, notably, has a separate sitting room and bedroom, a walk-in closet and a large bathroom, as well as a 107-square-foot balcony.

The somewhat smaller but still spacious Aquamarine Verandah Suites make up another 28% of the ship's accommodations (106 suites). Measuring 409 square feet, including balcony space, these suites lack the separate sitting rooms found in Sapphire Verandah Suites but still are impressively large.

Add in four more Aquamarine Verandah Suites with balconies that are ADA compliant and four Aquamarine Suites without balconies that are ADA-compliant (both sets of which are considered their own cabin categories), and that's 70% of all accommodations on the ship.

The remaining 30% of accommodations include a handful of larger penthouse and junior penthouse suites, and roughly 100 smaller double and single rooms (more on these in a moment).

For longtime Crystal fans, the thing to know is that a large percentage of all these accommodations were massively overhauled and enlarged in advance of the line's relaunch this year. In fact, two of Crystal Serenity's four main cabin decks — decks 8 and 9 — were essentially gutted and rebuilt, with nearly all their smaller cabins ripped out and replaced with the much larger Sapphire Verandah Suites.

It was a massive undertaking that involved knocking out dozens of walls — and one that has profoundly changed the vessel. Once criticized for not having big enough rooms, Crystal Serenity now offers one of the most impressive arrays of big suites of any luxury ship.

My own cabin was one of these all-new Sapphire Veranda Suites on Deck 9, and it was among the most lovely cruise ship suites I have stayed in in recent years. In addition to being wonderfully spacious, it had a sophisticated, contemporary vibe with soothing light gray and beige furnishings, fabrics and wall coverings sprinkled with ocean-inspired blue velvet accents.

As one would expect on a luxury ship, the bedding on my Sapphire Veranda Suite bed was ridiculously luscious, with super-high-end, embroidered Italian-made Jesurum 1870 sheets that were so soft and comfortable that I just wanted to snuggle under them all day. Generously sized, Fior di Pesco marble-topped nightstands flanked the bed, with perfectly placed task lighting floating off the wall just above them.

I also appreciated the tidy cluster of electrical outlets (both U.S.- and European-style) and USB ports on both sides of the beds. On some ships, you only find these on one side of the bed — if at all.

In addition, the bathroom in my Sapphire Verandah Suite was spacious and elegant, with a Fior di Pesco marble-topped vanity embedded with two upscale Duravit sinks on one side and an unusually large walk-in shower on the other side. The shower itself was a showpiece, with high-end Grohe fixtures that spouted water from three directions. These included a massive rain shower head on the ceiling that shot water straight down, two back-wall shower heads that shot out horizontally (hitting you midbody) and a separate hand-held wand. There were separate controls for each of these, so I could mix and match the water delivery devices to my liking.

One small gripe: In a perfect world, the hand-held wand would have been placed higher on the shower wall, so it could double as a main shower head for those who aren't fans of ceiling-mounted rain showers.

The bathroom toiletries, too, were high-end, made by Italian luxury purveyor Ortigia Sicilia with scents of Italian wildflowers.

I particularly liked that the bathroom had an unusually large amount of storage space, with two long open shelves built into the marble vanity under the sinks and a floor-to-ceiling tower of matching marble shelves next to the shower (some of which house the bathroom's towels).

All that extra storage space in the bathroom was in contrast to what some may consider a lack of enough storage space outside the bathroom. While the suite featured a walk-in closet for storage, as I mentioned above, I found it oddly small for a suite of this size, at around six feet by six feet.

The storage available in Sapphire Verandah Suites is surely adequate for the storage needs of a couple on one of the ship's occasional week-long sailings. But this is a vessel that often does much longer sailings of 10 nights or more, including around-the-world trips that last more than four months.

Given that, there would have been logic to using more of the suite's ample room for storage. I might have tucked another built-in storage unit along the wall in the seating area that currently houses a television, with the television inset into it, or in the narrow inset area at the entrance to the room where there currently is a second door to the bathroom (a door that is a "nice to have" for those rare times when a guest is visiting but not critical).

Notably, the walk-in closet is so small that the four pull-out drawers along one of its walls can't be opened all the way unless the inward-swinging door to the closet is at least partially closed. This makes for an awkward time trying to access items put in these draws.

The walk-in closet also is tucked away in an odd location in a corner of the sitting room instead of adjacent to the bedroom. Still, that's just another small quibble.

Overall, the new Sapphire Verandah Suites are a delightful addition to Crystal Serenity, which has long needed a bigger array of suites to please its well-heeled passengers.

Those who want something even bigger than a Sapphire Verandah Suite will find four massive, 1,372-square-foot Crystal Penthouses on the vessel and six 806-square-foot Junior Crystal Penthouses. The latter is an all-new category of cabin for the line.

The four Crystal Penthouses, one of which I toured, are truly over-the-top. Each has an elegant bedroom, an enormous bathroom with mosaic-inlaid floors and walls that evoke a Roman bath, two separate living room areas, a dining area and a butler's pantry that is essentially a miniature private kitchen with its own sink, dishwasher and microwave.

The six Junior Crystal Penthouses offer separate dining and living areas looking out over a private balcony, a bedroom with a large walk-in closet, a spacious primary bathroom, and a half-bath near the entrance for visitors.

Rounding out the ship's accommodations are 46 smaller cabins for two with balconies that measure 269 square feet. There are also 42 cabins for two without balconies that measure 215 square feet. Both cabin categories are officially called Double Occupancy Suites, though, in my book, cabins of that size aren't really suites and shouldn't be labeled as such.

The final cabin category on Crystal Serenity is its 14 Classic Staterooms, which are sold as solo cabins. At 215 square feet, they're essentially the same layout as the Double Occupancy Suites without balconies but only meant for one passenger.

The solo cabins, which I wasn't able to see, are also an entirely new category of cabin for the ship.

Other Crystal Serenity cabin tidbits:

• Every cabin has a small hair dryer and a personal safe in the closet.
• There are flat-screen televisions on the walls in bedrooms that offer a wide range of movies on demand for no extra charge. The televisions also receive live feeds from a limited number of cable networks, including CNBC, MSNBC, BBC World News, Fox News, HGTV, Food Network and Travel Channel.
• Every cabin and suite on Crystal Serenity comes with butler service (a change with the new line, as previously only higher-level cabins received butler service).
• Cabins come with pull-out minibars stocked with beer, wine, water and sodas.

Crystal Serenity restaurants and bars

As is typical for a (relatively) small luxury vessel, Crystal Serenity doesn't have a huge number of eateries. Nor are there so many bars that you won't have time to get to them all on a typical cruise. That sort of too-much-is-never-enough excess is the realm of the big mass-market ships.

But what Crystal Serenity lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. The vessel has one main dining room and two main specialty restaurants that each are about as classy and upscale as you'll find at sea — all included in the fare. There are also several casual eateries in the vicinity of the main pool on the Lido Deck. Crystal Serenity's handful of bars and lounges also are classy and refined.

In general, Crystal's cuisine and drinks offerings are high-end, as you'd expect for a luxury product, and served with the sort of elegance and flair that is only found at the best luxury resorts on land or sea.

Restaurants

While I was only on Crystal Serenity for six nights, I was able to visit every food outlet on board — something made possible by the ship's relatively intimate size.

The main dining room on the vessel, and the spot where you'll eat at least a few, if not most, of your dinners, is Waterside. On Deck 5, just off the ship's central plaza, it serves up what the line calls modern international cuisine for dinner in an elegant setting.

We're talking such dishes as sauteed tiger prawns with creamed orzo, broccolini and candied bacon; or broiled lemon sole floating in a shallow dill-and-cockles chowder with snow peas and confit potatoes. More traditional items, such as grilled black Angus sirloin steak with Bearnaise sauce, also appear on the menu, which changes nightly.

Waterside is also open for breakfast and lunch — the place to go when you want something a little more formal for breakfast or lunch than a quick bite at one of the casual eateries on the Lido Deck. The breakfast menu offers everything from eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles and other breakfast classics to a crab omelet (a Waterside breakfast signature). Lunch brings its own enticing array of mouth-watering dishes, from pan-fried rainbow trout with almond-caper butter to lamb kofte.

Still, as wonderful as Waterside is (and for a main restaurant on a cruise ship, it truly is wonderful), the culinary star of Crystal Serenity always has been and remains Umi Uma, the innovative Japanese-Peruvian restaurant created by legendary master chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa. It's an eatery that was on Crystal Serenity for many years before its overhaul, and it has thankfully made a comeback under the ship's new owners — albeit with an all-new look.

Luckily, the overhaul did not extend to the menu. All of the insanely fabulous, melt-in-your-mouth Nobu specialties, such as Matsuhisa's signature Nobu-style black cod marinated in Saikyo miso, baby peach and young ginger, and Wagyu beef filet steak, are all still there.

Note that while unlimited dining at Waterside on Crystal Serenity is included in the fare, passengers only get to visit Umi Uma once per cruise for free for sailings of 11 days or fewer. For sailings of more than 11 days, two complimentary reservations are included.

If you want additional reservations at Umi Uma, you can sign up for another turn, on a space-available basis, for $50 per person. This is basically a crowd-control measure, as otherwise, everyone on board would want to eat there every night. It's that good. If you can get a second or third reservation, grab it. Matsuhisa's restaurants on land can easily set you back $300 or more a couple, so even a $50 per person charge here is an incredible bargain.

