Age Policy
- All guests under the age of 18 must travel with an adult who is at least 21 years old. If the accompanying adult is not the child’s parent or legal guardian, Crystal Cruises requires a completed Parental Consent and Guardianship Form, signed by a parent or legal guardian and submitted prior to sailing.
- Children age 11 and under at the time of departure must share the same stateroom with an adult aged 21 or older. Parents may book two related children in the same stateroom provided that at least one child is 16 years of age or older. Infants between 6 and 24 months who require a crib may sail as a third guest in select double or triple stateroom categories. Crystal Cruises reserves the right to limit the number of children under three years of age onboard any sailing.
- For health and safety reasons, Crystal Cruises does not accept infants younger than six months, as onboard medical facilities are not equipped to care for very young infants. Children occupying a double stateroom are charged the full adult cruise fare, regardless of age.
Dining Information
Freshness, innovation, and culinary excellence define the dining experience aboard Crystal Cruises. From flexible dining times in the elegant Crystal Dining Room to lavish themed deck buffets, intimate specialty restaurants, and 24-hour in-suite dining, Crystal offers a refined culinary atmosphere to match every mood and occasion.
Guests aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony enjoy extraordinary cuisine crafted by Crystal’s acclaimed culinary team, alongside creations from world-renowned chefs and restaurateurs such as Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio. Every dining venue reflects Crystal’s commitment to luxury, variety, and impeccable service.
Crystal Dining Room
- The Crystal Dining Room showcases regionally inspired menus prepared in the classical French tradition, complemented by vegetarian options and Crystal’s signature Lighter Fare selections, featuring low-sodium, low-cholesterol, and low-carbohydrate dishes.
- Breakfast and lunch are offered with open seating, while dinner features Crystal’s exclusive Perfect Choice Dining, allowing guests to select their preferred dining style:
- Classic Main Seating (starting at 6:15 PM)
- Classic Late Seating (starting at 8:30 PM)
- Dining by Reservation (available between 6:15 PM and 9:15 PM, subject to availability)
- Dining by Reservation allows guests to choose their dining time and companions each evening, offering unmatched flexibility. Reservations may be arranged prior to sailing through
- Crystal’s Priority Check-In & Planning Center or once onboard.
By day, floor-to-ceiling windows illuminate tables set with fine crystal, luxury linens, and elegant tableware. By night, crystal chandeliers, live music, and attentive European-trained waitstaff create an unforgettable fine-dining ambiance.
Perfect Choice Dining
Crystal Cruises is the only luxury cruise line to offer both traditional seating and flexible reservations within the same dining venue. Perfect Choice Dining allows guests to define their own version of luxury—whether dining at the same table nightly or reserving a different time and table each evening. This complimentary program is ideal for travelers who prefer spontaneity, extended shore excursions, or evening spa appointments.
Specialty Restaurants
- Prego
A romantic Italian dining venue aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, Prego features a seasonally changing menu inspired by Piero Selvaggio’s renowned Valentino restaurants. Guests enjoy authentic Italian cuisine paired with exceptional wines.
- Silk Road & The Sushi Bar
Created by master chef Nobu Matsuhisa, these venues present innovative Japanese cuisine with Peruvian and European influences. Guests can savor signature sushi, sashimi, Wagyu beef, lobster specialties, and Nobu’s iconic desserts. Dinner service only.
- The Vintage Room
An exclusive wine-focused dining venue offering tastings, wine education, and private wine-pairing dinners hosted by Crystal’s Head Sommelier. Select sailings feature Ultimate Vintage Room Dinners, showcasing rare wines and multi-course gourmet menus.
Casual & Buffet Dining
- Lido Café
An indoor/outdoor buffet venue serving breakfast and lunch with made-to-order omelets, pastas, salads, carved meats, fresh seafood, and indulgent desserts.
Themed Deck Buffets
Award-winning culinary events transform the pool deck into destination-inspired dining experiences, including Asian Café, American Classic, Nuevo Latino, and Cuisine of the Sun—served on select sea days.
The Bistro
A Parisian-style café open daily, offering complimentary espresso drinks, specialty teas, pastries, light snacks, cheeses, charcuterie, and wines by the glass.
Trident Grill & Ice Cream Bar
Poolside favorites include gourmet burgers, hot dogs, pizzas, wraps, and late-riser breakfasts, plus handcrafted ice cream, frozen yogurt, and fresh-baked cookies.
Afternoon Tea & Late-Night Dining
Crystal’s signature Afternoon Tea is served daily in Palm Court, featuring themed experiences such as Mozart Tea, English Colonial Tea, and American Tea. Evening cocktail hours include hors d’oeuvres in lounges, with late-night bites available in The Bistro.
