The
Crystal Experience:
Crystal definitely has a feel of its own among the
luxury vessels, and some people find it intoxicatingly
addictive. The service is impeccable, and if anything
it can tend to be almost too personalized for private
types, but if you love being doted upon then Crystal
has the highest guest-to-staff ratios at sea. There's
a general atmosphere of what might be called
California-ness aboard; everyone tends to be friendly,
socially aware, politically correct and committed to
personal growth.
Crystal focuses on
image conscious, worldly passengers interested in
self-knowledge and self-improvement. Even on the
balmiest afternoon, far fewer of your fellow
passengers are likely to be sunning themselves by the
pool than inside listening attentively to a guest
expert lecture about climate change, personal finance
or jewelry.
Crystal is unique among
luxury ships as it appeals to the same crowd that will
be found on Regent or Silversea cruises, but they have
slightly different policies when it comes to what's
included in the cruise fare. You will have to pay
extra for wine and spirits, unlike the previously
mentioned lines, but that is not a big consideration
for many people to whom money is no object.
The service on Crystal
is hard to beat with an all European staff, even for
room stewards and waiters, they offer the crewmembers
an impressive benefits package too assure a low
turnover rate. The crew to guest ratio better than one
to two, which is very impressive when you consider
Royal Caribbean's ratio is more like four passengers
to every crewmember.
The line innovated
the first computer training program at sea as far
back as 1999. They called it "Computer
University@Sea" and despite the fact the name
made it appear web oriented, Internet access was
actually a small component of what Crystal was doing
with the program. This has now evolved into the
"Creative Learning Institute" which
features a dazzling array of onboard activities to
stimulate your mind. Onboard lessons in playing
piano, speaking foreign languages,acting, fashion
design and a host of other possible topics await you
onboard.