The new entrant to Crystal's scene is Osteria d'Ovidio, a high-end Italian eatery that takes the place of Prego, another Italian restaurant that was in the same location for years leading up to the line's shutdown in 2022. Like Umi Uma, it was completely gutted and rebuilt during the ship's overhaul in early 2023 and looks brand new. It also has a new menu focused on Northern Italian cuisine.

I sampled half a dozen of Osteria d'Ovidio's new dishes during a special night of tastings, and there wasn't a bad item in the bunch. The standout, if I had to choose, was the tortello di stracotto di manzo, a wrapped pasta filled with braised beef, fig vincotto (a type of fig molasses) and gorgonzola cheese. It may be my new favorite pasta.

Also, whatever you do if you dine here, order the caffe nocciola e caramello salato dessert. Run that through the Google translator if you must know what it is in advance — or trust me. It'll melt in your mouth.

Crystal Serenity trivia: Osteria d'Ovidio is named after Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, the new controlling owner of Crystal. A familiar name in the cruise business, Lefebvre d'Ovidio owned luxury line Silversea Cruises for many years, until he sold it to Royal Caribbean Group (the parent company of Royal Caribbean).

Notably, Lefebvre d'Ovidio already has a series of restaurants on ships named after him, but not on Crystal or Silversea ships. Lefebvre d'Ovidio's friend Torstein Hagen, chairman of upscale cruise line Viking , has named the high-end Italian eateries on all of Viking's ocean ships Manfredi's in honor of him.

My take: Any restaurant with at least a portion of Lefebvre d'Ovidio's name in it must be destined to be a star. The Manfredi's eateries on Viking ships (which Lefebvre d'Ovidio had a hand in creating with Hagen) were until now my favorite Italian eateries at sea. Now the new Osteria d'Ovidio on Crystal Serenity joins them atop my pantheon of all-time great Italian restaurants on ships. It's an Italian eatery that even my judgy Italian grandmother would have loved.

Like Umi Uma, Osteria d'Ovidio only can be visited once per cruise for free for sailings of 11 days or fewer. After that, there's a $50 per person charge to dine there on a space-available basis. Again, this is mostly for crowd control.

Other eateries on Crystal Serenity include Marketplace, a casual buffet, and The Trident Grill, serving cooked-to-order burgers and hot sandwiches. Both are steps away from the ship's main pool on Deck 12, as is Tastes Kitchen & Bar. The latter serves a mix of classic lunch dishes from around the world at lunchtime — everything from stir-fried egg noodles and a grilled Reuben sandwich to chicken quesadillas and a shrimp Caesar salad. Dinnertime is when the eatery really shines, though.

Designed as a casual alternative to the more formal dining spots on the ship, Tastes offers a dinner menu of elevated, globally inspired dishes in a relaxed, top-of-the-ship setting. All of the dishes, which include ahi tuna poke, hamachi crudo, oven-roasted cauliflower, ricotta gnocchi, California street tacos and chimichurri steak, are placed in the middle of the table and meant to be shared.

There's also a nearby counter serving handmade Italian gelato.

Trident Grill and Tastes are side-by-side on a top deck covered with a glass magrodome that can slide open when the weather is pleasant.

In addition, on Deck 6, just off the central atrium, passengers will find a Parisian-inspired cafe serving espresso drinks and light snacks throughout the day (this is the place to get your coffee fix). In the morning, there's a self-serve continental breakfast here, arrayed along a buffet on one end of the room. The afternoon brings a spread of cold cuts, scrumptious cakes, cannoli and other desserts, and fruit.

Finally, Crystal Serenity has a special 14-seat dining room called the Vintage Room that guests can book for exclusive private dinners that combine an elegant set menu of five to seven dishes with wine pairings for each course. Seven-course meals in the room, including wines, are presented over about three hours in the room and cost $300 per person.

A shorter five-course food and wine pairing in the Vintage Room is available for $220 per person. Occasional seven-course meals overseen by celebrity chefs that sail on the ship cost $1,100 per person, including wine pairings.

Bars and lounges

Some cruise ships have so many bars and lounges that you have trouble visiting them all on a typical seven-night cruise. Crystal Serenity isn't one of them. If you're out for a drink on Crystal Serenity, you're probably heading to just one of three places: Crystal Cove, Avenue Saloon or the Palm Court & Sunset Bar.

At the base of Crystal Serenity's two-deck-high atrium, Crystal Cove is the ultimate social hub for the ship, the place you go when you want to meet all the new friends you're making on board for a pre-dinner cocktail or a nightcap afterward. Open from late morning until the wee hours, it offers live music for much of the day, starting as early as lunchtime and continuing through midnight. The entertainment is low-key enough that you can maintain a conversation with your companions.

On a typical night at Crystal Cove, you might find a saxophonist playing in the early evening, followed by a pianist and a violinist and then a pianist and a singer, capped off by a singer with a guitar.

Avenue Saloon, at the back of the ship on Deck 6, is a cozy venue. Its dark wood and leather-lined walls, heavy red-upholstered barrel chairs and turned-down lights create the air of a speakeasy. You feel like you want to order a whiskey drink here, and indeed, it's home to both a special Manhattan menu and a Negroni menu. It also serves as the ship's piano bar, with a pianist playing most nights.

If you're a cigar smoker, the adjacent Connoisseur Club is the place for you. The clubby hideaway is the cliche of a cigar and pipe smoking den with dark-wood paneling, leather sofas, paisley fabric-covered wingback chairs and high-end single-malt Scotch, Armagnac and Cognac for sale as well as hand-rolled cigars from around the world. Sinatra plays in the background. It is, notably, the only place on the ship you can smoke a cigar or pipe.

For a bar with a view, you'll want to head up to the faux palm tree-filled Palm Court & Sunset Bar, which is at the top of the ship on Deck 12 overlooking the bow.

While not staffed nearly as many hours as the other bars (on my voyage, bar service was only available from 5 to 10:30 p.m.), the Palm Court offers sweeping views of the ocean from floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap around 270 degrees. Palm Court also is where Crystal offers a formal afternoon tea service on sea days accompanied by a pianist and a violinist.

Home to one of the ship's biggest dance floors, the Palm Court often has live entertainment and dancing at night. One night on my sailing, an old-timey crooner sang Sinatra tunes for a half hour, accompanied by a pianist.

Crystal Serenity activities and shows

Among the major luxury lines, the original Crystal Cruises was always known for a stepped-up level of entertainment (it's long been a Crystal thing), and the new Crystal is no different. From the day of its relaunch, Crystal Serenity has been a ship that gets lively at night in a way that many luxury ships don't.

The entertainment hubs on Crystal Serenity include Galaxy Pavilion, a full-blown theater at the front of the ship on Deck 6 that offers all sorts of relatively big entertainment productions in the evening. During my sailing, for instance, it was the site of a Billy Joel tribute concert and a show by a comedian who flew in for the performance.

At the back of the same deck is yet another major entertainment venue, the Stardust Club. It's a more versatile entertainment lounge with a stage and large dance floor that offers a mix of dancing, cabaret performances and other themed events. Additionally, on select nights, Stardust opens its doors as a reservations-only Supper Club that offers an evening show with both dining and dancing.

Speaking of dancing, Crystal is one of the few cruise lines in the world that still sails with "ambassador hosts" — older gentlemen who are on hand to dance with single ladies on board. The word is they're always in hot demand. If only I knew how to dance, this would be my retirement plan.

A third entertainment space on the same deck as the Stardust Club, the Hollywood Theatre is a traditional cinema playing recently released movies and also broadcasting live sporting events at times. It's also used as a lecture hall.

For the late-night crowd, there's a small nightclub with a semi-circular bar tucked back behind the Stardust Club. Called Pulse, it doesn't get going until around midnight, assuming anyone on board is still up for it.

Combine all that with the live music at bars and lounges mentioned in the section above, and Crystal Serenity is a luxury ship where passengers can — and do — head out for a big "night on the town," so to speak. Guests usually get quite dolled up when they hit the entertainment areas of the ship at night, looking glamorous and expensive.

On plenty of luxury ships, nearly everyone is in bed by 9 o'clock in the evening. Crystal Serenity isn't one of them.

During the day, the onboard scene is more laid back. As is typical for luxury ships, the top decks of Crystal Serenity aren't loaded with the amusements you'll find on large mass-market ships. You won't find climbing walls or waterslides. Instead, what you get atop Crystal Serenity is a stylish, refined pool deck experience. If you're the kind of person who likes to lounge next to a Four Seasons hotel pool, you know what I'm talking about.

At the center of the top of the ship, a main pool area sports a large pool (the Seahorse Pool — a nod to Crystal's seahorse branding), two large hot tubs and rows of plush loungers of the sort you'd expect on a luxury vessel. Elegant modern white rattan sofas and chairs are sprinkled around under shading umbrellas.

This main pool deck was completely redone during the overhaul of the ship in 2023, with its classic teak flooring resanded, and its pool refurbished with new mosaic tile work. When you're up top on Crystal Serenity, as at so many other areas of the ship, you'll feel like you're on an all-new vessel.

