Crystal Cruises

Review - Crystal Cruises

Features of the Crystal Cruises cruise company

Crystal Cruises was the first cruise company to offer its clients the opportunity to study right onboard during the voyage. Passengers on its ships have access to training materials from the Computer University at Sea project. While someone spends their free time aimlessly, you can keep growing by learning new things during your journey.

Also as part of the Wine&Food festival, a wide selection of premium alcoholic beverages is available onboard Crystal Cruises ships. Noble drinks will surely please even the true connoisseurs of this craft.

The cruise company is known for organizing themed sea voyages. With it, you can set off on a cruise where entertainment and educational programs are formed around specific themes. For example, most events can be held in themes related to photography, ancient civilizations, personal development, jazz, theater and cinema, golf, cooking, etc.

What’s special about cruises from Crystal Cruises:

• the highest level of service;
• a signature style that is reflected in every little detail;
• ship interiors featuring elegant elements and natural materials: marble, ivory, wood, and more;
• themed cruises;
• online learning and computer courses right onboard.

Advantages of the Crystal Cruises cruise company

To uninformed passengers, it may seem that this company is, more or less, like everyone else since it does the same thing- but that’s not the case. Crystal Cruises organizes sea travel with its own exclusive approach. This shows not only in the cruise organization principles, but also in every small detail inherent to this type of vacation.

Unique advantages of Crystal Cruises:

1. A personal butler for penthouse category staterooms.
2. Service charge (the same as “tips”) is already included in the cruise price.
3. Drinks served on traditional silver tableware directly in your stateroom.
4. Meals on an “All Inclusive” basis.
5. All sea-view staterooms - when it comes to spaciousness and comfort, there’s no need to say more: it’s taken care of at the highest level by default.
6. Individual passenger kits for daily use: kimonos, slippers, plush robes - everything from the Italian brand Frette, as well as bed linen made from Egyptian cotton.
7. Always tidy, clean staterooms - twice-daily housekeeping.
8. A SPA salon that has repeatedly received the “World’s Best” awards from authoritative themed publications.
9. In the staterooms, passengers are delighted by the scent of always fresh flowers. 
10. The opportunity to stroll around the huge, luxurious ship.
11. Restaurant table service created by geniuses in this field - the French Garnier-Tiebaut, using crystal glasses by Riedel and Villeroy & Boch and other high-class tableware.
12. Exceptional Italian cuisine led by restaurateur Piero Selvaggio, as well as masterpieces of Japanese cuisine by the genius of this field, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa - true masters of their craft.
13. 24/7 room service, thanks to which you can order breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, or a light snack to your room for free at any time.
14. Polite and tactful European staff - its representatives remember passengers’ personal preferences and take them into account in subsequent orders of dishes and alcoholic beverages.
15. A wide variety of possible destinations: from round-the-world trips to short cruises, for example across the Mediterranean.

You can learn more about the advantages of this cruise company and its ships from Cruise-Life managers. 

Company fleet

The Crystal Cruises cruise company was founded by Japanese market leaders in the shipping industry - Nippon Yusen Kaisha. From the very launch, it has positioned itself as a benchmark for organizing luxury-class cruises. Based on this, the cruise company has acquired ships of an appropriate level. Proof of this is provided by its two largest luxury ships in the world: Crystal Symphony (crystal symphony) and Crystal Serenity (crystal serenity). 

When onboard one of the Crystal Cruises fleet representatives, passengers will be able to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of entertainment, as well as a calm and relaxed vacation. You can choose the best activities for yourself during the cruise by planning events according to your preferences. The one thing you won’t be able to do without, no matter how you plan your sea trip - is the atmosphere of luxury that can be felt in every little detail aboard Crystal Cruises ships.

In addition to the two huge beauties mentioned above, the company’s fleet is complemented by the luxury yacht Esprit (mind), a mega-yacht for expeditions called Endeavor (striving), as well as ships named after famous composers: Mozart, Bach, Mahler, Debussy and Ravel. 

Useful information for tourists

Crystal Cruises places fundamental importance on ensuring that every cruise is as safe as possible. Crew members have access to a wide information environment. Thanks to this, during the sea voyage they can interact with representatives of countries, various U.S. organizations, port agencies, the International Association of Cruise Lines, and port tour operators. 

Safety

This is a parameter of primary importance for staff and all company representatives. Crystal Cruises monitors the latest news across all countries that it will encounter along the way. If any signals come from relevant regions about events that could negatively affect trip safety, the route is immediately adjusted. Of course, in such exceptional cases, passengers of the ship will be promptly informed about the changes for their reliable protection.

