Unique Features

Crystal offers a wide range of enrichment programmes in association with their Creative Learning Institute Partners, with leading names in language, music, wellness and wine working with them to create original, varied and unique programmes. Complimentary, progressive courses in association with Berlitz, Yamaha, Cleveland Clinic, Tai chi Cultural Centre and the Society of Wine Educators are also on offer throughout many Crystal Cruises. Available through The Studio.

Computer [email protected]
An industry first. Launched in 1997, it offers contemporary enrichment programmes, more computer stations per guest than any other ship, 24-hour internet access and dedicated teams to instruct on topics ranging from basic computer skills to advanced digital photo finishing and website design.

Crystal Vision Enrichment Programme
Showcasing some of the world’s most celebrated names in topics including art, history, journalism, television, stage, screen, US and foreign diplomacy, as well as food and wine.

Wine & Food Festival at Sea
With celebrity chefs such as Suzanne Goin, Danny Meyer, Marcas Samuelsson, Sam Choy and Andre Soltner accompanied by leading wine experts, these popular themed cruises run throughout the year.

Experiences of Discovery Voyages
First launched in 2009, Crystal offers a series of themed cruises, each focused on a special interest with onboard and shoreside complimentary activities. Popular focuses include photography, ancient civilisations, chance & fortune, mind, body & spirit, jazz, gold, film & theatre, cabaret at sea, big band and ballroom dance.

Crystal Pristine

"Crystal Pristine" is Crystal Cruises' program of environmentally-friendly initiatives. We spread the "Crystal Pristine" message in staterooms and in public areas. At the beginning of every cruise, we print a "Crystal Pristine" article in our onboard publication, Reflections, along with our environmental policy. At the same time, we air a video on embarkation day reiterating this message. Various "frequently asked questions and answers" about our practices are also printed in Reflections several times during a cruise. "Crystal Pristine" signage is posted on deck and a card regarding conserving energy is posted in every stateroom and suite.

Crystal Cruises is dedicated to preserving the marine environment and oceans upon which our ships sail. The environmental standards that apply to our industry are stringent and comprehensive. Through the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the United States and other maritime nations have developed consistent and uniform international standards that apply to all vessels engaged in international commerce. These standards include: The International Convention for the Safety and Life at Sea (SOLAS), the International Marine Pollution Convention (MARPOL) and the International Standards for Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). We are also obliged to follow all applicable laws and regulations in each country our ships visit. This especially applies to handling of garbage and hazardous wastes that are landed ashore for disposal. In addition, Crystal Cruises is a member of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which has established its own guidelines that exceed the international IMO requirements which members have agreed to follow.

Sewage, or "blackwater" as we refer to it aboard ships, flows to a collection tank and is then pumped into Marine Sanitation Devices (MSD) where it is treated. The Marine Sanitation Devices are certified in accordance with U.S. regulations. This biological sewage treatment system is very similar in operation to the municipal wastewater treatment plants in many U.S. cities.

The waste is processed in the MSD to reduce the solids and disinfect the effluent. This treated blackwater is either retained in storage tanks for disposal ashore or discharged overboard according to the very strict guidelines below. In terms of discharge, Crystal strives to exceed environmental regulations.

The municipal wastewater treatment plants of many cities discharge into coastal waters. By national and international regulations, ships cannot discharge treated effluent within three miles of the coast. The cruise industry's standard is to not discharge within four miles from shore. Crystal Cruises, however, has adopted a policy that we will not discharge less than 12 miles from shore. Crystal applies the same 12-mile discharge policy to graywater, which is water collected separately from sinks, showers, tubs and similar sources.

Ballast Water

Ballast water is seawater that has been taken on by the ships to maintain proper stability, and is stored in ballast tanks. Crystal Cruises observes local, national and international regulations regarding the reporting and discharge of ballast water. Appropriate exchange of ballast water is conducted on the high seas more than 200 miles from land when necessary to prevent organisms and bacteria from traveling from beyond their native range and harming local marine ecosystems.

