Crystal Esprit
Passenger-to-Crew Ratio: 62 to 91
About the Ship: Esprit is Crystal 's first yacht, and while it's not new, the line did an amazing job refurbishing the ship before launching it in 2015. It's now one of the most contemporary and comfy ships at sea, feeling much more like a boutique hotel than a yacht. Even the smallest suites -- which range from 223 to 280 square feet -- feel spacious, and all accommodations feature an interactive bedside iPad that lets you set an alarm, order room service, learn about the ship and more. Even though the ship only caters to 62 passengers, there are several dining venues, including The Yacht Club, Patio Cafe and Terrace for alfresco breakfasts. Each restaurant offers dine anytime open seating.
For sun worshippers, Esprit offers a beautiful sun deck as well as a retractable marina that's stocked with water skis, wakeboards, paddleboards, ocean kayaks (single and tandem), Skidoo Jet Skis and snorkel gear.
Crystal's yacht experience aboard Esprit is all about uncommon experiences. For example, shore excursions are included in your cruise fare -- unlike on the line's traditional oceangoing cruise ships where you must pay a la carte for every shore tour you book. One or two complimentary options are available each day, such as a visit to a botanical garden, a culinary excursion or a ziplining outing over the jungle canopy. There are also a handful of additional for-fee tours -- including a private car/driver and guide -- that you can book if none of the free excursions are of interest. The yacht even carries a submersible for passenger use. The three-person submersible descends about 1,000 feet into the sea to spot reefs and marine life. This splurge-worthy experience lasts 20 to 30 minutes and costs $599 per person, but it's worth it.
About the Cruise Line: This foray into ultra-small ship cruising allows Crystal to focus on some of its strengths: customized but unobtrusive service, and incredible cuisine paired with the world's finest wine. They've translated the traditional Crystal experience and (dare we say) improved upon it for individuals that love attentive service on a very small ship. Esprit is getting rave reviews and it paves the way for Crystal's first new-build yacht, Endeavour, which will start sailing in 2018.
Who Sails This Ship: Not many ships attract an international clientele, but Crystal Esprit does. You'll meet cruisers mainly from the United States, Canada and the U. K. but it's not uncommon to meet others from places like Australia, Asia, Germany and South Africa. Due to the more active nature of a yacht voyage, passengers are of all ages -- from young adults traveling with their parents to retirees. Everyone onboard tends to be well traveled and is there to have a good time.
Itinerary Highlights: Crystal Esprit sails the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, as well as the Adriatic. A limited number of Middle East voyages are also available.
Other Ships in the Fleet: See Crystal Serenity entry above for more details about the Crystal fleet.
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SeaDream II
Passenger-to-Crew Ratio: 112 to 95
About the Ship: SeaDream Yacht Club 's SeaDream II offers an intimate and luxurious yachting experience. With just 56 cabins, travelers and crew get to know each other quickly, and it really does feel like you're traveling on a friend's yacht instead of a cruise ship.
Two things make this ship exceptional: the all-teak deck that features numerous Balinese sun beds, and the aft retractable marina. The marina offers glass-bottom kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, banana boats, snorkel equipment and Laser sailboats. You can even go water skiing or ride a Jet Ski.
Being that this is a cozy yacht, you won't find massive suites. The cabins are roomy, but none is fitted with a balcony. Instead, in-room amenities -- think Belgian linens, down duvets, wool blankets and Bvlgari bath products -- are the focus. Passengers always get a kick out of the monogrammed pajamas that are laid out in their stateroom upon arrival.
About the Cruise Line: SeaDream offers several signature experiences across its two-ship fleet. One is spending an evening "sleeping under the stars" on the Balinese beds on Deck 6. This pastime is booked on a first-come, first-served basis and is very popular. At 10 p. m. crewmembers rope off the area and set up the beds with linens, duvets and pillows. Scattered rose petals and flickering, battery-operated candles set the scene. A bucket of chilled Champagne waits, along with a tray of chocolate truffles. Sleeping on the deck of a yacht is an experience that isn't easily replicated -- unless you happen to own a yacht!
If you like spending the evening outdoors but prefer to sleep inside, check out the line's "Starlit Movies" series. On balmy evenings, the crew pops copious amounts of popcorn for cruisers who show up on the Pool Deck to enjoy a film as part of this program.
And let's not forget that the cruise line offers its signature "Champagne and Caviar Splash" on Caribbean voyages. This decadent spread includes a Champagne toast and buffet loaded with caviar and other snacks, all to be enjoyed during a shoreside beach barbecue.
Who Sails This Ship: Those traveling with SeaDream tend to skew a bit younger than the average cruiser, but the demographic really includes anyone who enjoys the camaraderie of a small ship and is looking for some of the finest cuisine at sea. The relaxed dress code (resort casual is the norm every night) also draws a younger, hipper crowd.
Itinerary Highlights: The ship sails the Caribbean, Mediterranean and the Greek Isles.
Other Ships in the Fleet: SeaDream I is identical to SeaDream II.