tinaincc

We are also booked on Ray and I hope you a right about the bread! Usually I gain weight due to all the delicious bread, if it’s bad maybe I can maintain!! 😃

Guests certainly have blind loyalty and there is no harm in that. What is disappointing is when service from crew or company is modified based on that loyalty (outside of a loyalty program of course). I haven’t cruised on the new Crystal yet I am only going off of the review that was posted.

Interesting perspective. I had one cruise with Crystal during Covid and thought it was fine but liked many things about Viking better. Now found an itinerary and ship (Ray) with SS that makes me excited to try this for the first time.

Agreed - with limited dining option in comparison with other newer ships I am surprised at the price point. They must be relying on the paddleball courts and family-like service to bring in their loyal customers.

Agree with your sentiments and your DW’s “pledge”. I found Crystal’s good to be great but limited in the number of restaurants. Now I have heard they have specialized even further. Does it help SS at all that they have so many options per ship? Just curious while we await our first SS voyage!

Thanks for the input - we are booked on Ray next Sunmer!

As a former executive at a major Credit Card, I have a hard time booking a cruise with the thought that the cc would have to cover it. I’ll never trust Crystal again: they lied and said our money was in escrow when it was not. Yes, they have “new” ownership but old ships that don’t compare to some new offerings. Excited to try SSea and find out for myself.

Interesting - that is why I would not trust them with a deposit again.

Agree about the C cheerleaders. I sailed with C during covid and liked it so much we booked two more trips and then lost our money. That aside, I still can acknowledge what they did well and where they could improve. Unfortunately the cheerleaders are myopically focused on the 'perfect ship, crew and family' which paints an unrealistic picture for those really trying to compare and contrast with other lines. I am very excited to sail with Silversea in 2024, then I can weigh in with experience.

Anyone see or have access to one of the aft cabins? Eagerly looking for photos and videos of the balconies!

Thanks for your comments about the 'new' dress code. On the formal optional night(s) what percentage dressed up? Just wondering (hoping) if the new code has people dressing much more casually, even on 'formal' nights when given the choice. So excited for our trip on this fabulous ship in 2024!

Gosh I hope not, I found the Crystal offering to be a bit boring.

When you board you are given the coupons that you purchased by your room steward. It’s an easy process especially when you pre-purchase.

Has anyone used the self-serve laundry on the Nova? As a carryon only couple we love the self serve laundry options when available.

Wow. I haven’t been over there since I voiced my distaste for losing money with C. Terrible to hear.

This is sad. I recall you mentioning something similar as reason for your break from this group. I’m starting to understand your perspective. I just continue to remind myself that the vocal ones here are a very small percentage of cruisers. Additionally, I have cruised many times and met wonderful people. I can’t recall one bad conversation to date. I’m sure that will continue.

Agreed. It’s is hard to believe how this topic has gone from “follow the rules or pick another cruise line” to “now that the rules have changed on Nova people are going to ruin the ambiance” to now “there will be bathing suits in the dining room”! There is a small group of insufferable people in this thread that seem to enjoy trying to imagine all the ways other passengers will ruin their experience. All because of a jacket and tie. SMH

I’m hoping someone will help ease my concern after a few sailings and we hear some real world stories. I have a lot of time to change if I have to.

Oh no…now I’m rethinking my cabin!

Hopefully that approach (not playing DC warden) will extend to your next cruise and you’ll have an enjoyable trip. as for the bathing suit and flip flops senario, that would be solve by the leadership at the restaurant because surely they wouldn’t allow them entry.

This is exactly what SS is doing - setting a standard, albeit a modified one on Nova but a standard nonetheless. Why do you assume someone will “test the limits” ? Did you see people doing so at the Palm Beach restaurant you mentioned? I don’t understand how this new dress code is going to bring on mayhem?

Correct. Excitedly awaiting our trip on the Ray in June.

I hope that you are right. You bring up a good point. We are also booked on Ray next summer just above CC on deck 6. We specifically chose that location due to availability and the look of the extended balcony. Now, I am hesitant based on the smoking situation.

Don’t plan on Cunard, thanks. I am booked on Ray (sister ship to the Nova) and more than happy with the dress code as it stands today. It allows you to wear your tie and enjoy yourself while my Husband can be in a sport coat and be happy as well. We will be enjoying every minute of the trip and not concerned one iota with your tie selection. If you are so concerned with others you may want to stick with Cunard or one of the other more formal SS ships.

@steamboats with the more relaxed dress code on Nova have you noticed a difference? Has there been a formal optional night yet?