Ocean Liner Society - Ship Visit to Crystal Symphony

Home Monthly Talks Ship Show Sea Lines About the OLS Group Cruises Library Ship Visits Society Mission Society Constitution OLS Page	Ship Visit to Crystal Symphony Dover - 5th September 2010 Report by Peter Woolgar Photo©2010 Peter Woolgar, CRYSTAL SYMPHONY at Dover		2010 Visit Reports Aurora Black Watch Boudicca Braemar Crystal Symphony Discovery Empress Eurodam Funchal Marco Polo MSC Opera MSC Poesia Ocean Countess Prinsendam Previous Visit Reports Arcadia Arion Black Watch Hebridean Princess Ocean Majesty Van Gogh
	CRYSTAL SYMPHONY - Deck Plans Opens a large PDF file (2.3 Mb) in new window CRYSTAL SYMPHONY - company postcard Photo: ©1995 Crystal Cruises CRYSTAL SYMPHONY - company postcard Photo: ©1995 Crystal Cruises ATRIUM - RECEPTION (decks 6) Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar ATRIUM - BISTRO & CRYSTAL COVE BAR (decks 5 & 6) Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar ATRIUM - BISTRO CAFE (deck 6) Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar ATRIUM (decks 5 & 6) Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar ATRIUM (from deck 5) Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar ATRIUM - CRYSTAL COVE BAR (deck 5) Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar PALM COURT (deck 11) Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar LIDO CAFE (deck 11) Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar TRIDENT BAR AND GRILL (deck 11) Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar STATEROOM 7013 Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar GLASS WASHBASINS Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar GALAXY LOUNGE (deck 6) Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar CRYSTAL CASINO (deck 6) Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar STARLITE CLUB (deck 6) Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar VINTAGE ROOM RESTAURANT (deck 6) Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar SILK ROAD RESTAURANT (deck 6) Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar SUSHI BAR (deck 6) Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar CRYSTAL DINING ROOM (deck 5) Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar CRYSTAL SYMPHONY - company postcard Photo: ©1995 Crystal Cruises CRYSTAL SYMPHONY - company postcard Photo: ©1995 Crystal Cruises CRYSTAL SYMPHONY - company postcard Photo: ©1995 Crystal Cruises	CRYSTAL SYMPHONY - builder's image Click to see a builders PDF file with technical details CRYSTAL SYMPHONY arrived at Dover’s cruise terminal 2 in the early morning of 5th September 2010. After having disembarked her passengers from an eleven night round Britain cruise she was to embark passengers for a fourteen night transatlantic cruise to New York via Dublin, Reykjavik, Nuuk (Greenland) and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Crystal Cruises were founded in 1989 and are part of the massive NYK shipping group of Japan who own and operate, inter alia, containerships, vehicle carriers, bulk carriers, tankers and reefer vessels. Their first vessel was CRYSTAL HARMONY (1990, 48621grt) which now operates for a sister company as ASUKA II. Their third vessel is the CRYSTAL SERENITY (2003, 68870grt). CRYSTAL SYMPHONY (51044grt) was the second vessel for Crystal Cruises having been built as yard number 1323 at the Masa yards, Turku, Finland. A notice on board the vessel showed a building contract dated 2nd March 1993 with handover to Crystal Cruises on 18th April 1995. Quoted “guest” and crew numbers seem to vary but I will use 940 guests and 545 crew. ATRIUM WATERFALL (decks 5 & 6) Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar After having completed security formalities, a group of OLS members boarded CRYSTAL SYMPHONY’s main reception area via Tiffany Deck 6. First impressions were stunning as we had entered the upper level of a bright and spacious two deck oval shaped atrium complete with Tiffany style dome lighting, a spiral waterfall and light marble flooring. The upper level designated the “Avenue of the Stars” included three designer shops (Apropos - fashions & logo wear, Facets - jewellery & gifts and Crystal Collection – cosmetics & accessories). “The Bistro” café and wine bar (port side –P) serves pastries, pates and cheeses to complement speciality coffees, teas and fine wines. A well stocked Library (starboard side – S) and a small corridor led to the new nightclub, Luxe. The oval balcony looked down to Crystal Deck 5 and the Crystal Cove piano bar (good for pre-dinner and