The Louis Cristal is a good ship for those looking for a shorter cruise that provides just a taste of several different ports of call. The price is lower than on newer ships, and many of the passengers are from countries found along the Mediterranean, so it's an interesting international experience. Organized groups of North Americans on cruise tours of the region often sail on the Louis Cristal or one of the other Louis Cruises' ships as part of a longer European tour package.
I sailed on the Louis Cristal on one of its 4-night itineraries between Kusadasi, Turkey and Istanbul, visiting Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, and Athens. This cruise was part of a land tour and cruise package that also featured hotel stays in Istanbul, Izmir, and Kusadasi. Unlike most other cruise lines, Louis Cruises often does not spend a whole day in each port, so it's a good choice for those who don't have a lot of vacation time and are looking for a value-priced cruise that touches on many different ports of call in the eastern Mediterranean.
This 13-page photo tour of the Louis Cristal provides details on the ship's cabins, dining, and indoor and outdoor common areas.
Photo Tour of the Louis Cristal
