Celestyal Crystal

Theater on Celestyal Crystal

A big show takes place every night in the main theater, the Muses Lounge, on Deck 8. It's a large space that feels like a hybrid lounge/theater, with seating for 400 downstairs and a more intimate seating area for 40 upstairs (which you access from inside the theater itself). Seating arrangements vary from single chairs to lounge-like booths with cocktail tables. A few of the booths toward the back, on the first level, have obstructed views due to support beams -- but we only found this to be an issue with large groups that tried to squeeze together.

Shows generally include a cabaret or dance show interspersed with aerial acrobatics. There are two showings per night, every night. On some nights, one of the showings might be replaced by a different event. For example, on our Greek Islands cruise, local dancers came onboard to perform during our overnight stop in Mykonos.

The quality of the shows is average, but we were impressed by how much the cruise line was able to do on such a small ship. The show "Hellenic Voyage," for example, incorporates dramatic visuals of Greek gods and goddesses (projected on a back screen) while dancers utilize trapezes and other unique props as they depict each deity onstage. Other headlining shows include "Abba's Dreams", which is an homage to the Swedish band and a riff on the Broadway stage show, set in these islands. "Cabaret" is a PG-rated Parisian-themed show, "Mythologia" is inspired by Greek mythology and "Fiesta" is a Latin America-themed musical; other musical performances involve aerial acrobatics.

Daily Fun on Celestyal Crystal

There is a packed program of daytime activities, including a morning walkathon and stretching session; Greek language lesson; Greek and Latin dance classes; arts and crafts, including postcards from Greece and paper hair flowers; fruit and vegetable carving demonstrations; a towel folding demo and themed trivia in different languages.

Night Time on Celestyal Crystal

It's all about music and dancing -- every night -- on Celestyal Crystal. Entertainment ranges from live music (both Greek and international tunes) to dance parties and late nights at the disco. There also are different themed parties/nights, which are actually just more music and dancing; on our cruise, they included a Jazz Night, a Latin Party, a Greek Party and a "Dance Around the World" party. All themed soirees are hosted by the ship's theater performers in Muses Lounge.

Every night, a live band also plays on the pool deck during dinner hours (a little incentive for a casual buffet dinner one night).

You'll find karaoke every night, starting at 9:30 p.m., in the Horizons Bar.

The casino is is in a windowless room off the Eros Lounge and opposite the Sports Bar on Deck 8, packed with slot machines and a few gaming tables. Drinks can be ordered here.

Celestyal Crystal Bars and Lounges

There are four bars, two outside and two inside, one of which doubles as the disco (Horizons). The Greek climate means the outside bars are always full, particularly the Thalassa Bar at the back of the ship. There's a good buzz, day and night, in both the outdoor bars; Eros is best in the early evening when a band plays live music; Horizons Bar tends to be livelier after 10 p.m.

Thalassa Bar (Deck 5): This popular spot overlooking the back of the ship is full, for most of the day (since it's also where you'll find the ship's only hot tub) and until late at night, with plenty of seating. There is smoking on the port (left) side.

Eros Lounge (Deck 8): An oddly un-atmospheric bar, that doubles as a cafe during the day. There is a small stage at one end, where a band play nightly (they occasionally decamp to the Riviera Pool Bar for events like sail-aways), and tables and chairs spread throughout the rest of the space.

Helios Bar (Deck 9): The main pool deck bar is full throughout the day as it also serves as an overspill area for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's busiest here during the day, and also sets the stage for dance lessons and spa demos.

Horizons Bar (Deck 10): Whether this is completely full or completely empty depends entirely on the type of fellow passengers you're traveling with. During our three previous times onboard, it has been empty but on our most recent sailing in the Greek Islands, it was packed every night. This is also where karaoke is held every evening.

Celestyal Crystal Outside Recreation

Pools

There is only one pool on the ship, located on Deck 9. It's a small saltwater pool that we saw used by only a few people during our cruise (perhaps because it fills up quickly). One odd feature of the space is that there are no lounge chairs surrounding the pool. (They're one deck above, overlooking the pool.) All that surrounds the pool are tables and chairs, which are used primarily by buffet diners and on one side, smokers. There is a retractable roof over the pool that closes during inclement weather.

With one small pool also comes only one hot tub. It's found on the back of Deck 5, by the Thalassa Bar, and again, is weirdly surrounded by nothing but tables and chairs.

Sun Decks

One thing the ship does not lack for are sun decks; you'll find them on almost every level, though not always with lounge chairs for sunbathing.

Deck 10, looking down on the pool, is the main sun deck with a decent amount of lounge chairs (our only complaint about this deck is the space can get tight when the chairs are all reclined, making it almost like an obstacle course to walk around). Servers from the pool bar make the rounds on this deck, taking drink orders. From Deck 10, there also is limited space above via a small staircase (unmarked on the deck plans), but it was closed off on our sailing. Additional sunbathing space (but no service) can be found on Decks 6, 7 and 8 aft, though note this also acts as an overspill from the buffet so there are tables and chairs to allow for outside dining.