Bilge and Oily Water Residue

Following guidelines set forth by international regulation, Crystal Cruises has installed sophisticated oil-water separation equipment to comply with the discharge requirements for bilge water both in port and at sea. Bilge and oily water is retained and processed by the oily water separator to remove any oil. The oily waste is retained and discharged to a reception facility ashore for proper disposal. Automated monitoring of the oil/water separators and supporting equipment ensures that the processed bilge water discharged has less than 15 parts per million of oil, the maximum allowed in the water discharged at sea. Crystal's policy is to not discharge the processed bilge water less than 12 miles from land. The ships' crews are trained on the proper response and handling of deck and water spills of fuel, lube oil and oily wastes.

Solid Waste Management

Crystal Cruises maintains a strict policy of "Nothing Overboard" and recognises the importance of having strategies in place to reduce and manage onboard waste. Onshore recycling with approved vendors of all non-biodegradable substances such as glass, aluminium, steel cans and plastics is used whenever possible. In addition, Crystal ensures that hazardous materials are disposed of by reputable onshore disposal companies. Solid waste such as food products and cardboard is burned onboard to the extent possible by incineration. Food waste that cannot be incinerated is discharged shoreside.

Hazardous waste includes photo processing and x-ray fluids, dry cleaning residue, print shop chemicals, and paints, solvents and thinner wastes. This material is disposed of ashore in accordance with national and international laws and regulations. Extensive care and training have also been implemented to eliminate the disposal of chemical wastes in wastewater streams.

For more than a decade, fabric laundry, dry cleaning and shoe-shine bags replaced the previously used plastic bags. Paper cups replaced the use of styrofoam cups, wood lint brushes replaced disposable plastic lint removers, and stainless steel ice buckets replaced the previously used plastic buckets. In 2008, Crystal introduced EcoHangers into its laundry presentation on both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity as well as in the latest river ships and yacht. EcoHangers are a 100% recyclable, environmentally sound alternative to the nearly nine billion wire and plastic hangers that fill America’s landfills each year. Crystal also utilises washable garment bags for laundry distribution, eliminating the use of more than 100,000 plastic bags on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity per year, alone. 

Age Restrictions

Any child under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 21. In addition, if the adult accompanying the child is not a parent or legal guardian, the "Parental Consent Guardianship Form" must be signed by a parent or legal guardian and received by Crystal Cruises no later than 30 days prior to sailing.

Guests age 11 and under at the time of sailing must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older in the same stateroom. Parents can have two related children booked in the same stateroom provided one of them is at least 16 years of age and traveling in an adjacent room to parent/s or legal guardian/s. Infants 6-24 months of age who will be utilising a crib may travel as a third berth in either a double or triple stateroom. Crystal also reserves the right to restrict the number of passengers less than three (3) years of age aboard the ship. Third berth child rate will apply if accompanied by two-full fare adults.

Crystal Cruises is unable to accommodate children less than six (6) months of age as the ship’s medical facilities are not designed to provide services to very young children.

Note: Effective September 24, 2020, in light of on going COVID-19 concerns, the Junior Activities program and optional baby-sitting services detailed below are temporarily discontinued until further notice.

Aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, generally during holiday and summer sailings, both ships feature a fully supervised Junior Activities program for children aged 3 to 17, each with dedicated play areas for both young children and teens. Activities may include scavenger hunts, story times, cookie baking karaoke, movies, dancing and more. Also. in-stateroom baby-sitting services for children aged 1 year and older are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees apply. Arrangements can be made through the Concierge at the ship's Reception desk. Junior Activities program and baby-sitting services availability may vary by cruise at the discretion of Crystal. Check for service availability with a Crystal representative or your preferred Travel Advisor for your specific cruise.

There are no dedicated Junior Activity programs nor supervised care services available on board Crystal Mozart, Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler, Crystal Ravel and Crystal Endeavor.

Children occupying a double stateroom will be charged the adult rate regardless of age.