after-dinner cocktails) complete with the crystal grand piano. We were requested to assemble on Lido Deck 11 in the Palm Court lounge where a brief presentation about Crystal Cruises was made to the tour guests. This splendid spacious, triple aspect, yet intimate room provided great views of the sea through floor to ceiling windows. The predominant décor was a mixture of blue leather chairs, white cane furniture and a semi-circular bar faced with rich brown woods. The room was divided into areas by low level glass screens etched with signs of the zodiac. A white latticed ceiling complemented the décor with an additional dark blue oval ceiling recess sprinkled with LED lights. We began our tour under the leadership of Crystal Cruises’ Danielle. Many thanks are extended to Danielle, who kept us very well informed about the vessel which has been her home for several years. SEAHORSE POOL (deck 11) Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar Sun Deck 12 At the top of the vessel, deck 12 features an open observation deck located ahead of the forward staircase. Between this and the midships staircase there are open walkways which overlook the open Seahorse pool below on deck 11. The Wimbledon Court (paddle tennis) and golf putting green are to be found midships and aft there is a magrodome which covers the Neptune Pool below on deck 11., The Crystal Spa & Salon (P) and Fitness Centre & Aerobics Studio (S) are located towards the stern. Reportedly inspired by Feng Shui, the Spa features a number of well appointed and restful treatment rooms. Services include “Facial Rituals”; “Cultural Touches for the Body” - the “Absolute Spa Ritual” lasts two hours and costs USD 287 ; a variety of massages; aroma stone therapy; “Spa Ceremonies – (Bliss / Renewal / Paradise – costing USD 370 – 446)” ; detox treatments and “Smile Spa” tooth whitening treatment. The Salon offers a full range of hair styling services together with nail and waxing treatments. The Fitness Centre includes Yoga and Pilates sessions as well as “individualized personal training”. Lido Deck 11 With thoughts turning to food, we visited the Lido Café immediately below. The buffet is arranged on both port and starboard side with cream marble serving stations and a predominantly brown and coffee décor. Widely spaced tables are separated by staggered floor to ceiling “glass” screens. These screens and decor provided an ingenious calming effect to the buffet experience, which can often be chaotic on other cruise vessels. Teak tables and chairs spill out onto the open deck overlooking over the stern. The Trident Bar and Grill (P) and the Ice Cream Bar (S) serve the Neptune Pool, , located between the aft and midships staircase. Moving forward past the large Seahorse Pool with its white wicker loungers, we come to the Teen Centre, Waves (P) and the children’s playroom Fantasia (S), then we are back in the Palm Court. Penthouse Deck 10 With a wide blue pattern carpeted corridor, all penthouses are located on this deck. There are : • 2 Crystal Penthouse Suites with Private Verandah (982 sq ft) These feature a kingsize bed, master bath with Jacuzzi, separate shower, wc and bidet; a separate guest bathroom, and a spacious living room and dining area. • 19 Penthouse Suites with Private Verandah (491 sq ft) Suite #10009 was viewed. A queensize bed was located in an alcove. Glass bedside lights with flat screen TV and DVD located in a mahogany wood wall opposite completed the luxurious appointment. A door led through to the large bathroom with Jacuzzi tub, separate shower, wc and bidet The suite contained a sofa and writing / dressing table with an additional flat screen TV and DVD. • 44 Penthouse Staterooms with Private Verandah (376 sq ft). Suite #10015 was viewed. Seabreeze Deck 9 With a wide pink pattern carpeted corridor, this deck features 132 Deluxe Staterooms with Private Verandah (246 sq ft). Stateroom #9027 was viewed. Horizon Deck 8 This deck features 82 Deluxe Staterooms with Private Verandah (246 sq ft) and 58 Deluxe Staterooms (202 sq ft) with limited views due to outside lifeboat & safety equipment. Promenade Deck 7 This deck features Deluxe Staterooms (202 sq ft), 68 with ocean views and 58 with limited views. Stateroom #7013 was viewed All staterooms have been upgraded with his and hers brown marble and glass washbasins. I did find that the suites and staterooms appeared to be a little on the small side given the expectation of luxury and the higher cruise price. However, they were very well appointed and full of facilities. Therefore, the