Crystal Cruises

For three decades Crystal was the name many seasoned travellers gave when asked which ocean line did service best. The company was founded in the late 1980s under Japanese ownership and built a loyal following for its mid-sized ships, large enough to offer a real choice of restaurants, lectures and entertainment, small enough for the crew to know who takes what at breakfast.

Its two ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, were extensively rebuilt before returning to service under Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group. The refit gave the ships fewer, larger suites. The onboard character is classic rather than fashionable: attentive, unhurried service, a strong enrichment programme and longer itineraries, including world cruises, that reward staying aboard for weeks rather than days.