News & Expert Advice

Luxury Cruises for Gay Travelers: Crystal Cruises Review

Crystal Cruises luxury balcony staterooms are popular with gay passengers

We gays love quality, style, and pampering—Crystal Cruise Line offers all of this and more.

I am always surprised how many of my friends and clients have not heard of or know very little about the amazing Crystal Cruises.

Crystal Cruises is the highest rated line by Conde Nast Traveler readers for 15 years, the same for Travel & Leisure for 14 years. Crystal actually is the only travel company or hospitality company to rate so high in the history of Conde Nast ratings! We gays love quality, style, and pampering-this cruise line offers all of this and more.

The ship I am on is Crystal Symphony. She is the #2 rated ship in the world, according to Conde Nast readers, and just a fraction behind her leading newer sister Crystal Serenity.

This 15-year-old ship is old by cruise ship standards, however, she has undergone repeated refurbishments, upgrades, and has had $50 million in overhauls over the last three years. Honestly, I can promise you there is no other aging ship out there that looks this good. This ship is spotless. The attention to cleanliness, detail, and passenger comfort is amazing. Does she look perfect? No. There seems to be a hodge podge of décor in some places but overall, she is pretty amazing. A decorator might raise his eyebrow in a few place but we all know that style is personal.

People ask what makes this company unique, my answer is simple: The attention to detail and service are remarkable. The staff are incredibly friendly, amazing, eager to learn your name, and the experience very special…

This is so far different from any contemporary or premium cruise product that they don’t even exist in the same universe. That is not a snobbish comment but one that exudes what luxury is. Attention to detail, extensive onboard programming that exceeds expectation, service extraordinaire, and a large ship (50,000 tons) that carries a maximum of 900 passengers. There is one crew member here for every two guests! The current industry average is 1 crew for every 3-4 guests… This 7-day sailing from Dover, UK, consists of a wide age group. There are many younger couples with children,  gay couples, middle aged, and elderly clients. The average age is likely mid 50’s. It is a well traveled group and one that seeks the finer experiences in life…

Sometimes I struggle to explain the value proposition of true luxury cruising such as Crystal provides. Luxury is cherished by those who want and can afford the best. To me the difference is clear. I suppose the same goes for the 50% of guests who repeat frequently with this cruise line and also seek the best experiences when they travel. It is spoiling to have a very personalized cruise where you are not “nickeled and dimed” along the way, where you can enjoy truly superb food, service, and entertainment. It is a pleasure.

For you cruisers who feel cruising has become mediocre in the premium category and the value proposition has been compromised for a list of personal reasons, come try this line. I seriously doubt you will be sorry and will likely be a fan as I have for the last 20 years this company has been in business.