Crystal vs. Regent -- Cabin Comparison

Some people may say, “seen one cruise ship cabin, you’ve seen them all”. Well this is simply not the case. Another of the topics from my “Cruising 101” class is with regard to cabin types. While there are dozens of cabin types, most cabins on a cruise ship can fit generally into four categories:


1) Inside Cabins—No window—These staterooms face the interior of the ship


2) Outside or Window Cabins—These cabins have portholes or a rectangular window (that do not open) and face the exterior of the ship.


3) Balcony or Verandah Cabin—These cabins have sliding glass doors (or a hinged door in some cases) that open up to a private balcony.


4) Suites—There are suites of all sizes, shapes and square footages. These are the nicest and largest cabins on the ships.


In this comparison, I would have to say that I had “comparable” cabin types on both ships. On the Regent Seven Seas Voyager I had one of their “entry level” cabins. On most “premium” or middle level cruise lines most people would think I was talking about an inside cabin when I say “entry level”. But on the Voyager, even the lowest level cabin is a balcony suite. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in to my cabin the first day of my Regent Cruise.


My cabin on the Crystal Symphony was a Category A Balcony. While I would consider this cabin to be comparable to the category I had on Regent, a Category A on Crystal is not an entry level cabin. It is more of a middle to upper-level category.


Before I award my point, I have to state that both cabins were extremely comfortable. I was lucky to travel in both of these cabins. And I would cruise time after time in either of these rooms.


That said, here are my main reasons for which I have awarded this “point”.


a) I’m a guy. Like most other guys, I’ve never really paid much attention to things like closet space or drawer space when I check in to my cabin. As long as there is room for everything I’m pretty easy to please. But I was spoiled with my good-sized walk-in closet on the Regent Seven Seas Voyager. I was able to hang up all of my clothes and fit all of my folding clothes, baseball caps (go Trojans, go Dodgers, go Angels, go Cardinals, etc.), jackets and sweatshirts on the shelves and drawers provided. I also liked having the safe in the walk-in closet.


b) Again, as a man, I don’t normally analyze the bathroom situation. As long as I have a sink to shave in, a shower to clean up in and a facility…well you know the rest of that. But after having a spacious bathroom on the Voyager…with a separate bath and shower and plenty of counter space, I found the bathroom adequate but smaller on the Symphony. Compared to the mainstream or premium cruise lines the bathroom (with a tub) on the Symphony is very nice. But when I compare these two ships, again the Voyager comes out ahead.


While there are many other things I could analyze in my comparison of these two cruise lines, I think it should be clear who gets the point for this one. Regent Seven Seas gets this point.