Stickman1990

An indication of the regions being covered in 2026

Wrong - it has changed but as the page you’ve linked to says “Anthology showcases refined Italian cuisine taking guests on a unique culinary journey”

Who has? I think you are getting confused - X-Flora is not Explora Journeys But as you’ve raised it (again) I’d say lucky them if they have though - we certainly enjoyed all the dining experiences on Explora I and never got bored with the menus as we were more than happy to repeat several of the dishes or try something different - choice is good after all Dining is so subjective but there were many dishes we liked better than similar ones on Crystal - but maybe that’s just us…. Actually if I’m not mistaken Crystal doesn’t change the menus in Umi Uma, OdO or Tastes (yes I know they do change Tastes menus occasionally) each night do they? That leaves Waterside which does change regularly - but as I said the choices on Explora provide plenty of options each night

You just ask your cabin attendant for the two bottles of liquor you want and it can be anything that’s in the bars as included liquor, it’s not limited to what’s on the “list” - we never filled out the form - we just spoke to him As others have said you’ll get a bottle of champagne in your suite on embarkation - that doesn’t count as part of your two bottles

Use the desk space in the walk in closet area - you may need to fight your partner for it though 😂

We just saw him on Silversea a month or so ago - he was very good I don’t think it’s any coincidence that a lot of talent previously booked on Crystal, another example is John Joseph, is also appearing on Silversea now. One of the senior leaders of Entertainmemt at Crystal moved across to Silversea a couple of years ago - it seems he has been going through his little black book of contacts

But her sailing is on 21 August - so it's well within the 120 days - so that's not the issue

Are you sure you’ve completed everything in the Guest Information Form? - there’s several pages of questions there now

A good TA focussed on luxury cruises is someone you are able to trust - and who gets to know you A good agent will get to know you and your preferences. Mine who I’ve dealt with now for 12 years has cruised a lot more than I have and on the type of lines I’m likely to consider. They’ve successfully steered me onto and off a number of lines over the years as they know what we like Many agents have sailed Explora under their programme of introducing agents to the new brand - now whether I’d trust them all with giving me advice is another matter But having sailed Explora I’m now in a position where I can make my own call on them - and as we really enjoyed our time onboard last year we’ve booked another couple of cruises with them in 2025 Yes there may be some who are time limited and commission focused but I doubt they are the sort you or I would be happy with

It seems I’m not alone in valuing included laundry - Crystal also do indeed see value in the included laundry service and hold it out as something to aspire to, unlike some in this thread This from an email I recieved from them today - they describe a laundry service as a valuable benefit Enjoy Extra Space and Complimentary Laundry With Our New Upgrade Offer The good life just got better. Book an Aquamarine Veranda Suite on selected sailings in 2024, and we will upgrade you to one of our last remaining spacious Sapphire Veranda Suites with our new Sapphire Suite Upgrade Offer.* You will pay the price of an Aquamarine Veranda Suite yet enjoy the benefits of a Sapphire Veranda Suite, a larger home from home on the ocean with the valuable benefit of complimentary laundry.

Totally agree with you - it’s just so subjective (although somethings can be absolute in terms of things like say cold food being served) This was bought home to me on our last Silver Muse cruise when another member described a very negative experience in La Terrazza in terms of the dishes and service whilst we enjoyed an excellent meal and great service at exactly the same time sitting on the opposite side of the restaurant

@Corey44 My advice - use a good TA who knows Explora Journeys and can offer advice and incentives to you to book via them You raise some great questions all oc which an experienced TA could assist you with and save you some angst down the track You really won’t regret it

Now there's a surprise - could that be because they happen to agree with you? I appreciate the posts from all members - including those who have a different view on the matter So do I - but I take it in the context of what she was replying to - clearly if there were limitations placed on an implementation the answer may well be different Those in the third world aren't worrying about their laundry...