Disabled Facilities

It is our goal to ensure that your Crystal cruise is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. We will do everything we can to accommodate those who have physical challenges or disabilities and require special assistance. Guests who may need special assistance due to a mobility disability, hearing or sight impairment, or who require a service animal or oxygen may request for a copy of our Onboard Accessibility Guide for additional information in preparation for their upcoming cruise.

Medications

Guests requiring ongoing medication, or having specific dietary needs, are advised to bring an ample supply of medication or dietary supplements with them in their carry-on luggage.

Inoculations

Requirements for inoculations often change. Crystal informs you of the health requirements; however, it is your responsibility to have all required vaccinations with a signed International Certificate of Vaccination. We recommend that you contact your personal physician with any health concerns. Failure to comply may result in refusal of passage by Customs and Immigration authorities.

International regulations require Crystal to maintain a list that identifies guests who may require special assistance in the unlikely event of an emergency. In addition, Crystal strives to make certain all guests receive the highest level of personalised service possible while on board. In order to meet both objectives, we ask for your cooperation in providing us with information regarding any special assistance that you may require. Guests who have existing medical conditions and who may require treatment by the ship’s medical staff (aboard Crystal Serenity or Crystal Symphony), or those who may require other types of special assistance due to a mobility disability, must contact Crystal Cruises Onboard Guest Services Department by fax 310-785-3975, email [email protected], or complete and return the Special Assistance form provided in the document package prior to departure.

On Board Medical Services

Crystal Cruises, Crystal Yacht Cruises and Crystal Expedition Cruises sail with a professional medical staff on board to provide basic medical service/assistance; certain medications may also be available onboard for purchase at reasonable costs .

Crystal River Cruises ships do not have medical facilities and do not sail with a dedicated medical staff onboard. However, medical service/s can be easily contacted from local shoreside facilities, if required. All medical services rendered are independently provided and are the guest’s responsibility.

Oxygen

Aboard Crystal Symphony, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Endeavor, Portable oxygen tanks and concentrators may be used on board. However, for safety reasons, Crystal’s Onboard Guest Services Department MUST be notified and a completed and approved Release and Indemnity Form received no later than 30 days in advance of the sailing. Liquid oxygen is prohibited on board due to safety concerns. A guest bringing his or her own oxygen equipment must make direct arrangements with an independent medical contractor who has agreed to undertake all required arrangements without involving the ship's onboard Medical Center and its personnel. For a list of approved vendors, please refer to the Onboard Accessibility Guide (available through our Onboard Guest Services Department). The oxygen-dependent guest should travel with a companion who is also completely familiar with the operation of the equipment. The guest is responsible to ensure that the equipment is off-loaded at the end of the cruise.

Oxygen-dependent guests are limited to those cruises on which they can be properly supported by equipment vendors and which have itineraries that will easily allow medical disembarkation if it should be required. The number of oxygen-dependent guests using portable equipment is very limited on any cruise. Requests for oxygen equipment for a specific cruise will be processed by Crystal Cruises’ Onboard Guest Services Department in the order of date received.

Please contact Crystal for use of the above equipment on Crystal River Cruises or Crystal Yacht Cruises voyages.

Smoking Policy

Aboard all Crystal ships, smoking is allowed in a designated smoking areas only. Smoking is not allowed in public rooms, suites or any area that is not designated as a smoking area. Indoor smoking is permitted only in the Connoisseur Club smoking lounge (aboard Crystal Mozart, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony only) and upon request, in the VIP Casino (during play). Smoking is prohibited in all other indoor areas of the ship including all other public rooms, lounges, corridors and restaurants, as well as all staterooms, suites and verandahs. Please note, if smoke is detected in a stateroom or suite, a cleaning fee of $250 (subject to change) per incident will be billed to your account.

