Comparing Azamara and Crystal Cruises
I have had the opportunity to sail many times on three of the four Azamara ships and both of the Crystal ships since 2022. There are many similarities between the two ships and cruise lines, but there are also a few differences between the two.
During five Azamara Cruises (on Journey, Pursuit, and Quest) and three Crystal Cruises (on Serenity and Symphony), I have found many similarities and a few differences. Let’s focus on a few key areas to dig deeper into the comparisons.
Comparing Azamara and Crystal
Azamara and Crystal are similar. While there are a few small differences between the two, both are wonderful cruise lines that offer amazing cruise experiences. The size, layout, and available amenities on each ship is very similar. Both also have wonderful, helpful, and personable crew. Overall, I truly enjoy sailing on either ship. I am hard-pressed to choose one over the other!
Ship Size and Layout
Azamara and Crystal ships are similar in size and layout. The ships throughout each fleet are almost identical, with a few small differences here and there. So, let’s look at the stats for Azamara Pursuit and Crystal Symphony as an example:
- Symphony is a bit larger than Pursuit (GT: 51,000 on Symphony vs. 30,000 on Pursuit, and Length: 781 feet on Symphony vs. 592 feet on Pursuit)
- But Symphony actually has a smaller capacity (max passengers: 606 on Symphony vs. 777 on Pursuit), so there is more overall space per passenger on Symphony than Pursuit.
- Symphony has more total crew than Pursuit (crew: 545 on Symphony vs. 380 on Pursuit), so the crew-to-guest ratio on Symphony is higher as well.
The general layout of both ships is very similar as well:
- Both have twelve decks, with an open top deck and the pool deck just below.
- There are a few public spaces on the pool deck as well, including some dining, lounge, spa, and recreation areas.
- The main dining and lounge areas are typically mid-ship, on decks 5 and 6 on both ships.
- Passenger cabins and suites are sprinkled from decks 5 through 10 on both ships as well.
Ship Amenities
Another key similarity between Azamara and Crystal is in the amenities that are offered on each ship. Both have the same key options readily available on all ships:
- Reception
- Concierge
- Shore excursions
- Future sales
- Photo shop
- Shopping
- Spa
- Fitness center
- Pool
- Hot tubs
- Medical Center
Entertainment
For entertainment, Azamara and Crystal are very similar as well. Each ship has a main lounge where nightly shows are held. There is also a library and a computer lab on each ship, along with gathering areas large and small throughout the ships.
Dining
Dining venues are also very similar on Azamara and Crystal:
- There is a large main dining room serving seated meals on each ship.
- There is also a more casual buffet-style restaurant available on each ship. The buffet on Azamara ships is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, whereas the buffet on Crystal ships is only open for breakfast and lunch.
- Each ship also offers a small cafe with assorted teas, coffees, soft drinks, and light snacks available throughout the day.
- A pool-side grill and an ice cream counter are also available on each ship.
- Both Azamara and Crystal offer complementary in-room dining options as well.
Azamara and Crystal are also similar in their specialty dining options. For non-suite passengers, Azamara’s specialty dining rooms are an extra charge for each, whereas Crystal’s are included once each per passenger per sailing.
- Azamara ships have two specialty dining rooms:
- Aqualina (Italian)
- Prime C (steak)
- Crystal ships have three specialty dining rooms:
- Osteria D’Ovidio (Italian)
- Umi Uma (Asian Peruvian fusion)
- Beefbar (their inventive menu includes “beef,” “reef,” and “leaf” sections!)
Both Azamara and Crystal also offer an additional specialty dining experience:
- Azamara offers a Chef’s Table several nights during each cruise, that can be booked for an extra charge
- Crystal has a Vintage Room with a multi-course food and wine pairing lunch and dinner, each typically offered only one time per cruise, for an extra charge
Excursions
Excursions on both Azamara and Crystal are also very similar. Both lines charge extra for excursions (none are included in the base fare), but onboard credit (OBC) can be used to pay for excursions on both Azamara and Crystal.
- Both offer a decent variety of choices at most ports on the cruise, from traditional bus and/or walking tours of highlights of the main port area to more active hands-on adventures.
- I found all excursions I did on both ships to be very good.
- The itineraries were good, the tour guides were wonderful, and I thoroughly enjoyed each one.
The process to book excursions is similar as well, but the payment process is a bit different. Excursions can be pre-booked online before each cruise on both Azamara and Crystal. There is also a shore excursions desk on each ship where you can book or modify excursions once on the ship.
- On Azamara, excursions are paid for at the time of booking, and can be modified, added, or canceled online up to 48 hours before embarkation.
- On Crystal, excursions are also booked online ahead of time, but they are not actually charged until you are on the ship (they become part of your onboard folio of charges and are paid with the credit card on file near the end of the cruise).