Remember food (and service) is so subjective - we just sailed a month on Muse and were very happy with the food - I can’t remember one meal we really didn’t like across all the restaurants (we didn’t go to La Dame) My benchmarks when making the comparison are with Silversea, Crystal, Regent and Explora Journeys, all of which we’ve sailed with in the last 12 months We’re talking luxury lines here - of course there are some venues we prefer over others but we’ve never been disappointed on any of these lines (now don’t get me started on Viking however)

You give up far too readily My point is that where there is a will there’s a way. Sure it may not be possible carte blanche for every guest - but what about the options of limiting quantity, response time or status level - all or some could reduce the load on the laundry and make it possible in some way - just as they do with offers such as the one referenced in the first post One interesting observation is that many guests who have sailed with other lines now have free laundry included through status matches or recognition of nights sailed (one line has just included sailings on the range of lines on their group making it relatively easy to qualify for free laundry) - sure it may not matter for the moment but who is prepared to state (and how are they so sure what impacts others decisions on what lines to cruise with) it will never be the straw that breaks the camels back when its decision time on what line to sail with? No one’s going to die on a hill in a battle over free laundry but it is certainly one element that comes up in discussion and consideration when I am talking to people about luxury cruise lines - so trying to dismiss it as irrelevant or immaterial to others just doesn’t wash 😉

Exactly the same as long as you’ve completed the online info required re passport etc

Maybe think a little more laterally - if what you claim regarding capacity is actually correct, then maybe they could run multiple shifts 24x7 to utilise what laundry capacity there is to handle one or more of those limited extensions to the laundry service Not sure anyone’s really suggesting they need to offer everyone unlimited laundry There are many variations on that theme eg limiting those who qualify based on say Crystal Society level, longer lead time for the return of laundry, limits on the quantity of laundry allowed per guest/suite Will it mean I won’t cruise Crystal going forward? Of course not but it would enhance the offering in my mind

You’re right - but some will never admit it I don’t agree that it’s not possible to provide free laundry if Crystal wanted to - the ships laundry’s (as well as the guests laundry’s) were designed to cater for much higher passenger numbers - so if they wanted to increase the capacity of provided laundry services and crew to support the activity I’m sure they could (it may not be for all but maybe a certain level of Crystal Society membership for example) I’ve never met anyone, with one notable exception, who had the opportunity to utilise free laundry who didn’t take it up and enjoy the service It’s simply a business decision as to what’s included along with the associated costs

or even the Silversea model where 100 nights gets you free laundry

Yes - a tie is optional on those formal nights You and I share the same preferences and I never felt inappropriately dressed although I’m sure some would have passed judgement under their breath at my relaxed style

Interesting question - there seems to be stairs going up to it but no corridor on the deck plans. It’s hard to work out where the stairs actually come from for guests

It ch be found here https://www.cruisecritic.com.au/cruise/silversea/silver-ray

Same as they've used everywhere else I wouldn't read too much into that representation at this stage

Crystal Society members who have opted to receive communications from Crystal should recovered following message from the CEO of Crystal “When we returned to service almost a year ago, I announced on our preview cruises the intention of expanding our fleet. I am writing today to inform you that we have officially signed a Binding Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to build two ocean-going classic ships. The first ship is expected to be delivered in the Spring of 2028. The delivery date of the second ship will be communicated in the next few months. The new 690-passenger, 61,800-gross-ton ships will feature a host of amenities and innovative designs, ensuring unparalleled comfort and indulgence for our guests to enjoy. The interior design will feature the most precious marbles, Italian fabrics and natural materials, offering a level of research and sophistication typically reserved for high-end private residential properties. And, we are pleased to be partnering on this project with prominent architectural firms Studio Ibsen run by Architect Adriana Granato and Studio Gem headed by Architect Giacomo Mortola and Naval Engineer and Architect Lorenzo Mortola who led the beautiful refurbishments in 2023. The ships will feature a promenade similar to those loved by guests on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, for leisurely strolls with stunning ocean views. Culinary enthusiasts will be delighted by a variety of dining options, showcasing a variety of world-class cuisines including Umi Uma, the only Nobu restaurant at sea as well as recently announced Beefbar. Additionally, Crystal will continue its legacy of offering exclusive entertainment options including a sophisticated casino with our new partner, Casino de Monte-Carlo. Wellness and relaxation will be at the heart of the new ships, with a comprehensive Spa and state-of-the-art fitness center available to all guests. Families traveling with children will appreciate a dedicated area, designed to provide engaging activities and a safe space for younger guests. The new ships will feature all-suite accommodations, with private verandas including our popular single occupancy category designed for solo travelers. This commitment to comfort is complemented by one of the highest crew-to-passenger ratios in this segment, ensuring personalized service and attention to detail. We look forward to sharing more details about the ships as they become available and, of course, welcoming you on board when our new ship debuts in 2028. Warm regards, Cristina Levis CEO | Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group”

