Why has this Cruise Line been rated #1 for 20 straight years?
In this video, we review the legendary Crystal Cruises (Crystal Symphony) to see if they are still the world’s best luxury cruise line after their 2025 relaunch by Abercrombie & Kent
We wanted to find out if it really is the World’s Best Luxury cruise. Indeed the Best ‘Ultra Luxury’ Cruise.
In this full review of the Crystal Symphony, we go top-to-bottom to see if the “new” Crystal is still the king of luxury cruising in 2025. From the only Nobu restaurant at sea (Umi Uma) to the massive new Sapphire Suites, we’re giving you an in-depth look at whether this classic ship is worth your time and money.
In this Episode:
The Legend: Why Crystal dominated the Travel + Leisure awards for two decades.
The Rebirth: How A&K modernized this 25-year-old classic ship for a new era.
The Dining: We test Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar, and why the Main Dining Room is a rare win.
The Space: Why “older” ships actually feel more luxurious than modern 7,000-passenger mega-ships.
In this full review, we explore what makes Crystal Cruises consistently top-rated: luxurious suites, fine dining, bars and lounges, entertainment, enrichment programs, and that legendary attentive service. From the ship’s elegant atmosphere to refined yet relaxed style, we cover everything that defines the Crystal experience.
Join Ritzy Travel Guide for our full journey aboard Crystal Symphony in 2025. Including immersive shore excursions, onboard activities, and the attention to detail that keeps Crystal Cruises at the top of the ultra-luxury cruise world.
Onboard, we experienced everything from gourmet specialty restaurants and elegant bars to world-class entertainment, enrichment programs, and luxurious staterooms. Whether you’re planning your first luxury cruise or comparing top-rated lines, this video offers a complete look at what makes Crystal Cruises a leader in ultra-luxury ocean cruises.
Whether you’re considering Crystal Symphony, Crystal Serenity, or comparing other luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Seabourn, Oceania, or Azamara, this video gives a first-hand look at the full ultra-luxury cruise experience — suites, restaurants, bars, entertainment, enrichment, and service — plus how Crystal’s style compares to other five-star brands.
If you love luxury travel, luxury cruise reviews, or want a detailed Crystal Cruises experience, this video is your ultimate guide to sailing aboard the world’s top-rated cruise line in 2025.
We show you:
Waterside Restaurant Main Dining Room
Specialty Dining
The White Night
Umi Uma by Nobu
Beef Bar
Osteria d’Ovidio
Palm Court Observation Bar
The Bistro Coffee
Trident Grill
Marketplace Buffet
Room Service
Cabins
Sapphire Suite
Connoisseur Club
Crystal Cove
Jade Nightclub
Starlite Club
Le Casino De Monte-Carlo
Disclosure: Our cruise on Crystal Symphony was hosted by Crystal Cruises. While we were invited on this trip, Crystal Cruises had no prior viewing, approval, editorial control, or input in this video. All opinions, commentary, and decisions presented here are entirely our own. At Ritzy Travel Guide we remain committed to proving fair and balanced reviews.
We thank Six Star Cruises for arranging the sailing.
In this video :
00:00 – Introduction to the World’s Most Awarded Cruise Line
01:12 – The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of Crystal Cruises
02:53 – Why We are Trying Crystal Symphony
04:00 – Embarkation. The Look & Feel
05:37 – All Inclusive – what’s Included
07:22 – The Bars & Lounges
07:35 – Starlite Club
09:00 – Coinnoisseur Club
09:47 – Palm Court Observation Lounge
11:09 – Dining Options
12:02 – Waterside Main Dining Room
14:48 – Specialty Dining
15:23 – Umi Uma by Nobu
16:28 – Osteria d’Ovidio Italian
18:20 – Beef Bar Monaco
20:31 – Our Cabin – Sapphire Suite
23:37 – Ritzy Travel Guide on Social media
24:09 – Galaxy Lounge Theater
25:42 – Crystal Nightclub
26:16 – The White Night
27:32 – Afternoon Tea
28:51 – The Buffet
30:02 – The Bistro Coffee House
30:54 – The Swimming Pool & Decks
32:09 – The Monte Carlo Casino
32:33 – Hollywood Theatre Cinema
32:52 – The Library
33:20 – Our Verdict
33:55 – What We Liked
36:08 – Excursions & Tours are Not Included
36:28 – What needs Improving
38:46 – Do We Recommend Crystal?
39:36 – The Cruise Diary
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SHIPS FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO: This video features a comprehensive review of the Crystal Symphony and mentions the Crystal Serenity. We compare the boutique luxury experience to mass-market lines like Royal Caribbean and MSC to show you the difference in service and space.