Cigarette smoking (includes Electronic cigarettes)

• Connoisseur Club on Crystal Endeavor, Crystal Serenity, Crystal Symphony
• VIP Casino on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony (during play, upon request)
• Deck 4 on Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel
• Deck 5, aft, portside on Crystal Esprit
• Decks 10, 9 and 8 Aft on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity
• Deck 11, aft Crystal Serenity
• Seahorse pool area, port side only
• Promenade Deck, port side only

• Connoisseur Club on Crystal Endeavor, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony
• VIP Casino on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony (during play, upon request)
• Deck 4 on Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel
• Deck 5, aft, portside on Crystal Esprit
• Decks 10, 9 and 8 Aft on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity
• Deck 11, aft Crystal Serenity

Dress Code

Throughout the day, our guests wear a mix of active resort wear. Waterside dining room attire is casual during the day; however, swimsuits, swimsuit cover–ups/robes, baseball hats and denim cutoff shorts are not appropriate. If you choose to change your attire following the evening dinner and other festivities, please maintain a minimum style of dress in keeping with the Crystal Casual dress code. After 6:00 pm, casual daytime attire is not appropriate. Shorts and baseball caps are not permitted for men or women. Guests have two elegant options for preferred evening attire: Crystal Casual and Black Tie Optional. Please refer to the dress codes described in detail below. If you choose to change your attire following the evening dinner and other festivities, please maintain a minimum style of dress in keeping with the dress code described in Crystal Casual.

Crystal Casual Attire

Women’s Crystal Casual includes:

• Blouse
• Sweater
• Dress slacks
• Skirt
• Dress

Winter Suggestion: Warm wraps or evening coats, as well as gloves and scarves for fall and winter months

Men’s Crystal Casual includes:

• Open-collar shirt
• Collared polo shirt
• Button-down shirt
• Dress shirt (no tie required)
• Dress pants/Smart trousers
• Sport coat (optional)

Winter Suggestion: Overcoat, scarves, gloves and hats for fall

and winter months

Black Tie Optional Attire (on Crystal Cruises only)

A Black Tie Optional evening offers a celebratory opportunity to dress more formally on a special evening(s). For men, this includes a dark suit with tie, or tuxedo; for women, this includes a formal cocktail dress, evening gown or dressy evening separates. On Black Tie Optional evenings, we request at least a jacket to be worn by men and a dress, skirt or dress slacks and blouse or sweater to be worn by women. Jeans may not be worn in any dining venues or lounges, including the Casino, on Black Tie Optional evenings.

On most voyages, guests can expect the following:

• 7-days (or less) cruises: Crystal Casual only, no Black Tie Optional evenings
• 8– to 10–day cruises: Up to one Black Tie Optional evening
• 11– to 13–day cruises: Two Black Tie Optional evenings
• World Cruises, Holiday voyages and Crossings may be scheduled differently

Please be advised that one night of your itinerary (7 days or longer) will be a designated Crystal White Extravaganza, a signature dance party event with the Crystal showband featuring vocalist, violinist and our Latin dance performers. Dress Code is Crystal Casual (suggested white attire).

For your convenience, the recommended dress code for each evening of your cruise is listed in the daily itinerary section of the Priority Check–in & Planning Center (PCPC) accessible at crystalcruises.com.

Special Dietary Requirements

If you require a special diet or need specific food items during your cruise, or if you have any food allergies, we ask that you kindly submit your written dietary requests to our Onboard Guest Services Department by fax to 310-785-3975, or by email to the appropriate Onboard Guest Services team (as noted below based on your cruise/ship) at least 90 days (3 months) prior to sailing. Please also confirm your arrangements with the Food & Beverage staff on the day of embarkation to ensure all is in order. Note, there may be a charge for some special requests, as well as any applicable shipping fees.

Please contact our Onboard Guest Services team with your special dietary requests at:

[email protected]

Medical Facilities

On Board Medical Services

Crystal Cruises, Crystal Yacht Cruises and Crystal Expedition Cruises sail with a professional medical staff on board to provide basic medical service/assistance; certain medications may also be available onboard for purchase at reasonable costs .