What I Love About Azamara
- White Night: One of the main differences between Azamara and Crystal is the White Night party. While both offer this, Azamara’s is pretty amazing! Crystal’s White Night party is held inside in the main atrium area in the late evening one night of the cruise. There are a few festive decorations, and the band entertains everyone on the dance floor. However, Azamara’s White Night is very lavish, with a massive dinner buffet, a wonderful parade of all of the crew members (so passengers can hoot and holler and show our appreciation for all of their hard work!), and live entertainment throughout the evening.
- AzAmazing Evening: Another edge for Azamara is the AzAmazing Evening. This is a special event once per cruise, and it is included for everyone on the ship. The event often takes place off of the ship, and typically includes some sort of entertainment along with beverages and snacks. Each AzAmazing Evening is tailored to highlight a local specialty in a specific location where the ship is scheduled to stay in port late (or overnight).
- Staterooms: Azamara has interior cabins available, along with ocean view and veranda staterooms. On Crystal, there are no interior cabins available. Interior cabins are the lowest fares available and are usually the most affordable option, especially for a solo traveler. Azamara no longer offers “solo fare deals,” which means that a single supplement is charged when booking as a solo traveler. However, Azamara often has some really good deals in general, and these deals can make the solo options more manageable as well.
- Deals: Azamara often offers deals that include onboard credit (OBC). Some of these deals can include quite a bit of OBC (for example, my cruise on Azamara in Spain, April 2024, included $1000 OBC!). The great thing is that OBC can be used for anything onboard, including excursions…the only thing you cannot use OBC for is to book your next cruise. So, while Azamara does charge extra for things that Crystal does not (further info on that below), having a decent amount of OBC is a great way to offset some of these charges along the way.
What I Love About Crystal
- Included Items: Crystal includes a lot of items in the overall price of the cruise, instead of charging extra for them. Things like butler service, unlimited standard Wi-Fi, wine and spirits (fine wines and premium spirits are extra), and one dinner at each specialty restaurant (Osteria D’Ovidio, Umi Uma, and Beefbar) are included on Crystal regardless of which type of cabin you are in.
- Self-Service Laundry: Another thing I love about Crystal is the availability of complimentary self-serve laundry facilities throughout the ship. While Azamara also offers these facilities, there is only one laundry room available for the entire ship. On Crystal, there is a laundry room on each deck with guest rooms, so it is far easier to find an available washer and dryer when needed.
- Things To Do: Crystal also has a few other entertainment options that Azamara does not have. My favorite of these is the Hollywood Theatre, which shows recently released movies twice per day throughout the cruise – including complimentary popcorn! A few other options available on Crystal include a golf driving range, a tennis/pickleball court, Jade Nightclub, Waves and Fantasia (two areas for kids and teens), and a Connoisseur Club (offering fine wines, premium spirits, and cigars).
- Solo Guest Rooms: Finally, as a solo traveler, I love that Crystal offers dedicated single guest rooms. These are the same ocean view cabins offered as standard double-occupancy cabins (215 square feet), but they are only available to book by solo travelers. The fares on these single guest rooms are only a few hundred dollars more than the double-occupancy per-person fare. So that dreaded single supplement fee (which can range from an additional 10% up to the full 100% of the rate!) is much more manageable here.
Common Questions
Is it easy to get around the ships?
Yes, since both Azamara and Crystal ships are relatively small, they are all very easy to navigate. All of their ships are well-laid out, and there is ample signage throughout the ships to help locate things.
Are the cabins quiet?
I have found every cabin I have had on both Azamara and Crystal to be very quiet and comfortable. I have never experienced any issues with loud noises, either from people or from venues above or below a cabin.
Are the amenities included?
It depends on the type of amenity. Things like reception, concierge, shore excursions, and future sales desks are free of charge for everyone. Likewise, any passenger can use the pools, hot tubs, and fitness centers on the ships. Some amenities that are cost extra include the spa, the photo center, and the medical center.
What sort of entertainment is available, and does it cost extra?
Both Azamara and Crystal offer nightly shows in their main entertainment venues (the Cabaret Lounge on Azamara, the Galaxy Lounge or the Stardust Club on Crystal). These shows typically last 30 to 45 minutes and feature some or all of the singers and dancers on the ship. There may also be guest performers on the cruise, and these may include singers, musicians, magicians, comedians, etc. The smaller entertainment venues on Crystal, such as the Avenue Saloon, Pulse Nightclub, or the Crystal Cove, will also offer a variety of entertainment at different times throughout the cruise. All of the entertainment on both Azamara and Crystal ships is free of charge.
Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, both Azamara and Crystal pay close attention to any dietary restrictions their passengers may have. Both clearly label items on the menus and in the buffets with known allergies. Passengers are also encouraged to indicate any dietary restrictions on the guest forms that are available on the websites prior to sailing. Also, guests may speak with the maitre ‘d or the dining staff once onboard to discuss any restrictions.
How many dedicated single guest rooms are on Crystal Ships?
Crystal Symphony has 18 dedicated single guest rooms, and Crystal Serenity has 14. On both ships, the dedicated single guest rooms are located on Deck 7, forward.
Even More Travel Ideas
Top 5 Tips to Make Travel a Pleasure
