Conference abbott::cruise_travel

227.0. "TRIP REPORT - CRYSTAL HARMONY" by PULSAR::FAMULARO (Joe MS:ZKO1-1/C30 DTN381-2565) Wed Aug 22 1990 14:34

Well, I've just returned from Crystal Harmony's second sailing  (San
Fran/Alaska/San Fran) and I must say, "I've been Crystallized".

First a little information about the ship...

                            Crystal Harmony

    Crystal Cruises, a new Los Angeles-based cruise line company,
    launched Crystal Harmony, the first ship in its luxury fleet, in July
    1990.  A subsidiary of NYK Line (Nippon Yusen Kaisha), whose reputation
    for building technologically-advanced ships is world renowned, Crystal
    Cruises offers the ultimate in sophisticated cruising.

    Established in July 1988, Crystal Cruises is headed by accomplished
    cruise industry executive, Arthur A. Rodney.  As president and chief
    operating officer, Rodney explains, "we believe that the strong
    shipping heritage and financial strength of NYK, coupled with our
    highly experienced management team, will enable Crystal Cruises to
    surpass all other cruise lines in commitment toward providing guests
    with an unequaled cruise experience."

    The line's superbly designed, elegantly sleek 49,400 ton ship, Crystal
    Harmony was built in Nagasaki, Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

    Carrying 960 guests in refined luxury, Crystal Harmony offers a
    variety of innovative industry firsts that immediately distinguish
    the line from its competitors.  they include: the largest luxury
    penthouses afloat; highest stateroom and penthouse verandah ratio; a
    specially-designed refrigeration system; two alternative dinner
    restaurants at no cost; and Caesars Palace of Las Vegas' first casino
    at sea.

    Boasting approximately 948 square feet of living space, the ship's four
    Crystal Penthouses are the industry's largest.  The penthouses
    feature oversized private verandahs and include a dining area for
    intimate meals and parties, a wet bar and a full living room.  The
    elegantly-appointed bedroom features a kingsize bed and walk-in
    closet with three entrances.  The marble accented bathroom includes
    towel warmers and a large, circular shaped Jacuzzi that overlooks both
    the penthouse and the private verandah.

    The ships's Penthouse Suites and 32 Penthouses offer a full
    line of first-class amenities including mini-safes, large Jacuzzi's and
    oversized private verandahs.  In addition, the Penthouse Deck
    offers a special 24-hour butler service.

    In addition to featuring private verandahs in the penthouses, more than
    47 percent of the ship's staterooms also have private verandahs. 
    Each stateroom provides such services/amenities as 24-hour room
    service, spacious sitting areas, oversized closets, a complete line of
    bathroom amenities including hairdryers and plush robes, both showers
    and bathtubs, make-up mirrors, mini-refrigerators, color television
    systems and video cassette recorders.

    To ensure that its guest are presented with only the finest and
    freshest international cuisine afloat,  Crystal Harmony features
    an exclusive Fine tuned Cooling System, which enables the ship to
    store fresh fish, fruits and vegetables -- even fresh picked flowers --
    on board for the full length of the cruise.

    Crystal Harmony is the first ship at sea to offer two
    alternative dinner restaurants at no additional charge.  In addition
    the the ship's luxurious main dining room, guests can enjoy Oriental
    specialities at the elegant Kyoto Restaurant, or Italian specialities
    in the elegant Prego Restaurant.  Both offer dining in  an intimate 
    atmosphere.

    Other on board luxuries include a 3,000 square foot ocean-view
    Crystal Cruises Spa and fitness center, which will offer a diverse
    array spa, fitness and beauty activities.  For joggers and walkers.
    Crystal Harmony boasts a full promenade deck.  The ship also
    feature and indoor/outdoor air-conditioned swimming pool with a swim-up
    bar and a large lap pool with two adjacent Jacuzzis.

    For guests who enjoy the indoor sport of gambling, Crystal features
    "Caesars Palace At Sea," the first sea-going version by the
    internationally renowned Las Vegas hotel.  Designed to look like a Roman
    Forum, the casino has seven blackjack tables, 75 slot machines
    and a roulette table.

    The central focus of Crystal Harmony is its Atrium Lobby, which
    is accented by lush greenery and hand cut glass sculptures. 
    Surrounding the Atrium Lobby is the casino, disco and piano bar
    (featuring a crystal piano), a 270 seat cinema and 3,000-square foot
    "Avenue of the Stars" shopping area, featuring upscale clothing stores,
    jewelry stores and boutiques.  Also visible from the Atrium Lobby is
    be "The Bistro," an intimate bar offering imported coffees, cheeses and
    international wines by the glass.

    Commanding the magnificent Crystal Harmony is the noted Norwegian
    Captain Kai Julsen, who is assisted by Norwegian and Japanese
    officers.  The crew will be international and the dining room and
    restaurants are operated and supervised by an Italian management
    team.

    Crystal Harmony's maiden season began July 24,1990 and is
    featuring round trip sailings from San Francisco to Alaska/Canada.  Other
    inaugural year sailings include the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera via
    the Panama Canal, the South Pacific, Southeast Asia and the Orient.

    Crystal Cruises is headquartered at 2121 Avenue of the Starts, Los
    Angeles, 90067; 213/785-9300.  Crystal cruises are booked exclusively
    through professional travel agents.


That tells about the ship, now my comments...

The ship is truly magnificent and lived up to every claim made above. Crystal
Cruises went all out to make this ship tops in it's class and they are fast on
their way there.  Since this was only the second sailing the ship has made to
the American market there are some minor flaws that have to worked out, mostly
in service, but the folks on board ship accepted each comment and criticism
graciously and attempted to act on it to the best of their ability.  My biggest
problem was getting the waiter to bring me prune juice in the morning rather
than purple grape juice, but that was straightened out by the third day of the
cruise.

We had a nice cabin with oversized private verandah from which we viewed the
most remarkable scenery we've ever laid our eyes on.
    
The Crystal is a remarkable ship.  It was like living at a 5 star hotel for 12
days.  I would not hesitate to recommend this ship to anyone planning on
cruising.

Alaska?

Alaska is beautiful and we were fortunate enough to have excellent weather 11
days out of the 12.  The only poor weather was the last day of the cruise
returning from Vancouver to San Fran.  We even had 82 degree and sunny weather
while in Alaska.  I actually came back with an unexpected tan.  The captain who
until taking charge of the Crystal commanded Cunard's Sajaford, said this was
the best cruising weather he'd seen since he started cruising Alaska in 1981. 
The cruise previous to ours had just the opposite weather, 11 bad days and 1
good day, they saw practically no scenery at all, but they did see alot of fog.

My expectations were exceeded 1000%.  Pictures, videos or words cannot begin to
describe Alaska's beauty.  To see eagles soaring above the thick green forest,
whales playing at sea, seals basking in the morning sun on an iceburg floating
less than 50 feet away from the ship, puffins, dolphins, otters, salmon ...
etc. is just awe inspiring.  The magesty of the glaciers high or the sound of 
waterfalls as your ship glides through the Misty Fjords is beyond description.

I'd love to cruise to Alaska on the Crystal again.  Time to start saving!

    

    Joe,
    
    Sounds wonderful.  How was it price was in comparison to other ships?
    
    Have you heard of any deals being offered?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Ro
    

    RE: -1

    The prices are on the higher side, but the ship is targeting the higher
    price market.  Prices comparable to top of the line Royal Viking or
    Cunard.  Price ranged from $250 to $1000 pp/day.

    Yes, you can get discounts.  We were able to get 15% discount on our
    cabin which saved us a few bucks.

    Joe