Crystal Harmony
Reviewed by: Dan Charette
email: PRS68@aol.com
As an avid Seabourn enthusiast, I was a little worried
about my first Crystal cruise. Worried that not only
would I have to use the word spoiled at a new level, but
also would have to cancel my next 2 Seabourn cruises for
Crystal replacements. I'll give you a frank, honest
review, and you decide if I'm doing any cancelling or
not!
First of all, I booked my air with Crystal. The flight
to Ft. Lauderdale was to be at 6 in the evening,
arriving on board at appox. 7:30PM. The Harmony left
port at 9PM, so there was no room for error. I had
missed the ship on the last cruise, so I was
apprehensive about the arrangement. I contacted my TA,
who contacted the cruise line. They claimed no other
flights were available from Tampa to Ft. Lauderdale. I
kept the tickets as "insurance" and paid for a one way
on Southwest for a nominal charge, arriving at 2:30PM.
Embarkation was a bit slow, as I arrived with the
majority of passengers. Once on board, the ship was
perfectly polished, and smiles were on all the crew! We
arrived in our stateroom to find our luggage already
there! A first on a cruise! I did, however find the
stateroom a bit cramped, especially with the bathroom
right across from the small closet space. The verandah,
however was very roomy. My state room was towards the
back, and the verandahs are twice as deep there. I met
the stewardess, and she was friendly and professional.
The dinners were either the best ever on a ship, or the
worst. No in between. The Main lobster melted in your
mouth, while 2 attemps at rack of lamb were chewy and
tough. The pheasant tasted like chicken, (hey, what
doesn't?) and the head waiter apologized for it,
explaining that most people didn't like gamey flavor. If
you don't like gamey flavor, you typically wouldn't
order pheasant..right? Alot of the disappointment lied
with the poor waiter. He didn't know the food, would
never suggest anything extra such as special dessert,
caviar etc. I even once asked why it seemed everyone in
the restaurant was offered flaming peaches but us, and
he explained that if you wanted something special, you
had to request it 24 hours in advance. Did everyone on
board think "hey, lets have flaming peaches tommorrow
night" I think not! Same was true for most "special"
desserts. I did, however, hear many passengers rave
about their waiter. So maybe we just hit on a bad one.
We also had a table for 2, so maybe he thought we didn't
reflect as big a tip as a table for 8. Shouldn't matter
though.
The entertainment was the best evr on ship. The new
"Excalibir" show was the most innovative I've ever seen
on a cruise ship. Laser lights, techno effects,
excellent singers and dancers. Simply the best. Last
word on that.
The gym was always packed, and more than enough
equipment for all. I ran 3 to 6 miles a day on the
treadmills. The high impact aerobics were excellent. I
didn't gain a pound on the trip. The sauna and steam
configuration was a bit odd though. No where to cool
off. The massage staff were excellent.
I have sailed through the Panama Canal before, and had
already experienced the ports, so I didn't take any
shore excursions. I would have, however, chose more
exciting ports of call. Very average to boring.
The bars were always busy. The staff were nice, but
never so nice they comped you a drink, or even poured a
decent one. Wine, or anything in your stateroom was
complimentary. Including soda. I would rather pay a bit
more on a trip, and have wine included with meals, and
sodas free, not to mention a comp. bar in the stateroom.
Formal nights were 50-50 on tuxes. Too bad. Also,
informal nights, ties are NOT required. Keep that in
mind when you pack.
Disembarkation was smooth.
Our flight from Acapulco was late, so the cruise line
brought us to a gorgeous hotel for the day, with a nice
buffet. Nice touch. Our flight was chartered to Houston,
and for whatever reason, they out us up at the airport
hotel for the night, with a 7:40AM flight the next day.
Would rather have flown all the way home, even if I had
to arrive at 1AM. Alot of the passengers felt that way.
So, what do you think? Do I feel Crystal deserves her 6
stars? Will I cancel my upcoming cruises on Seabourn? I
hope you feel this review was as unbiased as possible. I
always have an open mind. Let me know!
CruiserDan
