Frequently Asked Cruise Questions
+ Crystal Cruises
The ambiance aboard our ships is one of relaxed sophistication, and our suggested dress codes fall into that realm as well. You'll want to pack a balance of resort wear, elegant evening attire and comfortable clothes for adventures ashore. Of course, tipping is a personal matter, but we have found that our guests appreciate some guidelines, so we have provided them here. You'll also find details on our smoking policy, as well as information on electrical outlets and appliances. Dress Code
Throughout the day, our guests wear a mix of active resort wear. Dining room attire is casual during the day; however, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups/robes and baseball hats are not appropriate. If you do not wish to change for a meal in the afternoon or evening, alfresco dining on deck is available on select evenings.
For days in port, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes. Check with your travel agent for special items you might want to pack for your destination and the time of year you are traveling.
There are bathrobes and slippers in each stateroom for your use during the cruise. Other amenities include a clothes brush, shoe horn, hair dryer, soap, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, sewing kit and umbrella.
Dress Codes Defined
Each evening on a Crystal cruise has a specific dress code for dining areas that also applies to all public areas of the ship after 6 pm (except for alfresco dining on deck when available). If you choose to change your attire following the evening dinner and other festivities, please maintain a minimum style of dress in keeping with the dress code for Casual Evening Attire (described in detail below). Guests find that the occasional formal nights create a special atmosphere in contrast to the other more informal or casual nights on board.
The three codes of attire are formal, informal and casual. Typically, 10- to 14-day cruises have three formal nights. The number of informal nights is usually based on the number of days at sea, and casual nights are based on days in port or the time of departure. For your convenience, your cruise ticket lists the number of specific dress code evenings during your stay on board.
Formal Evening AttireFormal attire is evening dresses and gowns of fashionable length for ladies, and a tuxedo, dinner jacket or dark suit and tie for gentlemen. Jeans, shorts, casual slacks, sport shirts, and caps or baseball hats are not permitted in the dining room or our specialty restaurants after 6 pm.
Informal Evening AttireInformal attire is appropriate for most evenings on board. For ladies, this is evening cocktail dresses or pantsuits. Gentlemen wear suits or sport coats and slacks; ties are optional. Jeans, shorts, sport shirts, and caps or baseball hats are not permitted in the dining room or our specialty restaurants after 6 pm.
Casual Evening AttireOn casual evenings, a more relaxed attire is accepted, such as casual dresses and pantsuits for ladies, and sport shirts and slacks for gentlemen. Ties and jackets are not required. Shorts and baseball caps are not permitted after 6pm. Casual daytime attire is not considered acceptable attire after 6 pm.
Electrical Appliances
Both 110-volt (American current) and 220-volt (European current) outlets are provided in your stateroom. Two hair dryers are provided in each stateroom. If you have any questions about compatibility of appliances, please ask your stewardess.
Luggage
We recommend that you do not lock your luggage due to the Transportation Security Administration's policy of screening all baggage. However, please be sure to lock your luggage using TSA-approved locks when in transit between airport and ship. Ship and airline safety requirements prohibit the transportation of dangerous goods such as explosives, weapons, ammunition, mace, pepper-spray, hazardous material, martial arts devices, swords or similar items that may be considered a security risk. As domestic luggage allowances may have changed since you last traveled, we recommend that you get the details on locks, and checked and carry-on luggage from your airline or travel agent.
Luggage ConciergeYou may wish to use the services of the luggage delivery company, Luggage Concierge™. You can travel luggage-free by registering online at www.luggageconcierge.com/crystalcruises, and your luggage (including golf clubs or similar oversize items) will be picked up at your home and delivered directly to the ship. Plus, receive a discount when you mention code "Crystal Cruises."
Smoking Policy
At Crystal Cruises, we recognize that some of our guests smoke and others do not. Therefore, the living environment on our ships is designed to satisfy everyone. Most areas of the ships are non-smoking. There are designated smoking and non-smoking tables in most bars and lounges (except The Bistro, inside the Lido Café, Palm Court, Stardust, the Crystal Dining Room, Prego, Silk Road and The Sushi Bar restaurants, and the Galaxy Lounge, which are entirely smoke-free). Pipes and cigars are permitted only in the Connoisseur Club, and on the "open decks," except all areas of Lido Deck (deck 11 on Crystal Symphony, and deck 12 on Crystal Serenity). Pipes and cigars may not be smoked in guest Penthouses, staterooms, on verandahs or in corridors. Crystal Cruises kindly asks its guests to observe the non-smoking areas, which have been created for the comfort and enjoyment of everyone on board.
Please note: Smoking is no longer allowed in Starlite Club (aboard Crystal Symphony) or on verandahs of all staterooms and suites aboard both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. Beginning in 2013, Avenue Saloon and the Casino will be no smoking areas. Smoking is permitted in select public areas, as designated above.
Gratuities
With Crystal's all-inclusive cruising, complimentary gratuities for housekeeping (butler, stateroom stewardess and assistant stewardess), bar and dining staff (including specialty restaurants) are included.
If you would like to present gratuities for other service personnel, please do so at your discretion, or if you have any questions regarding gratuities, please contact the Reception Desk on board.
We suggest a 15% gratuity for Crystal Spa & Salon services, which may be added to your bill and charged to your shipboard account.
