Celestyal Crystal: An In-Depth Cruise Ship Guide

Overview of Celestyal Crystal

The Celestyal Crystal is a 1000-passenger cruise ship and one of the vessels in the Celestyal Cruises’ fleet. While two of the ships are leased to Thomson Cruises, Celestyal operates both the Celestyal Crystal and Celestyal Olympia. Recently, Celestyal Cruises has invested 12 million euros to refurbish these ships.

This cruise line is part of the Louis Group, which re-branded its cruise ships in 2015 as Celestyal Cruises. The company continues to use the Louis Cruises name for its chartering and ship management segments.

Prior to November 2016, Celestyal Crystal primarily conducted 7-day cruises of the Greek Isles and Turkey. The ship’s itineraries focus on ports of call rather than the ship itself. Unlike many cruise ships that sail in the afternoon, the Celestyal Crystal often stays into the evening, allowing guests to enjoy more time onshore in Greece and Turkey.

From November 2016 onward, the Celestyal Crystal sails year-round, offering 7-day Cuba cruises. With experience sailing in Cuba, the cruise creates a unique focus on the destination, featuring Cuban-inspired entertainment and cuisine. Passengers can embark from Montego Bay, Jamaica, or Havana, with a route that circumnavigates major Cuban ports including Santiago de Cuba, Havana, Maria la Gorda, and Cienfuegos—gateway to Trinidad. Each itinerary typically includes one day at sea between Santiago de Cuba and Havana.

The Celestyal Crystal has a gross tonnage of approximately 25,000 and offers 480 cabins, accommodating up to 1200 guests, with many cabins designed for three or four occupants. Originally built in 1982, the Celestyal Crystal served as the Leeward under Norwegian Cruise Line. The ship joined Louis Cruises in 2007 and was renamed as part of the 2015 rebranding efforts.

Despite being an older ship, the Celestyal Crystal is equipped with essential amenities and facilities comparable to newer cruise lines. Features include two restaurants, a casual buffet dining area, a poolside café, three lounges, two bars, a casino, swimming pool, sauna, gym, medical center, spa and massage room, a hot tub, a beauty salon, an Internet area, video arcade, conference room, and retail shops. However, it does not have an onboard water park or many modern attractions typically found on newer vessels.

Cabins and Suites

The Celestyal Crystal features 480 cabins with various configurations, many equipped with Pullman or sofa beds allowing for three or four guests. Cabins are categorized across six decks, with 317 outside cabins and suites alongside 163 inside cabins. Notably, recent refurbishments added balconies to 40 cabins, bringing the total to 55.

Cabins on the Celestyal Crystal offer amenities comparable to those found on the Celestyal Odyssey. Although only 55 cabins have balconies, the ship’s late port stays mean most guests may not miss this feature as they primarily enjoy night sailing.

Cabin and suite categories on the Celestyal Crystal include:

• Imperial Suite – Two suites on Deck 6, 44 square meters, accommodating up to four guests with amenities including lower beds, sofa bed, refrigerator, TV, and balcony.
• Balcony Suite – Eight suites on Deck 7, 36 square meters, accommodating up to three guests with similar amenities.
• Suite – Two suites on Deck 6, 34 square meters, accommodating four guests, equipped with standard features including a balcony.
• Junior Suite – Four suites on Deck 6, 30 square meters, accommodating four guests, featuring ocean view windows.
• Deluxe Outside Stateroom – Staterooms on Deck 6 and 7, approximately 15.8 square meters, accommodating up to three guests.
• Premium Outside Stateroom – Outside cabins on decks 3 and 4, ranging from 13 to 15.8 square meters, accommodating up to four guests.
• Superior Outside Stateroom – Outside cabins on Deck 3, 5, and 6, 11.1 square meters, accommodating up to four.
• Standard Outside Stateroom – Cabins on Deck 2, 11.4 square meters, accommodating two to four guests.
• Premium Inside Stateroom – Inside cabins on Deck 5, 6, and 7, 12.2 square meters, accommodating two or four guests.
• Deluxe Inside Stateroom – Inside cabins on Deck 6 and 7, 11.9 square meters, accommodating two guests.
• Superior Inside Stateroom – Inside cabins on Deck 4, approximately 12.1 square meters, accommodating two to four guests.
• Standard Inside Stateroom – Inside cabins on Deck 3, 4, and 5, 11.9 square meters, accommodating two to four guests.

Dining and Cuisine

The Celestyal Crystal provides two casual dining options: Leda on Deck 9 and a poolside café. The main restaurant, Amalthia, located on Deck 8, and the Olympus restaurant on Deck 5, both offer a breakfast buffet and open seating for meals throughout the day. The casual venues also serve buffets at lunch and dinner, often poolside, while guests order from a menu at Amalthia for lunch and dinner.

Dinner on board features a diverse selection, including traditional Greek and Mediterranean dishes such as fried cheese with honey, moussaka, and Greek salads, as well as hearty pasta options.

During Cuba cruises, there is always a Cuban dish served at each meal, complementing the existing menu options.

Given that the Celestyal Crystal often remains in port until 10 PM, guests have the opportunity to dine at outstanding Greek restaurants along their travels before returning to the ship for the night.

Interior Common Areas

The interiors of the Celestyal Crystal cruise ship blend contemporary style with comfort. The Muses lounge serves as the ship’s main venue for nightly entertainment, including live music and cultural performances, such as the one from the Lyceum Club of Greek Women from Athens. They focus on preserving Greek traditions, showcasing their efforts through music, performances, and rich historical costumes.

Located near the Amalthia Restaurant and Casino on Deck 8, the Eros Lounge hosts smaller musical acts and social gatherings before or after dinner. The casino includes various gaming options such as slot machines, blackjack, and roulette.

For guests who appreciate breathtaking sea views, the Horizons Lounge located on deck 10 provides panoramic vistas during the day before transforming into a vibrant disco in the evening.

The Celestyal Crystal also features a spa and fitness center, offering massages, spa treatments, and sauna access.

WiFi is available in common indoor areas such as lounges, though it is not offered in cabins. Additionally, there are computers for guest use situated near the reception area.

Outdoor Decks

The swimming pool onboard the Celestyal Crystal includes a retractable roof, ensuring usability in various weather conditions. The pool and adjacent bar are favorite spots for guests, complemented by a hot tub located next to the Thalassa Bar on Deck 5.

Some guests may miss having an outdoor deck at the aft part of several cabin decks. This tranquil zone features lounge chairs, providing a quieter alternative to the pool area.

While the Celestyal Crystal may lack the state-of-the-art amenities of newer ships, its appeal lies in its voyages to some of the world’s most scenic ports. Travelers can explore diverse destinations without the hassle of extensive luggage transfers, unpacking only once during their cruise.

As is standard within the travel industry, the writer received complimentary services for review purposes. While this has not influenced the review, iBestTravel upholds transparency regarding any potential conflicts of interest.