Simply the Best Afloat!!
Written: Sep 13 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: The most attentive service on the High Seas. Luxurious and Spacious Public accommodation.
Cons: Small bathrooms, Production shows lacking a little.
The Bottom Line: The crew are fantastic, friendly, attentive. The accommodation is comfortable, the public areas spacious and tasteful, the food is superb. Six Star Service delivered at its very best!
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| peteratsea's Full Review: Crystal Harmony |
Crystal Cruises is rated as a 6 star cruise line. It should have 100 stars in my book.
From the moment I arrived at the Pier to the moment I boarded the ship to the moment I left for home, my every need was met. The attention to detail is unsurpassed in the Cruise Industry and believe me, I have been on a few cruises before.
I'll start with the embarkation which is a good place to begin!
I chose the Crystal Cruises transportation from the San Francisco Airport. The coach was air conditoned and very comfortable. On arrival at the Pier we were dropped off immediately at the entrance to the ships gangway. I did not have to worry about my luggage as that was taken care of. We were escorted to a waiting area and made to be very comfortable, being offered light refreshments whilst we waited to check in.
Once we checked in, we went through security and onto the ship. Wow!! The Crystal Harmony's lobby area is stunning. Spacious and tastefully decorated. Every single crew member that I saw that day greeted us with warm sincerity. I felt like I was at home.
The stateroom was comfortable. My only criticism here was the bathroom - way too small. The bed was kingsize, the window was very large which offered an ample view - great since we were going to cruise Alaska. We chose not to have a balcony as I did not think the difference in price was worth it. And anyway, I wanted to be out on Deck to enjoy the scenery not stuck in my stateroom.
Closet space was limited but sufficient. There was plenty of drawers and a walkin closet. But this was a little small. A T.V and video was provided and the Library onboard stocked sufficient videos (up to date ones too!) together with a great selection of books.
There was also a mini bar which I chose not to avail myself off - a little expensive to use. I would rather enjoy the company of others at one of the many bars onboard. The Avenue Salon was my favorite - intimate, cozy and comfortable. Reminded me of a Gentlemans club (ladies welcome!!). The Bar Staff were superb. It amazed me at how quickly the crew remembered your name and treated you like long lost friends.
The Stateroom Stewardess, ours was Norwegian, was, well the best I have ever encountered. I never had to ask for anything and she was always one step ahead of us. Every detail was thought of and the stateroom was immaculate throughout the cruise. Fresh fruit everyday, fresh laundered soft towels, excellent toiletries provided. It was heaven!
OK - I've mentioned a little about the public areas. Now the important bit - Food!! What can I say. It was like dining in a top notch restaurant every day. The Dining Room staff catered to my every need. 7 Course meals were served with utter efficiency and if there was nothing on the menu I liked, they would go out of their way to find something - even if it meant cooking it especially for me. That's what I call service. There were two speciality restaurants, The Prego (Italian cuisine) and the Kyoto (Japanese cuisine). Excellent food again and the menu had an extensive offer of choices to chose from. Up on Deck 11 can be found the Trident Grill offering a choice of burgers, pizzas and wraps. Great for an alternative location to each lunch. Also an icecream bar - no charge, I have to say I succumbed to the temptation there. The Lido buffet was small, and can get a little crowded, but the food was nonetheless excellent. Breakfast here was brilliant and omelette or eggs were cooked fresh everytime.
My favorite meeting place was the Bistro, a french style coffee bar. Excellent coffee, freshly made which a superb selection of pastries, and fruits.
Lets go onto the Entertainment. I have to say I was a little disappointed in this respect. Having travelled on Princess Cruises (no comparison I know), but the entertainment there far outdid the entertainment to be found on Crystal. The production shows went on far too long, sometimes in excess of an hour. Don't get me wrong, the dancers were talented, but the shows just lacked something that I just can't put my finger on. The alternative entertainers, comedians, singers, ventriloquists were good. Crystal also provided an excellent lectures on board program and the lecturers were incredibly knowledgeable and made their subject interesting to listen to.
The movies in the Hollywood Theatre (a very nice movie house) were up to date and varied.
Shopping onboard - a little disappointing in the selection of merchandise on offer but the shops on Deck 6 were tastefully fitted out and the staff always helpful and not pushy.
The cruise itself was relaxing and I just did not want to leave. It was a 10 day cruise, visiting ports such as Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Vancouver and Victoria.
When tendering, the operation was carried out with the usual efficiency - no long lines waiting to get on a tender to go ashore. Everything was done just right. And believe me, the cruise I was on the ship was travelling full 950 or so passengers, but you would never have believed it as there was never any crowds.
For the sake of going on too much, I just have to say that I am now a hooked Crystal Cruise Guest. Yes you pay a lot more to cruise with them, but hey, it is worth every single penny! I have never experienced such a wonderful relaxing time as this one. The crew are fantastic, friendly, attentive the best on the high seas. The accommodation is comfortable, the public areas spacious and tasteful, the food is superb. The Harmony is showing its age, with quite a few rust spots evident around deck, but the overall ambience more than made up for the little deficiencies that existed here and there.
If you have never cruised before or are thinking of trying Crystal - then I say go for it. You will not be disappointed.
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: 9
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
I work as a Police Officer in Guildford, Surrey UK.
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