In-Suite / In-Stateroom Dining
Crystal offers complimentary 24-hour in-suite dining, allowing guests to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the privacy of their stateroom or verandah. During lunch and dinner, guests may order selections from the Crystal Dining Room menu, served course by course. Penthouse guests may also order from select specialty restaurants during dinner hours.
Special Dietary & Wellness Dining
Crystal Cruises accommodates a wide range of dietary needs, including low-carb, low-fat, diabetic-friendly, gluten-free, and trans-fat-free options across all dining venues. Kosher-style meals are available on a limited basis with advance notice and confirmation.
Fuel Surcharge Policy
Crystal Cruises reserves the right to implement fuel surcharges in response to significant increases in fuel costs, in accordance with cruise contract terms.
Payments / Refunds
Deposits & Payments
Standard bookings require a deposit of 25% of the total cruise fare. Specific promotional pre-pays (Explorer Fares) require 100% prepayment. Final payment is due exactly 120 days prior to departure for voyages of 39 nights or less, and 180 days prior for voyages of 40 nights or longer, World Cruises, and Grand Journeys. Bookings made within the final payment window require immediate full payment. Cancellations made prior to final payment are assessed an administrative fee per guest, returned as an FCC valid for 12 months: $125 (<=39 nights, 121+ days prior), $250 (>=40 nights, 181+ days prior), or $500 (World/Grand Journeys, retained for top suites).
Cancellation & Refunds
Cancellation fees scale up based on voyage duration and timeline.
121+ Days Prior to Departure (39 Nights or Less)
- Standard Cancellation Penalty: $125 per guest administrative fee
- Refund Eligibility: 100% refund, minus administrative FCC
120-91 Days Prior to Departure (39 Nights or Less)
- Standard Cancellation Penalty: 25% of total cruise fare
- Refund Eligibility: 75% cash refund to original form of payment
90-76 Days Prior to Departure (39 Nights or Less)
- Standard Cancellation Penalty: 50% of total cruise fare
- Refund Eligibility: 50% cash refund to original form of payment
75-51 Days Prior to Departure (39 Nights or Less)
- Standard Cancellation Penalty: 75% of total cruise fare
- Refund Eligibility: 25% cash refund to original form of payment
50 Days or Less Prior to Departure (39 Nights or Less)
- Standard Cancellation Penalty: 100% of total cruise fare
- Refund Eligibility: Total forfeiture (0% refund)
181+ Days Prior to Departure (40 Nights or More)
- Standard Cancellation Penalty: $250 per guest administrative fee
- Refund Eligibility: 100% refund, minus administrative FCC
180-151 Days Prior to Departure (40 Nights or More)
- Standard Cancellation Penalty: 25% of total cruise fare
- Refund Eligibility: 75% cash refund to original form of payment
150-121 Days Prior to Departure (40 Nights or More)
- Standard Cancellation Penalty: 50% of total cruise fare
- Refund Eligibility: 50% cash refund to original form of payment
120-91 Days Prior to Departure (40 Nights or More)
- Standard Cancellation Penalty: 75% of total cruise fare
- Refund Eligibility: 25% cash refund to original form of payment
90 Days or Less Prior to Departure (40 Nights or More)
- Standard Cancellation Penalty: 100% of total cruise fare
- Refund Eligibility: Total forfeiture (0% refund)
Smoking Policy
In response to evolving guest preferences and lifestyle trends, Crystal Cruises maintains a largely smoke-free environment across its ships to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of all travelers. Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public areas, staterooms, suites, and corridors. The only indoor location where smoking is permitted is the Connoisseur Club. In addition, smoking is allowed in a limited number of designated outdoor deck areas clearly marked onboard.
Smoking is not permitted in the following areas:
- All staterooms and suites, including verandahs
- Ship corridors and common walkways
- Restaurants and dining venues
- Main entertainment lounges and theaters
- Crystal Cove lounge
- Pulse and Luxe nightclubs
- Casino and Avenue Saloon
This policy reflects feedback from Crystal’s global guest community, the majority of whom prefer a non-smoking cruise environment. Crystal Cruises continuously updates its onboard policies to align with the expectations of today’s discerning luxury travelers while providing clearly designated spaces for those who smoke.
Travel Protection
Crystal Cruises has partnered with Allianz Global Assistance to offer travel protection. The plan covers trip cancellation, interruption, medical, dental, medical evacuation, and travel delays (up to $2,500). To qualify for a waiver of pre-existing conditions, the plan must be purchased within 14 days of the initial deposit. Crystal offers a unique Rollover Credit: if cancelled due to a pre-existing condition not covered by insurance, they issue an FCC valid for cruises departing within 12 months. Guests can also purchase the optional ‘Peace of Mind Promise’ for a 10% fee, allowing cancellation up to 1 day prior for any reason for a 100% FCC (must buy before standard final payment is due).
