loriva

2 hours ago, 360Guy said:

We have boarded Serenity and are excited for our 2nd Crystal cruise!!  We originally booked this cruise to be our first, but my impatience in wanting to experience Crystal and a generous incentive from Crystal caused us to sail the July 2-9 Vancouver round trip…which was wonderful and “Crystallized” us.  
 

I will make every effort to post daily menus…we really appreciated those who sailed previously and posted the daily Waterside menus…so we will return the favor!

 

Please let me know if you have any questions. Embarkation went smoothly.  We arrived just after 12 noon and had an assigned number.  The groups processed fairly quickly and by the time we boarded to finish the credit card, etc.,  I would estimate from bag drop to glass of champagne was 30 minutes.  
 

We spent two nights in Montreal, took the train to Quebec City and had one night before boarding today.  We enjoyed both cities very much and the food scene is really very good.

 

We look forward to sharing the journey with you!

 

Bob and Ray

Waterside Serenity Lunch 9.24.24.pdf 61.48 kB · 20 downloads Waterside Serenity Breakfast 9.24.24.pdf 67 kB · 6 downloads Waterside Serenity Dinner 9.24.24.pdf 68.53 kB · 23 downloads

Thanks!  Have a fabulous cruise!

On 9/18/2024 at 8:09 AM, Ibis said:

Waterside currently closed for lunch on port days. All food has been excellent with only one or two exceptions and depending on personal taste and preference others may have enjoyed those as well. Best to follow your own inclination as you know your preferences. There is a very wide range of choice on the dinner menu in Waterside. 

Thanks again.

A question about the port call in Boston.  Did Crystal run a shuttle from the Flynn cruise port?  if so, where did it drop guests?

We are bringing guests on board during our time in Boston and trying to figure out if it might be easiest for us to take the shuttle into town, meet up with our guests, and then we ride with them back to the port.  (We have the security approval for them in hand.)

Many thanks,

Presuming if you are in a cabin that includes butler service, you could give your butler a list of additional reservations to book?

7 hours ago, Keith1010 said:

Crystal has an app you can use while on board and it includes dining menus, daily program etc.

 

You could upload it from an iPhone etc.

 

I just my computer so I open it on that, save it to a file folder and then from say CC upload it like I do photos or I can upload it to other things such as my blog or other platforms the same way.

 

They also provide the rooms with a pad like an iPad and sometimes we use that to read it or to see our folio which only shows up there.

 

Keith

So, you can open the app on your laptop?  Or get the menus, etc. it by logging into the ship's intranet?  (And then save the file and subsequently upload it.  I get the latter part--just trying to determine the easiest way to get the file from the ship's system to my device.)

As we enter the glidepath to our first cruise on Crystal Ocean in two weeks, I'd like to ask those with experience for the most-efficient way to upload Reflections and menus to CC.com.  Does Crystal have an app you can use with your smartphone that has the documents?  Or do you need to use their tablet and then send them to yourselves as email attachments?  Or is there a method I'm missing completely?

Many thanks,

22 hours ago, Ibis said:

Currently on board and happy to report we are enjoying beautiful weather, the legendary service from Crystal, and wonderful food thus far in Waterside as well as last night in Osteria d’Ovidio. Leo doing a great job in Waterside and Paolo, as always, adding his expertise and warmth to the speciality restaurants. 
 

Some of you might remember we were hoping to have a Classic Aquamarine instead of the newly renovated Sapphire we were booked in due to our late reservation change to this itinerary. Classic Aquamarines were sold out so we checked with Concierge just after boarding and although there were still no Classic Aquamarine suites left there was one Classic Sapphire, a bit forward but we did switch to it from the 2023 renovated  Sapphire and we are very pleased. The closet is definitely larger than the 2023 renovated and the decor suits us much better. We are very happy with this suite! 

We have been told there are approximately 600 on board and at no time have we felt in the least crowded. Check in and boarding process went very smoothly. Many welcome home hellos and Cobb Salad with Champagne all went as they should 🥰

 

If there are questions I can answer while on board please let me know and I will try to do my best as we have always appreciated those who given us on board reports.

