loriva

A question related to TAs.  Has anyone heard anything about whether Crystal will be added to AmEx Platinum's Cruise Privilege Program in the near future?  OC was, but not NC to date.

31 minutes ago, katykrol said:

This is related to the wine lunch comments. In December 2022 we were on the splendor and they had a complimentary wine tasting of some of the included wines. We did not participate because it was at 10:00 in the am. I had seen this event mentioned a couple of times in CC. Fast forward to march 2024. We were on the grandeur and when I inquired about it, none of the staff seemed to know what’s was talking about and I didn’t see it advertised. 
 

was I just imagining this event or did Regent stop offering ? Thanks for any replies 

 

 

 

 

 

There was one on Explorer in January of this year.  Held in the atrium on the same level as the MDR.

Is it possible to upgrade to four devices prior to boarding?  We have the Plus package and whenever I hit the "upgrade" button on the Princess app for internet it just tells me I have the Plus package and won't let me do anything else.  We are past final payment and all "ready to sail" steps completed, but no change.  If we cannot upgrade prior to boarding, can we do it once we go online once we board?  (Like one selected a package based on loyalty status in the old days?)  Or does one have to visit the Internet cafe?

On 7/31/2024 at 2:27 PM, Freckles1983 said:

I’m booked on the emerald in September with Portland as the first us stop on the journey.  I’ve got a cruise tour booked thru princess that morning and I’m concerned that it might get cancelled or we may not make it in time.  Would the refund be as an OBC?  And if I don’t use that OBC before I get off the ship the next day in Boston, what happens to that money?  

If Princess cancels the excursion--because they are finding pax are not making it due to the extended CBP immigration processing--you will get a refund in refundable OBC.  If not used before the end of your cruise, Princess will send you a check in 3-4 weeks.  If you miss the excursion due to delays in CBP processing, you will be sorry out of luck.  You might want to ask at the shorex desk early in the cruise if those on excursions are given priority places in line for the CBP processing to ensure they are able to make their excursions--similar to being first for tender tickets.  If not, you could cancel before the deadline and would also obtain a refund.  (All this presumes, you booked the excursion with a credit card, not using non-refundable OBC.)

On 7/31/2024 at 3:59 PM, liptastic said:

We booked our 2025 Navigator cruise a good while back as we need to be booked in advance for work planning. 
I’ve noticed recently a Concierge pre or post land trip available. Am I right in thinking this is not an included at price offer, or an extra pay for trip?  Thanks., Jean.

Your TA should ask Regent.  The worst they can say is no--and maybe give you the new offer or something in between.  Asking will not change your current reservation, so why not give it a try?

For anyone who has used this service, how far in advance of your cruise do you need to book? Thinking of one-way after the cruise to avoid having to lug big cases to hotels and onto two trains.  (Although pricing it out on the website, it is less expensive to have pick-up from our first hotel than from the ship.) 

13 hours ago, Pcardad said:

Use it all the time. It was the preferred luggage handling service for Regent when they paid for the position, now Luggage Forward has won the bid.

How far in advance do you need to book this service before a cruise?  Thinking of one-way following a cruise and before going on a land adventure.

7 minutes ago, Bruce61 said:

We had already booked hotel accommodations before the hotel fiasco arose.  Changed hotels based on recommendation of friend.  Reykjavik was extremely expensive but we are glad for our two advance days there.  Saw what there was to see and no need to go back. 

Which hotel did you end up at?  Would you recommend it?

3 hours ago, Csphoenix said:

Every Hilton hotel is sold out for the dates in July! I made reservations at another hotel so I have something. Isn’t it incredible everything is sold out one year from now?

Not sure they are sold out.  I don't think the dates are posted yet.  Looks like they are only showing availability through the end of May.  Try looking again in a month or two to see if additional dates are available to book.

22 hours ago, JerseyCarol1960 said:

Hi Keith,

 

I did reach out to Crystal.  They informed me the advertised excursions were not running tours that day. I don't think that is an acceptable answer.! 

 

I guess I am a new cruiser since it's been a few years, but I think moving forward, customers should know that the advertised excursions that sound so awesome are not always available once reservations open up.

 

We will try to book on our own.

 

 

Presuming you are looking to visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve near Tulum, Mexico, a quick Google search turns up many blogs on how to visit on your own or with a tour.  You can also look for recommendations in the destination boards here on CC.com.

19 hours ago, cAPS lOCK oN said:

I think you're misunderstanding what's happening. On our March 2025 Caribbean cruise we get into most ports around 08:00 or 07:00. ALL of the shorex's say they leave 30 minutes after arrival. It doesn't matter if it's a sunset cruise, or one labeled as an evening tour. Some excursions we know will have multiple start times, but only the earliest time possible shows up and can be booked. 

 

We're not worked up about it. We know that the sunset cruise we booked will go off at sunset. We'll just go with the flow; it's the Caribbean after all. But it'd nice to know if we've reserved a morning tour or an afternoon one. Is that too much to ask?