Tipping Policy
Under Crystal’s ultra-luxury, all-inclusive program, all standard onboard tips for housekeeping staff (including personal butlers, stateroom stewardesses, and assistant stewards), bar staff, and dining room servers (including specialty restaurants) are fully covered within the cruise fare. No daily service fees are billed to onboard accounts. Services at the Aurora Spa & Wellness salon are not included, and carry an automatic 15% to 20% service charge added at checkout. Excursion tips for guides and drivers are fully included in shore excursion pricing, though exceptional shoreside service can be recognized with discretionary personal tips.
Dress Code
Daytime attire is casual, allowing guests to wear “Day Casual” clothing in all restaurants and public spaces until 6:00 PM. Swimwear must be covered and is restricted to the Trident Grill, Tastes, and Marketplace. After 6:00 PM, daytime wear is not appropriate, and the code shifts to “Crystal Casual.” Shorts and baseball caps are prohibited for both men and women.
Formal Nights
- On sailings longer than seven days, Crystal features at least one optional “Formal Evening” which requires formal cocktail chic attire (suits, dinner jackets, or blazers with slacks for men; cocktail dresses or elegant pantsuits for women).
Excursions
- Enhance your cruise vacation by pre-booking your excursions (recommended for most savings and to guarantee availability) via the cruise line app or book while onboard. Space is limited and popular excursions sell out fast!
Why Crystal Cruises?
All-Inclusive Luxury Experience
Crystal Cruises offers an exceptional all-inclusive cruise experience, with gourmet dining, gratuities, and premium onboard services included, allowing guests to enjoy a seamless and worry-free voyage.
Spacious All-Suite Accommodations
Crystal is renowned for its generously sized staterooms and suites, many with private verandas, refined furnishings, and personalized butler service in higher categories.
World-Class Dining at Sea
Guests enjoy multiple complimentary dining venues, including specialty restaurants curated by celebrated chefs such as Nobu Matsuhisa, along with flexible dining options to suit every schedule.
Perfect Choice Dining Flexibility
Crystal’s signature dining program allows guests to choose between traditional seating times or flexible dining by reservation, offering unmatched freedom in luxury cruising.
Exceptional Personalized Service
With one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios at sea, Crystal Cruises delivers attentive, intuitive service that consistently exceeds expectations.
Sophisticated, Elegant Atmosphere
Crystal’s ships are designed for travelers who value refinement, tranquility, and cultured surroundings rather than mass-market entertainment or crowds.
Enrichment-Focused Onboard Programming
Voyages feature engaging lectures, destination-focused enrichment, cultural performances, and educational experiences that enhance every itinerary.
Carefully Curated Global Itineraries
Crystal Cruises sails to iconic and lesser-visited destinations worldwide, offering immersive experiences and longer port stays for deeper exploration.
Wellness, Spa, and Fitness Excellence
Guests enjoy luxury spa treatments, fitness classes, wellness programs, and health-conscious dining options throughout the ship.
Ideal for Discerning and Experienced Travelers
Crystal Cruises is perfectly suited for travelers seeking sophisticated luxury, meaningful travel experiences, and an elevated onboard lifestyle.
FAQ
What is included in a Crystal Cruises fare?
Crystal Cruises fares typically include luxury accommodations, gourmet dining in multiple venues, gratuities, onboard entertainment, enrichment programs, and select beverages.
Is Crystal Cruises considered all-inclusive?
Yes, Crystal offers a highly inclusive luxury experience, with many services and amenities included in the cruise fare.
Does Crystal Cruises allow children onboard?
Children are permitted on select sailings; however, Crystal Cruises is primarily designed for adults and mature travelers seeking a refined onboard environment.
Are gratuities included on Crystal Cruises?
Yes, gratuities for housekeeping, dining, and bar staff are included in the cruise fare.
What dining options are available onboard?
Crystal Cruises offers flexible dining in the Crystal Dining Room, specialty restaurants, casual venues, themed buffets, afternoon tea, and 24-hour in-suite dining.
What is the dress code on Crystal Cruises?
The dress code is elegant yet relaxed, with resort-style attire during the day and refined evening wear recommended at night.
Does Crystal Cruises offer Wi-Fi?
Internet access is available onboard, with select plans included depending on the stateroom or suite category.
Are shore excursions included?
Some shore experiences may be included, while others are available for purchase depending on the itinerary and destination.
Is Crystal Cruises suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, Crystal Cruises is an excellent choice for solo travelers who appreciate a social yet sophisticated luxury environment.
What destinations does Crystal Cruises visit?
Crystal Cruises sails worldwide, including Europe, Asia, the Americas, and exotic global routes, with carefully curated itineraries.