WE’VE joined Crystal Serenity for a summer Baltic voyage from Southampton to Copenhagen. Over the course of nine days, we’ll glide through the English Channel and into the North Sea, with various stops along the way, including two overnight stays – first in Rotterdam and then in Hamburg. These extended port visits allows us to become immersed in each city’s culture before returning to the comfort of our floating home.
Crystal Serenity
We’re struck by the scale of this magnificent ship for only 740 guests but with a crew of 558. Serenity offers a feeling of relaxed spaciousness and a rare balance between sociability and relaxed seclusion. Our Sapphire Veranda Suite comprises two generously proportioned rooms and a spacious balcony. The suite is dressed in elegant tones of blue and soft grey and is every bit as dazzling as its name implies.
Our sitting room features a plush sofa that is ideal for sinking into after a day of exploration. A sleek dressing table with a mirror adds a touch of glamour, while a stylish table – my makeshift desk – provides practical elegance. A walk-in dressing room reveals two of the fluffiest robes ever encountered. The king-size bed is flanked by bedside drawers offering plenty of storage.
Our marble bathroom is complete with a grand walk-in shower, shelves overflowing with Ortigia products – sumptuous Sicilian toiletries – and double sinks, above which a glowing, backlit mirror completes our spa-like sanctuary.
Pool Deck
Cruising isn’t just about each destination we visit during the sailing, it’s also about enjoying the voyage and taking time out to relax. During the days at sea, our mornings commence in the gym, under the guidance of Raj Jadhav, Crystal Serenity’s intuitive personal trainer. After breakfast we pass the time poolside or at the spa for some pre-booked pampering.
In the afternoons we make time to visit the Galaxy Lounge, partaking in the enrichment programme overseen by experienced world affairs lecturers. And later, when the sun goes down, we enjoy padel tennis. Some guests prefer spending their time in the cinema or heading to the Palm Court for an extravagant afternoon tea, while others prefer the casino.
Atrium
Crystal is celebrated for exceptional onboard culinary experiences, with the opportunity to dine at three world-renowned specialty restaurants during the voyage. Among them is Umi Uma, the only Nobu restaurant on any cruise ship, a haven of refined Asian sophistication, where the artistry on each plate is captivating and the service is superlative.
At Osteria D’Ovidio, we’re treated to a celebration of traditional Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist. A standout dish, both unexpected and memorable, is the saffron risotto delicately dusted with liquorice powder. It is a bold play on flavours that lingers on the palate. The menu, steeped in Italy’s rich culinary heritage, is masterfully curated by the youngest-ever three Michelin-starred chef, Massimiliano Alajmo, alongside his brother Raffaele Alajmo and his son Giovanni.
Beefbar
Beefbar, the brainchild of Monte Carlo restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi, offers a refined meat-lover’s paradise, with an exclusive selection of the world’s finest – from Australian Wagyu to American Black Angus and prized Japanese Kobe beef.
As a pescatarian, I was delighted to discover equally exceptional alternatives, starting with the avocado hummus paired with crispy, golden Socca chips, followed by glazed salmon served atop creamy lemon-infused mashed potatoes. Located on Deck 12, Beefbar offers more than a meal, it also offers a front-row seat to the sun setting over the sea.
Padel Court
Our culinary journey continues across several other onboard venues. Marketplace tempts with a buffet for breakfast and lunchtime, while Waterside, the ship’s elegant main dining room, presents a daily changing menu in a sophisticated setting. The Bistro provides relaxed all-day dining and Trident Grill serves perfectly grilled burgers, adjacent to Scoops, the ship’s open-all-day artisanal ice cream bar. My favourite flavour was hazelnut gelato – a signature flavour from Badiani, the iconic Florentine gelateria founded in 1932.
Fitness Centre
Sailing aboard Crystal Serenity is a reminder that true luxury lies in the perfect balance of discovery and indulgence. Each port may be unforgettable, but it’s the ship itself that makes our journey extraordinary.
by Amanda Bernstein
For this Northern Europe itinerary, 2026 prices start from £4,500 for a nine-night cruise from Southampton to Copenhagen onboard Crystal Serenity departing July 7, 2026.
Price includes all meals and drinks, WiFi, gratuities and port fees. Call Crystal on 0808 175 0340 or visit www.crystalcruises.com