The top decks of Crystal Serenity also are home to two paddle tennis courts that can double as pickleball courts, a complex known as Wimbledon Court. Six decks down, hidden at the back of the ship, you'll also find a golf lover's hideaway with driving nets, a small putting green and table tennis. Even if you don't want to use it, go in search of it, just as a game. It's tucked away so well that it's a bit of a treasure hunt to find it.

Other activity areas on the ship include a large library staffed throughout the day, a computer classroom, a shopping area that wraps around the central atrium on Deck 7 and a bridge lounge for bridge playing, tournaments and classes. (Bridge is big on Crystal ships.) The ship's entertainment staff also offers dance classes at times.

While Crystal Serenity isn't particularly focused on families, it does offer a small teen center and children's playroom on Deck 12, just off the main pool area.

In addition, the ship has a luxurious spa with 12 treatment rooms that was completely revamped in 2023.

Renamed Aurora, the spa has been recast with light-bright neutral colors, an illuminated fiber optic starlight ceiling and organic materials such as Selenite (a natural salt crystal) and silk-brushed slate stone to create a serene feel.

In addition to treatment rooms, the spa is home to a hair salon, men's and women's saunas and steam rooms, and a relaxation room.

Crystal Serenity itineraries and pricing

From September 2023 through January 2024, Crystal Serenity will be based in North America for sailings to New England, Canada and the Caribbean. After that, it'll set off on an epic, 141-day, around-the-world cruise from Miami that will continue through June 2024.

The ship will then spend the summer of 2024 sailing to Alaska out of Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward, Alaska, before returning to the East Coast of North America for another season of sailings to New England, Canada and the Caribbean.

The 2023 and 2024 sailings to New England, Canada and the Caribbean will depart from various North American home ports, including Quebec City, Quebec; New York; Miami; Bridgetown, Barbados; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

As of the publishing of this guide, fares for Crystal Serenity sailings were starting at $3,200 per person for the least expensive cabin on a six-night sailing from Vancouver to Los Angeles. Nine-night Caribbean sailings were starting at $3,900 per person. These fares are based on double occupancy — that is, they are valid when two passengers share a room. Solo passengers pay a higher amount.

Unlike many cruise lines, Crystal doesn't charge extra for taxes, fees and port charges assessed by government agencies and port authorities (to which we say: Bravo, Crystal). Such charges are folded into its base fares.

What to know before you go

Required documents

All passengers must have valid government-issued citizenship documentation to sail. For U.S. residents, that would mean either a U.S. passport or a U.S.-issued Permanent Resident Card (also known as an Alien Registration Card). You'll also need visas for any country you'll be visiting that requires one.

Passports must be valid for at least six months and have blank pages available for entry and exit stamps. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Crystal includes gratuities for housekeeping staff (including butlers) and bar and restaurant staff in its fares. No additional tipping is expected.

Wi-Fi service on Crystal Serenity is relatively fast for a cruise ship and included in the fare.

Carry-on drinks policy

Unlike many cruise lines, Crystal does not restrict the amount of alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks passengers can bring on board for personal consumption. That said, some restrictions may apply based on specific countries that the ship visits.

Smoking policy

Cigarette smoking (including electronic cigarettes and personal vaporizers) is only allowed outdoors in designated areas at the back of decks 8, 9, 10 and 11; in a small corner of the main Seahorse Pool area on Deck 12; and at the Connoisseur Club on Deck 6.

Cigar and tobacco pipe smoking is only permitted at the Connoisseur Club on Deck 6.

Smoking is forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies.

Crystal Serenity has self-serve launderettes on every cabin deck with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. You also can pay to send out your clothes to be washed and/or pressed. As of the publishing of this guide, the cost of washing and pressing a men's dress shirt was $7; the cost of cleaning a women's long-sleeve blouse was $6. The cost of dry-cleaning slacks or pants was $9.

Electrical outlets

Crystal Serenity's cabins and suites offer both U.S.-style 110V outlets and European-style 220V outlets and USB ports at built-in cabin desks. You'll also find both types of outlets and USB ports above the nightstands on both sides of cabin beds. Americans may want to bring an adapter for charging devices in public rooms where the outlets are all European-style.

The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar.

As is typical for cruise ships, Crystal Serenity operates on a cashless system, with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a plastic keycard upon embarkation that you can use to make charges. This same card also gets you into your cabin.

Drinking age

You generally must be 21 or older to consume alcohol on Crystal Serenity. One exception: During sailings in Europe, passengers as young as 18 are allowed to consume beer and wine.

During the day, the dress code is "day casual," which for Crystal means sundresses, elegant shorts, jeans; T-shirts, polo shirts or blouses; or linen clothing. Swimsuits with cover-ups also are acceptable when dining near the pool at the Trident Grill, Tastes and Marketplace eateries.

Note that swimwear on its own, wet swimwear, revealing clothing, bathrobes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps, and clothes bearing any offensive messages are not permitted.

During the evenings, the official dress code steps up to what Crystal calls "evening resort." For women, that means dresses, skirts, pants, blouses or sweaters, dark-wash jeans with no rips, or tailored dress shorts. For men, it's button-down shirts, collared polo shirts, sweaters or smart designer sweatshirts, dark-wash jeans with no rips (only when accompanied by a jacket), chinos, and a sports jacket or blazer (the latter being optional). In addition, men can wear tailored shorts but only when dining in the casual Tastes restaurant.

Flip-flops, swimwear and hats are not allowed in the evenings.

In addition, on cruises of seven nights or more, there will be at least one optional ship-wide formal night where women are expected to turn out in cocktail dresses, gowns, pantsuits or elegant skirts and blouses. For men, the formal night dress guideline is a suit or tuxedo, with a tie being optional.

Related: The ultimate guide to packing for a cruise

Bottom line

Crystal Serenity isn't the newest luxury cruise ship on the market. But after a major overhaul in early 2023, part of a relaunch of the Crystal brand under new owners, it's back to being one of the leading luxury ships at sea.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Embark on a solo adventure with Crystal and enjoy special Sapphire Ocean View Suite fares on select voyages in 2024. Revel in the freedom to explore stunning destinations by day while joining a welcoming community by night. Join us aboard Crystal Symphony, and you’ll find award-winning gastronomy, and butler service to make you feel perfectly at home and personalized experiences that embrace the joy of traveling alone. FIND A CRUISE

Offer Benefits

LARGE SUITE ACCOMODATIONS Relax and unwind in a spacious ocean-view suite and make yourself at home during your voyage.

EXCLUSIVE SOLO TRAVELER PRICING Special pricing for solos on select 2024 voyages.

ADDITIONAL AMENITIES Enjoy the benefits of a Sapphire Suite including free pressing and afternoon canapés among other amenities.

Eligible Sailings

*Fares based on double occupancy (with exception of Solo Guest Room category) and vary by location on the ship. Solo Guest Rooms can only be booked on a single occupancy basis as fare shown. Fares include destination fees" (i.e., fees, charges, tolls and taxes imposed on Crystal by governmental or quasi-governmental authorities as well as third party fees and charges arising from a ship's presence in a harbor or port). The renderings, photographs, and specifications displayed on this website are provided for convenience only. They should not be relied upon as representations, express or implied, of the final detail of the suites and guest rooms. Crystal expressly reserves the right to make modifications, revisions, and changes it deems desirable in its sole and absolute discretion. Dimensions and square footage are approximate and may vary with actual construction. Decor, designs, and layouts may vary within suite and guest room categories. Please contact 1-888-616-5291 for more information on suite and guest room offerings.

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Crystal Serenity

Cruise line Crystal Cruises

• Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida)
• New York (NYC Manhattan-Brooklyn)
• Vancouver (BC Canada)

Crystal Serenity current position

Crystal Serenity current location is at West Africa (coordinates 20.62861 N / -21.76278 W) cruising at speed of 13.5 kn (25 km/h | 16 mph) en route to LAS PALMAS(ESLPA). The AIS position was reported 7 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Crystal Serenity

Crystal Serenity current cruise is 142 days, round-trip World Cruise - To , themed as "Easter". The itinerary starts on 18 Jan, 2024 and ends on 08 Jun, 2024 .

Specifications of Crystal Serenity

•   Itineraries
•   Review
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Crystal Serenity Itineraries

Crystal serenity review, review of crystal serenity.

The 2003-built Crystal Serenity cruise ship is the second/bigger of the two Crystal Cruises ships - with fleetmate Crystal Symphony (1995).

The vessel (IMO number 9243667) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 311536000) and registered in Nassau .

Following extensive drydock refits and refurbishments in 2023, for the new (relaunched by A&K) Crystal Cruises, the Serenity ship was scheduled to restart operations on July 31st (from Marseille Fos Port) while the Symphony ship was scheduled to restart on September 1st (from Piraeus-Athens).

Crystal Serenity started a Preview Voyage on July 21st (2023) out of Trieste (Italy) . Carrying VIP guests only, the itinerary's call ports were Kotor, Montenegro (Jul 22), Venice (Jul 24-25/overnight), Naples (Jul 28), Livorno (Jul 29).

History - construction and ownership

Crystal Cruises was founded in 1988 as a subsidiary of the Japanese NYK Line (Nippon Yusen Kaisha) - one of the world's largest container shipping companies . In 2015, NYK Line sold Crystal Cruises to Genting Hong Kong (GHK). Following the acquisition, the company was renamed to Crystal Ltd. In January 2022, GHK filed for bankruptcy and all its assets were put to sale. In June 2022, the brand Crystal Cruises was acquired by A&K Travel Group Ltd (Abercrombie & Kent). The company currently groups the ultra-luxury travel brands Crystal Cruises (ocean-going ships), Crystal River Cruises (European riverboats), Crystal Yacht Cruises (mega-yachts), Crystal Luxury Air (aircraft) and Crystal AirCruises (fly-cruise deals).

