Camillus112

Dance classes!!  Wonderful.  I don't remember them in my SS cruises...granted, two years pre-covid.  This would be a highlight for me.

Not all tour descriptions and ability ratings are accurate.  Also tour guides often change at the last minute and seem not to avail themselves of the ability ratings.  We had such an experience in Malta a few years ago.  The tour description and rating (only one walking image) did not prepare several couples without mobility impairments, but not speed walkers, what they were in for.  It was a guide change and she seemed to be running a marathon.  My DH and I, and we are brisk walkers, could hardly keep pace.  We asked her to slow down...which she reluctantly did, but after losing some couples who went on their own.  Of course we gave feedback!!

One particular speaker in a Caribbean cruise some years ago was hardly any expert.  In his talk about pirates of historical note, he failed to mention Roberto Cofresí y Ramírez de Arellano (one of the most notables).  After the talk I asked about this..."oh, yes, I should have mentioned him, but people won't know."  Well, I did, he is one of my ancestors.

53 minutes ago, Mr Luxury said:

Dress code? 😁

Athleisure wear?  

Discussing Explora with my daughter, who just turned 50.  Theatre for shows?  Not needed.    Bars with different vibes?  Yes, please!  Piano bar?  What's that! 🤣.

31 minutes ago, Lirio said:

So many jokes today...........yesterday I visited a gardem in an art center nearby my house. Flowers to you all...

 

 

Lirio, your name is Lily in Spanish and I always enjoy your postings. Thanks!

1 hour ago, Vivaldi said:

 

As someone who has considered taking a RSS cruise, could I ask whether all the restaurants onboard have background music? Being a retired classical musician I'm afraid that unavoidable background music would be a bit of a deal-breaker for me! 

Very interested to read your detailed and balanced review. Many thanks.

My DH is also a classical musician and, like you, dislikes background music in restaurants.  I will say that in our one (and until December) only Regent cruise in 2020, the music did not interfere as it was kept low.  We are early diners and, of course, the full venue helps to dim the sound.

1 minute ago, mnocket said:

At first I thought "good for you"... and then it occurred to me that I'd be PO'd if I was in the pool and found my towel missing when I returned.

DH and I are pool people.  We don't use loungers but ask ourselves...where to put our stuff?  If no nearby table or chair is accessible, we leave our towel, card, watch, cell phone by the edge of the pool...which is not appropriate, as accidents have happened and a watch and a cell have joined us and others at the pool.  I am now glad to read that a table has been set up for stuff.  I am, however, miffed at the idea that when we collect, we will forever be known as "hoggers" 🥰

3 hours ago, ivyleaguegent said:

As we have done!!

I'm standing with Mr. Luxury, dance shoes shined and ready, hoping for a short wait...

Thanks for sharing with us...it's a privilege to have lived in such beautiful surroundings.

32 minutes ago, Mr Luxury said:

You asked him for Cerveza and he brought you a razor.😁

How about this...I asked him for an engineer (since we had problems with the cooling system) and he replied...no Madam the engine is not near!!   How can you not laugh and hug him!!!

PS. With a Spanish accent you would say enginenear...not "ingenniar".  I don't know about the Indian accent...

 Before covid, I would sail SS once or twice a year.  One funny anecdote comes to mind....my butler was Indian with a very, very heavy accent.  I am Hispanic with a moderate Spanish accent.  You can imagine the difficult communication between us...We both laughed when all was misunderstood.  I missed out on certain requirements, but I gained a sense of compassion that few people had gained with me...I was really the winner.

As dance instructors, Beverly and Curtis made sure the class was much fun.  I wonder if they would be available...

1 minute ago, Mr Luxury said:

I'll get my patent shoes ready. 

Mr. Luxury, I'll see you at the dance floor!

Thanks, Keith; this is a highlight for some of us.

Dance classes in pre-covid Crystal were so much fun!  They were very popular, even quite crowded at times.  Great activity to meet others and spike up the cruise vibe.  I wonder if they will return...

14 minutes ago, Stickman1990 said:

So true 

 

But checking out the grass in the other places can be a lot of fun sometimes 

 

We’ve certainly learnt a lot over the past few months cruising other lines - and most of it is very good news - it’s nice to have choice - it increases your options

I very much agree!   My only disappointment with other luxury cruise lines is lack of dancing;  hosts, classes, and dancing venues.

Dear Gray Lady, Silversea and Regent are our cruse lines of choice...not knowing how will we like the new Crystal.  Not knowing what your favored itineraries are in both lines, I would say...if you favor ship sea day activities in longer cruises over destination tours, Regent will work for you.  For port intensive cruises, and if you don't have dressing up issues, I would recommend Silversea.  Both are luxury lines and you will not be disappointed.

1 hour ago, trlagt said:

I haven't seen any mention of the bridge program.  Wondering if the new Crystal is going to have organized bridge games with directors and lessons as the old Crystal did.  This is an activity important to many of us.  Would like to know before making any booking.

I don't think there is mention of the Ambassadors program either...dancing was a highlight for me.

Barcelona is a spectacular city.  I agree with NCCruzQueen's recommendations for a short time visit.  You will be wowed and will love to come back.

I appreciate the reply...I was wondering myself...for Grandeur.  I do hope that they have the 1875 watts model.

7 hours ago, wishIweretravelling said:

There’s also the issue of someone being IN the pool or hot tub. Yes, some of us do stay in the pool for more than 30 minutes if the water is pleasant.

DH and I are pool people...we do not need nor use loungers to put our stuff.  I wish we had a table for this purpose...we leave our towels and personal properties dangerously abutting the pool.  However, I have seen pool people (not you, of course, as you would use the lounger) placing their belongings on loungers and then retrieving them when out of the pool and going inside..  All that time somebody else could have enjoyed the lounger...

51 minutes ago, skybluewaters said:

 

I beg to differ!  When we were on a Crystal River cruise we were so pleased with the rain shower head that we asked the room attendant to find out the name of the manufacturer and the model of the the shower head so that we could order one for our home when we returned.  Later that day she brought us that information.

And I beg to differ with you.  Difficult to bathe and not wet your hair.  Not all women wash their hair on a daily basis.  Glad it worked for you.

Balsamic white vinegar is a complete dressing for me!!  However, I also use the Skinny Girl brand for 10 calories a serving, and I prefer the Honey Dijon Fat Free Sugar Free bottle.  I doubt you would find it in a cruise ship.

14 hours ago, cruiseej said:

If you have one or more connecting flights, and if those connections are in airports with a reputation for baggage woes (such as Amsterdam), your odds become worse, and using Luggage Forward can look better!

It seems this past December was mayhem at most airports.  Our flight from Syracuse to JFK was significantly delayed and we missed the connecting flight to Madrid.  Our carrier put us in another carrier and then, neither is taking responsibilities for the lost luggage.  My recommendation to those traveling with checked luggage...wait a day, if you have to, for the next flight to your destination in your original carrier.  Airlines' code sharing can be risky.