For our sailing the following were aboard the Crystal Symphony:
Master: Captain Nenad Willheim
Cruise Director: Shane Morley
Hotel Director: Herbert Jager
Elton John Tribute : Rocketman CJ Marvin
Contact us, and FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Email : ritzytravelguide@gmail.com
https://www.instagram.com/ritzytravelguide/
Drone Credit:
Grande Roue de Montreal
26 Comments
That was a great video.
Crystal is the best before and after.
Beautiful ship and a fantastic video as usual. I've travelled such a lot with Cunard and my secret enjoyment is dressing up for the gala evenings. I love going to dinner in elegant company, but sadly this situation is dying out even on a more traditional ship like Crystal. To be honest I was trying to look at the attire in the evenings and some of it looked a little bit scruffy. People who can afford Crystal could afford to smarten up!!!. However i admit I am elderly and old fashioned.
What I love about Ritzy videos is that Mr. & Mrs. Ritzy enjoy one another's company. I also find Bill's comments to be fair and balanced even when he is delivering a demerit.
I like a ship with a nice tiers aft. The food and all looks good but for the ultra luxury price point, I seriously expect 10/10 ratings for every aspect of the ship. I very much respect your commentary and your disclaimer of receiving a hosted trip. How much would this cruise cost if not?
Thanks again for a lovely episode Bill! Crystal is definitely on our list-we're debating whether to wait until they're next iteration of ships. Any idea when that will be?
Thank you for a fine job all round .
We are really looking forward to our cruise on Symphony early 2026, after viewing your well presented and detailed review.
Hi Bill, completely agree with you about the Crystal ships, not too sure who voted them the leading luxury cruise line for 20 years, as I always go by the bible. for cruising, being Dougas Ward's Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships as he rates Europa and Europe 2 as the leaders in luxury and rates them 5 stars plus and with Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, he rates them 4 stars Plus.
Bill, really appreciate your very-organized approach to reviews – makes it really easy to assess the facilities & services. Love your sense of humour, too!
Whilst family members have been on different cruises – and love cruising, I've never been. One of those mega-ships with THOUSANDS of others, would be my worst nightmare (post head traumas/ multiple concussions), so I love hearing of these up-scale, smaller luxury cruises. We all need dreams, right?
Many thanks to you & the beautiful (and VERY fit!) Mrs. Ritzy, for your honest and "based" reviews. Happy Travels, and CHEERS!
A fabulous video in every way!
We usually go on Silversea but I am excited now to try Crystal. Just a glaring difference is in the passed canapes served during cocktail hour. Silversea could take a lesson from those. They serve sad, cold and flaccid little bites. The Crystal tray pass looks amazing.
Another wonderful and honest review. She looked like a lovely, classy classic ship. Thank you
Having sailed twice on symphony , many years ago You brought back soo many happy memories, thank you. Again a wonderful informative balanced review . well done Bill!
Totally agree with you Bill about the buffet . These cruises are very expensive and not being able to access the buffet after 1.30 is ridiculous.
You sold me on that T-bone steak! I think that I have to put my vegetarian health regimen on hold, for that!
I’d like to know how you both maintain slim waistlines! 😂
Looks very nice, but probably too fancy for me – maybe in a few years when we’re older. 🙂 We just recently moved up to Celebrity ha ha. Enjoyed the video!
Is Any of the food GMO FREE? Organic? Seed oil alternatives? At least gluten free options?
Great review of Crystal! It is especially helpful as we are sailing on Crystal for the first time in a few months. The only thing I wish I could have seen more of is the attire at dinner. Being a man, for myself it is an easy decision. For my wife, she wanted to see more of what the other ladies were wearing. Other than that, it was a great review and gets a 9.5/10 from me! Thank you.
My favorite cruise line bee carnival it be kicking bones and chilling homes it be the cruise line of the people to be dancing the night away
Come be at Carnival for the hardest smack that ass time where you could be chilling with some pills
You need to come and do some ghetto,cruising with da boys
Well done, unfortunately I will never get to try out Crystal, I am not in that tax bracket.😆
Amazing food and drinks! I'm autistic, poor AF. Barring some miracle, I doubt I will ever get to go on a cruise. I wish the local rabble could board a cruise ship for a meal when it docks.
Great video and review and this is subjective, but I don't see the value for the price differential versus Silversea or Explora. Crystal doesn't know the word reasonably priced.
What would it cost for your 8 day cruise in the Sapphire suite you had out of interest.Have done around 10 cruises on Crystal from the original Crystal Harmony it was then amazing.