Following the bankruptcy of the parent company GHK-Genting Hong Kong Ltd in January 2022, GHK's subsidiary Crystal Cruises Inc (USA) went bankrupt in February.

In June 2022, both Crystal Cruises' ocean ships (Serenity and Symphony) were auctioned in The Bahamas. Both vessels (being under arrest in Freeport Bahamas since February 5th) were sold via a sealed tender auction, with bids submitted to The Bahamas' Supreme Court and a 10% deposit.

On June 15th, Bahamian sources announced that both vessels are sold in the auction - Serenity to CSE Ltd for USD 103 million (EUR 99M / GBP 84,6M) and Symphony to CSY Ltd for USD 25 million (EUR 24M / GBP 20,5M). The financiers were presented by the Bahamian law firm Alexiou Knowles & Co. Reportedly, both shipowning companies (CSY and CSE) are owned by Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio de Clunieres di Balsorano (1953-born multibillionaire, co-owner of Silversea , Chairman of Heritage Group, Co-Chairman of A&K/Abercrombie and Kent).

On June 22nd was announced that both vessels are now owned by A&K Travel Group Ltd - a joint venture of Abercrombie & Kent Ltd (owned by Geoffrey Kent) and Heritage Group Monaco (Lefebvre family-owned private equity specializing in luxury travel, VIP tourism, medical technologies). Following extensive drydock refurbishments, both ships restart operations in 2023 for the relaunched Cristal Cruises brand, which was fully acquired by A&K. For the ships' management, A&K contracted the Monaco-based V.Ships Leisure Ltd (part of V.Group Holdings Ltd).

Crystal Serenity and Symphony left Freeport on July 6th, en route to Europe (arriving in Trieste on July 24th) for drydocking at the Fincantieri shipyard. The project also included installing shore power connectivity that allows the berthed vessel to plug into the port city's power grid for the electricity needed for all hotel operations.

The 1000-passenger ship Crystal Serenity's Maiden Voyage (14-day Baltic Sea itinerary) departed on July 7, 2003, from Southampton (England UK) . Serenity's first World Voyage started on January 14, 2004 (106-day itinerary from LA to NYC ).

Crystal Serenity was launched after Crystal Harmony (1990, now NYK Asuka 2 ) and followed by Crystal Symphony (1995). In response to demand, Crystal Serenity had twice as many Penthouses in comparison to the fleetmate. There are two paddle tennis courts (instead of one) as boat devotees are fiercely competitive in this field.

The Serenity ship is very spacious, with a calm and quiet atmosphere, elegant decoration. The interior colors are calming - muted golds, greens, blues, grays, and reds. Stateroom furniture and wood accents are in darker gamma, with lively colorful bedding, curtains, upholstery, wall coverings. The interior spaces were designed by the companies Tillberg (Sweden), Garroni (Italy), Okada (Japan), Nix Firestone (USA), BBGM (USA), Stephen John (UK), II By IV (Canada).

Decks and Cabins

Of all Crystal Serenity staterooms (347 total), most are the Veranda Suites - Sapphire (151x, sized 430 ft2 / 40 m2, balcony 110 ft2 / 10 m2) and Aquamarine (86x, sized 320 ft2 / 30 m2, balcony 85 ft2 / 8 m2). The smaller Balcony cabins (Double Guest Room with Veranda) are only 46x, each sized 215 ft2 / 20 m2 (balcony 55 ft2 / 5 m2).

After the refit in 2023, Crystal Serenity now has 14x Single cabins (out of 54x total Oceanview staterooms) which are bookable without single supplements. Also new are the 6x Junior Crystal Penthouse Suites (sized 645 ft2 / 60 m2, terrace 160 ft2 / 15 m2). The largest accommodations are the 4x Crystal Penthouse Suites (sized 1260 ft2 / 117 m2, terrace 110 ft2 / 10 m2).

The boat has 13 decks , of which 9 are passenger-accessible and 5 with cabins.

Before 2023, the standard Balcony cabins (65% of all accommodations) were sized 21 m2 / 225 ft2. The ship used to have a total of 623 staterooms (of which 108x Suites and 356x Balconies) in 13 categories, including 10x wheelchair-accessible cabins. The old Crystal Penthouse Suites were sized 1080 ft2 / 100 m2 (plus 270 ft2 / 25 m2 terrace).

During the 2018 drydock refit, the ship received 36x Seabreeze Penthouses and 2x Seabreeze Penthouse Suites, while reducing capacity from 1070 to 980 passengers.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The formal restaurant on Crystal Serenity serves open-seating breakfast and lunch. Dinner is in two assigned seatings or an open seating arrangement. Although there is no additional charge for the specialty restaurants, reservations are required.

On select days, theme luncheons and dinners are offered poolside and special wine dinners are held in the Vintage Room. Other onboard dining choices include the casual Markeplace(Lido Buffet for breakfast and lunch), poolside Trident Grill (light snacks and casual lunch), The Bistro (French Cafe, coffee & wine bar for snacks all day and evening).

The Bistro (Cafe/Coffee Bar) serves light snacks like fresh-baked pastries and bagels, fruits in the morning and throughout the afternoons are offered cheeses, pates, prosciutto/dry-cured ham, smoked salmon, gourmet desserts.

Afternoon tea is served in Crystal Serenity's Palm Court.

Room service is complimentary and available 24 hours, with an extensive in-cabin food and beverage menu. Selections can be delivered during dinner hours from the menu of the formal restaurants.

Passengers can also order from specialty restaurants.

Follows the complete list of Crystal Serenity restaurants and food bars.

Crystal Dining Room (aft) features a gourmet menu with regionally inspired and traditional dishes; offers "Dining by Reservation" option - guests can reserve each night at different times by contacting the Maitre D). Following the dry dock in October 2018, Crystal Dining Room was transformed into Waterside Restaurant (open seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner), with increased seating capacity, more tables for 2 and 4, and new decor.

The Vintage Room (10-seat fine dining venue with sommelier service) is at surcharge US$200 and (depending on the wine selection) on special voyages it operates as "Ultimate Vintage Dining Room". here are served some of the rarest wines in the world - the cover charges sores up to US$1000, and even more. The venue is dinner-only and hosts food and wine pairings.

The Sushi Bar (Japanese specialty dinner restaurant; reservations-only)

Osteria D'Ovidio (Italian specialty dinner-only, reservations-only restaurant) serves original Italian cusine as well as dishes created by Crystal Cruises' chefs.

Trident Bar & Grill (fast-food venue; features lush greenery with live olive trees)

Tastes Kitchen & Bar (waiter-service lido pool buffet/fka Tastes) is a family-style dining venue offering tapas-style cuisine. It serves casual late Breakfast, Lunch and alfresco Dinner. After 2018 (and until 2023), it became Silk Kitchen & Bar (served Chinese comfort food).

Marketplace & Churrascaria Buffet/Lido Cafe (self-service buffet restaurant serving the pool deck area) became The Marketplace during daytime and a Brazilian steakhouse, Churrascaria, in the evening.

Supper Club is a bar lounge with live music, part of Stardust Club. The Supper Club is offered on the first and last "Black Tie Optional" evenings on itineraries of 8 days and longer. Club's capacity is up to 108 passengers. The seating starts at 6:30 pm. During the day, the lounge hosts trivia quizzes, bingo games, media presentations.

UMI UMA Restaurant (fka Silk Road, rebranded as Umi Uma & Sushi Bar) is an Asian dinner-only specialty restaurant serving Master Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa's signature dishes as well as fusion cuisine that blends Japanese traditional dishes with Peruvian ingredients. Dinner reservations are required. On shorter voyages (up to 11 days) Crystal Cruises offers a complimentary dinner at UMI UMA per person/per cruise. On longer voyages (12+ days) are offered two complimentary reservations per person.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The Galaxy Lounge on Crystal Serenity is the main showroom for headline entertainers and award-winning Broadway-style production shows. It features comfortable seating and a rising stage for optimum viewing. In addition to sophisticated staging, the shows each feature elaborate costumes created by renowned designers.

Crystal Serenity amenities include 24-Hour Room-Service, Internet/WiFi Access, Babysitting, Laundry & Self-Serve Laundromats.

