There is nothing more luxurious than the feeling of having every care in your world looked after. From the moment I arrived at the port of Civitavecchia, Rome to board Crystal Serenity, I knew that my week would be filled with the best of the best. Having toured the glamorous ship several times during her visits to Sydney, I knew what to expect from the hardware...classic lines, lavish amenities and staterooms that put my apartment to shame. Nothing could prepare me for the supreme level of personalised service though, or for some of the finest food I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. Bars and Lounges If you’re after a more classic-style of dancing then ‘Palm Court’ would be right up your alley with the Crystal Sextet playing music throughout the evening and Ambassador Hosts available to whisk eager ladies across the dance floor. A quiet drink in the ‘Avenue Saloon’ is perfectly complemented by a tinkling of the ivories, transporting you to a sophisticated English pub where the bartenders always remember your name...and your favourite beverage. From creating a cocktail designed especially to titillate you, to suggesting some old favourites, the bartenders throughout the ship make it their mission to ensure they go the extra mile with personalising your onboard beverage experience. You may even receive the recipe for your cocktail of preference presented to you on the final night of your cruise as a parting gift! The ‘Connoisseur Club’ is conveniently located on Tiffany Deck aft near the ‘Pulse Nightclub’ and ‘Avenue Saloon’ and offers an intimate environment for those passengers wanting to indulge in a cigar from the ship’s extensive selection whilst reading a book or even catching the latest in sports or news on the big screen television. Dark woods and plush leather chairs add a warmth to the room that is peppered with palms and a louvered view of the ocean. One deck down and you reach the heart of the ship, which, amid hosting reception and the shore excursions desk, is also the location for a variety of musical performances every evening. The sound of music peppers the two-deck atrium nightly invoking a feeling of nostalgia for passengers after a relaxing beverage or a spot of retail therapy. Whilst there is the option to hire a DVD from the ‘Library’, the ‘Hollywood Theatre’ plays an array of new and old release movies twice a night with session times and selections advertised in the ‘Reflections’ newsletter delivered to your stateroom daily. Enrichment Programs & Creative Learning Institute Whilst the ‘Galaxy Lounge’ is the place to be to enjoy the myriad of production shows and guest entertainers, it is also the location for the ‘Crystal Visions Enrichment Program’ where lecturers are on hand each voyage to enlighten passengers on topics including; destination enrichment, history, politics and special interests. Crystal Cruises has gone above and beyond when it comes to enriching the knowledge and lives of their passengers. From catering to those childhood yearnings to learn how to play a musical instrument with the ‘Passport to Music’ program, to accessing one’s inner artist as part of the ‘Odyssey Art at Sea Masterpiece’ program, guests aboard Crystal ships have the opportunity to extend and enrich themselves whilst on holiday. Berlitz language courses enable easier navigation of non-English speaking ports and classes on all ranges of topics including memoir writing and computer related lectures at the ‘Computer University @ Sea’ encourage learning at all ages. Dining One of the many things that are certain aboard Crystal Serenity is the fact that passengers are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options of the highest quality. Part of the personalised check-in experience is being escorted to the main dining room where lunch is served ahead of settling into your stateroom. The maitre'd welcomes guests and confirms dietary requirements for the voyage ahead and the first culinary adventure is experienced. Imagine the opportunity to indulge in fine dining each evening... Crystal enables you to experience just that as your taste buds are taken on a journey through a myriad of cultures and dining styles. World-renowned chef, Nobu Matsuhisa, is the brains behind Asian fusion restaurant, 'Silk Road', which takes mouth-watering traditional Asian dishes and gives them a unique twist. Lobster spring rolls and pan seared diver scallops do battle with Matsuhisa shrimp on the appetiser menu, while the ever-popular Nobu box, featuring a sampler of Nobu's most popular dishes, settles the argument for the indecisive patrons who have trouble selecting the Nobu-style black cod with miso over the grilled wagyu beef rib eye steak. For those after a more casual dining experience, whilst still satisfying their epicurean tendencies, 'The Sushi Bar' blends melt-in-your-mouth sushi and sashimi with personality plus as the sushi chefs whip up dishes to order in their own flamboyant way. The line to indulge can be long though, so it's best to get in early to savour the delights and view the spectacle. 'Prego' offers guests a romantic and charming Italian atmosphere and is located on Deck Seven directly across from 'Silk Road'. Like its Asian neighbour, reservations are essential and 'Prego' truly brings the flavours of Italy to Crystal Serenity with a seasonally-changing menu featuring delectable more traditional dishes including; lasagne alla casalinga and veal scalloppine parmigiana along with the more unique Midori flavoured tomato soup and warm taleggio cheese drizzled with lavender-flavoured honey. The added bonus with these amazing specialty restaurants? They are all inclusive in the price of passage! Fitness and Spa With the array of irresistible dining options, it seems paramount to offer just as diverse fitness options. And diverse they are, with programs including the; Walk-on-Water program complete with 'The Walkvest® Training System' that turns the simple act of walking along the deck into a more effective workout by adding resistance to a vest through weights. After a polar experience at sea? Then the Nordic Walking program might be right up your alley. Using lightweight poles for stability and balance, this program is suitable for all levels of fitness and passengers can be guided in finding their rhythm using the poles in a similar fashion to cross country skiing. Pilates and yoga complement the more traditnal fitness offering of a state-of-the-art fitness centre while activities including; golf training and paddle tennis can also be enjoyed with the assistance of a fitness coach. When all those calories have melted away and it's time to truly escape, there is no better place to do so than the 'Crystal Salon and Spa'. The truly 'chi' area of the ship has been rated number one by readers of Conde Naste magazine in the mid-ship category and offers a range of treatments as diverse as the ports the ship visits. Using brands including; Elemis and La Therapie, their facial 'rituals' and 'cultural touches' evoke a sense of calm, peace and tranquility. Couples therapies are oft popular with a dedicated couples room complete with a spacious bath overlooking the ocean on offer for those loved up and wanting a unique escape with their special someone. Traditional salon services are also on offer with an exclusive menu dedicated to male cruisers after some pampering. Click here to view complete photo gallery. |
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Crystal Serenity – Part Two
Source = e-Travel Blackboard: Natalie Aroyan