Crystal Yacht Cruises
This premium ship is for discerning mature-age small group travelers
The Ship. Crystal Esprit has had several past lives (it was originally built for long-defunct Windsor Line but operated for many years by Star Cruises for private charters). Although it has profile that is less than handsome, the interiors were tastefully refurbished in 2015, which help to turn it into a premium pocket-sized ship for well-educated travelers seeking a small village feel rather than a big-city feel.
A small aft ‘marina’ includes water-sports equipment (kayaks, water skis, jet skis, wakeboard, scuba and snorkeling gear), fishing rods, and a two-person submersible (a 30-minute trip costs $600). Two Zodiac inflatable craft are for close-in trips, while several bicycles are carried for passenger use ashore.
Cove is a small main lounge at the ship’s front, with comfortable seating for social gatherings. Other facilities include an outdoor Sunset Bar, pool deck grill (for fast-food items), a ‘dip’ pool, and a self-service laundry room.
Overall, Crystal Esprit is a very comfortable little ‘yachtie’-style ship, but there’s no elevator (stairs only). Almost everything is included – except a lot of space – and a submersible trip.
Accommodation. There are five accommodation price grades, and, although the company calls them ‘suites,’ they are definitely not – except for one Owner’s Suite, measuring 516.6 sq ft (48 sq m). All other cabins measure either 226 or 279.8 sq ft (21 or 26 sq m). The price you pay depends on the location, and grade you choose (none has a balcony, because the ship is too low to the waterline). Six cabins (Nos. 301–303, 203–306 and 205–207) have an interconnecting door. All accommodation is practical, and comes with lots of personal comfort items (cotton bathrobe, slippers, hairdryer, infotainment system, and ETRO personal toiletry items). But not even the Owner’s Suite has a bathtub, although all have showers and two washbasins.
Dining. The Yacht Club (indoor) Restaurant is the main dining room; it’s intimate, although the ceiling is low. The cuisine is based on specialties from the region the ship is in. Also, a Compass Room acts as a wine-tasting room, and can be booked for private parties.
The Patio Café is for casual bistro bites outside on deck.
Entertainment. This is a pocket-size ship, so entertainment is minimal, although there is some live music.
Spa/Fitness. Spa facilities consists only of a small beauty salon and body treatment area. A workout room (with exercise equipment), and two hot tubs are on a different deck.