Follows the complete list of Crystal Serenity lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Crystal Cove (piano bar)
• Galaxy Lounge (main show lounge for grand show productions; with a large hydraulic stage and a full orchestra)
• Crystal Casino (410 m2, with 86 slots and poker machines, gambling tables)
• Hollywood Theatre/Cinema has a stage for live performances and also hosts conferences, lectures, presentations, Broadway-style show productions, stand-up comedy shows.
• Pulse Disco & Nightclub (hosts DJ program nightly, karaoke and trivia shows)
• Avenue of the Stars (280 m2 shopping area; has four duty-free boutique shops - Crystal Collection, Apropos, Facets, Captain's Choice)
• The Bistro (Paris-inspired specialty coffee bar, all-complimentary)
• Library (3000+ books in different languages, movies, and videos, board games)
• Stardust Club is a bar lounge hosting daily trivia quizzes, presentations, bingo games, lectures, classes, as well as live music performances (Crystal Sextet) in the evenings. Late-night snacks are served between 11 pm -12 midnight.
• PhotoShop (photo and video services, accessories, equipment)
• Connoisseur Club (fine cognac and cigar club/smoking lounge)
• Avenue Saloon (piano bar)
• Computer University @ Sea (24-hour 25-seat capacity Internet computers room; hosts computer and Internet classes)
• The Studio serves the Creative Learning (onboard enrichment program/complimentary) housing events like language lessons, digital film making, Yamaha keyboard and piano lessons.
• Bridge Lounge (cards playing room)
• Palm Court (observation lounge & bar; serves Afternoon Tea, hosts art auctions, themed parties, classic concerts)
• Waves (teen club lounge)
• Fantasia (kids club lounge area with two playrooms for children 3-7yo and 8-12yo; babysitting is available for toddlers 1+ yo)
• Seahorse Pool area (with a lap pool flanked by two Whirlpools); Neptune Pool area
• Scoops (outdoor Ice Cream Bar)
• Fitness Center (with panoramic floor-ceiling windows; has a separate room for complimentary classes (yoga, pilates, aerobics)
• Promenade deck (walking/jogging track; hosts the "Walk On Water" daily walking program)
• The Sports Area (Tennis Tables, two Golf Driving Nets, Putting Green)
• Deck Games (Shuffleboard); Tennis Tables; Wimbledon Court (2x full-size sports courts for playing paddle tennis and pickleball); Golf Putting Green.

The CRYSTAL LIFE FITNESS (280+ m2 / 3000+ ft2) groups the Fitness Center/Gym, a Weight Room and an Aerobics Studio. The complex has panoramic views (floor-ceiling windows) and is fitted with professional free weights and Technogym equipment. The cruise company's Wellness program offers complimentary classes (yoga, mat pilates, spinning). The ship's Fitness Director provides fitness advice and stretch and aerobic instructions.

CRYSTAL LIFE SPA & SALON consists of the AURORA SPA and BEAUTY SALON, both offering health and beauty services for women and men. The complex groups sauna and steam rooms, as well treatment rooms for massages and therapy.

Outdoor activity facilities include the GOLF DRIVING NETS & PUTTING GREEN, and the WIMBLEDON COURT. The onboard golfing facilities are served by expert trainers (including PGA Golf Pro certified). Complimentary are provided TaylorMade golf club sets (from the ship's Sports Director) for personal use while the ship is docked in port. The WIMBLEDON COURT combines two full-sized sports courts for playing PADDLE TENNIS and PICKLE BALL.

Before refurbishment 2023, the ship's wellness complex was named Crystal Spa (sized 540 m2, Feng Shui-inspired) grouping the Gym, relaxation area, treatment rooms for massages, two saunas/steam rooms, and the Crystal Salon.

The 2023-introduced Aurora Spa is with a new design (by TDoS/Tillberg Design of Sweden) and features a starlight ceiling (fiber optic-illuminated) and new treatments like Aurora LED & Cryo Facial, BIOTEC 2.0 Ultimate Facial, Aurora Stone Signature Massage (hot stones), and The Chariot of Light (LED light skin therapy). The complex is served by professional therapists and is through an exclusive partnership with ELEMIS (skincare brand) and Kerastase (haircare brand).

Crystal Serenity's Aurora Spa is managed by OneSpaWorld (Florida USA-based health and wellness provider) and houses 12x treatment rooms, 2x Steam Rooms (male and female), 2 Sauna Rooms, a Relaxation Room, Beauty Salon (hair care and nail treatments, makeups for men and women).

Passenger-accessible decks are interconnected via 8x elevators (3x forward, 3x midship, 2x aft) and have public restrooms. Deck 14 is accessed only via the forward and aft lifts.

Itineraries

Crystal Serenity itinerary program is based on a World Cruise (out of Miami or San Francisco ), Caribbean voyages, Mediterranean Sea and Canada-New England Fall Foliage cruises from Quebec and NYC .

Crystal Serenity itineraries also include the legendary Northwest Passage Cruises .

Following the Coronavirus-related suspension of voyages, Crystal Ocean restarted passenger shipping operations with the Serenity ship. The Europe-UK program was entirely canceled and a new Caribbean program (July 3 through October 17, 2021) was planned. The unique 7-night Caribbean itineraries (Luxury Bahamas Escapes) were roundtrips from Nassau and North Bimini Island (Bailey Town) and visiting Harbour Island , Great Exuma Island (Georgetown) , San Salvador Island and Long Island . In August, to the Luxury Bahamas Escapes itinerary was added Miami Florida as both call port and homeport/departure port. The expanded itinerary's first departure was on August 7 (from Nassau) and August 9 (from Miami). This way, the 7-night Luxury Bahamas Escapes itinerary offered 3x embarkation ports - Nassau (Saturdays departures), North Bimini (Sundays), Miami (Mondays).

Crystal Serenity - user reviews and comments

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Crystal Serenity Wiki

The vessel (STX France Chantiers de l'Atlantique yard/hull number H32) has volume 68870 GT-tons, DWT-deadweight tonnage 10810 tons, max draught 7,6 m. The powerplant is based on 6x Wartisla marine diesel engines (model 12V38B) with combined output 52,2 MW (70000 hp). The propulsion is diesel-electric and based on 2x Rolls-Royce Mermaid podded propulsors/thrusters with combined output 27 MW (36210 hp). The registered shipowner is CRYSTAL SERENITY LTD, while the registered manager is CRYSTAL CRUISES LLC (the previous owner was SERENITY HOLDINGS LTD/until 2023).

The vessel's physical construction started on June 13, 2002, with the keel laying ceremony held at Chantiers de l'Atlantique ( St Nazaire, France ). The ship was launched/floated out from drydock on August 10, 2002, completed/delivered on June 30, 2003, and christened on July 3, 2003, in Southampton England by godmother Julie Andrews (UK actress-singer, 1935-born as Julia Elizabeth Wells). On July 7th started the Inaugural Cruise (14-day itinerary roundtrip from Southampton to Northern European/Baltic ports).

On January 14, 2004, the ship started its first "Around The World Voyage" , leaving roundtrip from the USA ( Los Angeles ). The 106-day itinerary (January 14th through May 5th) ended in NYC.

In summer 2016, Crystal Serenity became the world's 3rd cruise ship with a Northwest Passage Cruise - after the 2013 voyages of Ponant 's superyachts Le Soleal , and Le Boreal . The 32-day itinerary was from Seward Alaska to NYC New York (August 16 to September 16), with ports of call Kodiak Island Alaska (Aug 17), Dutch Harbor Unalaska (Aug 19), Nome Alaska (Aug 21), Victoria Island Nunavut Canada (Aug 27 and 29), Baffin Island Nunavut Canada (Sept 4), Ilulissat Greenland (Sept 7), Sisimiut Greenland (Sept 8), Nuuk Greenland (Sept 9), Bar Harbor Maine (Sept 13), Boston Massachusetts (Sept 14) and Newport Rhode Island (Sept 15).

Serenity's second Northwest Passage transit was in 2017. The 32-day itinerary (Seward to NYC/August 15 through September 15) included the same call ports - Kodiak Island (Aug 16), Dutch Harbor (Aug 18), Nome (Aug 20), Victoria Island (Aug 25-28), Baffin Island (Sept 3), Ilulissat Greenland (Sept 6), Sisimiut Greenland (Sept 7), Nuuk Greenland (Sept 8), Bar Harbor ME USA (Sept 12), Boston MA USA (Sept 13) and Newport RI USA (Sept 14). Prices started from around USD 22,000 per person (double occupancy rates).

During Northwest Passage 2017, Crystal Serenity navigated in the Arctic Ocean on the Arctic route (500 mi north of the Arctic Circle) and the cruise ship was escorted by the icebreaker Ernest Shackleton . Ernest Shackleton was equipped with two helicopters (for emergencies), tools for oil pollution containment, high-tech communications equipment, survival rations. For the voyage, Crystal Serenity was upgraded with an ice detection radar, ice navigation system, forward-looking sonar. The Navigation Bridge team received ice navigation training, and ice pilots boarded both vessels (Shackleton and Serenity) for the crossing. Icebreaker's crew also assisted with Crystal Cruises' "Unexpected Adventures" tours - like helicopter flightseeing, Zodiac boat wet landings, speedboat rides, kayaking.

Crystal Serenity drydock refurbishment 2023 review

In 2023, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony were drydock refitted and fully refurbished at Fincantieri 's yard in Trieste . The US$150 million project was undertaken by Crystal Cruises' new owner Abercrombie & Kent (A&K Travel Group).

The refits resulted in stateroom reduction (larger suites, new categories) as well as reduced passenger capacity and enlarged and redesigned public spaces and venues. During the drydocks, Crystal Serenity's cabins were reduced from 525 to 347 (passenger-per-space ratio from 54 to 62), and the pax capacity changed from 980-1254 max to 740-794 max.

As part of the refurbishments, on both ships (Serenity and Symphony) were introduced two new cabin categories - "Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite" and "Single Guest Room with Ocean View" (bookable without single supplements).

