This luxury cruise 'Crystallized' why sailing Alaska is unmatched

Oct 8, 2024

If first impressions are everything, Crystal Cruises goes overboard—in the best possible way.

When I boarded the Crystal Serenity for my weeklong Alaska cruise this summer, I quickly found myself wondering, "Where has Crystal Cruises been all my life?" There was a life before the trip, and there will be a life after, but the life during the cruise was truly memorable—precisely what a vacation should be.

Start with my expansive, meticulously designed 430 square-foot Sapphire Veranda Suite, which boasted a large balcony that seemed to stretch into the horizon. A bottle of chilled welcome Champagne awaited me on a polished glass coffee table, prompting me to wonder when the VIP was arriving.

The over-the-top opulence continued: a walk-in closet and plush king bed, a large blue couch that beckoned you to sink in and unwind, a chic living area complete with a dining table, espresso machine (my personal favorite) and bar area stocked with refreshments. Oh, and there was not one, but two flat-screen TVs. The cherry on top was the generously sized spa-style bathroom with marble accents, products from Ortigia Sicilia, and a rainfall shower I knew would be heartbreaking to part with.

As I absorbed it all, I had two thoughts: 1.) Wait a minute, this is bigger than my New York City apartment, and 2.) This right here, without a doubt, is the epitome of luxury.

The vibe: Timeless elegance meets modern luxury 

The luxurious ambiance extended throughout the ship. One of the many unique features of sailing on Crystal Serenity is that there are no inside cabins. The crew-to-guest ratio is nearly 1:1, so while there was plenty of room to relax, the service level was still top-notch. I never felt the claustrophobic feeling of being surrounded by thousands of passengers or the reverse feeling of being adrift amid strangers on vacation (important when traveling solo). It felt comfortable and inviting, but with a sophisticated elegance.

Existing on this ship felt like I was in on a well-kept secret. (One that several of my fellow passengers were in on, because they had sailed with Crystal all over the world.) Wrapped in classic charm, the ship blends this enduring heritage with exquisite, state-of-the-art amenities. I found myself nostalgic for a bygone era that I never sailed.

Dining that never disappoints

It's tough for me to enjoy a vacation if I don't enjoy the food. (And I'm a tough critic, coming from NYC.) Crystal far exceeded my expectations with a range of dining venues, each meal adding a new highlight to my journey.

Crystal's voyages are all-inclusive, so dining is already wrapped in the cost of your cruise. The elegant main dining room, Waterside, was a reliable option with an ever-changing menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I was almost hesitant to grab a dessert from the artfully arranged setup at The Marketplace. I often found myself in The Bistro, which is ideal for quick, flaky pastries and perfectly frothed lattes. I also frequently visited The Trident Grill, for classics like burgers and fries, which I enjoyed poolside listening to tunes from Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong. In my book, there's always room for a sweet treat, and Scoops Ice Cream Bar hit the mark with its espresso ice cream.

To my surprise, that wasn't all—Serenity features three specialty restaurants: Umi Uma, with Japanese-Peruvian dishes by legendary Chef Nobu Matsuhisa; Osteria d'Ovidio, offering fine Italian cuisine; and Tastes Kitchen & Bar, serving global tapas-style dishes. Every cabin receives one complimentary reservation at each one of these venues—and I made sure to use them.

Dining at these specialty restaurants was an impressive experience with attentive service. My dishes were artfully plated, meticulously crafted and visually stunning. (I'm not one to take pictures of my food for Instagram, but even I was tempted here.) Standout dishes included Umi Uma's yellow tail, salmon tartare with caviar, and Nobu-style black cod marinated in saikyo miso, as well as Osteria d'Ovidio's perfectly cooked duck breast with red wine sauce and fresh frozen peach sorbet with an innovative prosecco pour. Tastes Kitchen & Bar also wowed with its ocean views and delectable Bananas Foster.

Service that went above and beyond

When people asked what I liked about the cruise, I immediately found myself talking about the exceptional service. I never felt like another face to turn over, and repeat guests I spoke to on my trip consistently cited this outstanding service as a critical reason for their loyalty to Crystal. I understand why.

The warm welcome and exceptional hospitality were evident from the moment I stepped on the vessel. An in-depth tour of my stateroom set the tone, and I was consistently impressed as the crew greeted me by name and remembered my preferences, like my drink of choice (a glass of cabernet sauvignon). The suite attendants and butlers are incredibly attuned to their guests' preferences. I found them meeting my needs before I even knew what I needed. As a devoted coffee enthusiast, I was flying through the espresso capsules in my suite. I came back to my cabin after the first full day with an entire bowl brimming with replenished capsules—more than enough to last the entirety of my stay. Similarly, whenever I noticed my water supply dwindling or the welcome box of chocolates quickly disappearing (which happened more often than I'd like to admit), I'd return to my suite to find everything fully restocked, as if by magic. Twice-daily cleaning kept my suite in immaculate condition. I never once had to worry or raise a concern; every detail was handled seamlessly.