Medications

Guests requiring ongoing medication, or having specific dietary needs, are advised to bring an ample supply of medication or dietary supplements with them in their carry-on luggage.

Inoculations

Requirements for inoculations often change. Crystal informs you of the health requirements; however, it is your responsibility to have all required vaccinations with a signed International Certificate of Vaccination. We recommend that you contact your personal physician with any health concerns. Failure to comply may result in refusal of passage by Customs and Immigration authorities.

International regulations require Crystal to maintain a list that identifies guests who may require special assistance in the unlikely event of an emergency. In addition, Crystal strives to make certain all guests receive the highest level of personalized service possible while on board. In order to meet both objectives, we ask for your cooperation in providing us with information regarding any special assistance that you may require. Guests who have existing medical conditions and who may require treatment by the ship’s medical staff (aboard Crystal Serenity or Crystal Symphony), or those who may require other types of special assistance due to a mobility disability, must contact Crystal Cruises Onboard Guest Services Department by fax 310-785-3975, email [email protected], or complete and return the Special Assistance form provided in the document package prior to departure.

Oxygen

Aboard Crystal Symphony, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Endeavor, Portable oxygen tanks and concentrators may be used on board. However, for safety reasons, Crystal’s Onboard Guest Services Department MUST be notified and a completed and approved Release and Indemnity Form received no later than 30 days in advance of the sailing. Liquid oxygen is prohibited on board due to safety concerns. A guest bringing his or her own oxygen equipment must make direct arrangements with an independent medical contractor who has agreed to undertake all required arrangements without involving the ship's onboard Medical Center and its personnel. For a list of approved vendors, please refer to the Onboard Accessibility Guide (available through our Onboard Guest Services Department). The oxygen-dependent guest should travel with a companion who is also completely familiar with the operation of the equipment. The guest is responsible to ensure that the equipment is off-loaded at the end of the cruise.

Oxygen-dependent guests are limited to those cruises on which they can be properly supported by equipment vendors and which have itineraries that will easily allow medical disembarkation if it should be required. The number of oxygen-dependent guests using portable equipment is very limited on any cruise. Requests for oxygen equipment for a specific cruise will be processed by Crystal Cruises’ Onboard Guest Services Department in the order of date received.

Please contact Crystal for use of the above equipment on Crystal River Cruises or Crystal Yacht Cruises voyages.

Safety at Sea

Crystal puts the utmost priority on the safety and security of our guests, crew vessels. Our safety and security policies and procedures meet or exceed SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) requirements, the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification Watchkeeping) and International Ship & Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) regulations, as mandated by the IMO (International Maritime Organization). Among our safety and security standards are :

• Guest lifeboat drills conducted prior to our ships’ departures.

• Weekly crew safety drills.

• Safety videos are broadcast in English on all stateroom televisions on embarkation day, prior to departure from port.

• Our vessels through extensive safety and material audits by both internal and external entitles. External audits but not limited to; US Coast Guard, Flag State, Local Port Authorities, Classification Society, CDC, etc.

Under International Ship & Port Facility Security Code (ISPS), security precautions include, but are not limited to, the following measures:

• Guest and crew lists are compared with names of persons of interest provided by U.S. government agencies; all crew members are vetted before they are employed. Government-issued photo I.D.s are required in all ports of call. In addition, key cards, which serve as boarding passes, are given to each guest upon check-in. Access to the ship by all individuals is controlled.

• Critical areas on the ship such as the bridge and technical spaces are designated restricted access areas. Video surveillance cameras and access alarms are installed to ensure these areas remain secure.

• Items brought on board by guests or crew are subject screening by x-ray machines or personal hand inspection by the ship's security staff. Also, non-carry-on baggage is compared to the official guest list and is x-rayed at the loading point prior to be being loaded on board the vessel. Stores and cargo are monitored for unauthorized materials, as appropriate.

• A security plan is prepared for every port of entry, and prior to entry, Crystal Cruises is in contact with local officials to discuss shipboard activities.