Crystal Serenity's Prego Restaurant was redesigned and renamed Osteria D'Ovidio (offering traditional Italian cuisine). The new Crystal Spa Aurora is a luxurious wellness complex offering various treatments, including Aurora LED, Cryo Facial Experience, Biotec 2.0 Ultimate Facial.

All passenger staterooms on Crystal Serenity were redesigned/enlarged and their categories were changed - Deluxe Oceanview (40x) to Double Guest Room with Oceanview (40), Deluxe Balcony (298x) to Double Guest Room with Veranda (46), Seabreeze Penthouse (36x) to Aquamarine Veranda Suite (86x), Seabreeze Penthouse Suite (2x) to Sapphire Veranda Suite (151x), Penthouse Suite (33x) was redesigned/enlarged to Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite (6x), the Penthouses (72x) were redesigned into other cabins and were created single cabins (14x) forward on Deck 7.

According to A&K, the replacement of the engines and other machinery on both ships cost the company US$50+ million. The machinery repairs and upgrades (below deck 4) were needed as the equipment was old and poorly maintained.

Crystal Serenity refurbishments review (2013-2020)

Crystal Serenity's drydock in 2020 (April 13-23, in Singapore) was a USD 10 million project for conducting mainly regular technical and general maintenance works, plus minor upgrades to passenger staterooms and public areas (new carpets, furniture, repairs).

The ship's drydock refurb in 2018 (October 18 - November 6, done at Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven Germany ) reduced the passenger capacity in order to enable single-seating dining. Following the dry-dock, Crystal Serenity offers to all its passengers free Wi-Fi (regardless of cabin category).

• On deck 9, two new balcony cabin categories were introduced - Seabreeze Penthouse Suite (12 new suites added) and Seabreeze Penthouse (28 new suites added). The new staterooms have the same size as the existing Penthouse (365 ft2 / 34 m2) and Penthouse Suite (490 ft2 / 46 m2). Seabreeze Penthouses are connecting cabins (sharing an entryway).
• All Penthouses offer enhanced all-inclusive amenities, including butler service, in-cabin dining, complimentary specialty restaurant dining).
• Cabin conversions reduced the ship's capacity from 1254 to 980, thus increasing the guest-to-space ratio to 70,3.
• Stardust Club (deck 6) was redesigned and upgraded with new accent lighting, upholsteries of banquettes, new loose seating (replacing the dance floor).
• Crystal Dining Room (deck 7) was renamed "Waterside" and upgraded with additional 2- and 4-seat tables. New open-seating dining (between 6-9:30 pm) replaced the old assigned seating and required dinner reservations. Breakfasts and lunches are served as usual. Dining room changes also included new marble flooring, new screen dividers, new seating configuration (increased 2-4-seat tables), new chandelier.
• Lido Cafe operates as Marketplace (during the day) and as Churrascaria (steakhouse, by night). The restaurant features an open kitchen and made-to-order dishes. Marketplace serves buffet breakfast and lunch, while Churrascaria serves casual dinner (between 6-9 pm). The Brazilian-themed Churrascaria restaurant features Caipirinha (welcome cocktail event) and selection of Brazilian dishes (grilled seafood and meats, tapas, ceviche, salads). Meats are served by "gauchos" (dedicated staff) on traditional meat skewers.
• On Deck 12, Tastes restaurant was redesigned (with Asian-themed interior) and renamed "Silk Kitchen and Bar". The menu was upgraded with modern Chinese fare (family-size dinner plates) served throughout the day. Self-service is available at breakfast and lunch, and also includes traditional Chinese food (dumplings, Chinois salad, soup, noodle bar). Dinners at Silk Kitchen are open-seating (reservations-recommended) and served between 6-9 pm.
• Trident Bar and Grill serves casual grilled food (including fast food - burgers, sandwiches).
• Silk Road and The Sushi Bar (both specialty restaurants by celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa) were renamed "Umi Uma". Umi Uma offers Nobu-inspired dishes prepared by Nobu-trained chefs.
• "Umi Uma" and "Prego" restaurants reservations are complimentary for Penthouse passengers. To all other cabin categories, 1 complimentary specialty dining is offered (additional reservations are available at a surcharge).
• "Computer University at Sea" (enrichment workshops) were updated and redesigned.

The new free-of-charge Wi-Fi is shipwide, and the result of the company's investment in new hardware and software for expanded onboard connectivity and faster (doubled) satellite Internet speed. Crystal Connect is the ship's new onboard portal for internet connections and various shipboard info (menus, news, scheduled activities, shore excursions, itinerary ports, international digital news media, movies library, lectures, etc). Crystal Connect (mobile app) is available for personal devices.

All passenger cabins were upgraded with new 42-inch smart TVs with interactive panels (infotainment system). Among the redesigned public spaces is the fore-located Palm Court (observation lounge on deck 12), where was added more intimate seating. The Lounge's stage was relocated, and the former stage area was transformed into a dedicated "Afternoon Tea" space offering fresh leaf teas and house-made pastries in the afternoons. Palm Court's bar was also renovated.

Along with all Lloyd Werft workers, the refurbishment project also involved several hundred crew and sub-contractors. Almaco Group (1998-founded company) was the project's supervisor.

During the 2016 drydock (May), the ship received overhauls of all Penthouse Suites. Also renovated were the Lido Deck's Trident Grill, Lido Cafe, and Tastes restaurant. The 2016 drydock (at Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz Spain ) also included general maintenance works.

Deckplan changes after the November 2013 drydock included:

• general maintenance work, including propulsion upgrade (left-side Rolls-Royce Azimuth thruster replacement), new hull coating, air-duct cleaning, reverse osmosis plant inspection.
• Introducing new "Deluxe PURE" category of staterooms (hypoallergenic cabins)
• Redesigning the Tastes buffet and the Lido area (deck 12)
• New LED lighting in public rooms.

Drydock 2013 refurbishment project's total cost was USD 17 million.

Maiden Voyage (2023)

The next table shows Crystal Serenity's inaugural cruise (for the relaunched Crystal Cruises under the A&K Travel (Abercrombie & Kent) following the extensive refurbishment in 2023.

The 12-day voyage was priced from US$ 7200 per person ($600 pp per day) with double occupancy.

Crystal Serenity's World Cruise 2026

On March 19, 2024, was opened for booking Crystal Serenity's World Voyage 2026.

Leaving from Los Angeles, the 135-day itinerary visits 72 ports/destinations in 27 countries, ending in Civitavecchia-Rome.

The ex-USA westbound route passes through regions like the South Pacific (Marquesas, Bora Bora, New Zealand, Australia), Asia (Hong Kong China, Mumbai India, Dubai UAE), Suez Canal (transit), and Southern Europe/Mediterranean.

Exclusive events and early-booking benefits include Business Class flight allowance or credit, US$1500 in OBC/’ shipboard credit per person, unlimited specialty dining (at Osteria d’Ovidio and Umi Uma /onboard restaurants), themed onboard events, private land transfers, Luggage Valet services.

Crystal Serenity's World Cruise 2025

On August 30, 2023, was opened for booking the ship's "2025 World Cruise".

The 123-night/124-day itinerary departs from the USA (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) and ends in Europe/Mediterranean (Barcelona Spain). The voyage visits 64 ports/destinations in 31 countries and features 17 overnight port stays.

Leaving from Florida on January 7, 2025, the World Voyage visits Caribbean destinations (Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Colombia), then continues around South America (Ecuador, Peru, Chilean Fjords/Patagonia) then crosses the Atlantic to Africa (Namibia, South Africa).

Signature destinations (at extra cost) include Galapagos Islands , Machu Picchu/from Cusco , Serengeti/from Zanzibar , India's Ranthambore NP.

World Voyage 2025's pricing included Business Class Airfare per person - allowance (up to USD-EUR 5000/ AUD 8000/ CAD 7000/ GBP 4000) or credit (up to USD-EUR 3000/ AUD 5000/ CAD 4250/ GBP 2500).

The cruise fares also included US$1500 in OBC (onboard credit per person, with double occupancy), private transfers (to/from the airport and the hotel), Luggage Valet (2x pieces per person/4x per stateroom), unlimited specialty restaurant dining (Osteria d'Ovidio and Umi Uma), themed shipboard and exclusive onshore events, complimentary laundry, free-of-charge initial Infirmary medical visit (medications and treatments not included).

Crystal Serenity's World Cruise 2024

In April 2023 was announced World Cruise 2024 scheduled for Crystal Serenity.

The 141-night/142-day itinerary (roundtrip from Miami) visits 70 destinations/ports (8 overnight ports) in 35 different countries and features a Panama Canal transit, a Transpacific crossing (USA to the South Pacific), and a Transatlantic crossing (from Europe to the USA/Miami).

An alternative option allows the voyage to be booked as a 125-night segment from California USA ( San Diego /Feb 3-Jun 8) to Miami, as well as a 141-night roundtrip from San Diego (Feb 3-Jun 24).

Prices for the full/roundtrip voyage started at US$67800 (EUR 61280/GBP 54190) per person with double occupancy.

World Cruise 2023 (canceled)

Crystal Serenity's "World Cruise 2023" prices started from just USD 43360 per person (USD 310 per day).

The 140-day itinerary (westbound out of Miami Florida USA ) included ports and island destinations in the Caribbean, South America, South Pacific Ocean, Southeast Asia, Africa, Southern Europe (Mediterranean).

