KenzSailing

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.

Just now in real time:OLoPP just got off a YouTube live feed she follows of this guy who quit high finance or something to run a farm in Vermont?! Huh, I had no idea. I wonder if he sells lamb. Surprise and wonder, my friends, is how you keep the spark alive.

Happy 4th of July to all who celebrate. Rib eye on the grill tonight because: Hooray for the Red White and Moo!

That is a slender thread for choosing another cruise line.

Sarah Vanilla Bean(but not Tahitian, mind you) McPecan Sandies ice cream. It has its own theme song:

Crystal Cruisers calmly discussing the on board laundry facilities:

Did not know that about La Verandah. Thanks for the tip.

So the Washington Post taste tested eight or ten of the most popular brands of vanilla ice cream: Ben and Jerry's came out on top. The Costco store brand (Kirkland) came in second. Blue Bell tied for seventh with Walmart's brand. News you can use!

I sympathize, but I can unify your point with the original direction of this thread: I mean, who hasn't heard of Jockey Shorts?

Hi all, taking our first Regent cruise on Grandeur, Dec 21, Mia-LA. We have two sea days that occur on Sundays. From what I've read, this means a grand buffet featuring caviar(asking for the spouse.) However I've also read that this only happens once a cruise. So can we expect one included caviar feast or two? Guidance appreciated. (The Sundays fall on Dec 24 and Jan 31, so I'm guessing, if it's one, that'll be NYE.) Correct my logic if I'm wrong. Also, appreciate guidance on booking the specialties. Specifically, I'm thinking of booking P7 the first night, as I suspect CR will get very busy(although I'm sure they handle the crush just fine.) We tend to dine later when cruising, around 8:30. Hoping that dining time also works for Sette Mari on other evenings. And if you want to tell me I'm over thinking this, why, yes, I am. That's part of the fun for us.

I'm not sure toothpicks will take off, but I've got a dead bang certain fire starter for you: paper straws. 😁

I see Regent's included laundry service has suddenly become a major selling point to some on this board. I've spent a lot of time on the Regent board while Crystal was on "hiatus." Here's a little context: Regent only extended that perk to all cruisers within the last year or two(previously it was dependent on your nights aboard Regent status.) And some Regent cruisers complained that that perk extension diminished the value of their cherished status! Some cruisers, man, if they stop complaining, check for a pulse.

Ah, you're right of course. I'm mired in the past! Anyway, that leads me an even better idea for both ships: A Fifth of Crystal Penthouse!

Well, I've thought a lot about this important topic, and this has occurred to me: since, on Symphony, there are two CPs, they should have named it Crystal Penthouse the Third. Very classy.

Oh my gosh, cannot imagine circulating around, much less having dinner, on a Crystal cruise after being prominently outed as a Doctor-Doctor. It would be like seven days(or more) in one of Dante's Circles of Hell.

Serious question: does anyone know the status of our own @BWIVince? Initially I figured he was buried by work, but it's been forever and a day since he's dropped by this silly little neighborhood. I miss the insights and sanity of the Voice of Reason.

Well, that certainly explains what happened after I made a quick lunch of the five day old Wiener Schnitzel I had saved on my last cruise.

Oh boy oh boy oh boy, another great squashed chicken meal tonight. Winner winner chicken dinner! Think I'll go roll some coal...

Beav, you have cracked the code at the Chez, I'm in back keeping the orders moving, OloPP is FOH keeping our clients happy. I get the high heat scars, she gets the kisses. Such is life in the industry. Oh simmering this weekend is a protein backup caused by the fires(we were Marroon yesterday.) Anyway it the sacred steak night Saturday followed by Burger Night in America Sunday(not our typical) Sunday, but we're going for it. Then there will be a spatchcock chicken and some sausages. I have back ribs in the freezer, just need to find the courage

Ooops...

I agree completely with your first sentence. It's just that I've taken a number of OC cruises when NYK owned Crystal, and I never encountered an atmosphere in the casino that seemed in any way undesirable. Then that other company(I won't use their name) took the reins, and we got a high rollers room and, IIRC, some of the high rollers from their other properties (all basically casinos) started getting comped with Crystal cruises. I'm suggesting it's that crowd NC wants to lose. Pure speculation on my part, however.

OK, it was a clear plastic baggie full of all those cords that connect all the electronic devices that increasingly rule our lives. You were sitting one row over from us, but facing our row. I happened to glance in that direction as I saw you put the baggie on the floor directly under your seat so you could use both hands to adjust things in your carry-on. You then moved seats to one that was right on the main thru-way of the seating area, leaving the baggie behind. I retrieved the bag and returned it to you. I thought that person was you based on meeting you at the M&G (I introduced myself by asking if you were Texas Tillie, you replied "I sure am.") If I'm the one who's confused, my apologies. Anyway, maybe you remember OLoPP from the M&G. Short brunette, never met a stranger, slightly tart tongue.