Crystal Serenity Review

Had very high expectations and happy to report the cruise exceeded expectations!

Review for the Mediterranean Cruise on Crystal Serenity
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Johnskis
2-5 Cruises • Age 60s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Aug 2019
Cabin: Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah

As a couple we invited a family member to travel with us and Crystal Cruises offered us the trifecta: upscale cruise ship, fabulous itinerary and a single cabin supplement for our family member. We have cruised on HAL, Celebrity & Oceana and were not overly fond of the first two and felt that Oceana was an upgrade, but with something still missing. Based on the requirements (premium dining, polished service, big ship amenities, refined decor, uncrowded hushed public areas) that we provided to our travel agent, she highly recommended the Crystal Serenity and she was spot on. Our only concern was that we had read that the fellow passengers skew older (our party was mid- 40s to 60s) and be very clubby. We never once encountered this experience and found the fellow passengers to be very well mannered and inviting. While the dining, overall ship appointments and atmosphere are akin to high end resort experience, what truly sets this cruise line apart is the entire crew's kindness and keen attention to detail. The little things that sometimes go missed (food trays in hallways, incomplete orders....) do not happen on Crystal. It's back to the gym and making our own beds until.....

Cabin Review

Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah

On the smaller size for a premium cruise ship, but very well thought out and beautifully appointed.

Port Reviews

Lisbon

We hired a private tour guide through "Tours by Locals" and our guide was amazing.

Seville

We used Spain Day Tours for a small group (approximately 12 people) and were pleased with the tour and overall value.

Gibraltar

We hired a local guide in advance and had an amazing private tour. It was on the expensive side, but well worth the time and money.

Ibiza

We went to one of the private beach clubs and had an amazing day with a very good lunch. We also used the water taxis to go from the town to the cruise ship pier and had a lot of fun for 2 euros each.

Barcelona

We used Spain Day Tours on the first day for a small group (approximately 12 people) and were pleased with the tour and overall value. We purchased on-line tickets in advance of our trip for an early morning entrance to Sagrada Familia for our 2nd day in port. We were so glad we did this as the church is not too crowded in the am and some fellow passengers were unable to obtain entrance tickets once we were in port.

Monaco (Monte Carlo)

Great yacht viewing and truly a playground for the uber rich. High end shopping and awesome people watching. Take the train to Nice for a great day excursion.

Saint-Tropez

Quaint seaside town with very expensive beach clubs and taxi rides. Enjoyed this port, but felt that two days was too much time. This is a hop off, walk the cute streets and get back on the ship port.

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