 

Rest assured, all staff and crew on board continue to work very hard to ensure that new Crystal is not just as wonderful as old Crystal but even better!

Looking forward to our own boarding in NYC in two weeks!

If posting Reflections or menus is too much, we would love your comments on any enrichment or entertainment you have experienced and any dishes you find particularly fabulous.  We're particularly interested in the semi-sea days when putting into Halifax and Quebec late (as well as departing Halifax at 1500 hours.)  Also, has Waterside been open on any port days given the higher passenger count?

Many thanks,

With Serenity starting its Canada and Northeast cruises, those of us with cruises in the upcoming weeks would love to hear of your experiences.  With the ships reportedly sailing at near capacity, I hope that someone on board can chime in!  (Bonus points for Reflections or menus!)

4 minutes ago, Mudhen said:

Passenger laundries into crew cabins?

Only guessing….

4 hours ago, mrlevin said:

Pool grill is scheduled to return in evenings early 2025.

Wonderful news!  We love having a grill option on Viking and Oceania.  (Albeit theirs is in the buffet area, which Regent is already using for Sette Mari.)  I wonder if it will offer different options than during the day?  (Although DH would be happy with the ahi tuna sandwich for dinner every night..)

Didn't they already convert pax launderettes into crew cabins during the start-up after COVID?  I think there is only one left per deck after that.  Would that leave some decks with passenger cabins without a launderette?  Regent feeling this is okay as it now offers "free" laundry to all?

Hoping someone will step up to the challenge of keeping the live posts from Serenity alive!  (I'll plan to post "live-ish" when we sailaway from NYC in 17 days.)

36 minutes ago, Decoy17 said:

Do they repurpose all that dryer lint? 😀

Maybe someone could make a suggestion to the art instructor on board?  😉

On 9/10/2024 at 12:38 PM, 3CanadianBears said:

We've been to this restaurant twice, and will be back again for lunch later this month when our cruise stops  in Halifax Home - Bicycle Thief.

 

Located right on the Halifax waterfront/boardwalk.  I've had the lobster roll - yummy!  I know you asked specifically for lobster and perhaps others can provide recommendations, but in general, you can't go wrong with this restaurant.   

Another vote for The Bicycle Thief!  It also had a very nice list of wines by the glass and local craft beers.  Depending on what day you are in port, you may wish to consider making a reservation.  We did not have one so could not get a table.  We were able to eat at the bar after a short wait, however, and it was fine.  (Actually, we had a lovely conversation with the bartender, so it was very fine.)

Adding to the thanks for your posts.  We learned a lot about our upcoming experience on Serenity and had a great time doing it--love your humor and good cheer!  Kudos for all the beautiful photos and for the work in posting the menus and Reflections.  We hope our paths will cross one day.

Many thanks,

11 hours ago, Chad_O said:

The conversion made ADA showers in both men's and women's locker rooms. I think the conversion was done on the Ruby. It seems like it was done prior to my last sailing on her but I will not swear to it. 

Thanks.  Looking at the Ruby deck plan, the steam and sauna areas in the men's and women's changing room still appear.  There is a shared ADA restroom at the front of the spa area on the port side.  Comparing to the CB deck plan, this is where the Rasul room is located.  Not sure how popular the Rasul offering was, so maybe Princess is changing those out to make the ADA restroom?

11 hours ago, Chad_O said:

There is much speculation that the free steam and sauna located in the men's locker room will be removed. That has been done on other ships to install an ADA compliant roll in shower. 

Are they converting the ones in the women's locker room to be co-ed so that men still have a steam and sauna option?

4 hours ago, ryndam said:

Todays menu.

 

CBFBEF37-8CC0-4FA9-844F-78C12165743E.pdf 67.81 kB · 24 downloads

So, I wondered about this when I heard Chris Carter announce this morning on "Breakfast with the Beatles" that "National Weiner Schnitzel Day" as among the holidays one could observe today.  (https://nationaltoday.com/national-wiener-schnitzel-day/)

And, look, there is it on the Waterside menu for tonight!

But so sorry the sake pairing lunch was cancelled--that sounded wonderful.

