Article and photography by Judi Cohen (Traveling Judi)
Coming Home to Crystal
I first fell in love with Crystal a decade ago, somewhere between the Amalfi Coast and the soft glow of a Mediterranean sunset. Returning this summer to sail aboard Crystal Symphony felt like meeting an old friend, one who had not only aged gracefully but blossomed into something even more welcoming.
Originally built to host 922 guests, the ship now accommodates just 606 after a 2023 refurbishment under new owners, A&K Travel Group. On our voyage, there were 479 passengers from 24 countries, including 70 children. Even at peak times, it felt as though the ship had secret passageways where guests vanished. Whether lounging by the Seahorse Pool, sipping sunset cocktails, or tucking away in the Palm Court, we found space and quiet at every turn.
Suite Sanctuary at Sea
A Sapphire Verandah Suite on Deck 8 became our comfortable home at sea. A living room, complete with sofas and coffee tables, a dining table, walk-in closet, and a marble bathroom with double sinks and an oversized shower set the tone for comfort. The king-size bed, with high-quality, super-soft linens, and the private balcony, accessible from both the bedroom and living room, made it hard to leave.
We often dined on the balcony as we sailed away from ports, watching the sun go down. Most nights, we slept with the balcony door open, lulled by the gentle hum of the sea and the warm breeze.
And then there was Daniel, our butler. By day two, he knew our preferences. Laundry? Handled. Champagne? Chilled. Chocolates? Magically replenished while we were out. Each afternoon, savory and sweet hors d’oeuvres appeared as if by magic.
The Heart of Crystal: White-Glove Warmth
What truly sets Crystal apart is its people. Many crew members returned after the relaunch, and their joy in being back radiated in every interaction. The bartenders who remembered our names. The steward who shared his favorite Greek island tips. The always-smiling cook, Silas, in the Marketplace restaurant, who knew our breakfast order before we said anything. Each encounter left us feeling welcome, as if we were guests in a private home.
A Culinary Voyage
Food is an essential part of any cruise, and on Crystal Symphony, it becomes an experience all its own. With nine dining venues to choose from, we often found ourselves planning our days around meals, not because we were hungry, but because dining onboard was a delight.
The Marketplace was our go-to for breakfast and lunch. The fresh, colorful buffet, with different hot and cold dishes on offer daily, coupled with alfresco seating at the back of the ship on nice days, made for a perfect combination.
For lunch and dinner, Beefbar, a concept restaurant born in Monte Carlo, became our favorite. We liked the bright, modern décor and the sea views. It offered a wonderful mix of high-quality steak, interesting street food, and vibrant salads. The signature bao buns and avocado hummus paired beautifully with filet mignon or striploin steak. Beefbar also offers premium Kobe and Wagyu beef options starting at $90.
Umi Uma, the Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant by famed chef Nobu Matsuhisa, was over-the-top delicious. At the sushi bar, we were impressed with the artistry of the chef as he carefully selected sushi appetizers for us. Moving to a table after our appetizers, the signature Nobu-Style Black Cod, and Nobu-Style Lobster with Truffle-Yuzu were unforgettable.
Osteria d’Ovidio, named for Crystal’s owner, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, offered traditionally prepared Italian dishes including homemade pastas and risottos. The ambiance was romantic with candles and soft music. Our servers suggested wine pairings and provided exceptional, personalized service all evening.
Other dining venues included Waterside, the main dining room (available for breakfast and dinner), the Bistro and Trident Grill for lighter bites (and ice cream) throughout most of the day, and 24-hour Room Service. The Vintage Room is an intimate venue that hosts tastings and wine-pairing menus at an additional cost.
The only thing I wished for was the availability of alfresco dining at night under the stars.
Life Between Ports
Crystal Symphony offered plenty to do onboard between ports. From the Aurora Spa’s wellness and beauty services to a well-equipped fitness center, a pickleball court, golf nets, shuffleboard, and a promenade deck that circles the ship and was well used by runners and walkers. The options felt endless. Enrichment programs included guest speakers, photography classes, and computer skills sessions. Live music and nightly shows added a sparkle to our evenings. On sea days, the Daily Program spanned two pages, filled with activities to choose from.
The White Party was a standout, an all-white celebration with champagne, cocktails, caviar, and dancing under the Atrium dome. Everyone, from barefoot children to twirling grandparents, was swept up in the party.
Ports of Call: A Mediterranean Tapestry
Sailing aboard Crystal Symphony in Greece and Italy was a tapestry of memorable views, storied streets, and the kind of summer heat that had us searching for shade. What we discovered was that the magic of these places often lives in the spaces between the guidebook highlights: a quiet seat along the water or a café to watch people and feel the rhythm of each place.
Mykonos felt like a postcard brought to life with its whitewashed lanes, bursts of bougainvillea, and the Aegean glittering in the sun. We climbed up to the iconic windmills before retreating to Little Venice for a breeze and a little shopping.
High atop the dramatic cliffs, Santorini’s white buildings and blue-domed churches sat like a string of pearls on the edge. Tenders from the ship to the port ran all day, and we visited Santorini in the early morning, returning by tender late in the afternoon to watch the sunset over the azure sea and the Crystal Serenity anchored offshore.
Naples was alive with scooters, graffiti, and the scent of pizza in the air. We wandered the narrow alleys, savoring the raw character of the city. We found a restaurant close to the port for homemade gnocchi and pizza. Crystal made port days seamless, from all-day tender service to shore support. We never felt rushed, and we were always free to explore at our own pace or take a Crystal excursion.
Why Crystal Symphony Captures the Heart
Crystal Symphony isn’t the flashiest ship afloat, and that’s the point. She’s refined without being stuffy, luxurious without being over-the-top. Every detail is considered, space and comfort are built in, and the crew’s genuine warmth ties it all together. I call this quiet luxury.
As we sailed toward Civitavecchia, we retreated to our balcony to watch one last sunrise. The sea was calm, the air warm, the ship humming softly beneath us. We were already missing a place we hadn’t yet left.
That’s the magic of Crystal. It’s not just a cruise. It’s a feeling, a memory, a longing to return. And return we will.
As we left the ship, we were already talking about a multi-generational Crystal cruise with our children and grandchildren so they could enjoy the Waves & Fantasia kids’ facilities, and we all could have quality time together. After all, you can never be too young to be “crystallized”!
Visit: www.crystalcruises.com