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Same with us on Symphony last May. We asked and they brought it out. Is it some kind of hidden treasure to be guarded? Just wondering . . . .

Did you happen to find out the purpose of the procession was in your video? All dressed in white, but I noticed a person in black. Wonder what that meant . . . . Always the curious one . . .

I remember his name, but could somebody refresh my memory with a photo of Slavko. Thanks.

About those round soap balls . . . . . I used the fruit knife and cut them in half so there would be a flat side. Remember the fruit knife? That was when fresh fruit was available in the room. Disappeared about the same time as the fresh flower arrangement. There was a comedian onboard that had a really funny routine about that soap.

It’s like having a non-cook design a kitchen ……. Just saying .

So happy to see all those familiar faces, including yours. We were always used to having the main dining room open for lunch on boarding day, but on Symphony they were closed. Remi said that the dining room was closed on boarding day from the time Crystal came back. Happy to see this has gone back to the old way. Didn't really like boarding and being told to go to Tastes, etc. to wait for our room. Like you, we liked to enjoy a glass of champagne with the seafood plate - in your case the Cobb.

Never gets old seeing either Crystal ship. Have a wonderful voyage. We came back the end of May from a month + in the Mediterranean and I haven't been the same since. Malaise has set in. Need to plan something . . . . .

So one doesn’t even make it onto the ship. Thank you for answering.

Just curious . . . if you book this b2b as originally planned, boarded the ship, what would happen and at what point would it? With ticket in hand would you even be allowed to board? Are fines involved?

I loved the Melanzana dish the first time, but when I ordered it again, it wasn't as tasty. The Mozzarella di Bufala was too cold, just out of the frig? I may be confusing it with the Insalata Caprese. The minestrone soup is not like what you are likely picturing. It's very good, but different, more high level. It began with some vegetables in the middle of the dish and then the server poured liquid around it. The Cioppino is very good, but again different and more refined. Not like would be served on Fishermans Wharf in SF. I had a similar risotto dish in Rome and the scampi was again undercooked. The server there warned me, but not really understanding, I ordered anyway. It may be "cooked" in citrus? I loved the Sea Bass the first time and less so the second. Others in our group enjoyed the Beef Tenderloin.

I was just on Symphony and I noticed that when the gang plank was open for excursions, it would get very chilly as the wind blew in and up through each floor. This was especially evident when we were in Casablanca and the wind blew in until 11 PM.

I would recommend a light-weight sweater for your cabin. The thermostat doesn’t behave sometimes.

Thank you, Keith that was what I was trying to say. I do like the comment, though that the food options in the specialty restaurants don’t really appeal to children to begin with. Some parents have brought along a nanny or grandma or an auntie or a teenage relative to look after the children. I remember on one occasion where my aunt and uncle brought me along on their vacation when I was in high school to look after their young boys while they had their special dinners and time for themselves. I was happy to do this.

Just wanted to add my recent experience with Luggage Forward. I virtually had hands-free travel to get to Athens from the States having shipped my luggage. I'm a positive person and just knew that when I arrived in my room on Symphony, my 2 pieces would be there, and tra la, there they were on the bed to greet me when I entered. I have the return shipping labels ready to attach when I leave the ship In Barcelona. I followed all the directions and the luggage was never opened for customs inspection in Athens. The zip ties were still intact. Very happy with this service. Yes, I would recommend them!

I'm presently on Symphony and during dinner in Osteria, there was a young family there who had 2 or 3 very young children with them. Didn't catch how many as they were tucked into a corner behind me. However, every once in a while, one of them screeched as young children do and it was an interruption to our conversation. They could have gone to a more appropriate restaurant. There are other options available for children if the parents wish to have a special dinner. Just my observation. OK, let it rain . . . . .

I'm on Symphony now and nothing is happening to a Tastes redo as I write. Two dishes I love are the Gambas Al Ajillo and the Hamachi Crudo. I mentioned these to the waiter and he said those are the two dishes people want to keep - oh, and the Mongolian Lamb Chops. Others are good, but these are great! As an additional comment, in the Osteria, I liked the Melanzana (very tasty) and the Salt Baked Sea Bass in Tarragon Sauce (sublime). So I have no issues with that specialty restaurant. For others in our group of 7, it was a hit and miss. Most all have sophisticated palates.

I'm assuming they are still there, but there is a nice feature that I call "running lights" - a strip of lighting at floor level on a dimmer.

I have one design feature that was not preferable to me. Look on the floor plan of the updated Aquamarine cabin. Note the makeup chair is smack dab in the doorway to the bathroom and the one to the closet. When I am sitting there, I have to keep moving to let the other person go by. My issue, may not be a bother to others.

I'm using LuggageForward.com to and from my cruises and am very pleased. My luggage was picked up at my home on the 11th and is already at the port (on the 16th)! You can track it through your account. No more baggage claim or customs to contend with. I now can breeze through the airport with my little rolling personal bag . . . . period!

Here's one more: My E-tickets were in My Account online this morning (Apr 3) for my April 25 cruise,

I couldn’t agree more. Thinking more of their safety on their journey.

Fingers are crossed. Have a trip planned from Athens.

Yippy, I got the Alaska email. I guess they know me now. Hope I get the Catalog soon.

Thanks, I have been using the website, but I like the printed copy for research if I'm away from my computer/laptop/phone/or iPad. Maybe lolling on the patio and daydreaming - just easier. Thanks again for being helpful.

I just recently researched Valletta for a return visit. I've been there once before and remembered we caught a local bus on the street by the ship which made a nice ride around the city. We then got off and wandered all over - wonderful sights/views. The line is 133 and runs every 30 minutes. Don't remember the cost, but I think you have to exact euros. Valletta is one of my favorite ports. Have fun . . . .