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Regal Cruise Line

MS Regal Empress

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Ray Mercer
# previous cruises: 5
Date of Trip: December 12, 1997
Itinerary: Transcanal

This cruise from Acapulco to Ft. Lauderdale was our 2nd with Crystal. The 1st was on the Harmony to Alaska. This Canal cruise was one of their 2 for 1 packages, and was very reasonable. On board the ship, the experience was superb. However, if you have to deal with the "land-based" side of Crystal, beware; they have not mastered the concept of customer service. They are unresponsive to customer concerns. My travel agent was even frustrated. If I could "E-ticket" a Crystal Cruise, I would do it in a heartbeat.

The public areas of the Symphony are gorgeous. Since it only carries 960 passengers, there are never crowds, and there is always a nice overstuffed leather chair in a quiet corner to relax or read. While not a no smoking casino, the scent of cigarette smoke was hardly noticeable.

The food in main dining room was excellent. Unfortunately, our waiter and assistant waiter did not provide the level of service that we received on the Harmony. We tried both special restaurants (Prego and Kyoto). The Italian cuisine at Prego was the best; we went a second night. Room service was also excellent. Our butler arranged the most beautiful cocktail party for us; we hated to eat it.

Because of the pricing for the cruise, we stayed in a Penthouse (PH)Cabin. This is the least expensive cabin on the Penthouse Deck. It was worth it. On the Harmony, we stayed in a Category A cabin. We could actually live in the PH cabin. It was probably one of the most beautiful rooms in which I have ever stayed. The bathroom was spacious with a separate shower. The walk-in closet had more than ample storage space. If my budget permits, I would do it again.

We went to all the shows. They were excellent. The specialty acts were even better.

Our itinerary was from Acapulco to Guatemala (took a side trip to the ruins at Tikal), through the Panama Canal, to the Grand Caymans (took a side trip to swim with, and feed the sting rays .... GREAT!), Cozumel (a tourist trap), and finished in Ft. Lauderdale. The Excursions Director was the same gentleman as on the Harmony. He helped us pick our side trips. He did an excellent job in Alaska, and did an excellent job on this cruise as well. Ask their advice, they do know the best trips. The health club was modern and complete.

My wife an I are in our mid-40's. The median age on board the ship is 55+. We traveled with the same couple who were our table mates on our Alaska cruise. They are 65+. This is not a party ship; that is why we loved it.