We recognize that world events continue to change. As a result, we are in consultation with appropriate U.S. governmental agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. State Department, our Flag State, the governments of countries our ships are scheduled to visit, port agents, tour operators and our insurance underwriters to ensure that we are taking every reasonable step to recognize and assess potential risks, and to make changes as may be necessary under the circumstances.

We want to remind everyone that accidents are an extremely rare occurrence in the cruise industry, and cruising continues to be one of the safest means of travel among all types of vacationing.

Aerial Drone Camera Usage

Due to the differing local regulatory requirements and restrictions in destinations around the world regarding the use of aerial drones, and in the interest of maintaining a safe and secure environment for all guests and crew aboard all of our ships, please be advised that aerial drones are prohibited and may not be brought on board the ship. They must be surrendered to the Captain at and will be kept in storage for the duration of the cruise.

Luggage Tips

We recommend that you do not lock your luggage due to the Transportation Security Administration’s policy of screening all baggage. However, please be sure to lock your luggage using TSA-approved locks when in transit between airport and ship.

Place personal identification tags on your luggage showing your name, address and phone number printed clearly. Do not lock your luggage. Be aware that unaccompanied luggage may be subject to inspection by customs officials, airline personnel or transportation officials in various countries.

When sending unaccompanied luggage to or from the U.S., we recommend that you do not send medicines, valuables (money, jewelry, important documents, etc.), hazardous materials (items such as perfumes, aerosol cans and polish remover are considered hazardous), film, weapons, liquor, x-rayed materials or items subject to duty purchased outside the U.S. Luggage Concierge luggage services follow all FAA and TSA regulations.

Butlers & Concierges

Butler service is available to guests in categories CP, PS, SP, PH and SH aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony; all categories on Crystal River Cruises and categories S1 through OS on Crystal Esprit. Services offered include packing and unpacking, complimentary pressing, shoeshine and other services, dinner reservations in specialty restaurants (Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity only), shore excursion reservations, salon and spa appointments, and arranging cocktail parties.

Our ships' Concierges are professional affiliates to the Austrian section of the prestigious Union Internationale des Concierges d’Hotels “Les Clefs d’Or," and our 24-hour Reception Desk staff are available to assist you with any special needs.

In Suite Dining + 24-Hour Room Service

Aboard all Crystal ships, in-suite dining is available 24 hours-a-day from the Room Service menu in your suite directory. Room Service may also be ordered from the Waterside menu during regular dining hours.

Laundry & Valet Services

Complete valet services are available including laundry, pressing and dry cleaning*. Services may be arranged through your Stateroom Attendant or your Penthouse Attendant or Butler. Valet charges are billed to your shipboard account. Pressing is complimentary to guests in categories CP, SP, SH, PS and PH. Complimentary self-service launderettes, including washing machines, detergent, fabric softener, dryers, irons and ironing boards are provided on board all Crystal ships.

*(Dry cleaning available on Crystal Serenity, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Endeavor only.)

Internet / WiFi

Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi access is available on board throughout all Crystal ships. Crystal encourages you to bring your own device/s with you to use during your voyage. Once on board, please connect to Crystal's complimentary Wi-Fi. Certain applications (apps) available on personal phones and other devices are satellite dependent and thus subject to interrupted availability. All onboard internet traffic travels from the ship to a satellite before returning back to earth to load web pages. While onboard there is no local high-speed internet provider as you would have at home, so intermittent delays and interruptions may occur.

It is not possible to connect your laptop through the shipboard phone system directly to any phone number ashore. In an effort to ensure that all guests are able to enjoy free Wi-Fi services for the duration on their cruise, applications like Skype and certain streaming services are currently not available/supported by the Ship's Wi-Fi service. If your laptop has wireless capacities, you should be able to access the internet aboard all Crystal ships. 

Laptop Rentals

Rental PC laptops are available for your use on board for a nominal daily charge. From these specially configured computers, you can access the Internet as well as your shipboard email from your stateroom. The current schedule of charges is available on board.