Another Outstanding Cruise !!!!
Written: Jul 30 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Crew and Service are outstanding. Ships facilities are above average
Cons: Evening Shows could be better
The Bottom Line: An outstanding cruise with simply the best service and ameneties afloat. You certainly get what you pay for and I would thoroughly recommend this cruise line to anyone.
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| peteratsea's Full Review: Crystal Symphony |
My partner and I decided to go on the Baltic Cruise leaving from Copenhagen and visiting such Ports as Stockholm, Helsinki and St Petersberg. We had Crystal arrange everthing from our flights to the ship, our shore excursions onboard, and our transport home. The efficiency of Crystal's administration in these matters allows me to enjoy the cruise and not worry about the detail. It is taken care of and they do an excellent job.
On arrival at the Pierside, there was no hanging around. We were immediately checked in by friendly Pierside staff. We were given a brief explanation of check-in procedures. So our excitement, hardly contained, we boarded the ship and were immediately greeted by friendly crew. Our stewardess was waiting for us to escort us directly to our stateroom on Deck 7. We chose to have an outside stateroom without Verandah. On entering the stateroom we immediately noticed small details such as a covering sheet on the bed, our suitcases already waiting for us, fresh fruit in a basket, a handwritten note from the stewardess welcoming us. None of this went unnoticed. The stewardess insisted we call her anytime should we need her services. She was amazing and her attention to detail throughout the cruise was outstanding.
So the room - it was spacious. A nice size. Kingsize bed. TV Video, Fridge, filled with soda's and other drinks of our choice. The bathroom was a reasonable size, double basin, nice sized bath with overhead shower. In fact, I could not fault the room.
Looking around the ship, the public areas were very spacious. We were feeling a little hungry on our arrival so we decided to go up to the Trident Bar for a light lunch.
Again we were greeted by extraordinarily friendly crew. The food served here is excellent and you can have anything from cheese burgers to mexican wraps or hotdogs. Everything is cooked to order and served hot and fresh. The outside decks were immacuately clean. All the sunbeds had fresh towels placed on them - yes even in the Baltic !
The following day after embarkation was a sea day. Time to catch up on some sleep. We went to the Lido Cafe for late breakfast. A buffet style service. The food was always hot and fresh. Nothing is left to stand for too long and is replaced regularly. Omelettes and eggs are cooked to order and you can pretty much have anything you want. Nothing is too much trouble.
At lunchtime we ate in the Dining Room. Service again is exemplarly. I cannot stress enough how excellent the crew are on here. Nothing is too much trouble for anyone onboard. The food was subperb. In the evening we chose to eat again in the Dining Room and again were not disappointed with the service our our waiters or the food and menu choice. There are two speciality restaurants onboard, Prego (an Italian dining experience) and Jade Garden (a Japanese dining experience). We tried both during the cruise and my Lord, you must try the Mushroom soup in Prego - it is the best I have ever had. And the Sushi in Jade Garden - to die for !! You need to make reservations in these restaurants and they are poplular for obvious reasons !!
Entertainment onboard - well they were not outstanding, but I cannot say they were terrible either. Some of the variety shows were a little tacky and the main performance caberet shows, the dancing lacked coordination and the lead singers were a little off. But they were still mildly entertaining. I have seen better.
Let me tell you a little about some of the onboard services. Front Desk - staff were very accommodating and eager to help at all times. The Front Desk is open 24 hours so you are always offered assistance no matter what time of day. Shore Excursions. We pre-booked a couple of excursions and booked on onboard. The staff here are totally exceptional and know the Ports of Call inside out. They were able to answer all my questions thoroughly and enabled me to enjoy each Port of Call to the fullest. I would say that the excursions are a little over priced, but then again, everything is taken care of for you and you have the peace of mind knowing that you are not going to miss the ship if the tour is back late.
The cruise went far too quickly for my liking. Fellow passengers were very nice. The average age of my fellow guests was considerably higher than mine, but again I was still made to feel welcome. My partner and I are in our late 30's, most of the guests I would say are 50+ But there were some younger couples too. A fairly mixed crowd.
Disembarkation came too soon. But the whole procedure was operated very smoothly indeed. The Cruise Director gives a talk towards the end of the cruise outlining exactly what everyone needs to be doing. It is made very clear and the operation on the final day was faultless. Transportation was arranged for us to the airport in plenty of time to catch our flights home.
Overall, the experience onboard the Symphony was fantastic. The ship is well maintained, the public areas are very spacious. The bars onboard offer every imaginable drink possible. I highly recommend the Avenue Salon. Drink a Long Island Tea whilst listening to the pianist play your favorite tunes by request - What could be better?
The dining experience onboard cannot be faulted. The food is excellent, the service outstanding. We requested Room Service once or twice during the cruise and were never disappointed.
Entertainment would be my only criticism. The evening performances, particularly the caberet shows were not of a high standard. Still mildy entertaining but disappointing nevertheless. But you can make your own mind up on this one.
Crew - The best afloat. Nothing is too much trouble and they really made the cruise for us. Its not a six star service its 8 stars!!
The ship is just one floating luxurious Hotel and the itinerary we choose was magnificent. I will definitely be returning to Crystal Cruises.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
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Epinions.com ID:
peteratsea
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Member: Peter Stevens
Location: Southampton, UK
Reviews written: 11
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
I work as a Police Officer in Guildford, Surrey UK.
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