Lights, sushi, manga! Sprawling, frenetic, and endlessly fascinating, Japan’s capital is a city of contrasts. Shrines and gardens are pockets of calm between famously crowded streets and soaring office buildings. Mom-and-pop noodle houses share street space with Western-style chain restaurants and exquisite fine dining. Shopping yields lovely folk arts as well as the newest electronics. And nightlife kicks off with karaoke or sake and continues with techno clubs and more. Whether you seek the traditional or the cutting edge, Tokyo will provide it.
Aomori’s main event is its Nebuta Matsuri Festival,held August 2 to 7. People come to see illuminated floats of gigantic samurai figures paraded through the streets at night. Aomori’s festival is one of Japan’s largest, and is said to celebrate the euphoria of post-battle victory, and is thus encouraged to be noisier and livelier than you may have been exposed to in other Japanese festivals. Dancers, called heneto, run alongside the floats, dancing crazily, and you’re encouraged to join in. Throughout the year you can enjoy delicious seafood from Aomori Bay, including Oma no Maguro (tuna of Oma), as well as delicious fruits and vegetables (particularly garlic). And come every summer, the town cuts loose to throw the decidedly wild Nebuta Matsuri festival, a frenzied, utterly unaccountable period when normal gets thrown to the wind.
Kushiro, known as the “town of mist”, is situated in the south eastern part of Hokkaido. With about 200,000 inhabitants, it is the largest city in the region and the base for deep-sea fishing. The marine products industry of Kushiro has flourished since the early 20 th century and many streets of this port town retain features of this era. Thanks to its strategic location on Hokkaido’s Eastern Pacific seaboard and the area’s only ice free port, Kushiro is experiencing steady growth as an important economic, social and cultural centre. A literary atmosphere can be attributed to the poet and novelist Takuboku Ishikawa, who lived here in the early 20th century. To the north of Kushiro lies one of its most renowned attractions, the Kushiro Shitsugen, Japan’s largest marshland. Stretching out over the majority of the Kushiro Plain, it accounts for 60 percent of Japan’s wetland and was designated to become the country’s 28th National Park in 1987. As the marsh is considered one of the greatest treasure houses of flora and fauna in Japan, its protection, preservation and wise use are promoted by a national agreement. Equally famous is the marshland as the habitat of the Tancho (Japanese Crane). At one time, it could be seen in many places in Japan, but their numbers dwindled in the Meiji Era due to over hunting and environmental changes. In the late 19 th century, the cranes were thought to be almost extinct. Then several dozens cranes were discovered in the depths of the Kushiro Shitsugen, and after establishing special crane reserves, the birds rehabilitation has succeeded.
Today, commercial fishing is king in Kodiak. Despite its small population—about 6,475 people scattered among the several islands in the Kodiak group—the city is among the busiest fishing ports in the United States. The harbor is also an important supply point for small communities on the Aleutian Islands and the Alaska Peninsula.Visitors to the island tend to follow one of two agendas: either immediately fly out to a remote lodge for fishing, kayaking, or bear viewing; or stay in town and access whatever pursuits they can reach from the limited road system. If the former is too pricey an option, consider combining the two: drive the road system to see what can be seen inexpensively, then add a fly-out or charter-boat excursion to a remote lodge or wilderness access point.Floatplane and boat charters are available from Kodiak to many remote attractions, chief among them the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge , which covers four islands in the Gulf of Alaska: Kodiak, Afognak, Ban, and Uganik.
At the southern end of the Sterling Highway lies the city of Homer, at the base of a narrow spit that juts 4 miles into beautiful Kachemak Bay. Glaciers and snowcapped mountains form a dramatic backdrop across the water. Founded in the late 1800s as a gold-prospecting camp, this community was later used as coal-mining headquarters. Chunks of coal are still common along local beaches; they wash into the bay from nearby slopes where the coal seams are exposed. Today the town of Homer is an eclectic community with most of the tacky tourist paraphernalia relegated to the Spit (though do note the Spit has plenty else to recommend it, not the least of which is the 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains); the rest of the town is full of local merchants and artisans. The community is an interesting mix of fishermen, actors, artists, and writers. Much of the commercial fishing centers on halibut, and the popular Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby is often won by enormous fish weighing more than 300 pounds. The local architecture includes everything from dwellings that are little more than assemblages of driftwood to steel commercial buildings and magnificent homes on the hillside overlooking the surrounding bay, mountains, forests, and glaciers.