The cruise company provides services in accordance with the code developed by IMO - the International Maritime Organization. Practically every step is coordinated with special top-level authorities such as the USCG - the U.S. Coast Guard. Even the smallest details for any situation on the way are предусмотрены. The company’s largest ships - Symphony and Serenity - have the highest level of safety, confirmed by International Ship Safety Certificates. This reliability is not an indulgence, but what makes Crystal Cruises a true leader in its field- a company that genuinely cares about passengers.

Dress code

When it comes to the dress code to follow while traveling, Crystal Cruises offers three options: informal, casual, and formal.

Dress code features on the deck, in restaurants, and other public areas onboard:

• after 18:00 casual clothing is not suitable; caps and shorts are also prohibited;
• on formal evenings, men dress in a tuxedo or a dark suit with a tie, while women wear evening gowns;
• an informal dress code implies shirts, sports polos, and trousers for men, as well as blouses, dresses, trousers, skirts, and sweaters for women.

You can уточнить the dress code features with the onboard staff or in advance with the tour operator.

Smoking onboard

Smokers will be able to feel comfortable onboard Crystal Cruises ships. Special designated areas are provided for this. Reviews say that due to clear zoning of the space, smokers and non-smokers onboard do not cause discomfort to each other.

For more details about this and other cruise companies, you can ask Cruise-Life managers. Contact them using the contact details provided on the website. They will help you organize the perfect sea trip from Ukraine and buy the best tickets that match your wishes.

Loyalty program - Crystal Cruises

Points Accrual System:
- 0 points for a fully paid cruise of 1 to 4 days;
- 1 point for a fully paid cruise of 5 to 15 days;
- 2 points for a fully paid cruise of 16 days or more.

Please note that the points earned are not transferable and are recorded under the guest who went on the cruise, not the person who paid for the trip.

Immediately after you complete your first cruise longer than 7 days, you automatically become a member of the Crystal Society privileges club and receive a club card with your personal number. Membership in Crystal Society includes:

- a welcome cocktail party on each subsequent cruise;
- advance (before publication on the website) information about new itineraries and special offers;
- priority mailings of all informational catalogues and cruise company brochures;
- subscription to the Passport magazine cruise journal;
- many other benefits and advantages that differ at different levels.

And, of course, the opportunity to participate in Crystal Cruises' exclusive loyalty program.

Crystal Society Milestone Benefits Loyalty Program

By earning 2 points, you move to the starting level 2 and receive, as a gift from the company, branded bags and luggage tags.

Bonuses are awarded upon reaching each next milestone level and differ depending on the cabin type (penthouse or standard cabin).

Bonuses for standard cabin guests:
Level 5
- $150 onboard credit;
- an emerald club member pin.
Level 10
- $200 onboard credit;
- a diamond club member pin.
Level 15
- $250 onboard credit.
Level 20
- $250 onboard credit;
- a double diamond club member pin.
Level 25
- complimentary accommodation for up to 7 days in a Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah (category P1 - B3), depending on availability of staterooms.
Level 30
- $300 onboard credit;
- a special celebratory luncheon for club members.
Level 35
- $300 onboard credit.
Level 40
- $300 onboard credit.
Level 45
- $300 onboard credit.
Level 50
- complimentary accommodation for up to 12 days in a Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah (category P1 - B3), depending on availability of staterooms;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants;
- a special celebratory luncheon for club members;
- a platinum club member pin.
Level 55
- $400 onboard credit;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants.
Level 60
- $400 onboard credit;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants.
Level 65
- $400 onboard credit;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants.
Level 70
- complimentary accommodation for up to 12 days in a Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah (category P1 - B3), depending on availability of staterooms;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants.
Level 75
- $400 onboard credit;
- a special celebratory luncheon for club members;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants.
Level 80
- $400 onboard credit;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants.
Level 85
- $400 onboard credit;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants.
Level 90
- $400 onboard credit;
- a special celebratory luncheon for club members;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants.
Level 95
- $400 onboard credit;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants.