 

I expect that Destination Services will be overwhelmed, even more so than usual. Good thing we start with two days at sea. 

1 hour ago, kjbacon said:

My travel agent, who specializes in regent cruises, has called and there’s no explanation to be had. They just keep saying “soon”.

 

Exactly!! Our second port of call is two days in New Orleans so we are planning for two lunches and one dinner in port. We made reservations but we really dont know what our actual availability will be. The only thing we are sure of is that all the shore excursions don’t start at 7:00 in the morning! We don’t care which of the two days we do our tours so we would pick them based on the times, but we can’t. And all the ports are that way.

 

And the question still begs … why? I don’t even have a good guess at this point lol! It’s not an inability to set things up with the operators. For example, when we called on Cozumel in January, the shore excursions were ready to book one year out but with this sailing, all the shore excursions in Cozumel start at the exact same time so we know they are wrong. With 100 nights on Regent, we’ve never seen anything like this.

 

 

There seem to be several elements to this issue--reported by multiple people.

One would seem to be lack of communication with local tour operators.  Or communication between those doing the outreach to whomever is responsible for posting shorex and timing.  And, finally, communicating availability of new shorex, new timing, or changes to old ones to passengers.

Three years ago, when cruises were just starting up after the COVID pause, the first element would be understandable.  Now, not so much, given the cruise lines offer the same shorex in the same ports on each call. 

Communication within operating elements within Regent is more problematic--where is the breakdown?  Is Regent aware of it?  What are they doing to resolve? 

Communication with passengers is, however, the most-troubling aspect.  It would seem doable from an IT perspective for changes made to shorex (if they were being kept up to date) to be communicated to those on the cruise--or even individually to those already booked on affected shorex.  Regent's IT Chief @mikemoore used to monitor these boards and add perspective to such issues.  

20 hours ago, flossie009 said:

They do ………. room service
 

 

I know it's an option.  We are just not room service people.  We tried it once and the butler fussed so much and brought so much extra food it just felt like a waste.  Plus, we like to get out and around the beautiful ships.  But that is the beauty of choice!

4 hours ago, Bruce61 said:

A word of warning. Don’t plan on a specialty restaurant reservation soon after the class.  You won’t be that hungry.

Ditto that!  It makes me wish Regent had a casual dinner option where you could just pick up a salad, snack, or dessert if you have any space left to fill.  One time we went to Sette Mari and just picked at the appetizers with (another) glass of wine (and lots of water!) and watched the sea go by.

23 hours ago, loriva said:

(If you've ever tried to get a reservation at Nobu in Copenhagen or the French Laundry outside San Francisco, you know what I mean--reservations book up completely when they are released three months ahead.)  

And, of course, I meant NOMA in CPH.  We are trying Crystal for our next cruise and I have Nobu on my brain...

On 7/24/2024 at 8:12 AM, papaflamingo said:

It's a non-issue.  Just select the excursion and time you want.  There will be a ticket in your cabin for the tour.  It will tell you where you meet and at what time. That's all that matters.  We've had a number of tours over the years that have had time changes once we board.  

The issue is when you are trying to coordinate a ship's excursion with something booked privately off the ship.  For example, the ship's online system shows the excursion starting at 0800 hours and ending at noon.  So, you go ahead and book a hard-to-get reservation at a foodie haven for lunch at 1300 hours, after checking the time you need to get from the port to the venue.  (Also not to be argumentative, but the reality is that some people use a cruise to try local foods, not eat every meal on board.)  But when you board, you discover the tour departure has changed to 0930 hours, meaning the tour will return after your reservation time.  And if the restaurant you have chosen is an iconic one, you might not be able to get a different reservation time--or, at best, you'll need to spend time trying to contact the restaurant in the hopes of changing the time.  (If you've ever tried to get a reservation at Nobu in Copenhagen or the French Laundry outside San Francisco, you know what I mean--reservations book up completely when they are released three months ahead.)  

Yes, if the restaurant is a priority, you can just not book or cancel your ship's excursion.  But after spending tens of thousands on your cruise, why should you have to do so?  Regent should be able to obtain realistic start and end times for its excursions and make this information available to passengers.  If this is not possible due to local operators when excursions open, Regent's Destinations team should be working closely with the operators and update the offerings as soon as possible.  If they cannot do so--they don't have the staff, they have outsourced this function, whatever--maybe it's time for Regent to drop "unlimited shorex" from its business model like other luxury cruises and reduce the prices accordingly.  After high demand and scheduling problems with the airlines, Regent seems to have made the decision to drop business class airfare from its base price.  Shorex would seem to be a similar headache for the company. 

14 hours ago, moto_italia said:

I enjoyed wearing a white dinner jacket with black tie for White Night on my first Crystal cruise last week and will probably dress in black tie when I have the chance to participate in gaming at the new Casino de Montecarlo on board.

A question on this from a first-time Crystal ocean cruiser.  Do people wear their white clothing for the entire evening?  Or only change between dinner and the start of the White party?