It is hard to believe that a place as beautiful as Seward exists. Surrounded on all sides by Kenai Fjords National Park, Chugach National Forest, and Resurrection Bay, Seward offers all the quaint realities of a small railroad town with the bonus of jaw-dropping scenery. This little town of about 2,750 citizens was founded in 1903, when survey crews arrived at the ice-free port and began planning a railroad to the Interior. Since its inception, Seward has relied heavily on tourism and commercial fishing. It is also the launching point for excursions into Kenai Fjords National Park, where it is quite common to see marine life and calving glaciers.
Our largest suite, with expansive living areas, a private veranda, sumptuous finishings and attentive butler service. Crystal Penthouse suites are available to book in the 2023 or 2020 designs. Includes complimentary laundry.
DETAILS
SERVICES
AMENITIES
Redesigned in 2023, this large suite includes spacious rooms with separate dining and living areas, looking onto a private veranda, and accompanied by attentive butler service. Includes complimentary laundry.
DETAILS
SERVICES
AMENITIES
Spacious suite, with living area, lavish finishings and private veranda, accompanied by attentive butler service. Sapphire suites are available to book in new and classic design. Includes complimentary laundry.
DETAILS
SERVICES
AMENITIES
Redesigned in 2023, these spacious suites feature a living area, lavish finishings and expansive ocean views, accompanied by attentive butler service. Includes complimentary laundry.
DETAILS
SERVICES
AMENITIES
Suite offering comfortable living area, private veranda and perfect for grand yet intimate moments, accompanied by attentive butler service. Aquamarine suites are available to book in new and classic design.
DETAILS
SERVICES
AMENITIES
Cozy bedroom redesigned in 2023, with welcoming and comfortable detailing, butler service and ocean views.
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Contemporary classic bedroom redesigned in 2023, with butler service and comfortable seating constellations opening onto a private veranda.
DETAILS
SERVICES
AMENITIES
Contemporary classic bedroom redesigned in 2023, with butler service and impressive windows onto ocean views.
DETAILS
SERVICES
AMENITIES
The main dining room, features open seating as well as tables for two and four guests. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No reservations are required.
Created by legendary Master Chef Nobuyki (Nobu) Matusuhisa, Umi Uma is an innovative Japanese-Peruvian restaurant inspired by the rich culture of Japanese cuisine and Peruvian ingredients. Reservations required and limited per sailing.
All inclusive – however its one complimentary reservation in each specialty restaurant (Umi Uma and Osteria) is included on sailings of 11 days or less, two reservations on sailings between 12 and 22 days, three reservations on sailings 23 days or more, and unlimited reservations for all full World Cruise guests”. However guests can pay to dine outside of their allowance at £50 pp which is great value for these 2 specialist restaurants
The most exciting flavors from the global street-food scene – Beef, Reef and Leaf – are fashioned from the freshest ingredients by creative chefs and served for sharing in stylish surroundings.
Beefbar’s curated menu features prime cuts from renowned regions, including Wagyu from Australia, Black Angus from the United States and and the flavorful Kobe beef from Japan. Each cut is meticulously chosen for its quality and flavor profile, ensuring a unique dining experience for every meat lover. Join us at sea to savor the finest beef, prepared with expert craftsmanship and served the Beefbar way, onboard Crystal’s ships.
Open for lunch & dinner (reservations required in the evening), everyday
Our pool restaurant featuring favorite classics such as Burgers, melts, salads and quick snacks for an indulgent poolside snack.
Fine Italian cuisine, featuring original menus and dishes created by talented Crystal chefs. Reservations required and limited per sailing.
All inclusive – however its one complimentary reservation in each specialty restaurant (Umi Uma and Osteria) is included on sailings of 11 days or less, two reservations on sailings between 12 and 22 days, three reservations on sailings 23 days or more, and unlimited reservations for all full World Cruise guests”. However guests can pay to dine outside of their allowance at £50 pp which is great value for these 2 specialist restaurants
Parisian-inspired café and coffee bar with light snacks such as fresh pastries, bagels and fruit in the morning and a selection of international cheeses, pâtés, prosciutto, smoked salmon and dessert delicacies through late afternoon.
