For those interested, here are impressions of a first-time Crystal cruiser on Serenity, comparing our experience mainly with Regent Seven Seas. We’ve also cruised Oceania, Viking Ocean, Azamara and a number of other lines.

In summary, Crystal wins big on food and service to passengers, and also on public spaces. It loses big to Regent on cabins and included excursions.

The food was outstanding. Some of the presentations in the main dining room rivalled dishes we've seen at expensive restaurants ashore. The Japanese restaurant was outstanding and the Brazilian steakhouse was fun. The Chinese restaurant disappointed us and the other Chinese people we talked to. We found it ordinarly; Red Ginger on the larger Oceania ships is far superior. Italian is Italian, although Regent and Oceania do a better job than Crystal of making that experience special. Read more