21 hours ago, mrlevin said:

Do both my wife and I need to download the app or can we both get our visas from one download?  Also, if Regent is supposed to provide all visas for Grand Voyages (I believe through 2026), how do you get them to pay for the NZ visa?

On your first question, one person can download the app and apply for more than one traveler.  You just need to have them physically with you when it comes time for the photograph needed of the applicant--hand them your phone for the selfie.

On the second, I have no idea.  Always do my visas (or in this case, an electronic travel authorization) myself.  (But have never done a Grand Voyage, so lucky you!)

6 hours ago, ryndam said:

Reflections and menus attached. 

Bordeaux Vintage Room lunch tomorrow. Stay tuned…

 

Rob

Looking forward to your Bordeaux Vintage Room luncheon report.  We're hoping there will be at least one nice Vintage Room event during our sailing next month.

And thanks again for posting the Reflections and menus.  What a nice way to get excited for our turn on board.

1 hour ago, Keith1010 said:

In London I think it was Ringo's home where he shared it for a period of time with John Lennon and also with Jimi Hendrix but I could be mistaken.  

 

Keith

All three at one time or another.  It's at 34 Montagu Square.  It has a blue plaque commemorating John's residence there.

12 minutes ago, Texas Tillie said:

 

Don't know about beets (YUCK!!), but they have found the anti-cilantro gene and 23 and Me always includes that info on their reports!!

Not sure if they have identified the gene or not, but it's the same phenomenon as with cilantro.  Genetic, but not always shared--I love cilantro and am one of those for whom beets/beetroots taste like dirt.  My sister loves beets and cannot abide cilantro.

And now will let the thread go back to @ryndamand the Serenity!  

14 minutes ago, lincslady said:

Beetroot seems to be the in thing everywhere at present - I imagine there must be a worldwide glut of it, so it is super cheap?  I do like it, but lots of people really don't.

To some, beets taste like mold or dirt.  It is just like how some people taste metal or soap when eating cilantro.  Some sort of difference in how our taste buds are put together.

16 minutes ago, goodvino808 said:

Darn sorry we will be disembarking on 10/2.  Have a wonderful time!

Have a wonderful cruise yourself!

Welcome to the "right coast"!  Getting closer, physically and timewise, to our time to board in NYC next month!!

Interesting.  What would happen to the eight cruises shown for Navigator for Jan-May 2027?

Also, no expert, but isn't Navigator one of the former R-class ship?  And there are a few of those still sailing for other lines (I think Oceania has one as well.)  So, the Blue World could be one of those?

According to a Fodor's article (https://www.fodors.com/news/news/new-zealand-is-tripling-the-tourist-tax) New Zealand will be increasing its tax on international visitors (IVL) by NZ$65 (U.S.$40) -- going from the current NZ$35 to NZ$100 (U.S.$22 per person to $62)--as of 01 October.  The tax is paid when a visitor applies for a NZ visa or Electronic Travel Authorization.  The latter is what U.S., Canadian, U.K., and other citizens need to obtain to visit.  The NZeTA is good for two years.

Since we are traveling to NZ next February, I started a NZeTA application (via the mobile app, which is also less expensive than online) to see if it would charge me the current IVL rate or the one in effect as of our visit.  It charged the current NZ$35.  If you are not planning on visiting NZ within the next two years except for an upcoming cruise, you might want to apply before the end of September before the tax increase.  Here's the website (or just search for NZeTA):  

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-application/your-journey-to-new-zealand/before-you-travel-to-new-zealand/details-page/visa/nzeta

Quick warning--if you search for the NZeTA app, the first one that comes up (at least at the Apple app store) is for a commercial visa service.  Scroll down to ensure you are loading the official NZ Government app.

9 hours ago, goodvino808 said:

Well done my wife and I are trying this ship in 3 weeks.  We are semi loyal Seabourn fans but looking forward to trying Crystal. Many thanks for the video.  

@goodvino808 If you are on the sailing departing 02 October from NYC (Brooklyn), please feel free to come join our roll call here:  

DH and I will also be first-time Crystal Ocean cruisers (we sailed Crystal River in October 2021 before its demise) and looking forward to the experience.