The Vintage Room offers guided pairings and dinners highlighting the vast selection of wines in the ship’s onboard cellar. This intimate, innovative concept offers guests an education in fine wine and cuisine, allowing them to gain privileged insights into the art of enology. In addition to daytime tastings and discussions, guests may enjoy a variety of private wine-themed lunches and dinners by special arrangement with the Head Sommelier.
A sumptuous ice cream bar featuring fresh toppings and homemade cookies, with frozen yoghurt accompanying classics from Ben & Jerry’s.
Buffet style dining wrapped in floor to ceiling windows and a chic open air dining area. This venue offers breakfast and lunch with a variety of choices from appetizers to desserts. Itinerary driven food selections keep the menu’s fresh, while carving stations and individual a la minute cooking add a dynamic element. Open seating.
Dine in the comfort of your own suite, 24 hours a day. Savor the extensive selection of delicious dishes from Waterside’s menu. Guests staying in the Crystal Penthouse can also enjoy in-suite dining from our specialty restaurants, during opening hours.Service includes afternoon snacks and our Connoisseur Caviar Menu, for a epicurean treat (for an additional charge).
More information coming soon.
Visit the Shore Excursions desk to learn about our unique on shore experiences. Each experience is created in partnership with our sister company, A&K Travel.
Bridging shoreside discovery with onboard elegance — the lauded Crystal experience was voted #1 in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, and the very best for food, service, nightlife and romance in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards — both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will offer extended seasons throughout the Mediterranean and Europe. Crystal Symphony will spend the entire year sailing abroad, exploring places from Vietnam, Cambodia, and India to destinations including Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE and Egypt. Crystal Serenity will also navigate the shores of North America, with routes revealing treasures from Canada to the Caribbean.
Le Casino de Monte-Carlo is offering a new and unique experience onboard. Place your bets on table games with the unique savoir-faire of Monaco’s world-famous casino or get excited to a dynamic range of slots to hit the jackpot. An ultimate way to embrace the thrill of the game in an elegant atmosphere adorned in the hues of the historical building.
Heighten the experience on board with a selection of fine jewelry, watches and cruise wear available in our arcade, alongside designer apparel. Make the most of being at sea with a selection of duty free items available.
The central meeting place on the ship where you can visit the front desk, concierge, shore excursion desk, or sip on a casual drink at the Crystal Cove.
Our innovative Computer lab onboard led by a team of tech experts.
An elegant space to indulge in the finest cigars and cognacs.
Offers fine perfumes and colognes, cosmetics, purses, sun glasses, and jewelry.
An ideal refreshment stop any time of the day, and the perfect place to meet friends for a pre-dinner cocktail. Enjoy a variety of musical styles as the day turns into night.
A well-stocked library containing over 2,000 books on a range of subjects from classics to popular biographies, history to contemporary mysteries. Plus enjoy an ample selection of magazines and board games perfect for poolside reading.
Featuring large sky lights, floor-to-ceiling windows and a fabulous 270-degree forward view, this venue is perfect for afternoon tea, social gatherings and dancing.
Our lap pool with plenty of surrounding deck space to sunbathe, relax and read while enjoying a cool drink in the afternoon.
On selected evenings before and after dinner, this entertainment lounge features dancing, production spot shows, cabaret performances and other themed events.
An intimate lounge for a late-night drink, dancing or a place to let loose with karaoke.
The ship’s sleek cinema for recent-released movies, live sport events, guest lectures and religious services.
Performances are the focal point here, with appearances by fantastic Broadway-style performers and headline entertainers. Drink service provided before each show.
Signature piano bar with an intimate ambience. The perfect setting for a cocktail before and after dinner.
Our spa offers a wide range of health and beauty services for ladies and gentlemen. There is a complete sauna and steam room facilities, as well as a variety of treatments, including aromatherapy, aqua meditation, exfoliation, reflexology and Swedish massage. Treatments are by appointment only.
Our 3,000+ square-foot Fitness Center, Weight Room and Aerobics Studio feature an extensive line of professional weights and Technogym® exercise equipment, along with panoramic views. We also offer Wellness program with classes in yoga, mat pilates and spinning classes. Our ships’ full-time Fitness Director offers fitness advice and a variety of stretch and aerobic instruction.
Practice your golf-game with the expert coaching of our qualified PGA golf pro (available on most cruises). TaylorMade® clubs are available from the sports director or golf pro, and for personal use in port, you can head to the concierge desk to rent a set of clubs.
Hit the full-sized paddle tennis and pickle ball court for a friendly game. Crystal Serenity has two courts available.
