MsCrystalina

To AveSaloon, Yes it sounds like ER!! Building all of those river boats and the most expensive explorer ship ever built was the beginning of the downfall! Loved the Symphony and Serenity but need a replacement before another 5 years, please!.

There are many river boats, I sailed the Nile on a very luxurious one! All luxury lines have expeditions vessels. Why would Crystal need to add them?? They need new ocean-going ships; the old ones are for the most part not at full capacity. If they are going into river boats and excursions, then I do not see any replacement for the aging ships for many years if the company survives.

The waitlisted voyages on Nova are now cancelled, my friend and I are disappointed!

As per a friend's email, Australia on the Nova for 30 days beginning 14 Dec 2025 has been cancelled. If not in Australia, a slow cruise from Cape Town up the western coast of Africa would be welcomed.

Yes- would not make sense to have 3 ships in area if 1 or 2 can fill demand. I really want to sail on the Nova during that time in Australia! Love all those great outdoor places!

I have been looking at the Nova for Australian cruising in December/Jan 2025-26. There are no 25 percent solo supplements for them. Prices are several thousand more than in 2024. Had decided to book Nova in next few weeks for Cairns-Melbourne. A friend in Europe has already booked and notified me today that all are waitlisted! There were several suites available earlier in week at all levels. The other ships- the Moon and I think the Muse are also in the region and they too are showing waitlisted!! Any news as to why??

I recommend the packs of Neutrogena make-up remover tissues in a resealable package. about 3 US dollars and can use before sailing to be sure no allergies or sensitivity.

As noted above, Uniworld has good deals for solos. They waive the single supplement on most of their itineraries. Also just love the food and service- are luxurious- definitely in my opinion better than Viking.

Uniworld is also going to lease two of the former Crystal riverboats from the German company which acquired them with the collapse of Crystal within the next 2 years.. I never sailed the river with Crystal but read the river boats were very spacious and luxurious. No Uniworld for me this year but plan one for 2025.

I recommend Uniworld River Cruises. I started with a Rhine River cruise from Amsterdam to Basel. Have done 3 with them and happy with no plans to change. Felt like in a luxurious French boutique hotel, food and service great. All have incredible Savoir beds- most comfortable bed ever! They do not carry as many people as Viking. Recommend one of the newer boats with SS before name. All-inclusive food, alcohol, tours and local entertainment in evening. I prefer autumn sailings.

In November, the hair dryer on Nova was very adequate as I have very long, thicker hair and was quicker than my home dryer

Very impressive builds- all of my older favorite Princess ships, all of Silversea- including the magnificent Nova- best design ever IMHO- and the soon to sail Ray! Crystal will be marvelous with new ships in coming years!

LAL Cruiser- All those issues- kicked out, site busy- check later, waitlisted etc occurred prior to cancellation of a Nov 2024 Suez passage (Athens to Singapore) about 6 months ago. Should be getting notice of cancellation soon and possibly entire new itinerary or refund specifics. Actually, it was done a year prior to the planned cruise in early Nov 2023. One of the few that were not last minute!

The elevators On Nova open into a large area with the stairs and you exit it into the room corridors- no noise heard in rooms at all from elevators or the whited-out areas (which are crew areas). very quiet ship.

JJ- enjoying your posts. Loved Nova during 23 days in the Med in Oct/Nov. Had only been on the Spirit. Did have some rough seas and was forward on 9 so won't be as much aft. Please have an On Her Majesty's Secret Service champagne in the Shelter- no charge. There were lots of nice solo ladies like me and we had a great time, The Silver Note was also a favorite!

TLCOhio- WOW- looks like where I want to be! thanks to all for info- most appreciative.

I completed it and neither want nor need it Did take the comment boxes to complain about lack of solo supplement cruises with 25%. Most are on the older small ships or expedition which I have no interest in whatsoever!

HI all, Cruising in December on Dawn disembarking in Tokyo. Not doing D2D. No hotels currently listed on site. Any suggestions for a nice, centrally located hotel in Tokyo. Will be arranging sightseeing for 2 days +-= Prefer large, newer properties- Marriott, Hyatt etc OK. Top tier luxury not an option. thanks

Looked at this and the shorter one for post-cruise in Jan- too expensive and TA agreed. Will set up independent tours for 2 days in Tokyo.

FYI- I had a balcony cabin on Princess last summer on a 14 day port intensive British Isles which was much nicer than a solo on Crystal and cost me 30 percent what Crystal charges for solo on 7!

Nova had 5 dancers and 4 singers doing production shows on a 22-day cruise in October. There were also several entertainers coming and going. Solo performances were done by the singers in the Panorama. A violinist was often in the champagne lounge and various entertainment in La Dolce Vita all evenings until midnight. The Silver Note was my favorite to dine with a great jazz duo and dancing. So, there was plenty of entertainment on Nova!

I would think a replacement for the Symphony would be a top priority. It has emission problems and is the oldest. It is limited in the ports which allow it. The entry level cabins on both are not on par with even the mass market products. All the luxury lines have multiple expedition ships and are retiring the older ones. The new builds saga goes back at least 10 years! The low occupancy of the Symphony might be a barrier to building a new ship.

That is great to have a Walmart so close! Expect crew has little choice and higher costs in some other ports. Can stock up on everything for the rest of their voyage. I would also visit!

Oh my- Tempus Fugit- the W coast African cruise was prior to 2011- have to remember which state I lived in at the time!!1

It takes a lot of time and planning to add ports and tours to a cruise even with a generous period of time. Insurance, legal, global and local security situations must be in place. Find it unlikely that there will be stops on the west coast of Africa. On the old Crystal 7 or so years ago a Cape Town to Southhampton WC segment was one of best ever! I do not think that itinerary has been repeated by anyone since then. Would expect Cape Town and perhaps one more stop might be feasible. There would be no fresh entertainment. etc. Going across to SA likely. All lines are being affected by this. Several months ago, November 2024 journeys thru the Suez to the Emirates and on to Mumbai were cancelled by SS and others. Although disappointing, earlier changes are easier for all.