Crystal Cruise Line - Upscale, Not Elite

by Shannon Kietzman, writer for Your Wedding Place.com

Crystal Cruises is a luxury cruise line that is smaller than many of the other well-known cruise lines. Nonetheless, it is ideal for the honeymooners looking for an upscale cruise that is not entirely over the top like ultra-luxury cruise lines.

Crystal Cruise Line Ships and Itinerary

Crystal Cruises, which was established in 1990, only operates three mid-sized ships. Each ship accommodates anywhere from 940 to 1080 passengers. The Crystal Serenity is the largest of the three vessels. Despite being 30% larger than its sister ships of Crystal Symphony and Crystal Harmony, it only accommodates 15% more guests. Therefore, it is much roomier than the other vessels.

All of the Crystal Cruises ships are designed to be bright and breezy with pastel colors, pale woods, brass, and marble and glass décor. Palm trees and flowers can be found throughout the wide decks and spacious public areas. Even the penthouses include flat screen televisions and silk upholstery.

Crystal Cruises is based in Los Angeles, but offers numerous itineraries departing from the east and west coast in the United States. The majority of the itineraries start at either New York, New York; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Los Angeles, California; or San Francisco, California. Voyages also occasionally depart from Caldera, Costa Rica and go one way to the Panama Canal. The majority of the Crystal Cruises itineraries are seven to fifteen nights and you can enjoy an Alaska cruise, a Mexico cruise, a Panama Canal cruise, or a Caribbean cruse.

Activities Aboard Crystal Cruise Ships

In addition to visiting the beautiful and scenic countries or states included in your itinerary, you can also enjoy a number of onboard activities. Crystal Cruises provides more activity than many luxury lines, which allows passengers to mingle with each other. A number of enrichment classes can be enjoyed onboard, including glass-etching, computer classes, fashion shows, piano lessons, and dance lessons in swing and rumba. Guest lecturers are also an option, discussing topics such as history, diplomacy and film.

Theme cruises are also offered with Crystal Cruises. These can include topics such as food and wine. Or, the theme may be jazz or language. Regardless of the trip you take, whether themed or not, each voyage also offers formal nights allowing you and your sweetheart to dress up and stay on board for a “night on the town.”

Crystal Cruises also offers a wide variety of dining opportunities, making your honeymoon feel like an international experience. You can enjoy Italian or Asian foods. Or, dine on low-carb, vegetarian, or kosher cuisine. Each ship also provides special reservations-only restaurants, which come at a small additional price but can add that extra touch of romance to your excursion.

After dining, take in some activity with the on board ping-pong tables, shuffleboard courts, putting greens, and jogging tracks. Or, participate in the yoga, aerobics, and pilates classes that are offered for free. Then, relax in one of the Feng Shui spas that include calming crystals, incense, mirrors, and fountains.

Afterward, you can take in one of the many Vegas-style shows, including comedy acts, classical concertos, and first-run movies. Ballroom dancing is also available. Or, perhaps you and your spouse would enjoy gambling the night away at the onboard casinos or playing special games, such as trivia and cards, that are organized like television game shows.

Crystal Cruises is a great choice for couples looking to enjoy a luxury cruise while still remaining more active and without being a part of an elite cruise.

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