Challenge a friend to a fun game of ping-pong on one of our tennis tables.
Specialized fun for junior cruisers.
Guests with limited mobility should ideally be able to navigate the ship independently. Alternatively, they may opt to travel with a companion who can provide assistance if needed.
Service animals will be permitted on select voyages. Animals that are not trained to do work or perform tasks are not considered to be service animals. Emotional support animals, which provide emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship to an individual with disabilities but are not trained to do work or perform tasks, are not considered to be service animals. Pets and other animals who are not service animals are not allowed on board.
For more details, please contact obgs@crystalcruises.com
At Crystal, we recognise that some of our guests smoke and others do not. While most areas of the ship are non-smoking, there will be designated smoking areas throughout. Please note that pipe and cigar smoking is only allowed in the Connoisseurs Club and all suites/guest rooms are non-smoking, including on the verandas.
At Crystal, we want guests to feel confident and relaxed throughout their stay, so we have compiled the following guide to the different dress codes on board. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us by calling 1.888.617.0110 or +1.786.464.4420.
Day Casual
A less formal look allows guests to feel comfortable during the day; Day Casual attire may be worn everywhere, including our restaurants, until 18:00.
Suggestions for a Day Casual look:
Women
Men
NOTE: Swimwear on its own, wet swimwear, revealing clothing, bathrobes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps, and clothes bearing any offensive messaging are not permitted. Covered swimsuits may only be worn at Trident Grill, Tastes, and Marketplace.
Evening Resort
A step up from Day Casual, after 18:00, we ask that guests adopt the more refined Evening Resort dress code.
Suggestions for an Evening Resort look:
Women
Men
NOTE: Please avoid flip-flops/sliders, swimwear, and hats.
Formal Evening
On sailings over seven days, there will be at least one optional ship-wide formal night (depending on the length of the segment), which will require more formal cocktail chic attire. These special events will be defined in your personal pre-sailing guide.
Suggestions for a Formal Evening look:
Women
Men
*Formal evening attire should be adhered to in the specialty restaurants, during a captain or officer dinner, and during a recognition dinner
As always, dress for the climate and conditions of any destination we visit.
WHICH RESTAURANTS ARE INCLUDED AND WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO AN UPCHARGE?
Our restaurants are complimentary, except for The Vintage Room. For our specialty restaurants, Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa Restaurant and Sushi Bar and Osteria d’Ovidio, guests will be allotted one complimentary reservation for two people per voyage of up to 11 days (more than one for more extended stays – see below). In addition, guests staying in Crystal Penthouse or Junior Crystal Penthouse Suites can enjoy unlimited free visits.
WHAT AMENITIES ARE INCLUDED IN SUITES AND GUEST ROOMS?
• Beverages including select fine wines, champagne, premium spirits, and all nonalcoholic beverages such as bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty coffees
• Gratuities for housekeeping, dining, and bar staff
• One complimentary reservation to Osteria d’ Ovidio and one complimentary reservation to our second Asian specialty restaurant (not yet announced)
• Butler service in all suites and guest rooms
• Wi-Fi/Internet access in-room and throughout the ship, signal permitting
IS DRY CLEANING INCLUDED WITH ALL ROOM CATEGORIES, OR JUST SUITES. OR WILL IT DEPEND ON THE TRAVEL TIER?
Dry cleaning will be included in select suite categories and detailed on your itinerary.
IS ROOM SERVICE INCLUDED?
An expansive, complimentary in-suite dining menu will be available. Select suite categories will also be able to order from specialty dining venues via their butler.
CAN I BRING OXYGEN ON BOARD?
If you are dependent on oxygen or require oxygen therapy, you must supply your own oxygen.
CAN I BRING A CPAP MACHINE?
The following devices are permitted on board:
The official language spoken on board is English. All officers, staff, and crew as well as local guides and regional specialists speak fluent English. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English.
In most cases, we can accommodate special requirements. Please provide details about any allergies or food requirements to our Reservations team or your travel advisor prior to your cruise departure.
You may bring your own nonalcoholic or alcoholic drinks aboard. Please note that certain restrictions apply by country or destination.
Suites & Guest Rooms Beyond The Forward Elevators Are subject To Alternative Pricing
Suites & Guest Rooms Beyond The Forward Elevators Are subject To Alternative Pricing
Suites & Guest Rooms Beyond The Forward Elevators Are subject To Alternative Pricing