Crystal Symphony is a medium sized luxury ship part of the Crystal Cruise Line, which has garnered an immaculate reputation for service and over all quality. Crystal symphony is a sister ship to Crystal Serenity of the same Line. Both these ships have won numerous accolades in the past years. The ‘Conde Nast Traveler’, premier travel magazine has placed Crystal Symphony second to Crystal Serenity in the “Best ships in the world list”, among a list of 90 ships through out the world. Also, in 2000, Crystal symphony was given a Vessel Sanitation score of 100 by a team of U. S. Public Health Service inspectors.
Construction
Crystal Symphony was constructed in the Kyaerner Masa Ship yards (now called STX Finland Cruise Oy) in Turku, Finland. The ship was subject to three installments of refurbishments in the interior in 2004, 2006 and 2009 respectively, and massive amounts were spent and extensive refurbishments made.
Specifications
The Gross Tonnage of Crystal Symphony is 51,044 tons. Crystal Symphony has a total capacity of 922 passengers and 545 crew and staff. The Ship is 238.05 meters long.
The Crystal symphony has 12 decks, out of which 8 can be accessed by passengers.
The ship has a service speed of 20 knots, which is about 37 miles per hour (23 miles per hour). The port of registry is The Bahamas.
The State rooms
There are 461 state rooms in the Crystal Symphony. The rooms range from ‘Crystal penthouses’ to interior state rooms, more than half having private verandahs. The Crystal penthouses has a range of amenities like a team of butlers, a Jacuzzi, a library, private gym, personalized stationary, Riedel cutlery and free beer and wine.
Standard state rooms have L C D plasma T V, wire less fidelity access, personal voice mail and cell phone services, telephones in the bathrooms and well stocked refrigerators.
Dining options
There are nine excellent restaurants on board. They include the Prego (Italian cuisine), The Silk Road and The Sushi Bar (Japanese cuisine), the Bistro (coffee shop), the Trident Bar and Grill (hamburgers, sandwiches and other light fare), Lido Café and the Palm Court.
Amenities and facilities
The ship has two large pools. One of them has a retractable glass cover. The Crystal Spa which is inspired by Feng shui has treatment rooms, sauna and steam facilities.
There is also a salon and an excellent fitness center.
In the Sports deck, there is a golf driving range, putting greens and professional golf instructors certified by the PGA.
The Exercise studio gives lessons in low and high impact, yoga and personal training.
The 360 degree teak promenade deck in the exterior is excellent for walks.
Table tennis (ping pong), Shuffle board and paddle tennis can be played.
Health and fitness themed cruises are offered by Crystal Symphony during certain itineraries.
Entertainment Options
Crystal symphony abounds with entertainment options galore.
“The Hollywood Theater” is equipped with translation instruments and audio enhancements to assist people with impaired hearing.
The Galaxy lounge is a hydraulic stage equipped show room on board.
There is a playroom for children and a hang out area for teenagers.
Computer classes and Internet access is offered at the ComputerUniversity@Sea. A library, well equipped with books, DVD’s and audio books, is another option.
There is a casino which features Texas Hold ’em Poker.
Above the bridge, there is an on-board observatory too.
Itinerary for 2010
In winter 2010, Crystal Symphony will set off on a 19 day cruise on The Panama canal from New York City. Afterwards she will be spending time in the Mexican Riviera and Hawaiian Islands
Recognition and Awards
In 2008 and 2009, the ‘Conde Nast Traveler’, a top travel magazine placed Crystal Symphony at the second place in a list of “Best ships in the World”. Crystal Serenity, sister ship of Crystal Symphony was at the top both times.
In 2001 and 2003, Crystal Symphony was selected “Ship of the Year” by ‘Ocean and Cruise News’
Also ‘Best medium sized Cruise ship in the world’ was awarded in 2003 by ‘Conde Nast Traveler’.