Also available for booking were shorter itineraries (World Voyage 2023 segments) including 128 days (Miami to Venice, USD 39000 pp) and 119 days (Miami to Piraeus-Athens, USD 35670 pp).

Crystal Serenity ex-Nassau Bahamas cruises 2021 summer

Following the Coronavirus crisis, Crystal Ocean restarted passenger shipping operations with the Serenity ship.

The Europe-UK program was entirely canceled and a new Caribbean program (July 3 through October 17, 2021) was planned.

The company operated two 7-night Caribbean itineraries roundtrips from either Nassau (New Providence Island) or Bailey Town (North Bimini Island).

7-day "Luxury Bahamas Escape - Nassau Roundtrip" itinerary

Prices started from USD 2000 per person with double occupancy.

7-day "Luxury Bahamas Escape - Bimini Roundtrip" itinerary

Prices started from USD 2450 pp.

World Cruise 2024 (canceled)

In mid-September 2021 was announced Crystal Serenity's 105-night "World Cruise 2024" (January 5 thru April 20) leaving from PortMiami and ending in Civitavecchia-Rome.

Crystal's 27th World Cruise (themed "Celebrated Cultures & Treasured Temples") itinerary visits 49x ports (in 22x countries), 14x overnights, access to 45x UNESCO sites, signature destinations like the Caribbean, Panama Canal, South Pacific Islands, Australia-New Zealand, Southeast Asia (Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka), Arabia-Red Sea, Suez Canal, Europe-Mediterranean islands (Crete, Cyprus, Sicily).

All bookings on the canceled "World Cruise 2022" enjoyed an exclusive booking window (September 21-30, 2021), while general public bookings opened on October 1st. Early bookings received 2-for-1 fares plus Book Now Savings (up to USD 17250 per person with double occupancy).

The Grand Voyage was also offered in shorter itinerary segments - ranging from the 89-night World Cruise (Los Angeles to Rome) to 7x short itineraries (13- to 18-night in length).

World Cruise 2022 (canceled)

In September 2021, Crystal announced Serenity's "2022 Grand Voyage" (132-night "Caribbean Idylls and Mediterranean Masterpieces" itinerary) starting in PortMiami (January 17) and ending in Los Angeles (May 29).

The Grand Voyage was offered as 3x full-length itineraries (102-night, 117-day, 132-night) plus 11x smaller itinerary segments (9- to 16-night).

The 132-night/133-day itinerary visits a total of 82x ports/destinations (including 45x islands) in 32x countries and features 19x Caribbean and 6x Canaries destinations, as well as 11x overnights in large port cities and two Transatlantic Crossings.

Some of the visited islands were in the Caribbean (19 total), Spain's Canaries (6), Portugal's Azores-Madeira-Cape Verde, Mediterranean (France's Corsica, Spain's Balearics, Itali's Sicily and Sardinia, Malta, Greece's Cyprus, Crete, Greek Isles), Bermuda.

However, on January 19, 2022, the voyage was canceled (all passengers disembarked in Aruba) after the GHK-owned MV Werften filed for insolvency/bankruptcy protection. Next table shows the originally planned 116-day "World Voyage 2022" as call ports and times.

Bookings for the new "Grand Voyage 2022" were opened for loyalty program members on September 14, and to the general public on Sept 24, 2021.

Full Grand Voyage prices (double occupancy) started at USD 31100 per passenger. Early booking promos included USD 10500 pp (Book Now Saving), USD 2500 pp OBC (onboard credit), 2,5% (Crystal Society/loyalty program savings), 2% (New-to-Crystal promo savings), 15% reduced deposit.

Segment Grand Voyage prices (double occupancy) started at USD 2700 pp, with promo offers inclusive of USD 1000 pp (Book Now Savings), 2,5% (Crystal Society savings), 2% (New-to-Crystal savings), 5% ( B2B/Back-to-Back cruise savings).

Crystal World Cruise 2022 (canceled)

In late-March 2019 was announced the company's 27th world voyage ("2022 Full World Cruise") on Crystal Serenity. The circumnavigation itinerary offered 5x embarkation/disembarkation ports (segments ranging from 82 to 116 days). However, due to the COVID crisis (international travel uncertainties), this voyage was canceled and replaced with the new (132-night Grand Voyage) "Caribbean Idylls and Mediterranean Masterpieces"

Itinerary's most popular sea travel destinations included the Mediterranean, Azores, Transatlantic crossing, Caribbean (Nicaragua, Jamaica, Guatemala), Panama Canal, Hawaii, Tonga, Samoa, Australia New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, Maldives, Holy Land, Arabian Gulf, Suez Canal, Black Sea (Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, Turkey), Greece (Crete, Rhodes), French Riviera. Smaller segments (12-19 days each) were also available for booking.

Full World Cruise was bookable as roundtrip from Miami or Los Angeles (116 days), Miami to Monte Carlo (102 days), Los Angeles to Monte Carlo (100 days) or Los Angeles to Miami (86 days).

General public bookings were opened on April 10, 2019.

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In conclusion, the expertise of a cruise travel specialist can make a significant difference in your cruise vacation. By leveraging their knowledge, connections, and attention to detail, they save you time and money, while ensuring that all your needs are met and exceeded. With a specialist by your side, you can embark on a carefree vacation, confident that every aspect of your journey has been thoughtfully planned and curated to provide you with a memorable and fulfilling cruise experience.

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The 11 Best Cruise Lines for Adults

Posted: February 28, 2024 | Last updated: March 19, 2024

The world's best cruise lines for adults have one major perk in common: the child-free utopia passengers are afforded while sailing. Daydreaming on deck , leisurely romantic dinners, dancing into the wee hours, popping champagne, and even getting tatted—such unabashed joys have everything to do with being grownup and nothing to do with kids.

The best adult cruises allow passengers to pursue relaxation, rejuvenation, and indulgence, undisturbed by tantrum-minded toddlers and other children potentially ruining your me-time groove. For when it's time to sail away from the stresses of life on land, we've pulled together the very best cruise lines for adults, plus their most exciting itineraries available for booking in 2024 and early 2025.

Note that while some of these lines are strictly adults-only, others are adults-oriented, meaning that they may have some well-behaved older children on board during school holidays but otherwise, rarely do. Most are small ship experiences with geared-to-grownup itineraries spanning the globe and leaning into all-inclusiveness and luxury—all the better to admire when it’s all about you.

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Formerly Crystal Cruises, the adults-driven luxury line was purchased by Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, then dramatically remodeled and reborn as Crystal. Its legions of fiercely loyal fans are largely back, as are many familiar crew who pamper passengers incessantly. Its two gorgeous ships, 740-passenger Crystal Serenity and 606-passenger Crystal Symphony , fairly ooze sophistication and style. Crystal renewed its partnership with Nobu Matsuhisa; the line's award-winning onboard restaurant Umi Uma presents the globally renowned chef’s only plates at-sea. These ships voyage most of the world, with inclusions like nearly all dining, alcohol, 24-hour room service, gratuities, butler service, and WiFi.

The sailing to take this year: Crystal Serenity offers a 12-day Cape Town to Tema, Ghana , visiting Namibia , Angola, and São Tomé, a dual-island nation dubbed Africa’s Galápagos. Incredible outings include climbing Walvis Bay’s colossal sand dunes and exploring São Tomé’s pristine forests with nearly 200 endemic species. Departs May 5, 2024, from $6,900 per person .

This adults-oriented luxury French line of small sleek ships include its six newest 184-passenger “Ponant Explorer” vessels, four 264-passenger expedition sister ships, and 32-passenger yacht Le Ponant . While many cruises are bilingual, sails in partnership with the prestigious Smithsonian Journeys are English-only. Count on some 44 such itineraries including onboard talks given by world-class experts, one excursion in each port, and other fare-included perks such as dining, alcohol, WiFi, and gratuities. So many Smithsonian Journeys compel, such as a nine-day Celtic Voyage, eight-day Cultural and Natural Treasures of Japan by Sea, and a nine-day Circumnavigation of Sicily.

The sailing to take this year: Hats-off to Le Champlain’s immersive Sicily voyage sailing roundtrip Valletta, Malta . Besides noted ports, this sail includes visits to Ggantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Maltese isle of Gozo; and another UNESCO stunner, Lipari in the Aeolian Islands. The line's 2025 departures add Tunis as a further temptation. Departs April 14, 2024, June 2, 2025, and August 29, 2025, from $8,580 per person .

Seabourn, an ultra-luxury adults-oriented line, recently introduced twin polar-class expedition ships, 264-passenger Seabourn Pursuit and Seabourn Venture, with exploration toys like submarines and a 24-expert team to guide and engage passengers. Luxe elements include all-suite accommodations, complimentary caviar, and eight dining venues. Seabourn’s five all-suite ocean liners include the two newest and most glam 600-passenger sister ships, Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Encore . Seabourn fares include all the restaurants on board (including the new Mediterranean venue Solis on non-expedition ships), alcohol, 24-hour suite dining, dancing on deck, and caviar in the surf beach barbecues.

The sailing to take this year: Seabourn ships roam the globe, with knockout itineraries like a 12-day “Canary Island Jewels and Morocco” on Seabourn Ovation , sailing roundtrip Lisbon . Imagine sipping local wine in the westernmost Canaries, wandering lively souks in Tangier, and learning to cook delicious Moroccan specialties. Departs April 26, from $6,204 per person .

