On Location: “Pure luxury" - Crystal’s biggest Canadian FAM draws rave reviews from advisors

Elegant, refined, and dishing up world-class cuisine on the open seas — Crystal has returned, redefining what ultra-luxury cruising can be.

Earlier this month, 17 Canadian travel advisors joined others from the United States for a dreamy Seminar at Sea aboard the newly-refurbished Crystal Symphony, a ship reborn under the ownership of A&K Travel Group.

Running from August 2 to 9, the exclusive FAM — Crystal’s largest ever for the Canadian trade, which PAX covered exclusively — sailed roundtrip from Athens with postcard-perfect stops in Greece (Nafplion, Mykonos, Rhodes and Patmos), and a two-night stay in Kusadasi, Türkiye.

It wasn’t just any ordinary sailing. For most participants, it was an opportunity to see, taste, and feel the “new Crystal” since its dramatic comeback in 2023.

Now backed by luxury travel heavyweights Geoffrey Kent and Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio — names behind Abercrombie & Kent and Silversea Cruises — Crystal Symphony and sister ship Crystal Serenity have emerged from a multi-million-dollar redesign with fewer guests, larger suites, refreshed interiors, and a renewed focus on culinary excellence.

As previously reported, Umi Uma — the only Nobu restaurant at sea — dazzled advisors with signature dishes like black cod miso, Wagyu beef filet steak, and delicate sashimi plates.

READ MORE: On Location: “I’m so impressed”: Crystal hosts largest-ever Canadian FAM aboard Crystal Symphony

Beefbar, the Monte Carlo-born sensation making its North American debut on Crystal, impressed with wagyu-filled bao buns, truffle-smothered steak-frites, and a menu that caters to meat lovers, pescatarians, and vegetarians alike.

Then there was Osteria d’Ovidio, the Italian fine-dining venue crafted by Chef Massimiliano Alajmo, the youngest chef ever to earn three Michelin stars, offering dishes like burrata ravioli and saffron risotto with licorice.

Even the Waterside Restaurant, Crystal’s elegant main dining room, wowed with lobster, caviar, and meticulous plating worthy of a five-star restaurant on land.

As Jordana Botting, Crystal’s regional sales director for Canada, explained, the experience was a masterclass in anticipating guests’ needs.

“Luxury means something different to everybody,” she told PAX, “but the core of luxury is having your needs anticipated before you even knew you needed them – and I think Crystal does that perfectly.”

READ MORE: “Exceptional at Sea”: Botting & Lira unpack Crystal’s "advisors first" strategy & Canada comeback

Advisors explored not only the cuisine, but also Crystal Symphony’s reimagined suites, expanded wellness offerings, and entertainment venues, from Broadway-style shows to lively piano bars.

With passenger counts reduced — Symphony now carries just 606 guests, down from more than 900 — there was space to breathe, relax, and explore the ship at an unhurried pace.

“Better than ever”

So, what did Canadian travel advisors think about Crystal’s glamorous comeback?

For Alberta-based Sheila Edwards, an independent travel advisor with Escapes, the chance to sail aboard the newly-refreshed Crystal Symphony was a long-awaited first.

“I was elated to come on board and experience this brand,” Edwards told PAX. “I’ve been in the industry for a long time, and Crystal has always been a name people associated with luxury. It’s great to see it back — and better than ever.”

From the moment she embarked, the experience delivered.

“I was blown away when I walked aboard,” Edwards recalled. “I stepped into a beautiful welcoming area, and was checked in by a fellow Canadian, which was a nice touch. Not long after, I had a fresh glass of champagne in my hand — which, frankly, is a great way to start anything.”

Then she entered her sprawling Sapphire Suite, which was redesigned in 2023. Crystal’s staterooms now have double-sized balconies due to the combining of two suites into one.

“These renovated suites are stunning,” she said. “They’re spacious, elegant, with gorgeous fabrics, marble finishes, and with multiple shower jets in the bathroom. They really did a great job.”

Service that goes the extra mile

Crystal is famous for its attentive service, and Edwards quickly saw why.

“We all had butlers,” she remarked. “Daniel, my butler, was fantastic. From day one, he introduced himself, showed me everything I needed to know, and by the second day, he was bringing me fresh canapés and opening champagne before I even thought to ask.”

“The service has been so intuitive — they know what you want before you do.”

Dining that impresses

Edwards was equally impressed by Crystal Symphony’s culinary program.

“The meals and service were stellar,” she said. “The main dining room is excellent. I love that Crystal keeps that tradition alive.”

Among the standouts for her were Osteria d’Ovidio, the Michelin-inspired Italian restaurant, and Umi Uma. 

