Stickman1990

Thank you @Host Jazzbeau - much clearer now

Yes they’re on decks 9 &10 - here’s some photos someone posted on FB There is no charge to use them Not sure what hours they’re open

No doubt this discussion and categorisation is an Art not a Science I haven’t sailed either of these lines so happy to hear opinions and this is really just a discussion rather then a “hard” definition - I have friends who’ve sailed Ponant and it’s probably line ball on whether they’re true luxury or Premium Plus I was thinking of adding Azamara when I did my initial post but they slipped my mind - I’d put them as Premium Plus but I defer to Calliope Cruiser as I know her cruising background and value her judgement I agree Holland and Celebrity are lower level Premium Plus The nice thing here is we can have a discussion and share views without people obsessing about who is “better” than x line - it’s not about that is it @ak1004 😂😂😂😉

A long way from agreeing with you… How about this: Luxury Crystal Europa Explora Journeys Regent Ritz Carlton Seabourn Silversea Premium Celebrity Holland America Oceania Paul Gaughan Ponant Scenic Swan Viking Windstar Too early to tell/Not sure Atlas Hurtigruten Who have I forgotten?

Not an average excursion I’m sure - you’ve piqued my interest now - so what is it? Price is relative to the experience - some will pay large amounts for experiences and often they’re things I wouldn’t give you tuppence for (google it if you don’t understand the term)

Actually you may be surprised to learn that many of the speakers and entertainers spend time on other lines (some of those being non luxury lines actually) - some may be exclusive to Crystal but I suspect that’s the minority. I’ve seen speakers appearing on other lines before they turned up on Crystal for example I’m certainly not here to say one line is better than the other as that’s a ridiculous claim to make, sure the last couple of years have shown me that many lines have positives and negatives over Crystal - ultimately it comes down to the overall package and what’s important to us - things like Computer Classes, several other aspects of enrichment programmes, Clergy onboard and Fitness Centres don’t make a difference to me but Food, Entertainment and most of all Service are what matter to me - but that’s just me We know people won’t agree with each other but as long as they stay within CC rules then that’s all that matters - my suggestion is to let the debate run and let the CC Hosts do their thing rather than trying to cut people off

There’s an existing thread dedicated to the Lahaina tragedy -

Unbelievable news coming out of Lahaina, Maui - such a idyllic port and visited by Crystal many times - so sad to see the devastation and loss of life Sadly I can’t see the 2024 World Cruises planned visit to Lahaina for 10 February 2024 happening Bush fires are something many areas around the world suffer from, including here in Australia, and the magnitude of loss is unbelievable Please join me in sending caring thoughts to the people of Lahaina - and hoping for a full recovery - but it’s going to take huge effort and time Fond memories of Lahaina in better times

I wonder if they stagger boarding depending on suite level? Not a big issue - I’ll just be glad to get onboard on the 9th

Big correction - only some are of that view - many others cruise multiple luxury lines (some acerbated by Covid and Crystals issues) and recognise that there are good and bad features and experiences on all lines Perhaps a new comparison thread is better but maybe after a few more people cruise new Crystal

A review of Crystal Serenity by Food & Wine - they’re impressed https://www.foodandwine.com/crystal-cruises-new-ships-food-and-itineraries-7569963

A good insight into how CEO Cristina Levis is approaching her role leading Crystal and A&K from the Insider Travel Report

An interesting interview with Rick on how Crystal Serenity’s crew Is back to deliver a Crystal luxury experience from Insider Travel Report

Ah yes - my bad - I missed the point that it’s Symphony he was referring to Either way I haven’t seen anyone commenting on their experience on Serenity in a solo cabin yet - it will be interesting to get some first hand commentary

edited - My bad I missed the point that Roy was referring to the yet to sail Symphony. I guess we have only a few weeks before we find out now

The thing I find interesting is you won’t see anything on her Insta profile about Crystal - they’re all those temporary reels or stories that disappear after 24 hours without a trace - seems strange to me that there’s nothing with a longer life than that as part of the deal

But Skybluewater wasn’t comparing Crystal to Carnival - well I guess they own Seabourn - the comparison is luxury line to other luxury lines - and yes that opens the debate as to what’s a luxury line and what’s included in each lines “all inclusive” It’s always difficult to compare such things as only very rarely are all things equal

The Points Guy has published his comprehensive review of Crystal Serenity - it’s includes some great photos from around the ship https://thepointsguy.com/reviews/crystal-serenity-cruise-ship/

Thanks for posting this - yes the cheque will be in the mail - $2225 maximum for consumer creditors initially and approx $12m in reserve to settle the claims - you can work out roughly how much that leaves per claimant… I’d say people want to be grateful to new Crystal for the Exceptional initiative

Ivi - the standard champagne served in bar as part of all inclusive is Jacquart Brut Tradition

What times boarding time for you? I wonder if you’ll be the first one there 😂😂😂😉

I have no idea how accurate this is but someone currently onboard Crystal Serenity has just posted on Facebook that casinos will return in 2024 in time for the World Cruise - they have said the Crystal CEO announced it last night and that it is likely slots will be in Pulse or Gaming Tables in card room on Deck 7

It takes a LOT more than looking nice to be successful - we sailed Viking ocean recently and found the food and some other aspects, such as waiting for 30 minutes in The Restaurant to get a table and dealing with service delays caused by being on a drinks package, not something we would repeat. Viking need to sort those issues out if they wish to be a true luxury line

Seatrades coverage of the announcement https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/shipbuilding-refurb-equipment/crystal-plans-build-four-ships-six-years?

It’s there - check out the list on this thread