Bonuses for penthouse guests:
Level 5
- $250 onboard credit;
- an emerald club member pin.
Level 10
- a cabin category upgrade from PH to PS on Cruise 1 of a duration of no more than 12 days or $600 onboard credit;
- a diamond club member pin.
Level 15
- $400 onboard credit;
- personal transfer to the ship from the airport.
Level 20
- a cabin category upgrade from PH to PS on Cruise 1 of a duration of no more than 12 days or $600 onboard credit;
- a double diamond club member pin.
Level 25
- complimentary accommodation for up to 7 days in a Penthouse with Verandah (category PH), depending on availability of staterooms.
Level 30
- $500 onboard credit;
- personal transfer to the ship from the airport;
- a special celebratory luncheon for club members.
Level 35
- $500 onboard credit;
- personal transfer to the ship from the airport.
Level 40
- a cabin category upgrade from PH to PS on Cruise 1 of a duration of no more than 12 days or $600 onboard credit.
Level 45
- $500 onboard credit;
- personal transfer to the ship from the airport.
Level 50
- complimentary accommodation for up to 12 days in a Penthouse with Verandah (category PH), depending on availability of staterooms;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants;
- a special celebratory luncheon for club members;
- a platinum club member pin.
Level 55
- $600 onboard credit;
- personal transfer to the ship from the airport;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants.
Level 60
- a cabin category upgrade from PH to PS on Cruise 1 of a duration of no more than 12 days or $600 onboard credit;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants.
Level 65
- $600 onboard credit;
- personal transfer to the ship from the airport;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants.
Level 70
- complimentary accommodation for up to 12 days in a Penthouse with Verandah (category PH), depending on availability of staterooms;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants.
Level 75
- $600 onboard credit;
- personal transfer to the ship from the airport;
- a special celebratory luncheon for club members;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants.
Level 80
- a cabin category upgrade from PH to PS on Cruise 1 of a duration of no more than 12 days or $600 onboard credit;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants.
Level 85
- $600 onboard credit;
- personal transfer to the ship from the airport;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants.
Level 90
- a cabin category upgrade from PH to PS on Cruise 1 of a duration of no more than 12 days or $600 onboard credit;
- a special celebratory luncheon for club members;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants.
Level 95
- $600 onboard credit;
- personal transfer to the ship from the airport;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants.

At Level 100, all guests receive the same bonuses:
- complimentary accommodation for up to 12 days in Crystal Penthouse (CP);
- private lunch in The Vintage Room restaurant;
- complimentary reservation of dining tables in alternative restaurants;
- the club member pin “Platinum and Diamond”.

Cancellation conditions - Crystal Cruises

When booking a cruise online, no penalties arise because the booking is handled as a request!

The booking is automatically cancelled if the order is not confirmed by payment on the part of the customer.

If the cruise is paid, the cruise company Crystal Cruises applies the following conditions in the event of cancellation of the order at the tourist’s initiative in order to cover the actual costs incurred, depending on the remaining time until the start of the cruise:

In the event of cruise cancellation in cases where the Client has taken out an insurance policy “for inability to leave,” the Client must immediately notify the Company of the occurrence of the insured event. If the compensation amount under the insurance policy does not cover the full cost of the actual costs incurred as a result of the Client’s cancellation, the entire difference between the covered amount under the insurance policy and the actual costs incurred as a result of the cancellation must be reimbursed by the Client to the Company.

If the Client cancels tours for dates during the high-demand period (New Year, Catholic and Orthodox Christmas, May holidays, and others designated by the Cruise Company) and under the Cruise Company’s special promotions (campaigns, sales, etc.), Cruise Company Crystal Cruises applies the following cancellation rules:

Replacement of last names in a cruise booking. If the Client is unable to use the booked services and cancels the cruise order, they have the right to replace the Tourists’ last names in the cruise order with the last names of those Tourists who agree to use the booked cruise instead of them. The Client is required to notify the Company in writing about the cancellation with the possibility of replacing last names no later than 30 (thirty) working days before the start of the cruise. The new Client must not have any difficulties with document processing (visas, air travel, accommodation in hotels, etc.).

The new Client pays all expenses related to the replacement of the details when booking the cruise.

When replacing last names in the cruise order, the Client pays $50 for each person as administrative costs. The new Client assumes full responsibility for the full payment of the tour price and any missing funds under the contract for the cruise tour and signs a new contract with the Company.

When replacing last names, the cruise company cancels the booking using the corresponding cancellation rules and confirms the new booking under the new last names at the rate that will be in effect at the time of the new booking.

Age restrictions - Crystal Cruises

Age requirements by the cruise company Crystal Cruises

Minor children (under 21 years old): all minor passengers under 18 years old must be accompanied by at least one parent or a guardian aged over 21. If the accompanying person is not a parent or legal guardian, they must present written parental or guardian consent for the minor passenger’s accompaniment at check-in. Guests under 11 years old must be booked in the same cabin with their parents or guardians. A separate cabin may be booked for children if one of them has already reached 16 years of age; the cabin must be located in immediate proximity to the parents’ or guardians’ cabin.
Infants:
- to take the cruise, children must be at least 6 months old by the day the cruise begins;
- the cruise company Crystal Cruises reserves the right to limit the number of passengers under 3 years old;
- all children (from 6 months to 18 years) must have their own personal passports for international travel.