Crystal Serenity Cruise Athens to Venice
Serenity is a 68,870 ton ship with a passenger capacity of just 1070 and a guest staff ratio of 0.61. All of this means that even when the ship is full, as it was on our cruise, there is plenty of space and no queuing. We were always able to find a quiet area and when we were at sea there was no problem finding a sunbed on deck.
After a smooth check in, which included a glass of champagne, we were shown to our deluxe stateroom with veranda on deck 10. This grade has a sitting area and a bathroom with bath/shower and double basins.
There is ample storage space and bathrobes and slippers were in our wardrobe along with an umbrella which we unfortunately made use of in Trieste! The beds can be twin or large double and along with the luxurious feather pillows it made for the most comfortable bed we had ever experienced! If those pillows don't suit there is an extensive pillow menu. The bed was too comfortable and the cabin incredibly sound proofed as the first morning we slept in by mistake. It was so quiet we thought everyone had left the ship! If you sleep in late and even miss the 'late risers' breakfast there is the option of calling for breakfast in your stateroom from the 24 hour room service. Well we had to try out all the facilities!
There are several dining options on board. There is a choice of venues for every meal, in fact you can eat at any time of day, there is always something available. The first evening we enjoyed a fabulous evening meal in the Crystal Dining Room. There is the option of early or main dining or dining by reservation which allows you to choose the time you wish to dine. On the second night after a day in Navplion we decided to try out 'Tastes' which is a more casual dining option. The following two nights we were lucky enough to experience the delights of Silk Road by Nobu Matsuhisa and the Italian speciality restaurant Prego. Both of these restaurants are included in your fare and they truly are world class cuisine.
Each evening we enjoyed a variety of entertainment options from pre-dinner dancing and cocktail parties to Broadway style productions or comedy nights. A favourite place after dinner was the Avenue Saloon Piano Bar which always had a great atmosphere.
Every day a programme of daily events 'Reflections' is delivered to your stateroom which includes the dress code for dinner. We had one formal night, but a jacket and tie is fine for the formal evenings for gents.
The all-inclusive Crystal Experience has been voted world's best more than any other cruise line, hotel or resort in history and I can really see why. The all-inclusive luxury begins with complimentary fine wines, premium spirits and champagne served throughout the ship along with unparalleled opportunities for enrichment and entertainment. All gratuities are also included so there are no nasty bills to pay at the end of your cruise.
If you would like more details on the cruises Crystal offer including taster cruises giving you the opportunity to sample what they offer without committing to a longer cruise or special solo traveller fares, please get in touch.