Crystal changed hands in 2022, and its two ocean ships returned to sea in July 2023 after a refit in Trieste that cut capacity from 980 to 740 guests on Crystal Serenity and from 848 to 606 on Crystal Symphony, all in ocean-view rooms and suites. The food is the signature, beginning with a long partnership with Nobu Matsuhisa: Umi Uma, a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant billed as the only Nobu at sea, serves his black cod among other dishes, with limited seats on each sailing. The menu at Osteria d'Ovidio comes from the Alajmo brothers of Le Calandre in Padua, where Massimiliano Alajmo became the youngest chef to earn a three-MICHELIN-star rating, and is arranged as Italia, Le Calandre and Venezia. Since 2024 it has also carried Beefbar, the first at sea. Fares include a selection of wine, champagne and spirits, and a dinner each at Umi Uma and Osteria d'Ovidio. Travel + Leisure readers ranked Crystal the top midsize-ship ocean line again in 2026. Crystal Grace, a 650-guest ship from Fincantieri, sails its maiden voyage on June 11, 2028, with two sister ships to follow.
- Nearest airport
- Varies by voyage
- On board
- Two ships: Crystal Serenity (740 guests) and Crystal Symphony (606 guests); Crystal Grace (650 guests) from June 2028
Insider tip Seats at Umi Uma are limited on each sailing, so book both included dinners, Umi Uma and Osteria d'Ovidio, as soon as reservations open.
Why I choose it Nobu, the Alajmo brothers and Beefbar at sea, with fine wines included in the fare.
