Staterooms

Crystal Symphony, as we mentioned in our overview, was considered a revolutionary design when it was built in the mid-1990's and, as such, has absolutely no inside cabins. Standard outsides (well, Crystal calls 'em "deluxe") measure 202 square ft. reasonably roomy and are the same size and similarly outfitted as balcony cabins, which quote a 246-square-ft. figure (the extra 44 square ft. goes to the verandah). Regardless of designation, all cabins on Crystal Symphony feature a queen bed that converts to two twins, a seating area, color television and DVD player (you can borrow from the library's ample selection), and a fridge with complimentary soft drinks and bottled water. There's a safe and plenty of storage space.

Bathrooms are functional and comfortable all come with a full bathtub-shower combination.

Crystal Symphony's penthouse-level suites received a major refurbishment during the ship's recent dry dock and they are absolutely lovely. All are located on deck ten and all have verandahs. The difference between the three categories is the size options include 367 square ft., 491 square ft., and 982 square ft. Beyond that, the amenities count: All have butlers who bring afternoon canapes, make restaurant and spa reservations, replace beverages and serve room service meals (course-by-course if requested). Another extra: Suite-holders are provided with a complimentary bottle of wine plus a choice of liquor (one full-sized bottle per person) and mini-fridges are continually stocked with beer and sodas.

Hint: In these cabins, you can order from the menus at Jade Cafe and Valentino at Prego anything from full meals to simply appetizers.

Another plus for those who can afford to splurge on a penthouse suite: The bathrooms are huge, featuring whirlpool tubs, separate showers, dual sinks and toiletries from Aveda.

Crystal Penthouse with Verandah Deck: Penthouse Crystal Penthouses with Verandah CP feature a spacious living room and dining area; large bedroom with king-sized or twin beds; personal butler service; verandah; and an oceanview master bath with Jacuzzi, separate shower, and bidet. Also included are a guest bathroom, complimentary well-stocked service bar upon embarkation, complimentary in-room soft drinks and bottled water, CD and DVD players, flat-screen TV, data port for laptop computer hookup, cordless phone, refrigerator, walk-in closet, and security safe. 982-sq.-ft. penthouse, including verandah.

Penthouse with Verandah Deck: Penthouse Penthouses with Verandah PH feature a sizable living area and private verandah; personal butler service; queen-sized bed or twin beds; and a private bath with full Jacuzzi bathtub and separate shower. Also included are a complimentary well-stocked minibar upon embarkation, complimentary in-room soft drinks and bottled water, a TV and VCR, walk-in closet, refrigerator, and security safe. 367-sq.-ft. penthouse, including verandah.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom Deck: Promenade Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms C feature a queen-sized bed or twin beds, a large picture window with sweeping view, seating area, private bathroom with bathtub/shower combination, well-stocked honor minibar, TV and VCR, refrigerator, and security safe. 202-sq.-ft. stateroom.

For many well-heeled passengers, Crystal's all-suite penthouse decks are unbeatable for the enormous staterooms with private verandas, butlers and lavish bathrooms in marble. The four largest measure 948 sq. feet, while smaller suites are 491 and 367 sq. feet. You'll find separate seating areas, large leather sofas and wide teak balconies, plus pampered butler service. Deluxe staterooms with verandah are 246 sq. feet, although they may seem smaller due to the use of large furniture. Those opting for a standard outside cabin will find Symphony's measure 202 sq. feet with picture window, two feet wider than her sister ship with better bathrooms and more closet space.

Standard amenities in all cabins include TV/VCR, hair dryers, refrigerators, bathrobes.