word “compact” comes to mind. For comparison, P& O’s ORIANA suites are 497 sq ft, mini-suites are 368 sq ft and deluxe balcony staterooms are 250 sq ft. . Tiffany Deck 6 The 500 seat showroom, Galaxy Lounge, furnished in plush maroon and pale rose pinks, is located forward. Broadway-style production shows and guest entertainers perform here in the evening. The room is also used for lectures. Moving astern of the forward staircase, we find the Crystal Casino. This large room of slot machines, card and roulette tables covers the full width of the ship save for a through corridor on the port side. The Hollywood Theatre (P) is an impressive cinema with 143 seats with the Luxe nightclub located on the starboard side. We then arrive at the atrium upper level and move aft of the midships staircase to the Starlite Club. This room is furnished in reds and covers the full width of the vessel. It comprises a round bar and dance floor. PREGO RESTAURANT (deck 6) Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar Aft of the Starlite Club are the speciality restaurants. The Vintage Room (P) features eight course menus designed around vintage wines. Reservations are taken for up to 12 persons at an additional cost of USD 210 per person (this is not a typo). The Silk Road and Sushi Bar features menus created by Nobu Matsuhisa. The Silk Road features his special dishes such as Miso Black Cod (and delight of delights, this was served to us later at our lunch - wonderful!) whilst sushi and sashimi dishes are prepared by Nobu trained chefs at the Sushi Bar. Prego features regional Italian cuisine under the direction of Piero Selvaggio. Rooms located on the starboard side between the stern and the upper level of the atrium are the Bridge Lounge, Computer University at Sea (CU@SEA), the Avenue Saloon piano bar, the Connoisseur Club smoking room, Photoshop and Library. SILK ROAD RESTAURANT (deck 6) Photo: ©2010 Peter Woolgar Crystal Deck 5 The no-balcony large picture window staterooms are located between the forward and lower level atrium. Stateroom #5012 was viewed. Aft of the Crystal Cove and midships staircase is the full ship-width Crystal Dining Room. Neatly divided into discrete areas using raised flooring, we were to enjoy a wonderful lunch with impeccable, friendly, efficient and attentive service. Many thanks are extended to our steward Jo and his assistants. The food was magnificent ; I had Shrimp Cobb Salad on crisp Potato Rosti followed by Chicken Consommé flavoured with Kaffir Lime Leaves, Won Ton and Asparagus. Then came the wonderful Miso-Glazed broiled Black Cod followed by Strawberry-Rhubarb Tiramisu and Ice Cream. Perhaps a visit may be necessary to the Fitness Centre after all. On leaving the vessel, Pam and I were delighted to meet on the gangway Mr William (“Bill”) Miller, the prolific maritime book author and lecturer. We had a most memorable chat with this charming man. The end to a perfect day. Pam and I saw CRYSTAL SYMPHONY sail from Tilbury on her maiden positioning voyage to the USA in 1995. We both thought then that the vessel had a striking resemblance to the revolutionary but smaller Princess Cruises’ ROYAL PRINCESS (later ARTEMIS), the principal reasons being the block superstructure of outside balcony cabins atop the promenade deck, the tiered aft decks and the main public rooms located in the hull below over two decks. Having sailed on ROYAL PRINCESS in the late “eighties”, we found similarities inside, namely the absence of inside cabins, the two deck atrium, the location of the Lido Cafe aft. However, the finish and facilities offered by CRYSTAL SYMPHONY are much superior to the other vessel, as one would expect at this level of cruising. At a reported cost of some USD 300 million, together with a refurbishment programme in 2007 costing USD 23 million, CRYSTAL SYMPHONY’s facilities and quality of build are outstanding. Those lucky passengers sailing later that afternoon could look forward to excellent dining and pampered hospitality. According to Crystal Cruises’ schedules, CRYSTAL SYMPHONY will not be sailing in Europe in 2011. CRYSTAL SERENITY will position to the Baltic in May 2011 after completing her world cruise. She has one round trip Dover cruise on July 22 before positioning to the Mediterranean for the remainder of the year. Our thanks go to Peter Godliman for arranging the OLS visit to CRYSTAL SYMPHONY and also to Crystal Cruises. PETER WOOLGAR September 2010 CRYSTAL SYMPHONY - company postcard Photo: ©1995 Crystal Cruises
	CRYSTAL SYMPHONY - profile from builders postcard