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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 . . . .

When these reports of people not receiving anything from Crystal were posted, I contacted Crystal that I had not received any email or printed brochures. How often does one receive emails, once a week? To date, I've received nothing. I've been on over 20 cruises with Crystal, yet I've heard of "new" cruisers receiving both digital and hard copies. Please ? ? ? I really want to make plans for the future, but need something in my hands to research.

Along with exploring picturesque Villefranche, you might want to jump on the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus near the port, get off if the whim strikes, or just stay on for the sight-seeing ride.

What a beautiful brochure. I'm definitely happy to see it arrive in my mailbox.

Thank you . . . . Lovely location.

Sounds good. I scrutinized the restaurants and menu there and they look very nice. I also like that the location is walkable to much. Thank you for replying. The Athens Capital is a little further away and a very busy street to cross. Athens is the only city I've gotten lost in - couldn't find my way back to the Bratagne. All the street signs were in Greek (humor me).

I'm looking at Electra Palace and the Athens Capital. Any opinions? I always choose a hotel that has a good restaurant menu in case I decide to stay in after my flight to recover before the cruise. I've been to Athens a couple of times so don't need to tour this time. I've stayed at the Grand Bretagne and it is very lovely as well.

Here's the lunch menu . . .

Here you go . . . .

Egg on face. I'm always backwards in my comments. Understood it completely and have the date computed in my notes. I'm all set. For what it's worth, I'm directionally challenged - always turn in the wrong direction.