“The Italian dining was amazing,” she said. “The dishes were so unique — I’ve never had Italian cuisine like that before. It was spectacular.”

Unique destinations, flexible days

The smaller size of Crystal Symphony meant access to ports larger ships can’t reach.

“We were able to explore smaller islands, spend two full days in Türkiye, and even visit Ephesus,” Edwards said. “On board, there’s so much flexibility — you can be as busy or as relaxed as you want.”

If anything, the sailing confirmed that luxury cruising is stronger than ever.

“My clients who appreciate the finer things in life will love this,” she said. “The service, the itineraries, the flexibility — Crystal delivers it all. It’s wonderful to see both ships back on the water.”

Classic…with a modern twist

For Ontario-based Renata Grant, regional manager at Direct Travel, stepping aboard Crystal Symphony felt both familiar and new.

“It’s been about 12 years since I last sailed on Crystal, so I was excited to come on the new Crystal,” Grant said. “I’ve been on this ship before, but when I looked around, I thought, this feels different. It’s still classic Crystal — but with a modern twist. It feels like a brand-new ship.”

Grant was immediately taken with her suite. “The décor is stunning, the colours are serene, and there’s so much space,” she said. “And the bathrooms will blow your mind. They’re so spacious, with double sinks, amazing showers, and plenty of storage. Having that kind of luxury makes such a difference.”

The service was “truly magical,” she said, and as a returning Crystal guest, the culinary program has been one of the biggest upgrades.

“I always thought the food was excellent. But now, it’s next level,” she said.

She highlighted BeefBar. “I didn’t know about it before, but it’s huge in Europe. The food there? I was dreaming about it after. It was that good,” she said.

The Nobu experience impressed her, so did the main dining room, where lobster and caviar was served.

“That one will blow your mind. I’ve had a lot of caviar, but I was ready to lick the plate!” she remarked.

For Grant, the vibe onboard was as noteworthy as the food.

“The guest-to-crew ratio is basically one-to-one. Everyone is so accommodating. You never feel like you’re lining up or rushing anywhere,” she said. “And with the new Crystal, everything is included — drinks, specialty dining — you never feel like you’re paying extra.”

She also praised Crystal’s solo traveller offerings: “They have dedicated solo cabins, great single supplements, and even hosts for guests who enjoy that little bit of company. It’s fantastic.”

“Pure luxury”

TravelOnly’s Barbara Scrocco from Ontario called the sailing “pure luxury.”

From a warm welcome by staff to being offered a glass of champagne, “every detail spoke to elegance and care,” she said.

Her accommodations impressed as much as the service. “The rooms were lush—from the pillow menu to the quality of the sheets, it was so luxurious,” Scrocco said.

She said the hallmark of Crystal’s appeal lies in its “seamless elegance,” with attentive staff anticipating every need before a guest even asks.

Like her colleagues, dining was a highlight for Scrocco, who praised Nobu’s fresh sushi and miso cod, comparing it to a five-star city restaurant.

Osteria d’Ovidio also stood out, offering Italian-inspired dishes “made from the finest ingredients.”

She’s eager to share the experience with her clients. “The value, the all-inclusive concept, the fabulous itinerary—this truly is exceptional at sea,” she said.

Upgrade with value

Ontario-based cruise specialist Karen Grant of Plan-It Travel, also sailing with Crystal for the first time, shared similar praise.

She said the biggest highlight was the elevated sense of luxury she felt on board.

“The intimacy between the staff and clients, the fine dining, the butler service…it’s the things you don't get on some other cruise lines. It’s an upgraded experience.”

She appreciated the large balcony that came with her suite. “There’s nothing like sitting on your balcony, in a plush robe with your coffee, watching the sun rise,” she said.

Like her colleagues, dining also earned high praise. “Every choice option is elevated. The wagyu beefs, the caviars, the champagnes, the wait staff is constantly refilling your glass. You don’t have to ask anything extra. They’re constantly providing that service to you,” she said.

“Those details you don’t notice on other cruise lines, you definitely notice them on Crystal.”

Another key factor for Grant was the value that comes with the line’s all-inclusive model. “You could walk on board, forget your wallet, and you’re covered,” she said.

It’s big value for a small upgrade in price. “Any clients that like to upgrade on traditional cruise lines would like this,” she said.

After a decade of selling travel, Grant is eager to introduce more clients to high-end cruising. 

“The key is to book early and secure early pricing,” she said. “For those clients looking for that luxury experience, Crystal is obtainable. When you look at the inclusions and value, you can absolutely make this a reality.”

What’s it like to sail aboard “the new Crystal?” Stay tuned for PAX’s exclusive video report – shot on location!  

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