Cruises are a divisive topic in travel. You need to have been on several, across different brands, to really be a connoisseur and have an opinion. I’ve only been on two before: the first I was apathetic about, the second I’d repeat in a heartbeat. So as I board Crystal Serenity for a four-night journey from Manila to Hong Kong, I remind myself to stay open-minded. I needn’t have worried.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Review of Crystal Serenity
Snapshot
Cruise ship name: Crystal Serenity
Number of rooms and suites: 525
Brand: Crystal Cruises
Date opened: 2002
Design style: Timeless, with a splash of luxury
Family amenities: Waves and Fantasia kids/teens programmes and playrooms, activity schedule for kids, kid-friendly menus
Wellness facilities: Outdoor pool, 24/7 gym, Aurora Spa and Salon, padel/tennis courts, yoga/reformers sessions
Prices from: USD$3,200 per person, depending on room and season.
First impressions
For a special event, we recommend booking a meal at Waterside
Boarding Crystal Serenity in Manila is like stepping into an alternate reality. Outside, there’s concrete, metal and glass. Inside, it’s like stepping back in time with wood panels and a spiral staircase that sweeps down from a multicoloured glass ceiling. I’m momentarily confused by the framed picture of Julie Andrews that takes pride of place—turns out, Mary Poppins is the ship’s “godmother.” First impressions: so far, so good.
After buying Crystal Cruises www.crystalcruises.com in 2022, Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group refurbished the line’s two ships. Like the lobby, the rest of Crystal Serenity is rendered in classic style with plenty of luxe touches, even if it harkens to the 80s in some respects.
Home at sea
My spacious suite was a delight to return to
After a quick check-in, I gain further impressions of the new Crystal Cruises at my serene Sapphire Verandah Suite. During the renovations, many smaller guestrooms were combined to make the current 525 rooms and suites, many of which are surprisingly spacious.
Like the rest of the ship, my suite feels timeless, rather than overly opulent, but it’s enticingly comfortable and convenient. Case in point: there’s a living room separated from the bedroom by heavy drapery, and a verandah that allows me quiet mornings of watching the sea go by while sipping coffee.
The addition of a separate lounge area made the experience feel extra luxe
I appreciate the spacious walk-in wardrobe, the sumptuous Ortigia amenities in the marble bathroom, and the numerous charging points. Beyond these, though, it’s the smaller comforts that make the suite an oasis. The massage jets in the shower, the complimentary minibar (that can be refilled throughout the stay), and the butler service that quietly leaves afternoon snacks each day.
Food and drinks
After-dark, Avenue Saloon is the place to be
With 10 dining options across the ship, we certainly don’t go hungry aboard Crystal Serenity. We have our first taste of the ship’s culinary offerings—a generously sized Reuben sandwich—at the casual Trident Grill. The meal set the tone for the rest of the dining experiences: solid, and delivered with smiling service; even if catering to a ship this size allows for some minor slips.
The classic offerings onboard are the expansive international buffets at Marketplace, the sophisticated white-glove offerings at Waterside, and the classic afternoon teas (and pre-dinner aperitifs) at the conservatory-inspired Palm Court.
My favourite dining experience during the journey was at Beefbar
The real gastronomic treats on Crystal Serenity, though, are the speciality restaurants which offer premium experiences. One night we feast on rich Italian plates at Osteria d’Ovidio, created by the Alajmo brothers; the next, we enjoy jet-fresh Japanese at Umi Uma, the only Nobu-branded restaurant on the ocean. However, Beefbar—the famed Monagesque institution—was the unchallenged crowd-pleaser, and I particularly enjoyed the mini smashburgers and grilled Black Angus steak.
After dinner, there’s still plenty of fun to be had if you know where to look. We descend on Avenue Saloon, a Manhattan-style piano bar for rousing singalongs with the live piano player; embark on an unscheduled karaoke session at the onboard nightclub Pulse (I stand behind my selection that included both the Spice Girls and Dolly Parton); and end several evenings at the Connoisseur’s Club, enjoying a nightcap of whisky and cigars.
Is there more?
Do yourself a favour and book in for a treatment at Aurora Spa
Of course. I was still working furiously aboard Crystal Serenity, so I spent a lot of time by the outdoor pool; it’s rather small, but has plenty of loungers and proximity to the onboard ice-cream bar, Scoops, for mid-afternoon treats. When the sun got too hot, I ventured to the tranquil library to continue working (only to get sidetracked by a good book).
There’s also the Aurora Spa and Salon for indulgent treatments. I can attest to the effectiveness of the Aurora Stone Signature Massage, which soothes every tense muscle.
I was impressed with how much equipment the gym managed to fit in
Crystal Serenity also has a full schedule of complimentary daily activities, so many, in fact, that we’re hard-pressed to try them all. Still, we managed plenty, from informative wellness talks and padel matches on the ship’s top deck to astronomer-led stargazing and yoga. I even managed an early morning workout in the very well-planned gym.
Frequently asked questions: Crystal Serenity
Crystal Serenity offers a range of ocean-view rooms and suites, including veranda accommodation and larger Penthouse Suites. Butler service is included with every room and suite, and guests can personalise elements such as their pillow selection and minibar. The largest Crystal Penthouse Suite is up to 1,265 sq ft with a separate living and dining area, walk-in wardrobes and a private veranda.
Evenings range from Broadway-style performances in the Galaxy Lounge to live music at Avenue Saloon, dancing and karaoke at Pulse Night Club and gaming at the casino. The range means the atmosphere can be as sociable or relaxed as you want it to be.
Crystal’s all-inclusive offering includes 24-hour in-suite dining, selected wines, Champagne, spirits and soft drinks, unlimited Wi-Fi, gratuities, butler service and access to a wide range of fitness, recreation and entertainment facilities. At least one complimentary reservation at Umi Uma and Osteria d’Ovidio is also included, subject to the cruise’s terms and availability.
Yes. Aurōra Spa has treatment rooms, a sauna and steam room, while the nearly 3,000-square-foot fitness centre has Technogym equipment and panoramic views. Yoga, mat Pilates and spinning are also offered, alongside access to a full-time Fitness Director.
Crystal Serenity sails a wide range of itineraries around the world, with Europe and the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Central and South America, the South Pacific, Asia and Alaska among its destinations. The ship’s longer voyages can combine multiple regions, while shorter itineraries offer the chance to explore destinations such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean or Americas. For example, current 2026 sailings include Athens, Malta, Rome, Barcelona and Lisbon, while longer 2027 itineraries include New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, Japan and Alaska.
For travellers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Crystal Serenity’s 2027 World Cruise sails from San Diego to Vancouver over 140 nights, visiting 83 destinations across 29 countries and four continents, including French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Asia and Alaska.
Yes. The ship has plenty of spaces and activities for sea days, including the Seahorse Pool, wraparound Promenade Deck, library, Palm Court, fitness centre, spa, pickleball and padel courts and golf driving nets. There is also a programme of live music, lectures, performances and other entertainment.
Final thoughts
Cruises can be controversial, and the experience can vary depending on how many people are on board, the kind of food available, and the activities on offer. But this trip on Crystal Serenity, my second cruise journey in a year, convinced me that when done well, cruises are fun.
It’s clear that the next chapter of Crystal Cruises has been designed to elevate the guest experience and turn cruise naysayers into aficionados. From the service and dining experiences to a feeling of tranquillity (even at the full capacity of 740 guests), this journey was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Learn more about Crystal Serenity
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