Louis Cristal - Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2017 (Berlitz Cruise Guide) (2016)

Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2017 (Berlitz Cruise Guide) (2016)

Louis Cristal

★★★

Berlitz’s Ratings

Ship: 322 out of 500

Accommodation: 133 out of 200

Food: 230 out of 400

Service: 246 out of 400

Entertainment: 65 out of 100

Cruise: 243 out of 400

Overall Score: 1239 out of 2000

Louis Cristal Statistics

Size: Mid-size Ship

Tonnage: 25,611

Lifestyle: Standard

Cruise Line: Louis Cruises

Former Names: Silja Opera, SuperStar Taurus, Leeward, Sally Albatross, Viking Saga

IMO Number: 7827213

Builder: Wartsila (Finland)

Original Cost: n/a

Entered Service: 1980/Jul 2007

Registry: Malta

Length (ft/m): 530.5/161.7

Beam (ft/m): 100.0/30.5

Draft (ft/m): 20.1/6.1

Propulsion/Propellers: diesel (19,120kW)/2

Passenger Decks: 7

Total Crew: 400

Passengers (lower beds): 966

Passenger Space Ratio (lower beds): 26.5

Passenger/Crew Ratio (lower beds): 2.4

Cabins (total): 483

Size Range (sq ft/m): 107.6-462.8/10.0-43.0

Cabins (for one person): 0

Cabins (with private balcony): 10

Cabins (wheelchair accessible): 6

Wheelchair accessibility: None

Cabin Current: 110 and 220 volts

Elevators: 4

Casino (gaming tables): Yes

Slot Machines: Yes

Swimming Pools: 1 (indoors)

Hot Tubs (on deck): 0

Self-Service Launderette: No

Dedicated Cinema/Seats: Yes

Library: Yes

Onboard currency: Euros

Louis_Cristal_BerlitzCruiseGuide_EC

A casual ship and friendly crew for port-intensive cruises

Overview. This ship will appeal to first-time passengers who simply want to cruise the Greek Islands in a modicum of comfort, and at a bargain price. The dress code is casual throughout, with no formal nights. The ship is due to be refitted/refurbished.

The Ship. Louis Cristal has undergone a number of changes, modifications, and mishaps during its busy life. Originally built as a Viking Line passenger ferry, it was extensively reconstructed in 1995 to the tune of $60 million, after which it operated under charter to Norwegian Cruise Line as Leeward.

The ship has a smart wedge-shaped profile with a squared-off stern and short, stubby bows, and the enclosed bridge looks like it’s really one deck lower than it should be. But Louis Cristal does benefit from a good, walk-around teak promenade deck. The pool deck is very cramped, although the pool itself can be covered by a sliding glass dome. There is no forward-facing observation lounge atop the ship, but there is a reasonable array of public rooms, lounges, bars, and meeting places. Note that gratuities are not included in the fare.

Accommodation. There are three suite categories (Grand, Imperial, and Royal, plus an interior ‘suite’), and a mix of several outside-view cabins (some of which have balconies) and interior cabins in 19 price grades.

The top-grade suites have neatly-angled private balconies and provide a decent amount of space for short cruises; the bathrooms have a tub, separate shower, and good storage facilities for toiletries. Most of the standard cabins are really quite small. The bathrooms really are dimensionally challenged - dancing with the shower curtain comes to mind. Also, note that some cabins have views obstructed by safety equipment.

Dining. There are two principal dining rooms, plus a number of other dining spots and casual eateries. There are two seatings for dinner on most nights (typically an open seating for the first night), and open seating for breakfast and lunch. Your seating and table assignments for dinner are made by the maître d’ during embarkation.

The cuisine is predominantly Continental, with some Greek specialties. All tables are laid with crisp white linen. Spa and vegetarian dishes are available on lunch and dinner menus. Louis Cruises makes all its own breads, soups, pâtés, jams, pizzas, and beef burgers on board from scratch.

Entertainment. The show lounge has tiered seating and decent sight lines, but entertainment is a weak link in the overall cruise experience.

Spa/Fitness. Facilities include a beauty salon, fitness room, and sauna. Massages, aromatherapy facials, manicures, pedicures, and hair treatments are available.