Sailing with Crystal Cruises for the first time later this month, we’re scouring their website; defining the expectation set for guests of the ultra luxury cruise line.  Whitney and I will be aboard Crystal Serenity September 19 for a 10-night sailing from Boston to Quebec City themed Autumn’s Palette.  The itinerary has us overnighting in Boston before sailing to Bar Harbor Maine then on to Canada’s Saint John, New Brunswick followed by Halifax, Nova Scotia then a full day sailing the Cabot Strait. We’ll stop in the Magdalen Islands then continue to Havre-Saint-Pierre and Baie Comeau before ending with an overnight stay in Quebec City.  Throughout the voyage, our home away from home will be a Penthouse that includes butler service, a private verandah, living room, Jacuzzi bathtub with separate shower and more.  Let’s start right there, defining the expectation set by Crystal Cruises for our sailing enjoyment.

“At Crystal Cruises, we are motivated by a single goal: to provide you with the finest experience not only in cruising but in all of luxury travel”- Crystal Cruises Website

At a generous 403 square feet, our Penthouse is not the largest on the ship by a long shot.  Higher categories come in at 536 and 1,345 square feet respectively.  Still,  the bullet-point list of features is impressive.  We’ll get to that in a minute. First, let’s touch on the inclusive experience promised by Crystal to each and every guest.

• Complimentary fine wines, premium spirits, open bar service, all non-alcoholic beverages including bottled water, specialty coffee drinks, soft drinks, fresh juices and Afternoon Tea service in the elegant Palm Court
• Gratuities for housekeeping, bar, dining and butler staff.
• Complimentary evening of specialty restaurant dining in Prego and at least once in Nobu Matsuhisa‘s Silk Road or The Sushi Bar
• Early Embarkation Luncheon and Welcome Champagne
• 24-hour room service
• The Bistro, a European-style sidewalk café, now with extended hours into the late evening
• Innovative Modern Cuisine as well as Global Inspired specialty menus

Also included, a variety of Enrichment & Entertainment options that all passengers may take advantage of

• Computer University@Sea® classes with software instruction as well as a Technology Concierge with “how to” tips on latest high-tech gadgets and apps
• Digital USC School of Cinematic Arts Digital Filmmaking classes
• Productions shows including Rocket Man!: a tribute to Elton John, the high-energy, rhythmic6/8 Café, plus pianhttp://www.chriscruises.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=45882&action=edit&message=10o bars and chic nightclubs
• Magic Castle® at Sea offering intimate up-close performances and educational classes
• Recent-release films in spacious surround-sound Hollywood Theatre
• Concierge services for personal arrangements ashore

On the fitness front, I’m excited about the wraparound teak Promenade Deck for uninterrupted walks, jogs and sweeping ocean views.  While a gym with state-of-the art fitness equipment is available, after two back to back river cruises, I am more interested in getting off the ship and engaging the places we will visit, many of which have new Crystal Boutique Adventures available, which we have written about here previously.

In Penthouse accommodations, we also have the services of a butler to unpack us upon arrival and pack us before departure.  We will be graciously attended to by our Penthouse Attendant also, where Crystal promises “our every conceivable need is fulfilled with expert care.” Amenities include plush down comforters, 100% Egyptian cotton linens, wireless in-room Internet access, Frette robes, Aveda bath amenities, 24-hour complimentary in-room dining service, twice-daily housekeeping including nightly turndown service, and more.  You see, Penthouse accommodations offer an expanded roster of services and amenities.