MsCrystalina

As first timer would and did choose La Dame.   No interest at all in Chef Table.

Dining reservations for me went live at midnight. La Dame is unavailable for entire cruise on Dawn 22 Dec-Jan13.   Not greatly disappointed as was OK 2 years ago but can use $60 on other things- did not even try on Nova due to cost..  The Grill and Silver Note are my favorites!

Yes, if there is no waterdrop then only a shower and no tub.  I was several months into my booking on Nova last year when I realized no tub.  Was unable to be changed to one with both.     Loved the Nova but next time hope to have the tub for soaks after long touring days! Shower very large with seating.  Lovely bathroom as was entire ship!

The TA got the cancellation notice over a month ago for the Doha-Athens. I got nothing.

TA Sent me a copy that states your client will be sent this tomorrow. -  Glad I decided to check out the website.   Now to find something by 31 July with a 15 percent discount.   This was a replacement for a previous cancellation, and it came with a whopping 25 percent discount!

Won't see that again

Currently booked on Dawn in DEc 2024 from Singapore to Tokyo. Will need to get it in Tokyo for World Cruise so hopeful for now. 

drron29-   I was set for the Doha to Athens segment in May 2025 and recently could not find it on the site. No info emailed to me. Called the TA and it had been cancelled over a month ago.

Forwarded what she had, 15 percent off replacement choice or refund.  Complicated as this one was due to cancellation by SS of one for Dec 2024 and I got 25 percent off if booked another Suez transit trip.   They just love to cancel everything that has any saving and offer less off more expensive replacements for new bookings.

Oh and get 7 days to decide.  Found one in Dec 2025 will see how it will be handled by them.

Several years ago sailed from Cape Town to London on Crystal and all the stops were very interesting and people were welcoming. Recommend you start reading about the ports and history. Would do it again!

I echo- the best steaks were grilled by me on Hot Rocks!  With a table of new friends and all of them wanted to do by self., at first, I said no way, been cooking all my life etc but I thought I would give it a try!  Was easy, perfectly medium rare and best meat on the ship!  Beef Wellington was runner up!.

Yes likely but would have only 11 days to get to Athens.  So, Singapore to Doha will be cancelled and end in Mumbai.  Same but reverse route of the Moon earlier.   

Sorry for this awful offshore call center decision. I am sick and tired of attempting to communicate with reps with poor command of the English language. And God help you if you ask a question that is not on their templates.  I used to work with a well-known health insurance plan that used 

workers in the Philippine's to format initial patient clinical cases in the system which were incomplete and of no help.    Sorry I am not politically correct, but it was hell!!     Anything for the bottom line.   I really feel sympathy for the TA's having to deal with this and it is sure to  backfire on those running SS now..    

I was looking for my Doha to Athens on Silver Muse for May 2025 and appears to be deleted. Singapore to Doha is listed but next cruise on Muse is on 7June RT Athens. Nothing from TA (was last one booked with them before changing to new TA) -not surprising nor SS.   Looks like plenty of other great choices.  Has anyone received official cancellation?

I agree with the other posters.  Going on my third Silversea later this year, Silversea treats 

solo travelers very well.  On longer journeys, had 2 male dance hosts. One is able to meet more people and also free to join the group or not on any evening.  Much better than past experiences on Princess, Crystal and Cunard.  

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!