Celestyal Crystal Services

The hub of the ship is on Deck 5, where you'll find guest services and the shore excursions desk. Note, there is no desk for future cruise sales, but if you speak to thhe Guest Relations Manager (Georgia), you will be able to make a booking. The relatively large boutique sells jewelry, clothes and other accessories (including some locally manufactured products), cookies and candy, duty-free goods and other cruise-related paraphernalia; and the photo gallery, which also sells cameras.

On Deck 8, hidden away in corridor adjoining the Sports Bar with the casino, is the library, which has a small selection of books that you can borrow on an honor basis. It's also home to a kids' play room and a couple of conference rooms.

There are no self-service laundry facilities, but you can get a bag of clothes washed and folded for a reasonable 22.95 euros, or for 5 euros more, pressed too. Both are a one-day service.

Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, including in cabins, but it's pricy: 7 euros for an hour, 16 euros for three hours and 25 euros for six hours. The connection speed was surprisingly fast, but did cut out sporadically. (Warning: Remember to log off after each session, otherwise you'll burn up all your time.) There are no computer stations.

An extra-fee medical center is available on Deck 4. It's open every day for a couple of hours in the morning and night (on departure days, it's only open at night). The hours of operation vary, so make sure to check your daily program for the opening times on any given day.

Smoking is permitted on the port side of Deck 5 aft (by the Thalassa Bar) and both sides of the Promenade Deck 5.

Dining onboard Celestyal Crystal is kept simple, with only four venues to choose from: two main dining rooms, a buffet and a small specialty restaurant. The two main dining rooms -- Olympus and Amalthia -- are basically the same in terms of style and menus; the difference is Amalthia is the only one open during breakfast and lunch hours. They also operate on a flexible seating basis versus assigning passengers to specific times; dinner hours are 6:30 to 10 p.m. daily. Still, dining times are subject to fluctuate depending on port calls, so you should always check your daily program to be sure.
Both main dining rooms offer an optional, a la carte menu with items such as steak and lobster tail for an additional fee. We found the portion sizes in both to be perfect -- not too overwhelming -- allowing us to finish everything from our starters down to the last bite of dessert. The quality, too, for the most part was superb.

Free Dining

Olympus (Deck 5): Of the two main dining rooms, this one is smaller and has a more intimate feel, almost as if it could be a large specialty restaurant. It has three table sizes -- for four, six and eight -- and two table shapes -- circular and oblong, but with plenty of window seats. It also offers convenient access to the Thalassa Bar, an alfresco bar tucked away on the back of Deck 5, perfect for pre- and post-dinner drinks.

Dinner consists of three courses of regional specialties, plus a Bleu zone cuisine’s special by Chef Diane Kochilas, which is usually a well-known Greek vegan dish. The remainder of the menu is a Mediterranean cuisine with a twist of Greek gastronomy. Starters might include a cold fish selection, prawn cocktail or perhaps a terrine and always have a vegan or vegetarian selection. Soups usually include some kind of vegetable (vegan or vegetarian), consommé or a lobster bisque (the chicken and lemongrass was our favorite), and a salad is usually a simple green salad.

Mains always include a vegetarian dish like a risotto; a fish dish (often a local one); and a meat dishes, be that chicken, beef, veal, lamb or pork. On one night there will be a Greek Celebration Dinner, where the whole menu consists of Greek dishes. Special dietary needs, including gluten-free and halal vegan options, can be accommodated with advanced notice. A separate kids menu, with items like burgers and fries, and pizza, also is available.

Specialty items available for an added fee can be found on a separate "Chef's Gourmet Suggestions" menu, in both dining rooms. It includes dishes such as beef tenderloin, grilled lobster (whole or tail), surf and turf, American wagyu beef and Irish Angus Tomahawk. Prices range from $25.95 for the tenderloin to $95.95 for the Tomahawk 1.2kg.

Desserts usually feature a variety of homemade cakes, (gluten free and sugar free upon requested), ice cream or gelato, vegan sorbet and fruit with Greek yogurt. There are no theme nights.

There is a surprisingly good selection of wines onboard, including some robust North American reds, fine French wines and a handful of Greek wines. Note that all beverages by the glass (bar the premium label spirits) are included in your cruise fare. If you are looking to get a bottle, you'll have to pay a supplement ranging from $11 to $35 per bottle, which is still a good value. Premium liqueurs such as Chivas Regal, Johnny Walker Black, Glenfiddich and Jack Daniel's, as well energy drinks and smoothies, cost an extra $10 per person. A sommelier also is onboard to assist with pairing recommendations at dinner.

