Crystal River Cruises

• What is your cruise fare policy?
  Your Crystal River Cruises Exclusive Fare represents luxury and value beyond compare.
  
  All cruise-only fares are in US dollars and are per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air, cruise taxes, fees and port charges, which vary by departure. Crystal River Cruises Fares include beverages including fine wines, champagne, premium spirits and all non-alcoholic beverages such as bottled water, soft drinks and specialty coffees; gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff; personal Butler service; airport transfers to and from the River Ship, choice of one of two complimentary shore excursions in each port, and complimentary Wi-Fi for the duration of your voyage. Guests booked with cruise-only fares may add Personal Select Air at an additional cost. The airsea program is available from Crystal River Cruises' designated gateway cities in the US and Canada, and includes all government fees, fuel surcharges and taxes. If you choose to arrange for air travel independently, complimentary airport transfers on days of embarkation and disembarkation will be provided.
  
  For UK & Eire residents only: All cruise-only fares are in UK pounds and include cruise taxes, fees and port charges. Optional air add-ons are available from designated cities in the UK. Crystal River Cruises All-Inclusive fares include beverages including fine wines, champagne, premium spirits and all nonalcoholic beverages such as bottled water, soft drinks and specialty coffees; gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff; personal Butler service; airport transfers to and from the River Ship, choice of one of two complimentary shore excursions in each port and complimentary Wi-Fi/Internet for the duration of your voyage.
• What are single room supplements?
  Depending on sailing and category booked, Solo Fares range from 130% to 200% of the applicable per person, double occupancy fare. Solo Traveler Fares (Single Supplements) are calculated before additional promotional savings. Solo Fares are capacity-controlled, subject to change and/or may be withdrawn at any time. Please contact your travel advisor for the most up-to-date Solo Traveler Fares.
• Are three people per suite allowed?

  Limited third berth accommodations are available, upon request, on all Crystal river ships. 
  
  Beginning in 2020, all four Rhine-class ships will accommodate both child or adult third berth guest via roll-away bed accommodation (size: 72" x 38.5"). All Rhine-class ships' two-bedroom Crystal Suite (category CS) can accommodate up to a maximum of five (5) guests: four (4) adults and one (1) child only. 
  
  Other restrictions may apply, call Crystal for more information.  

• Can I bring my children?
  Guests age 11 and under at the time of sailing must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older in the same suite. Parents can have two related children booked in the same suite provided one of them is at least 16 years of age and traveling in an adjacent room to parent/s or legal guardian/s. Infants 6-24 months of age who will be utilizing a crib may travel as a third berth in either a double or triple stateroom suite. Crystal reserves the right to restrict the number of guests less than 3 years of age aboard the ship. Third berth child rate will apply if accompanied by two-full fare adults.
  
  Crystal is unable to accommodate children less than 6 months of age. Children occupying a double suite will be charged the adult rate regardless of age.
• Can I save if I have a group?
  Special amenities will be available and vary depending on the river cruise; contact your travel advisor.
• Can I stay extra nights before and/or after my cruise?
  Crystal's Pre- and/or Post-cruise hotels and extended land programs are available for purchase on select voyages. Contact your travel advisor for the latest offerings or click the PRE & POST tab found in the voyage details page for more information.
  
  
• What is Crystal Society? Do Crystal Society Benefits apply to Crystal River Cruises?
  From the very moment you step aboard one of our award-winning ships, you become so much more than a guest – you become a privileged member of our Crystal Family^® with automatic membership to the Crystal Society^®. 
  
  Comprising an exclusive club of past guests who share your passion for world discovery, Crystal Society membership begins upon completion of your first full-fare cruise aboard Crystal Symphony, Crystal Serenity, Crystal Esprit, Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler or Crystal Ravel. 
  
  Privileges entitle you to members-only savings and offers such as suite upgrades, onboard spending credits, complimentary cruises, special events and receptions, and dedicated Crystal Society voyages designed to reunite guests with newfound friends (depending on ship). Please note, Crystal Society redemption varies depending on the Crystal ship you are sailing on and may be limited based on the ships' offerings. Full redemption benefits are only available on Crystal Cruises, and other redemption benefits may not be available on Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises or Crystal River Cruises (including specific suite upgrades, Vintage room dinners, special Crystal Society member parties and onboard recognition).
• What about gratuities, either on board or ashore?
  Gratuities are included in your Crystal River Cruise experience, and are not expected. If you would like to provide a gratuity for service beyond your expectations, please do so at your own discretion.
• How do I make a payment on a cruise I already booked?
  Your reservation must be accompanied by a deposit within the period specified at time of booking and is based on the total fare for the booking including optional air costs, less applicable discounts. For 2019 voyages only, a deposit of 20% per guest is required for all reservations (all categories). For 2020 voyages and beyond, a minimum deposit of 25% of the total cruise fare plus a nonrefundable administrative fee applies; fees are subject to change. Reservations (all categories) are subject to cancellation if required deposits are not received within the specified option period. Final Payment is due no later than 90 days prior to sailing. All reservations are subject to cancellation if payments are not received by the due date.
• What are the passport and visa requirements?
  A passport valid for six months after the completion of the cruise is required for all guests. We recommend that your passport has at least four blank visa pages. Guests must take full responsibility for securing the required travel documents prior to departure. Failure to comply may result in refusal of passage by Customs and Immigration authorities.
  
  Visa Assistance (US Citizens): Crystal Cruises has arranged with Pinnacle Travel Document Systems to assist you in obtaining visas if they are required for your cruise. Applications and additional information may be downloaded 90 days prior to sailing by visiting their website at www.traveldocs.com/crystal. If you do not have Internet access , please contact Pinnacle Travel Document Systems at 1-888-838-4867 and they can fax or mail you a visa application kit.
  
  Visa Assistance (non-US Citizens): As visa regulations vary for each nationality, we request that all non-US and non-Canadian citizens contact their travel agent or a local visa service to determine their individual visa requirements for ALL ports. Visa information may also be obtained through the local embassy or consulate of the countries you will be visiting. It is the guests’ responsibility to obtain all necessary visas. Failure to comply may result in refusal of passage by Customs and Immigration authorities.
  
  As Crystal Cruises, LLC, seeks to expand our exotic travel offerings and immigration policies worldwide become more complex, it is increasingly important that all guests meet the entry requirements for each port of call. Crystal's trusted partner,  CIBT Visa and Passport Service provides a website, known as “VisaCentral”  to assist our international guests with an easy, fast and professional way to access their visa requirements for each country. CIBT has offices in the countries listed on the home page and will be able to assist residents of those countries with their visa needs. If the guests reside in any other country, they can click on the link “Don’t reside in any of these countries”? — and still receive information regarding their specific visa requirements. For more information, please visit the Crystal Cruises-CIBT online visa portal at: http://crystalcruises.visacentral.com/
• What do I get before I go on my cruise and when?
  Cruise documents are issued 60 days prior to sailing date upon receipt of final payment and each guest’s completed Guest Immigration form.
  
  Proof of citizenship is required by law and specified in the River Cruise Ticket Terms and Conditions, which state: “At the time of embarkation the Passenger is responsible for having received all medical inoculations necessary for the voyage and having in his/her possession the River Cruise Ticket, valid passport, visas, medical card and other documents necessary for the scheduled ports of call and disembarkation. All guests who travel abroad are required to carry a passport valid for six months after the end of the cruise.
  
  You can complete and submit your Immigration information online via Guest Check-In Crystal’s Priority Check-In and Planning Center (PCPC).
• What time is embarkation?
  At the start of your cruise, on embarkation day, ship embarkation officially starts at 3pm local time. However, guests arriving early (12 noon or thereafter) may embark and enjoy the ship’s facilities until such time suites are available for occupancy at approximately 3pm local time.
  
  On the last day of your cruise, on disembarkation day, all guests will disembark the ship no later than 10am local time. 
• Do you provide docking location and/or port address information?
  Docking location will be advised prior to embarkation.
• When does the Reception Desk open?
  Ship’s reception (Front Desk) is open 24 hours for the duration of the cruise.
• What language is spoken on board?
  The official language on board is English on all Crystal river ships . Most crew members speak fluent English. All announcements and lectures are presented in English. All local guides are fluent in English.
• What is the dress code on board the Crystal river ships?
  Daytime Dress Code – Comfortable and casual is perfect on board, or ashore for sightseeing. Be sure to bring comfortable walking/sports shoes appropriate for your activity. Check with your travel advisor for special items you might want to pack for your destination and the time of year you are traveling. Dining room attire is casual during the day; however, swimsuits, cover-ups/robes and baseball hats are not appropriate.
  
  Evening Dress Code – Our evening dress code is Crystal Casual, a dressed-up version of our daytime casual dress code. Should you decide to dine on your own at a more formal restaurant on land, then a jacket and tie may be preferred or required for gentlemen. Be sure to pack appropriately for all your planned experiences.
• Is smoking allowed on board?
  Smoking is not allowed in public rooms, suites or any area that is not designated as a smoking area.
• Are there telephones available in the suites
  Crystal river ships are equipped with a telephone system that allows you to make direct-dial satellite phone calls from your stateroom suite. The river ship telephone number is included in your travel documents before sailing. Calls are billed to your onboard account. 
  
  However, please be aware that the €2.50 per minute cost to use this system is significantly higher than a normal shoreside call. As we will be close to land during much of your cruise, you may also wish to use your personal cell/mobile phone, if you have international service.
  
  * Satellite Reception: All electronic communication to and from the river ship is via satellite. Interruptions in satellite reception can occur at any time without notice. While we regret this, and apologize for any inconvenience it may cause, Crystal River Cruises cannot guarantee that communication connections for telephone, television, Internet, e-mail or fax will be available at all times in all areas of the world.
• Do I need to bring a converter or adaptor?
  Multiple power sockets accommodate 110/220V in all suites, including in the bathroom.
• Are there laundry services on board?
  Laundry services may be arranged through your Suite Attendant or your Butler. Laundry charges will be billed to the guest’s shipboard account. Complimentary self-service Guest Laundry, including washing machines, detergent, fabric softener, dryers, irons and ironing boards are provided on Deck 1 on Crystal Bach, Crystal Mahler, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel.
• Are there medical facilities on board?
  There are no medical facilities or doctor on board Crystal River Yachtsships. Medical service can be called easily from shore if required. Guests requiring ongoing medication, or having specific dietary needs, are advised to bring an ample supply of medication or dietary supplements with them in their carry-on luggage.
  
  Guests with existing medical conditions, guests who cannot completely care for themselves, or guests who may constitute a risk or danger to anyone else on board must be reported in writing to Crystal Cruises' Onboard Guest Services Department by fax: 310-785-3975 or email: onboardgstsvcs@crystalcruises.com prior to departure. Crystal reserves the right, without liability, to refuse to board and transport such guests who are in need of constant care by the river ship's staff.
• I would like to stay in touch with family, friends and associates back home. What do you recommend? Is there Internet access on board? Are there computers, or should I bring my laptop? And what is the cost?
  If your home or business e-mail provider has web access to your e-mail, you will be able to access it from the River YachtShip via the Internet. If you are not sure, please contact your e-mail provider prior to your cruise.
  
  Crystal Cruises is pleased to provide both complimentary Wi-Fi service and satellite Internet access for our guests for the duration of your voyage. If you can connect to Wi-Fi, your laptop should be able to access the Internet on board a Crystal River Ship.
  
  Please note: It is not possible to connect a laptop through the yachtship phone system directly to any phone number ashore. Skype, iChat, FaceTime and other similar services are not available on board. Crystal Cruises supports the use of iPads/tablets on board.
  
  To ensure you can use your iPad/tablet, please ensure it's updated with the latest software prior to embarkation. From traditional mail service in various ports of call to state-of-the-art communications technology, staying connected to your friends and family around the world is easier than ever.
  
  Included in your travel documents is a Communications brochure that lists the addresses of the embarkation and disembarkation ports where mail can be forwarded or delivered to you on board. Postage and mailing services are available on board. Be sure to allow sufficient time for delivery to distant destinations.
• Crystal Cruises has always offered excellent shore excursions and opportunities to immerse oneself in the culture and history of the places visited. How will this be different aboard Crystal River Cruises?
  Our enriching Crystal Collection of shore excursions provides just the inspiration you need to write your next story. All Crystal River Cruises™ itineraries offer a complimentary shore excursion in every port.  
  
  Note: All river cruise shore excursions will be finalized no later than 2 weeks prior to cruise departure. To personalize your daily schedule of excursions, select any one, or more, of the Crystal Collection of complimentary and optional (for purchase) shore excursions offered and pre-reserve your preferred activity no later than 14 days prior to your river cruise departure via Priority Check-In and Planning Center (PCPC).
• What is the dining experience on board Crystal River Cruises?

  The Crystal River Cruises culinary experience celebrates dining with a savory combination of cuisine and conversation that together foster a memorable journey.
  
  Unique, expert, lavish culinary presentations of Michelin-inspired cuisine will be enjoyed in an elegant dining room and several more intimate dining areas.
  
  • A la carte, buffet and early risers breakfast offerings 
  • Farm-to-table dining concept
  • Multiple dining venues
  • Open seating dining
  • Casual elegant dress code
  • European sourced and trained chefs and hotel staff

• What if a major tourist site on my itinerary is closed?
  We typically arrange a city tour in these rare situations, or allow extra free time to explore the city’s top sites on your own.
• Does each sightseeing group on excursions have its own guide?
  Yes, each sightseeing group will have its own English-speaking guide.
• Will Crystal River Cruises offer any onboard shopping?
  No shops will be available aboard Crystal River Cruises. A list of sundries is available on board. Please contact your Butler to request necessary sundry items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, razors and more.
• Is there onboard entertainment?
  Cruises will feature a destination-focused entertainment and enrichment program, including onboard lecture series featuring a destination expert as well as regional affairs experts on most voyages.
• I like to stay physically active on vacation. Is there a gym on board?
  The Crystal River Ships' fitness areas include state-of-the-art gym equipment. A stationary bicycle as well as free weights will be available. Mats for outdoor stretch, yoga and Pilates is also available .
• We will be celebrating a special occasion on our cruise. Can you help us make it festive?
  Please contact Crystal River Cruises or your travel advisor at least 30 days prior to departure to let us know if you will be celebrating a birthday or anniversary while on board one of our River YachtShips, and we will ensure your special day is celebrated in style.
• How does Crystal help preserve the environment?
  Crystal Cruises recognizes that our wonderful world is precious and fragile. We are committed to developing plans for preventing pollution, complying with worldwide environmental regulations, and continually improving our environmental management system to minimize and reduce the environmental impact of our operations. We are also dedicated to raising shipboard and shoreside awareness of responsible and respectful treatment of the environments through which we travel.
• I have other questions, who do I call?

  Crystal Cruises strives to maintain six-star service on and off our ships.
  
  Business hours are Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm local tiem(Eastern and Pacific Time).
  
  For reservations-related questions, please contact your travel advisor or call 1-888-722-0021. 
  
  For non-reservations issues, e-mail AskCrystal@crystalcruises.com. Note: For guests with a confirmed reservation, please provide your name, voyage number and booking/reservation number (if available) within your e-mail communication or in the e-mail's subject line. This will enable our team to more effectively facilitate and respond to your inquiries.