There was always something to see or do

There was no shortage of optional activities aboard the Crystal Serenity—it would've taken me a month to do everything I wanted to do on the weeklong sailing. What stood out to me were the enriching lectures delivered by an impressive lineup of guest speakers, each an expert in their field. These were immersive, engaging experiences that inspired me. Topics ranged from the security of the Arctic to the art of remembering to boomtowns and boondoggles in the Wild Alaskan Gold Rush—each lecture really piqued my curiosity, making every day on board a rich and fulfilling experience.

As an avid reader, my favorite sanctuary for unwinding before the evening shows quickly became the Crystal Cove. Live piano and violin music helped the lounge exude a cozy sophistication. Plush seating and softly glowing ambient lighting created the perfect atmosphere for participating in lively conversation or relishing a quiet drink. It became my tradition to settle into a comfortable armchair with a good book in hand as the world outside drifted by.

Living in New York City, some of the most renowned performers and shows in the country are a short walk away from my apartment. So, entertainment expectations are high. Yet, the Broadway-style performances in the ship's Galaxy Lounge blew me away. The revue with selections from Tony Award-winning musicals such as West Side Story, Something Rotten! and Rent made me feel like my seat could’ve been in the middle of Manhattan instead of the waters off the coast of Alaska. The ensemble's talent and energy (and endurance) were impressive, their soaring voices sending shivers down my spine. As the final curtain fell, I found myself on the edge of my seat, wishing for an encore.

One of my favorite performances was in The Stardust Club where Crystal's exceedingly talented vocalist Brittany Howk charmed guests with personal stories and sang powerful classics from Celine Dion and The Sound of Music. It was in these low-lit, sophisticated venues where guests dressed to impress and left their phones behind that I knew I had discovered treasure.

How Crystal Cruises brings its own special touch to Alaska

On my sailing from Seward to Vancouver, evening updates about the next day's activities and the chance to see the aurora borealis filled me with anticipation. And thanks to a tip from the crew, I had the opportunity to witness this breathtaking natural phenomenon.

I found the crew's enthusiasm to be infectious, especially as the Crystal Serenity approached natural wonders like Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Fjord. Guests chatted eagerly and took photos of each other backdropped by these amazing sights, creating a sense of camaraderie over nature's grandeur. Despite being a solo traveler far from home in the middle of the ocean, I never felt isolated. The crew gave us tips on the best viewing spots for these one-of-a-kind views, showing their commitment to ensuring we got the shot and made memories.

Exploring ports like Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan was also seamless, with curated excursions catering to every interest—whether fishing, kayaking, hiking or e-biking. I chose to do the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway excursion in Skagway, a scenic, panoramic ride past mountains, glaciers, and gorges that I will never stop recommending. This attention to detail and deep expertise made it stress-free to discover Alaska’s awe-inspiring beauty.

A vacation that was just my speed

As I journeyed along the coast of Alaska, it occurred to me that the journey itself was as integral to the adventure as the destination. Stepping aboard this classic ocean liner, with its timeless elegance and charm, I quickly fell in love with the gentle hum of the sea. I felt enchanted by the tradition of passengers dressing up for dinner, the live music throughout the evening, and the serene strolls along the deck under the stars, where the aurora borealis painted the sky in breathtaking colors.

This was a revelation to me; I could relax and fully immerse myself in the experience. I'm constantly on the go in New York City, and my usual trips, packed with constant exploration, often leave me needing another vacation. I found that this cruise offered a more leisurely rhythm than I was used to. Here, the days were filled with activities like lectures, art, fitness and afternoon tea. Evenings were marked by formal dinners, shows and perhaps a movie screening in a vintage theater. At every turn, I was present and at peace. Technology was on the back burner, and life's simplest pleasures were appreciated. 

The allure of cruising lies in that slower pace. Crystal Cruises' modern comfort and revival of old traditions offer a refreshing contrast to today's fast-paced, nonstop, technology-driven world where we all seem distracted. Sailing with Crystal is about slowing down and savoring each simple moment, connecting with fellow travelers and enjoying the timeless beauty of the sea. This was my first journey with Crystal Cruises, and I sincerely hope it won't be my last. Yep, as many guests on my journey would say, "I'm officially Crystallized." 

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