KenzSailing

Thank you. That's most reassuring.

Experienced cruiser, potential first timer on HAL here. What is their announcements in the cabin policy? We've sailed on lines that are "only in emergency" and lines that are "art auction/bingo/jewelry sale happening" multiple times per day. Just trying to set my expectation level.

Bin-joe! Apparently it was announced by the CEO, so sounds pretty solid.

Tried to tell ya. He who laughs last...

Over on FB someone posted that the wifi is now Starlink. Very positive development.

Very impressed with how Crystal is pulling out all the stops to impress the TA/press communities. They appear determined to make some noise as they re-enter the cruising world.

I've been looking at the photos of The Lounge," and trying to figure out why they don't sit quite right with me. Then it came to me: it reminds me of any conference room I spent far too much time in listening to a presentation about the latest corporate strategy/policy/whatever my company decided was the next key to success. Don't need that flashback. OTOH, now that we're seeing photos that aren't professionally done and brochure ready, I still think Crystal has done an exceptionally good job in renewing the public spaces, including some that were very much in need of it. The strong contrast of the colors used in say, the Osteria vs Umi Uma vs the Bistro pleasantly adds to the sense of each unique space. I even like the carpeting.

So I assume there's going to be a model of Serenity on Symphony.

Including Reflections which still looks like it was printed by a mimeograph machine from the 1960s. Well, at least they're not forcing us to look at it on our phones.

Ah, that makes sense. A sampler, accompanied by high quality photos. Looking good.

That page is clearly headed "tasting menus." There will be a second ala carte page. Smart move though, as it suggests non-AI wine accompaniments.

The space labeled "The Lounge" must be the old casino space.

(Wolfman Jack voice:) One week to go, let's have some sailing music! This first one goes out to that guy already hanging around Marseilles. Locals say his clothes are extremely wrinkled: Next up, well, if you're on an ocean, there's a shoreline somewhere. And some of those shorelines have beaches. And some of those Beaches have Boys(also, a lesson in cruising decorum gone terribly wrong): Let's up the tempo with some bloated 70s pop: Then mellow it back out again: Finally, let's close this show with some serious quality: (This is the Wolfman, signing off.)

You go Phileas!

I'll put money on "no" to that one.

Good golly Miss Molly! Music from the Motor City? And a little breakin'? Break dancing on Crystal? Be still my beating heart!

Hmmmm, well as long as she doesn't drop by the table to chide me for asking for a double portion, I'm prepared to work thru this.

"iconic hits from everyone’s favorites, from The Rolling Stones, to The Beatles and Queen." Sigh. Yes, and let's bring back the Baked Alaska parade and strolling strings. Folks, we're almost a quarter of the way into the 21st century. Is a little Taylor Swift and maybe Beyonce(gasp) too much to hope for? BTW, "Under Pressure" is a brilliant song. Bowie wrote it.

In the before time of OC, it was an article of faith on this board that Crystal shoreside customer service was not even slightly representative of the seaside experience. Well, they have been promising us the Crystal experience we've come to know! (Kidding, more than a few shoreside people new in their jobs, no excuse, but miscommunication is going to be higher during the start-up phase.)

Told ya.

Interesting discussion about ambience vs decor/service. Whey can't we have both? I'm personally comfortable with Crystal's ability to walk and chew gum at the same time. I just wish they'd set sail so we can start kibitzing about what the cruise line IS rather than our hopes/fears of what it isn't.

While we wait on word from the Oracle, my two cents. The original FB post indicated some pretty imprecise information, it was far from definitive. One guess is that the first few cruises may have had the VR already bought out, Crystal has always limited the nights it's available and my be further throttling thru put while they get their sea legs. After the initial surge of Crystal fans has passed thru the pipeline, I'm sure they'll offer VR nights put together onboard of smaller groups. Otherwise they're leaving revenue on the table. (Also, the FB post this was all based on was from someone attempting to book two persons into VR in advance of sailing. I could be wrong, but I thought Crystal only ever did that once on board.)

Better hope I don't board first:

Nice to see the restaurant formerly known as Prego join the 21st century. Also, the new owners do appear to love their booths.