Breaking News CRYSTAL SIGNS MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH FINCANTIERI FOR TWO NEW OCEAN SHIPS First Ship Delivery is Set for Q2 2028 MONACO (June 27, 2024) – Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. This agreement marks the commencement of the construction of two groundbreaking ships that will redefine high-end travel on the seas. The 690-passenger (based on double occupancy), 61,800-gross-ton ships will feature a host of amenities and innovative designs, ensuring unparalleled comfort and indulgence for guests. Prominent architectural firms Studio Ibsen led by Prof. and Architect Adriana Granato and Studio Gem headed by Naval Arch. Giacomo Mortola and Naval Eng. Lorenzo Mortola will be leading the design efforts, along with a third international design firm yet to be appointed. The interior design will feature the most precious marbles, Italian fabrics and natural materials, offering a level of research and sophistication typically reserved for high-end private residential properties. A standout feature will be a promenade extending through the whole ships’ perimeter, similar to those loved by guests on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, for leisurely strolls with stunning ocean views. Culinary enthusiasts will be delighted by a variety of dining options, showcasing a variety of world-class cuisines including Umi Uma, the only Nobu at sea as well as recently announced Beefbar. Additionally, Crystal will continue its legacy of offering exclusive entertainment along with a sophisticated casino that includes an array of gaming options in an elegant setting. Wellness and relaxation will be at the heart of the new ships, with a comprehensive Spa and state-of-the-art fitness center available to all guests. Families traveling with children will appreciate a dedicated area, designed to provide engaging activities and a safe space for younger guests. The new ships will feature all-suite accommodations, with private verandas including a popular single occupancy category, with veranda, designed for solo travelers. This commitment to comfort is complemented by one of the highest crew-to-passenger ratios in this segment, ensuring personalized service and attention to detail. “This order is another milestone in the 40 years of productive collaboration between Fincantieri and my family that started with Sitmar Cruises, continued with Silversea and now is flourishing again with Crystal,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group. “Our aim is to continue setting a new standard in cruising, offering our guests an unmatched level of service and sophistication. These new ships will receive the same level of attention I have reserve to my own house,” added Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group. “This order not only highlights the robust recovery of the cruise sector, in line with our Industrial Plan, but also reaffirms Fincantieri’s leadership, thanks to the operational excellence of our shipyards and the execution quality of our world-class supply chain,” stated Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri. “We are thrilled to partner with Crystal in our pursuit of innovation and excellence, under the guidance of a shipowner who has always been close to our Group, like Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio." The expected delivery of the first ship will be in the Spring of 2028. The construction and delivery timeline on the second ship will be announced at a later date. The announcement comes two years after A&K Travel Group acquired Crystal in 2022, marking a new chapter for the cruise line. Under A&K Travel Group’s leadership, Crystal has been focusing on enhancing its offerings both at sea and on shore and expanding its fleet to provide unparalleled experiences for its guests. Crystal has also secured the option to build a third sister ship with delivery in 2032. For more information navigate to: https://www.crystalcruises.com/press/crystal-signs-memorandum-of-agreement-with-fincantieri-for-two-new-ocean-ships Further reporting New ships for Crystal reported by Cruise Industry News “Crystal announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for two new luxury cruise ships. The 690-passenger, 61,800-gross-ton ships will feature a host of amenities and innovative designs, the company said, ensuring unparalleled comfort and indulgence for guests” https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2024/06/crystal-cruises-orders-two-new-ships-from-fincantieri I felt this news worthy of a dedicated thread for the inevitable discussion on the announcement