Cruise The Baltics in Style With Crystal Serenity / By Michael Edwards / Publisher LLM Reporters

Never has a ship been more aptly named. After a $150 million refit in 2023, this warm ship with a soul, is probably more spacious than any other ship sailing the high seas. Undoubtedly serene.

With a maximum capacity of a mere 740 passengers, the Crystal Cruises ship feels more like a friendly boutique hotel. Finding a quiet corner for afternoon tea or a cocktail, both covered by the all-inclusive package, is never a problem. Even with a full 740 on board, there is a ratio of 1.33 staff to each passenger, making for warm, sociable and superlative service.

In the ship’s lingo, guests and crew have been ‘crystallised’. Some of the staff have served for 35 years since the Serenity’s maiden voyage and many guests are regular returnees.

One couple on board, for this eight-night voyage from Copenhagen to Stockholm, are on their 135th Crystal voyage. Quiet, discreet and sophisticated luxury explains the guests’ loyalty.

As well as a geographical voyage taking in Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, Visby, Riga, Warnemünde and Copenhagen, beyond the nautical miles, it’s a voyage of intellectual and self discovery, with enthralling guest speakers and hands on workshops. At the Aurora Spa there’s more education and information through consultations and presentations on anti-ageing, managing metabolism, posture and wellness.

The suite

The spacious sapphire veranda suite comprises a bedroom, bathroom, lounge and dining area

Before the refit, our sapphire veranda suite had been two cabins. Essentially, one cabin has been transformed into a lounge, dining area and walk-in wardrobe. The other is a spacious bedroom and bathroom, so large that it can be entered from both bedroom and lounge.

One of the cruise’s countless highlights was an hour sat on our balcony cruising through some of the 30,000 islands of the Stockholm archipelago, with canapés delivered by our butler, and wine from an exceptionally large refrigerated mini-bar.

It was easy to imagine that ABBA’s Benny and Bjorn could once have inhabited one of the simple log cabins, sometimes the only house on a small island, Swedish flag flying, as they worked on the harmonies of another number one single.

Food and drink

Umi Uma serves a menu featuring a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours

On a cruise that included eight evening meals, we were permitted three visits to the speciality restaurants that had to be booked with the maître d’ of speciality restaurants. Wherever you dine, the house wine options are superb.

Osteria d’Ovido is a sophisticated fine dining restaurant, with a new menu from Massimilano and Raffaele Alajmo bringing the flavours of Italy on board. Massimilano, the youngest ever chef to be awarded three Michelin stars uses passion, artistry and the finest ingredients for refined interpretations of Italian classic dishes.

On a ship that sails the world, is there any more appropriate restaurant than Umi Uma, chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours? Enthralled guests sit at the sushi bar to watch chefs slicing and creating with oriental precision. Such is the quality that in 2024 Umi Uma took the award of ‘Best Restaurant at sea’ in the F&B Sea Awards.

Beefbar, originally out of Monte Carlo, brings refined street food, from ‘Beef, Reef and Leaf’, to a chic Côte d’Azur setting. Guests have to have book for dinner but may walk-in for lunch.

For a la carte breakfast and dinner, plus lunch on port days, Waterside is the ship’s go to destination for most guests. With the menu changing every day, Waterside offers both contemporary and classic options. Plus, an ever-evolving selection from a cheese sommelier. The ultimate dream career for some guests.

For breakfast, coffee and pastries are available at the bistro from 6am. For guests preferring self-service to Waterside’s waiter service, Marketplace has an extensive buffet with some items cooked to order. Then for late risers there’s the Trident Grill.

Excursions

Excursions included a full day trip to Berlin, taking in the iconic Brandenburg Gate. Image credit: Bigstock/nopassin wongchum

Since A&K Travel took control of Crystal in 2023, the luxury travel brand have added more excursions and greater variety.

At most destinations, guests usually have the option to book a private driver and guide for a half or full day. In contrast, a free shuttle regularly ran to the city centre at every docking, excluding Warnemünde which was within walking distance.

For nature lovers there were Estonian Bog trails with musical interlude excursion, the Gotland Countryside Charm tour and a trip into Latvia’s Gauja National Park. From a huge range, guests follow their own interests by booking on art, culinary, walking or sightseeing tours.

The ultimate tour, from Warnemünde, is a full day trip to Berlin taking in the Brandenburg Gate, remnants of the infamous wall, lunch and Berlin Cathedral.

Entertainment

Evening entertainment includes shows in the Galaxy Theatre and Stardust Club

Come evening there are shows in the Galaxy Theatre and Stardust Club. On a formal evening of tuxedos and glittering dresses, the Stardust Club, with its intimate tables for four, hosts a nostalgic supper club. Guests enjoy easy listening music from yesteryear provided by a seven-piece band and singer, before taking to the floor to dance.

Recently opened, the elegant and sophisticated Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea is a collaboration with Monaco Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.

The adjoining Avenue Saloon serves the all-inclusive drinks.

In a nutshell

An uber luxurious Baltic exploration for discerning cruise connoisseurs. Though from the number of repeat Crystal cruisers on board, they would sail with Crystal for the world-class gastronomy, service and entertainment, whatever the itinerary. More than just a geographical voyage, Crystal provides a stimulating intellectual odyssey.

Factbox

Crystal Cruises’ global itinerary is continually developing, and the next comparable cruise will be a nine-night Southampton to Copenhagen cruise departing 27th July 2026 on Crystal Serenity.

Prices start from £4,500pp for a double guest room with ocean view and from £6,900pp for a sapphire veranda suite. Price includes all meals and drinks, Wi-Fi, port fees and gratuities.

Phone: 0808 178 3396
Website: crystalcruises.com