Amalthia (Deck 8): Situated just below the two buffet restaurants, Amalthia is the "main" MDR and feels somewhat grander, with lots more seating and table sizes (for four, six, eight and 10 people), including tucked-away round-the-corner tables that you can request just for two people (though they are for four). This is where the captain sits for Gala nights.

The breakfast spread is similar to what you'd find in the buffet, with hot dishes like hash browns, bacon, sausage and eggs, as well as yogurt, cereal and juice. You can also order omelets and eggs to your liking from the menu, at no extra charge.

Lunch is a three-course affair consisting of a starter, main and dessert, and the food ranges from standout to subpar. Starters might include a salad, soups or shrimp cocktail. Mains could include a vegetarian, vegan, fish or meat dish and dishes and a blue zone cuisine special by chef Diane Kochilas, which varies by day. Desserts might include homemade cakes, sorbet, ice cream and fruit, as well as a cheese and a vegan board.

The dinner menu is exactly the same as in Olympus.

Leda & Aura (Deck 9): These two buffet restaurants are the same, but are located in spaces opposite each other. Note that lines build up quick at busy times and when people are either getting ready for or returning from shore excursions, so it's wise to try and visit slightly off hours if you can swing it.

Food is available throughout most of the day (there are brief lulls of an hour or so after breakfast and after lunch), starting with a decent breakfast with a large choice of food including cold meats and salads, cereals, oatmeal, freshly made pastries, bacon, sausages, eggs (scrambled or sunny side up), Greek yogurt and fruit, and fresh-grilled tomatoes. There's also a self-serve juice, tea and coffee station (the coffee machine allows you to make cappuccino and espresso, but you also can order specialty coffees for a fee).

At lunch, there is always a good selection of build-your-own salads, cold meats, a carving station and a choice of hot meat, fish and vegetables. You'll also notice a few Greek options.

Dinner is almost always held in the Leda area of the buffet, and features a cycle of theme dinner buffet such as Pan Asian, Middle East, Seafood, French, and Tex Mex.

Seating can be found inside the buffet (both the Leda and Aura sides), though most people tend to head out to the adjacent pool deck, where there is a plethora of seating -- both in the sun and shade -- and also to the aft of the ship, where you'll find more seats -- but no shade.

Chef's Corner (Deck 9): Though not an official venue, this pop-up station next to the pool, is where passengers can get made-to-order eggs (including omelets) and other breakfast items like French toast and pancakes. At lunchtime you'll also find a daily rotation of, burger, make our own sandwich, French crepe, Asian wok, tacos, paninis. Once a cruise towards the end there is also a BBQ in the evening here, which is great fun -- mountains of food, music and a lovely atmosphere.

Afternoon Tea (Deck 9): Afternoon tea is served 4 to 5 p.m., in the buffet, but don't expect white-gloved waiter service. This is more of a help-yourself affair, with a buffet selection of calorific cakes and biscuits, as well as container-dispensed tea and coffee.

Fee Dining

Specialty Restaurant (Deck 8); 60 euros per person:  This intimate venue (just 12 covers) outside Amalthia, is the showcase for two dining experiences -- the Greek Table Experience and the Mediterranean Experience. The former comes from the Diane Kochilas, the host, creator and co-producer of My Greek Table, which airs on PBS in the US and Australia, now in its fourth series. The six-course tasting menu features many local ingredients and dishes from the islands Celestyal visits and is paired with local wines.

The meal starts with various homemade dips including syros maintanosalata (made with pesto, capers and herbs), roasted tomato kopanisti and smoked eggplant caviar; the first course includes octopus carpaccio,in a lovely ouzo vinaigrette dressing followed by Aegean fisherman's soup, which is light and tasty. Other dishes include lobster escalope with ouzo-flavored rice, which is delicious; zucchini and a meat main of beef lion, followed by arugula. Try and leave space for dessert -- the Floating Greek Island has to be seen to be believed.

The Mediterranean Experience takes from across the Mediterranean region and includes some lovely dishes such as mushroom soup served in a scooped out sourdough loaf! There are a huge number of antipasti dishes to choose from, such as smoked salmon, jamon, cheese, zucchini and peppers. Beef loin the surf and turf is the main event, which is grilled and tastes delicious; and dessert includes Mediterranean favourites such as Crêpe Suzette stuffed with Anaris cheese, ice cream profiteroles, chocolate tahini lava cake and a must try: crème brûlée cheesecake.

The service is exceptional -- attentive, knowledeable and personal -- and both experiences come in at around two hours, so we advise you not to book too late -- and it's probably wise not to eat too much at lunch either, as you'll be rolling out of here at the end. You can also hire the whole room if you are a group.

Room Service: 15.95 euros or a la carte: There is a charge of 15.95 euros per person for an English breakfast; or you can order individual items a la carte, starting from 2.95 euros for a croissant. Pizza, paninis and hamburgers start at 5.95 euros. Pizza comes with a beer or a soft drink. The same "Kwik & Easy" menu operates in all the bars onboard, if you fancy a snack.