Crystal Serenity
Crystal Serenity / Crystal Cruises
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Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah
Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah / Crystal Cruises
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Pool Deck
Pool Deck / Crystal Cruises
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Seahorse Pool Pods
Seahorse Pool Pods / Crystal Cruises
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Tastes
Tastes / Crystal Cruises
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Atrium
Atrium / Kristen Boatright
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Atrium
Atrium / Kristen Boatright
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Prego
Prego / Kristen Boatright
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Prego
Prego / Kristen Boatright
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Crystal Serenity's Prego
Crystal Serenity's Prego / Crystal Cruises
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Lamb at Prego
Lamb at Prego / Crystal Cruises
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Casino
Casino / Kristen Boatright
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Movie Theater
Movie Theater / Kristen Boatright
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Connoisseur Club
Connoisseur Club / Kristen Boatright
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Avenue Saloon
Avenue Saloon / Kristen Boatright
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Avenue Saloon
Avenue Saloon / Kristen Boatright
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Avenue Saloon
Avenue Saloon / Kristen Boatright
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Vintage Room
Vintage Room / Kristen Boatright
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Sushi Bar at Silk Road
Sushi Bar at Silk Road / Kristen Boatright
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Nobu Sashimi Salad
Nobu Sashimi Salad / Crystal Cruises
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Library
Library / Kristen Boatright
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Computer room
Computer room / Kristen Boatright
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Bridge Lounge
Bridge Lounge / Kristen Boatright
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Fitness Center
Fitness Center / Kristen Boatright
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Fitness Center
Fitness Center / Kristen Boatright
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Fitness Center
Fitness Center / Kristen Boatright
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Lido Café
Lido Café / Kristen Boatright
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Lido Café
Lido Café / Kristen Boatright
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Deluxe Stateroom with Veranda
Deluxe Stateroom with Veranda / Kristen Boatright
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Crystal Serenity's Penthouse Veranda
Crystal Serenity's Penthouse Veranda / Crystal Cruises / Ian Schemper
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Crystal Dining Room
Crystal Dining Room / Kristen Boatright
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Crystal Dining Room
Crystal Dining Room / Kristen Boatright
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Phyllo dough on a bed of lentils on Crystal Serenity
Phyllo dough on a bed of lentils on Crystal Serenity / Crystal Cruises
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Evening menu at Tastes
Evening menu at Tastes / Crystal Cruises
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Kid's club
Kid's club / Kristen Boatright
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Kid's club
Kid's club / Kristen Boatright
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Crystal Serenity

Our Ship Review
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

Editor's note: Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony were bought by Abercrombie & Kent and will re-enter service in 2023 following a refurbishment.

The larger of Crystal Cruises’ luxury ships, the 1,070-passenger Crystal Serenity is still technically midsize but has lots of big-ship attributes. Passengers dine on excellent cuisine served with complimentary wine, get a whole menu of entertainment options including a piano bar and after-dinner dancing, and can stay in some of the best penthouse suites at sea. Frequent refurbishments, including a redo of the pool deck, have kept the ship fresh and the vibe appealingly contemporary.

What We Love

Late-Night Scene: Crystal passengers are livelier than those on other luxury ships. On Crystal Serenity, trivia is a raucous event, karaoke draws a crowd, and every night there’s a party in the disco.

Fitness Options: There are two full-size paddle tennis courts up on top, weighted vests to wear while walking the deck, exercise equipment, and classes indoors and out. You can also choose shore excursions with an active spin.

Best Known For

The Food: The line’s culinary calling card is Nobu (aka Japanese chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa), who is behind the specialty restaurant Silk Road. The menus in the main dining room are also solid, whether you go with classic dishes like roasted duck or the lighter, food science-focused Modern Cuisine.

Creative Lessons: Learn something new on this cruise, whether it’s gaining insights into world politics from a lecturing ambassador or getting a close-up look at sleight of hand performed by magicians from Hollywood’s famed Magic Castle.

Who It's Best For

The Posh Set: Passengers, most age 50 and up, are well traveled, well educated, and well heeled. Kids may be onboard with parents or grandparents during summer and holiday periods — the ship has a dedicated playroom and activities.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

It’s All-Inclusive-ish: Crystal’s pricing includes drinks, one dinner each week at Silk Road and the Italian Prego, and prepaid gratuities. If you want to add another meal at the specialty restaurants, it will cost you. And while a preselected wine is served with dinner, sommeliers may encourage you to buy a better bottle — for a fee.

Fran Golden
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger