ITTN’s Shane Cullen is onboard Crystal Cruises with Danny Giles (Sales Manager – North UK, Scotland, NI & Ireland) and members of the Irish travel trade onboard. Over 35 agents from Ireland & the UK are onboard Crystal Serenity. The group enjoyed a 3-night ultra luxury sailing from Barcelona porting at Marseille and Sète in the South of France.
Crystal Cruises has two newly renovated, spacious ships with expansive suites, exceptional dining and an almost 1:1 staff member to guest ratio. The group is onboard Crystal Serenity, which has a capacity of just 740 guests (was 1,100 guests, & this reduction gives plenty more space for guests onboard). The trip includes dining in the award-winning UMI UMA restaurant created by legendary Master Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa (who you might recognise from his regular appearances on Masterchef Australia).
Dining Onboard Crystal Cruises
Crystal’s award-winning cuisine is created and influenced by pioneers in the global food scene, with nine places to dine onboard. Open seating with extensive dining options means guests choose exactly what they want at a time that works for them whether that be a late breakfast, a six-course wine pairing lunch, or dinner in their exclusive Osteria d’Ovidio or Umi Uma.
Umi Uma by Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa – An Experience in Itself
Umi Uma – this is an innovative Japanese-Peruvian restaurant inspired by the rich culture of Japanese cuisine and Peruvian ingredients. It is one of Crystal’s award-winning, specialty dining offerings in an elegantly modern setting where dishes are inspired by the exotic array and traditions of the Orient and created by legendary Master Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa. Guests can dine on signature entrees such as Nobu-Style Black Cod, Grilled Chilean Sea Bass, Wagyu Beef Filet Steak, and some of the freshest sushi available at the Sushi Bar.
The group was welcomed with a glass of Saki, followed by the authentic Japanese beer, Asahi or paired wine.
Guests can enjoy one complimentary reservation per person, per cruise, for sailings of 11 days or less. For sailings of more than 11 days, two complimentary reservations will be included. Additional reservations may be confirmed when onboard for a nominal charge, subject to availability. Reservations are required to dine at Umi Uma.
This is the epitome of the Crystal Cruises’ ultra-luxury offering and certainly fits with their “Exceptional at Sea” concept. Our table opted for a selection of the dishes recommended by the chefs.
Beefbar – Beef, Reef & Leaf
Beefbar boasts exciting flavours from the global street-food scene, covering “Beef, Reef and Leaf” for lunch and dinner. Guests can go as many times as they like, just remember to reserve ahead of time. This was one of my favourite spots onboard Crystal Serenity. The lunch menu was equally as good as the dinner menu, just with smaller portions. The atmosphere is relaxed and the views are spectacular. With seven in the group, the staff brought a selection of Street Food & Comfort Food recommended by the chefs.
The Tacos, Bao Buns and Mini Smashed Burgers came to share and were packed with vibrancy and flavour. Any would satisfy as an option with my favourite, the Tacos, packed with Angus Beef, avocado, Kobe Beef butter and habanero.
For mains, I went with my usual (a great way to compare food across the industry) – Rib-eye steak. This was a Wagyu Beef from Australia with Parmesan Fries and Paradise pepper sauce – it was delicious and incredibly tender. The menu title “comfort food” doesn’t do it justice, as this is as high-end as it gets.
The Bistro – Parisian-inspired café
The Bistro – Parisian-inspired café and coffee bar with light snacks such as fresh pastries, bagels and fruit in the morning and a selection of international cheeses, pâtés, prosciutto, smoked salmon and dessert delicacies through late afternoon. For a quick but delicious breakfast, I loved this place. To combat the (faultless) decadent dinners, I opted for a croissant with smoked salmon and a fruit salad.
Trident Grill – this restaurant features favourite classics such as burgers, melts, salads and quick snacks for an indulgent snack. Order the food from the grill and they will deliver it to your table.
Scoops Ice Cream Bar – this is a sumptuous ice cream bar featuring fresh toppings and homemade cookies, with frozen yoghurt & classics from Ben & Jerry’s. A scoop of salted caramel was heavenly.
Marketplace – this is buffet-style dining and open seating. There are floor-to-ceiling windows and a chic al fresco dining area. This venue offers breakfast and lunch with a variety of choices from appetisers to desserts. Itinerary-driven food selections keep the menu fresh, while carving stations and individual a la minute cooking add a dynamic element. This was a very popular breakfast venue for all the guests and comes highly recommended.
Main Dining Onboard Crystal Cruises – Waterside Restaurant
Waterside Restaurant – this is the main dining room just off the main atrium. It features spacious open seating with tables for 2 and 4 guests. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No reservations are required. Cleverly, there are two menus, a classic menu and a more adventurous menu. Even better, you can mix and match. This is dining as you like it.
| Courses at Waterside Restaurant | Contemporary Cuisine | Crystal Classics |
| Appetizer | Charred Wagyu Beef Crudo or Roasted Baby Beets* | Seafood Cocktail or Traditional Caesar Salad |
| Soup | Beef Consomme “Dubarry” with Cauliflower Flan & Rye Berreis | Cream of Selected Italian Mushrooms & Oregano Bread Bowl* |
| Pasta Speciality | Fresh Penne “Puttanesca” with Anchovies, Capers, Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, Chili Flakes & Parsley | |
| Main Course | Fresh Atlantic Salmon Fillet with Red Skin Potatoes, Sautéed Spinach & Chive Sauce; Grilled Black Angus Filet Steak “Diane” with Sautéed Mushrooms, Armagnac Flavoured Green Peppercorn Sauce, Broccoli & Berni Potatoes; or Homemade Potato Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream, Mushrooms, Zucchini & Red Onion Confit | Fresh Atlantic Salmon Fillet with Red Skin Potatoes, Sautéed Spinach & Chive Sauce; Grilled Black Angus Filet Steak “Diane” with Sautéed Mushrooms, Armagnac Flavored Green Peppercorn Sauce, Broccoli & Berni Potatoes; or Homemade Potato Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream, Mushrooms, Zucchini & Red Onion Confit |
| Traditional Main Fare | Grilled Pork Medallions with Cider Stilton Sauce, Brussels Sprouts & Shallot Mashed Potatoes* or Braised Lamb Shank with Beluga Lentil & Vegetable Stew | |
| Salad Entrée | Grilled Black Angus Filet Mignon Caprese with Assorted Greens, Creamy Pesto Dressing, Sliced Tomatoes, Buffalo Mozzarella, Olives & Fried Onion Rings | |
| Dessert | Passionfruit Champagne Sorbet; “Beehiave” Honey Custard, Fig, Meringue & Greek Yoghurt; or Coconut Chocolate Trifle with Coconut Panna Cotta, Dark Sponge & Chocolate Cremeux |
There was a cheese course, a selection of side dishes and the option to upgrade the all-inclusive wine selection.
I have highlighted the courses I selected with an asterisk. Every dish was beautifully crafted and tasted as good as it looked. I loved the concept of something different, but still being able to pick the classics. For main dining, this was a truly exceptional feast (come very hungry).
Osteria D’Ovidio – Fine Italian cuisine, featuring original menus and dishes created by talented Crystal chefs. Reservations are required and are limited per sailing.
The Vintage Room offers guided pairings and dinners highlighting the vast selection of wines in the ship’s onboard cellar. This intimate, innovative concept offers guests an education in fine wine and cuisine, allowing them to gain privileged insights into the art of enology. In addition to daytime tastings and discussions, guests may enjoy a variety of private wine-themed lunches and dinners by special arrangement with the Head Sommelier. Reservations are required. Check out the sample menu here.
24 Hours In-Suite Dining
Guests can also dine in the comfort of their suite, 24 hours a day. They can savour the extensive selection of delicious dishes from Waterside’s menu. Guests staying in the Crystal Penthouse can also enjoy in-suite dining from the specialty restaurants, during opening hours. Service includes afternoon snacks with canapées delivered daily. For an additional charge and extra-special treat, there is the Crystal Cruises’ Connoisseur Caviar Menu.
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