5 hours ago, Keith1010 said:

Normally boarding is at Noon.

 

May I ask what materials you are looking at?

 

In any case I would recommend having your TA or if you would like you could contact on board guest services at:  obgs@crystalcruises.com

 

Keith

That's an excellent question, Keith.  I had it in my notes but now I cannot find the source of that information.  Although I would have had to see it somewhere.

But thank you for the response.  In trying to find the source, I checked my "Before you sail" guide and, of course, you are completely correct.  (Not that I would have ever doubted that.)

Many thanks,

Sorry to ask such a basic question, but I could not find an answer in a search of the Crystal board.

In my pre-cruise materials from Crystal, it says our boarding time (in Brooklyn, NY) is between 1300-1500 hours.  But I believe the Waterside restaurant closes at 1300 hours and The Marketplace at 1330 hours.  I realize cabins might not be available until after 1500 hours, but is there not an option to board earlier to enjoy lunch?  (And maybe this is all moot and we'll receive a different time when we print out our e-tix in early September.  Just the planner in me that wants to know.)

Many thanks,

21 hours ago, KenzSailing said:

 

Way past time for the ships' photographers to go the way of the Strolling Strings and the Baked Alaska parade.

As first-time Crystal ocean cruisers, we were surprised to learn that Crystal has ship photographers.  Neither of the upscale lines we have sailed post-COVID (Regent and Viking) have them.  Do people really use the photographers a lot?  If not, it would seem @KenzSailinghas a valid point for Crystal's new ownership as they refine their offerings and plan new ships.

3 hours ago, 360Guy said:

Hope this helps!  It was an awesome cruise and our sadness at leaving is tempered by the fact that we will be back in 10 weeks for the Quebec to NYC sailing.  Can’t wait but now must go back on my pre-Crystal diet…hot water and Melba toast…LOL.

Thank you, Bob, for a wonderful thread.  I enjoyed your thoughts as well as appreciate the effort of posting the menus and daily Reflections.  I think you might be on the sailing just before ours, so hope to see your experiences on the QC to NYC trip.

On 7/7/2024 at 10:52 PM, Roland4 said:

I have to chuckle! A good friend drinks caffeine-free Coke Zero Sugar. Her husband calls it "Why Bother"!!!! 😁😁😁

Because I enjoy a Cuba Libre before dinner sometimes AND I like to sleep the night afterwards!  😀😉 DH is one of those people who can drink a regular double expresso and fall asleep five minutes later.  But I'm a no caffeine after 1400 hours person.

Thanks to all for confirming what I hoped was the case.  I'll submit my request soon for our cruise in October.  And if it doesn't appear, we have two port calls in the U.S. where we could purchase what we need.  Or just find something different on board to drink.  Don't think it will be a problem.😀

@Dianesaquilter -- Not sure if you are doing a Christmas market cruise or not, but we did our first Viking River cruise on the Elbe.  Here's my review if it helps your planning.

13 hours ago, 360Guy said:

We are at sea today having cruised into Tracy Arm and viewed Dawes Glacier.  Truly awesome!

 

Today’s Reflections enclosed.  The menu for lunch and dinner in Waterside have not been updated to the app.

Crystal Reflections July 6.pdf
Last night we dined in Osteria.  Really delicious with only one item a miss from our perspective.  Fantastic waiter who was very informative and entertaining.  We had a lot of laughs!

 

The Crystal Society party is listed as "Captain's Reception AND CS party."  Does that mean everyone on board is invited?  Not just previous Crystal cruisers?  If so, how crowded was it since you are sailing at near full capacity?  Or does the availability of free drinks all the time limit the scrum the captain's receptions are on ships not offering included drinks?

15 hours ago, ccbee said:

I asked if they had Caffeine Free Diet Pepsi. They only have Diet Pepsi. They said they could special order it for me but I would have to pay for it. Same answer for Barcardi Gold rum. They only have Bacardi Blanca rum. Was a little surprised and disappointed by the answer but I guess it is understandable as it would be quite difficult to satisfy everyone's tastes.

 

 

Very surprising.  We put in a special order for caffeine-free Coke Zero and sugar-free ginger beer a minimum of 30 days before a Regent cruise.  Some has always been waiting for us in our cabin--at no charge.  I would have thought Crystal would be at the same level of service.  We are sailing on our first Crystal ocean out of NYC, so no problem bringing a six-pack of each but somewhat disappointing that we'll need to do so.

On 6/24/2024 at 12:49 PM, Ramblin Wreck Cruiser said:

Perhaps they think a certain percentage of people won’t notice the charge or won’t jump through the hoops to get it fixed.

This has been a problem on the Princess IT system for years.  I cannot help but think your statement is what is behind the continuing failure to fix the problem.  (And, yep, just had the same thing happen this week when I made reservations for ourselves and another couple (with Premier) sailing with us.  Have made an entry on my embarkation notes to get the credit from Guest Services.)