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Ultra-luxurious and opulent, this adults-oriented six-ship line is inclusive to the max: think business-class airline tickets for international flights, fine dining, all-suite accommodations, 24-hour suite service, alcohol, dining, valet laundry, gratuities, transfers, and some shore excursions. Multi-million-dollar art collections on the three newest ships stun. On brand-new 744-passenger Seven Seas Grandeur , revel in 1,600 masterpieces including multiple Picassos and a Fabergé egg, the first to reside at-sea. The entire ship’s design is jaw-droppingly beautiful and restaurants, like pan-Asian Pacific Rim and the French Chartreuse, excel.

The sailing to take this year: This ship sails many locales, like an enchanting 12-day fall foliage cruise from Boston to Montréal , with complimentary excursions like visiting Kennebunkport, Maine , a Nova Scotia pub tour, and high tea at the iconic Château Frontenac in Quebec City . Departs October 1, 2024, from $12,699 per person .

Windstar Cruises

This luxe-minded, adults-oriented line counts six vessels that accommodate between 148 and 342 passengers. Three are tall-sails Wind Class ships; three are all-suite Star Plus Class yachts. All offer a relaxed, friendly on-board ambiance, with itineraries leaning into small ports, late-night departures, and port overnights . From the water sport platform, guests can kayak, paddle board, snorkel, or water trampoline. Besides the Caribbean and Mediterranean, Windstar ships also ply far-flung waters, from transatlantic crossings to cruises in South America and Iceland . Star Breeze now sails Tahiti voyages, cruising the unforgettable turquoise waters of French Polynesia year-round.

The sailing to take this year: “Tahitian Treasures and Magnificent Marquesas ” (the latter a cruise rarity) sails 14-days roundtrip Papeete, including visiting Paul Gauguin’s former home on Hiva Oa, exploring a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and ogling the Pacific’s largest Tiki sculptures. Departs July 4, 2024, from $6,199 per person .

Scenic is an adults-oriented, ultra-luxury polar-class expedition line with two 228-passenger vessels, Scenic Eclipse I and Scenic Eclipse II . The ships feel sexy and sophisticated, with all-suite accommodations, butler service, up to 10 dining experiences, nine bars and lounges, and a huge spa with a yoga and Pilates studio. Expect numerous inclusions, like alcohol, dining, WiFi, gratuities, and shore excursions (other than helicopter or submersible rides) led by seasoned experts. Scenic explores the globe, emphasizing polar itineraries .

The sailing to take this year: The line recently introduced a Scenic Eclipse II Western Australia Kimberley region itinerary. Expedition highlights include coral islands with thousands of endemic birds, vertical waterfalls, and ancient Indigenous rock art. Sailing May until September, 11-day voyages between Broome and Darwin, Australia, begin at $11,730 per person .

Virgin Voyages

If you want to cruise with the cool kids, book an adults-only Virgin Voyages cruise. This line puts the hip in hipster; it calls cruisers sailors , is LGBTQ+-friendly, and attracts everyone from 20-something groups of friends to middle-aged-and-up couples. The premium line’s fares includes complimentary dining in a whopping 20 restaurants like Gunbae, a Korean bbq hotspot, WiFi, group fitness classes, and gratuities. Think high-energy happy campers, er, sailors, who celebrate with new tats done on board, many cocktails (don’t miss the Champagne Lounge), dance parties, pop-up circus performances, and hanging in port late-night. The three 2,770-passenger sister ships Scarlet Lady , Valiant Lady , and Resilient Lady sail the Caribbean and Med.

The sailing to take this year: Find fast fun on Scarlet Lady five-day roundtrip Miami cruises, like “Fire and Sunset Soirées,” with a private Beach Club experience in Bimini, Bahamas ; it’s abuzz with private cabanas, beach bonfires, and floaty pool parties. Departures March 20, April 17, May 1, December 11, from $1,620 per person .

An adults-oriented ultra-luxury line, Silversea offers both polar-class expedition ships and ocean liners that sail to more than 900 destinations across all seven continents. Fares include all-suite accommodations, butlers, caviar service, gratuities, alcohol, most dining, and some shore excursions (all outings on expedition ships).

The sailing to take this year: Among itineraries, consider cruising Antarctica on board the intimate and glam 200-passenger (in polar regions) Silver Endeavor . With spacious suites, four restaurants, and a passionate expedition team, the ship sails the region between late October 2024 into March 2025. Six-day itineraries include roundtrip flights to Antarctica, bypassing the often-turbulent Drake Passage. Sailing six to 18-days roundtrip from Puerto Williams, Chile, starting at $12,150 per passenger .

On this adults-only cruise line, choose between river , ocean, and expedition vessels. Viking ships sail all seven continents. Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris explore the poles but also sail Niagara, the Great Lakes, and Chilean fjords. While categorized as upper premium, Viking’s ocean and expedition fleet includes many amenities, such as one shore excursion per port, all dining, afternoon tea, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, spa Thermal Suite access, WiFi, and 24-hour room service.

The sailing to take this year: Since Viking is Norwegian, start with a “Viking Homelands” cruise. The 15-day voyages on various 930-passenger ocean-going sister ships sails between Stockholm and Bergen, Norway, and visits six countries including Poland, Denmark, and Germany. The packed itinerary includes sailing fjords and hiking remote Swedish islands, to touring Berlin and Copenhagen . Departures from May 3, 2024 to August 36, 2024; from $7,999 per person.

SeaDream Yacht Club

Pajamas embroidered with your name, sleeping under the stars on Balinese Dream Beds, candlelit dinners under the stars, water sports from the ships’ marina with a slide into the sea—there are so many allures of the adults-oriented, privately-owned 112-passenger Sea Dream I and Sea Dream II . The extensively remodeled luxury ships feel like exclusive yachts, with crew quickly learning your personal preferences. Elegant staterooms and suites offer amenities like organic bath toiletries, plush robes, and 24-hour room service. Stellar cuisine includes raw, plant-based, and organic selections with included wine pairings.

The sailing to take this year: The mega-yachts primarily cruise the Med and Caribbean, with standouts like Sea Dream I ’s seven-day “Secluded Southern Spain and Morocco” itinerary from Lisbon to Málaga . Excursions include a Seville, Spain , overnight with flamenco performance, visit to an Algarve, Portugal , fishing village with wine-tasting and exploring historical Cordoba, Spain . Departs May 13, 2024, from $7,699 per passenger .

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Adults-oriented Uniworld has a stunning fleet of 17 river cruise ships . Awash in antiques, custom fabrics, and original art, the vessels resemble luxurious European boutique hotels rather than typical riverboats. Each possesses its own vibrant personality, reflecting the waters it sails. Count handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, marble baths with Asprey toiletries, and towel warmers among posh amenities. Alcohol, farm-to-table dining, airport transfers, excursions, gratuities, and wellness classes are included, and often-local entertainment. These posh boats sail throughout Europe and Asia , as well as Peru , with some offering land or rail extensions.

The sailing to take this year: Beloved by oenophiles, S.S. Bon Voyage’s Brilliant Bordeaux sails eight days roundtrip Bordeaux, France on three rivers, promising multiple wine tastings, and village and heritage walking tours. Departing March 31, 2024 to October 27, 2024 from $3,599 per person .

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Great Lakes cruise passengers ‘in for a treat’ with 2 ships returning next summer

• Updated: May. 21, 2024, 11:06 a.m. |
• Published: May. 20, 2024, 1:57 p.m.

Victory I cruise ship docked at Heritage Landing in Muskegon. The Victory I holds approximately 200 passengers. It will return to the Great Lakes in 2025, along with its twin, the Victory II. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) Joel Bissell | MLive.com

• Justine Lofton | [email protected]

Travelers looking to visit the Great Lakes region by cruise are “in for a treat” with the return of two elegant ships next summer, officials said.

Victory Cruise Lines will launch Great Lakes voyages aboard the Victory I and Victory II during spring 2025.

Cruise the Great Lakes , a collaboration of the region’s states, provinces, and partner cruise businesses, is looking forward to their return.

“The Victory brand has always been associated with excellence, from the passenger experience to the elegant details, so future passengers are in for a treat,” said Anne Sayers, chair of Cruise the Great Lakes and secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.

The ships navigated the freshwater seas in 2023 under American Queen Voyages with the monikers Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager, accounting for about half of the nearly 100 calls to Mackinac Island and visiting several other ports. The company then filed for bankruptcy and sold the ships for $2 million to John Waggoner.

RELATED: Victory I, Victory II cruise ships to return to the Great Lakes in 2025

Waggoner had owned Victory Cruise Lines but sold his companies and retired. Now he’s relaunching the brand.

Plans for 2025 include 36 voyages of 10 to 12 days each. The ships will touch all five Great Lakes. Victory I will operate a 197-day season while Victory II’s will be 153 days. This could bring up to 7,000 passengers to the Great Lakes.

That would be a big boost to the 20,000 passengers expected to visit the Great Lakes region by cruise this year.

“We are excited to hear of John’s plans and cannot wait to see those beautiful Victory ships traversing the Great Lakes,” said Anna Tanski, tourism director for Cruise the Great Lakes. “John and his team always believed that the Great Lakes region was ideal for the intimate cruise ships, and he knows how much we have to offer.”

The ships were part of the record-breaking 2023 season .

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