I’ve sailed with Crystal several times, and I love the experience. So when Crystal Symphony recently visited San Francisco, I was happy to get back on board for a ship tour and see the latest updates.
She looked beautiful. The ship feels elegant, comfortable and wonderfully relaxing. The food was excellent, and the staff was attentive—just what I’ve come to appreciate about Crystal over the years.
The Right Size for Me
One of the things I like most about Crystal Symphony is her size. She’s big enough to offer plenty of dining choices, entertainment and onboard activities, while still feeling personal and manageable.
On Crystal Symphony, you can have an interesting, full day on board or simply find a comfortable spot and relax. That balance is a big part of her appeal.
The ship has benefited from substantial updates in 2023 and 2025. The refreshed design, furnishings and finishing touches have taken an already elegant ship up a few levels.
Over the years, her guest capacity has been reduced from the original 940 to 606. That’s roughly a third fewer guests on the same ship, giving everyone more room to enjoy the experience. For me, that extra space is a meaningful part of luxury.
Plenty of Choices at Mealtime
Dining has always been one of the reasons I enjoy sailing with Crystal, and the excellent food during this visit reminded me why. Crystal Symphony offers an impressive selection for a ship carrying just 606 guests.
Here’s a look at the choices:
- Waterside: The main dining room, with changing menus featuring classic favorites and contemporary dishes.
- Umi Uma: Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, including a sushi bar.
- Osteria d’Ovidio: Italian specialty dining with menus developed in collaboration with the Alajmo brothers.
- Beefbar: Steaks, seafood, vegetable dishes and street food inspired plates from restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi.
- Marketplace: A casual buffet for breakfast and lunch, with indoor and outdoor seating.
- Trident Grill: Made-to-order burgers, hot dogs, salads and other casual favorites.
- The Bistro: Specialty coffees, teas and light sweet and savory bites throughout the day.
- Scoops Gelato Bar: Italian gelato for an afternoon treat—or whenever the mood strikes.
- 24-hour in-suite dining: Meals and snacks delivered to your cabin/suite.
- The Vintage Room: An intimate gourmet dining experience with wine pairings, available for an additional charge.
Reservations are required for Umi Uma and Osteria d’Ovidio, with complimentary visits determined by voyage length. Beefbar requires reservations for dinner.
That variety is especially welcome on a longer cruise. You can make dinner a special occasion one evening and enjoy something simple and casual the next.
Service That Makes You Want to Return
A beautiful ship and good food go a long way, but the staff makes the experience. During my visit, the service was attentive and welcoming, reinforcing what I’ve enjoyed on my previous Crystal cruises.
That’s why I was glad to see the ship looking so good. The updates have added to the experience, while the qualities that keep me coming back—excellent dining, personal service and a relaxed atmosphere—were very much in evidence.
If you enjoy elegant ships with plenty to do and room to unwind, Crystal Symphony is well worth considering. I left the tour ready for another Crystal cruise.
Our Cruise Specialists consultants can answer your questions, explain the options and help you plan your own Crystal voyage. Call (800) 544-2469 or visit CruiseSpecialists.com.