My philosophy is that there’s a cruise for everyone. They’re all so different, with a range of destinations, shore explorations, facilities, and activities to choose from.
Some cruises offer multi-night stops at select destinations, providing travellers with a deeper, more immersive experience with extended time ashore. It’s a much more relaxed way to explore, with the opportunity to take advantage of overnight excursions, experience the nightlife on shore, or even take a road trip to a nearby town.
My eight-night cruise from Dover to Dover was one of these. It also required no flying, just a short train ride from London to embark at port without the hassle of airports, baggage restrictions, or potential flight delays. Even the journey was relaxing! And it got even better. The best thing about this special cruise is it is on Crystal Symphony.
In early 2022, Crystal Cruises was abruptly forced to suspend operations when its parent company filed for bankruptcy. This was a huge shock to the industry. But all was not lost, as the brand (and its ships) was later acquired by A&K Travel Company. Crystal came back with a bang, as we were soon to discover.
As it happens, the beautiful Crystal Symphony is the first ship I ever cruised on. So of course, it has a special place in my heart. And I cruised with my niece, who was ten at the time and is now a grown young lady and was available to join me. A more excited pair than you’ve ever seen.
We are greeted at the port in Dover by smiling staff with luggage labels, and our suitcases are whisked away. We check in to the sound of live piano music before skipping down the gangway, inhaling the Crystal air, and heading straight up to the top deck for a spot of lunch while we wait for our suite. We soon get into a Crystal state of mind.
It doesn’t take a lot of effort. The service is so welcoming and friendly, the food is quite simply fabulous, and the ship (recently refurbished) sparkles and shines in its shades of blues, greys, and silvers.
Our Sapphire Veranda suite is huge, with a separate living and dining area, a double-size balcony, and a large bathroom with an immense shower and two entrances (seriously). And this all comes with a butler called Victor.
Victor is somewhat miraculous and very quickly works out what we need, without us even telling him. He knocks on our door every day at 4.30 on the dot carrying a platter of canapes (different ones every day) and a chilled bottle of Champagne in a bucket of ice. He delivers coffee, cocktails and one night, when we decide to eat in-suite, our dinner at an impressive speed, and always with a smile. This kind of incredible service is one of the many things that make Crystal stand out in the cruise crowd.
Our cruise takes us to the Netherlands (Amsterdam), Belgium (Zeebrugge for Bruges), France (Rouen), and Guernsey before returning to Dover. With double-overnighters, there’s plenty of time to explore the vibrantly beautiful city of Amsterdam and the much-underrated French city of Rouen. But the highlight of the sail has to be the time over two days spent cruising up and down the River Seine. It’s incredibly peaceful and picturesque and we feel like we’re getting double value with a combo of sea and river cruising.
On board, there’s endless entertainment. The impressive library is packed full of reading material; there’s a large, tranquil spa, a gym, paddle tennis, a putting green, and golf driving nets. There’s a cinema showing contemporary movies and during the day the theatre plays host to some excellent guest speakers, including Sky presenter Kay Burley. See, there’s something for everyone.
The pool deck is lined with comfortable loungers for soaking up the sun. And of course, there are bars and restaurants everywhere where we enjoy inventive cocktails, live music, and the food of dreams. You can get something to eat or drink no matter what the time, night or day. There’s always room service, which is included.
The Marketplace, with its buffet, grill, and fresh pasta station, is our favourite for lunchtime. At night, the main restaurant, Waterside, has open seating and a menu created with every luxury ingredient you could imagine. And the most incredible cheese cart to finish with. There are also two speciality restaurants. Umi Uma is the brainchild of mster chef Nobu and serves spectacular Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. And Osteria D’Ovido offers some of the finest Italian food I’ve ever had the privilege of sampling.
After dinner we head for the Galaxy Lounge where there’s different entertainment each night. We particularly love the West End-style shows featuring the Crystal Ensemble of Singers and Dancers. They’re mesmerising and energetic and the talent of every performer shines through, bring a natural high to the end of the day. It’s quite simply joyous. Days on Crystal Symphony are bursting with those Crystal moments of joy, and so are we. We’re so happy she’s back.
CRYSTAL FACT BOX
This was a one-off D-Day anniversary sailing. Crystal Cruises rarely repeat itineraries which makes cruising with them even more exciting.
For 2025 they are introducing this voyage from Lisbon to Portsmouth that includes a double-overnight stay in beautiful Bordeaux. https://crystalcruises.com/cruises/none-cse-010-250612?menu=itinerary
Prices start from £5,900 per person based on two sharing. Price includes all meals and drinks, port fees and gratuities. Call Crystal on 0808 175 0340 or visit www.crystalcruises.com
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith