Crystal Symphony

We put cruising to the test and sailed from Mumbai to Colombo aboard Crystal Cruises' grand dame, writes DANI VALENT.

- DANI VALENT

WHEN A&K TRAVEL GROUP BOUGHT AILING CRYSTAL CRUISES IN 2022, they picked up the brand's 1995 grand dame Crystal Symphony, an elegant 12-deck cruiser. The ship was significantly refurbished, 85 per cent of staff reengaged and loyal passengers lured back with a multi-pronged promise: the service and ambience they've long cherished plus contemporary suite options, reinvigorated dining and shore excursions that make the most of A&K's expertise in land tourism. It's a compelling offer: Symphony is stately and refined, with room for 606 passengers and a staff ratio that's almost one-to-one.