Having traveled on many different cruise lines, the difference on Crystal is Crystal Clear. I will say that the villas on the newer NCL ships are pretty amazing but I wouldn’t pick a ship on the room alone.Our veranda room on the Crystal Serenity is a little bland but very adequate. Updating to flat-screen televisions would be appropriate, but that is far from an issue. There is a refrigerator in each room stocked with water and soft drinks; the housekeeping staff is always on top of fresh ice in the ice bucket and clean glasses are always available.
The bathrooms are very nice with granite double sinks, plenty of over-sized towels, a shower-tub combination, high quality amenities and as soon as you use them, they are replaced.
Today’s Top Crystal Differences:
1.The meals are excellent. Food is quality, variety and adequate quantity. You can eat in the main dining room every night without qualms.
2.The Pool Deck is a pleasure. No need to throw your book on a chair to ‘save it’ as there are plenty for all.
3.Loud voices don’t fit in. The obnoxious guest is more like an extra-terrestrial. And rude people are the exceptions but they are not the rule.
4.There are rarely lines anywhere and in the few instances where we found ourselves in a line, no one is complaining and the fellow-passengers actually wait patiently.
5.Buffet plates aren’t over-loaded with food and no one is grabbing. Maybe it the sophistication of the clientele being health conscious, just the sophistication of the clientele.
6.Staff anticipates your needs. The service is outstanding.We have yet to meet a staff member who is not personable.They remember your names and preferences, which is impressive!
7.When you ask for something you are given a brand name, never a cheap substitute. Perrier. Coke. Etc.
8.There are no loudspeakers busting into your privacy. There are tons of things to do and you are responsible to read the daily events in the <em>Reflections</em> newsletter.
9.The entertainment is top quality – from the headline shows, to the educational lectures, to the classes at sea.
10.Laundry facilities available for your use or send clothing for to have them laundered. It is your choice.
And speaking about laundry, we overheard a woman telling her teenage daughter, “I don’t do my own laundry at home. Why am I doing your laundry here?” (Maybe who does your laundry isn’t your choice.)