Crystal Serenity to Mediterranean

For many years, Crystal Serenity has been one of the top rated cruise ships afloat anywhere, and it is easy to see why everywhere on board. From the two storey Crystal Lobby, where passengers embark to be served champagne as a nearby waterfall tumbles gently, to the freshly made Bellini's served on deck to celebrate departure from Venice, this ship goes above and beyond. The word 'average' does not apply anywhere on board this ship.

At just 68,000 tons and with a capacity of 1100 passengers, Crystal Serenity has space and grace in equal measure. She is all inclusive, with the marvellous main dining room available in the evenings on either of two, fixed sittings, or on a come-as-you-please basis. Either way, the cuisine- and the service that complements it- is flawless.

There are several speciality restaurants- notably the Italian accented Prego and the famous Silk Road- that must be booked on board, but incur no extra charge, though reservations may be hard to get on certain nights. It is safe to say that it is worth sailing on Crystal Serenity simply for the food and service alone.

Nicest of all in many ways is Tastes, an upper deck venue, complete with a living wall of plants, and even a fake tree festooned with fairy lights. Imagine feasting on saffron accented lamb skewers under a sky full of stars- the glass roof actually retracts in good weather to let you do just that.

Passengers in the suites and penthouse suites can actually 'order in' from any of the restaurants during normal hours, as well as from a large, in suite menu available 24/7. Every room on Crystal Serenity is outside, and most have private balconies. Even the smallest outside rooms come in at well over 200 square feet.

With stellar entertainment and arguably the best on board enrichment programme at sea, Crystal Serenity is a ship so stunningly luxurious and agreeable that you could enjoy an entire cruise on her and never set foot ashore at all. Yes, she really is that good.