The 980-passenger Crystal Serenity takes the best of big-ship cruising and the best of luxury travel, and combines them to offer passengers an upscale experience with lots going on onboard.

By the standards of the other all-inclusive luxury lines, Crystal Serenity is a big ship. But its high space-to-passenger ratio means that lounges and restaurants are spacious and plentiful, and there's room to offer a wide range of activities on any given sea day. Crystal is top of the luxury list when it comes to enrichment and entertainment. Any given night could see two live performances in the ship's theaters, a movie in the onboard cinema and live music in three different lounges; any day might have multiple guest speakers (including some big names) and workshops on bridge, art, golf, ballroom dance and digital technology. Yet Crystal does not give up its high standards to accommodate hundreds more passengers than other luxury lines. Service is attentive and often personal -- as you return again to the ship, or even to a favorite bar, the crew will quickly get to know you. Dance hosts are onboard to make sure solo travelers have someone to dine and dance with. Dining is a highlight, especially in the signature specialty restaurants, such as chef Nobu Matsuhisa's Umi Uma and Sushi Bar, and the Italian Prego. The ship is not new, having launched in 2003, but a sweeping 2018 refurbishment did much to modernize the ship and eliminate a few pain points. Smaller cabins were combined into new suites, with a chic new look and some of the best showers at sea; this not only gave travelers additional suite accommodations but reduced the total passenger count to take pressure off dining and other public areas. Waterside, the main dining room, got a modern makeover and new dining options -- the Asian Silk Kitchen, Brazilian Churrascaria and Stardust Supper Club -- were added to increase restaurant choice and spread guests out in the evening. The big policy change that accompanied the refurbishment was the elimination of set-seating, set-table dining. All venues now function like restaurants, with first come, first served dining in Waterside and the Churrascaria and a reservations system, as before, in the other specialties. Uncover the best deals with a Crystal expert Shera Westin Specialities : River Cruises and All Inclusive 106 reviews Contact Agent Teresa Skeim Specialities : Luxury Cruises and World Cruises 51 reviews Contact Agent Carol Terhune Specialities : River Cruises and World Cruises 51 reviews Contact Agent Dan Twomey Specialities : Luxury Cruises and Small Ship Cruises 50 reviews Contact Agent Gillian Clark Specialities : Luxury Cruises and Small Ship Cruises 43 reviews Contact Agent Leslie Lindenberg Specialities : Luxury Cruises and River Cruises 31 reviews Contact Agent Karen Morlock Specialities : Universal Parks & Resort Vacations and Adult Only 30 reviews Contact Agent Mike Salvadore Specialities : European Culture and Luxury 27 reviews Contact Agent John Krieger Specialities : Luxury Cruises and River Cruises 22 reviews Contact Agent Rhonda Shumway CTC, ECCS, LCS, DS Specialities : River Cruises and Beach Vacations 16 reviews Contact Agent The result is a ship still loved by Crystal loyalists, who want to be served by their favorite waiters and bartenders, and enjoy cabins with bathtubs and a classic look, but one that also can be embraced by younger travelers looking for craft cocktails and modern design, luxury cruisers who crave that high space-to-passenger ratio and even seasoned mainstream sailors looking to move up to luxury without sacrificing activities and entertainment.