Texas Tillie

Yes, on both ships, "classic" does mean suites that have had minimal work - they are basically unchanged except some soft goods. This does not make them "bad". People's opinions vary, but on the Serenity I personally prefer the layout of the classic Aquamarine to the 2018 remodel. Since you mentioned 2 designs, I'm assuming you are on the Symphony. I've only been in the 2017 remodel. My big complaint on it was there was too much big furniture and it was hard to maneuver around. Patty

I’m sure they are as they did on Serenity, at least in the Palm Court. Patty

Since it appears Symphony will not be coming back to the North America area, I guess Serenity might have to become my Crystal ship of choice. Will really, really miss Symphony and crew. 😪 Patty

From what I've been reading about the Nova, there's no way the Symphony and Serenity can compete with the physical ship. However, the service, food, entertainment and enrichment on the Nova doesn't hold a candle to Crystal. I now have one cruise on the "new" Crystal under my belt and will be on the Nova Sept. 29. I'm a Crystal "cheerleader" (hate that, but will concede to those few who insist on using that terminology), but I will try to be fair to Silversea. The "problem" for Crystal is to be able to communicate where Crystal excels Silversea or the other luxury lines. Patty

The Hawaii to Chicago might be in a plane with the lie flat seats if you are on United. The Houston to Hawaii on United have the lie flat seats even though it is technically a domestic flight.

Ordered Eggs Benedict twice on my recent cruise. Well, it was Egg Benedict as I ordered just one egg. In the past I thought the Canadian bacon was too thick. Not a problem this time, it was so thin I believe you could have read Reflections through it. Next cruise I’ll try it once and if the same, will permanently delete it from my breakfast menu. Patty

As a throw back, remembering when NYK was the owner, it was the Japanese Hostess who also did the needlework sessions. 😍 Patty

Vince, I know it's part of your job, but I'm always amazed at your observational skills. I've been on Symphony 23 times (more cruises with the various B2B) and I've never noticed the ceiling over the dance floor in Starlite!! You are correct that Symphony appears to have had fewer updates, but it is true that more at been done to her toward the end of the Genting ownership. Wondering about carpets. I found some of the carpet selections on Serenity to be unfortunate. There were several places where it didn't flow from one design to the next. As others have said, we are just renting, not buying, so I try to ignore. Patty

I found that Serenity seems to put out one batch of the Portuguese tarts about 10ish and that's it for the day. Symphony usually had new batches through out the day. So, I had exactly ONE over the 10 days on the Serenity. I thought they were a little smaller than I remember. As in the past, I'd say the differences were more due to the pastry chef than the recipe. I did have 2 bite size ones at the breakfast buffet at the Sofitel before boarding the ship. Crystal's much better. Patty

And, the paper they are using for the current tags is not friendly with gel pens. The ink won't dry and you get smudges. Patty

As to which way to turn off the elevators for port vs starboard, the elevators on Serenity have signage above the door pointing in the direction of each. Glace up!! Does Symphony have the same? Patty

There are afternoon canapes in the Aquamarines, just not the crab claws, shrimp, etc. I didn't mention that as I never want them and tell the butler that on day one. Patty

No flowers in the Aquamarine. My butler mentioned ironing but I try to pack things that don't need ironing. Patty

No one has mentioned the new wall paper in Serenity's Bistro. I'm for a more subtle palette, but the new Bistro is just boring.🤪 Patty

I had the mushroom soup one night at Waterside, maybe formal night, but it didn't taste like the old Prego recipe, at least not to me. Patty

Nothing yet for the second cruise. I've checked all the possible locations on all my possible email accounts. Patty

My philosophy has always been, if you absolutely have to visit a specific port, don’t expect to do it on a cruise. Many times you get there, but not always. Patty

There are many fewer of the standard cabins after the remodel of the Crystal ships. Whole decks were redone with 3 former cabins becoming 2 cabins.

That’s a sad thought (but knowing human nature, probably accurate). Aren’t the ones they are using about $100 retail?? Sad that any Crystal cruiser would be a klepto for something that cheap!! 😵‍💫🥺😵‍💫 Patty

I haven’t been up that late but have seen on the schedule in Reflections that there’s a DJ most evenings after 10 in Pulse. Patty

I mostly agree with gaspari above except the comment about impersonal service. I’ve found it to be quite the opposite. I’m a longtime Crystal cruiser but mostly Symphony, so I don’t know the crew on Serenity. Almost to a person they have been warm and friendly. Patty

I posted my experience on the Crystal Society Facebook page but want to repeat here. I boarded the Serenity at Lisbon this past Saturday. I had my e ticket on my phone but couldn’t find it. Inside the port I was found on a list and at the gangway security found me on the computer. Suggest you have your e ticket but it all works out if you don’t. Patty

Didn't mean anything, just didn't want anyone to expect something that hadn't been previously available. 😃

This is just the computer generated graphics available on the Silversea website.

The solo cabins have been remodeled and are the same as the double guest room ocean view and double guest room veranda. Anything you see, including photos, of those will be the same as the solo cabins. I haven't been on the ship yet so info on the air conditioning will need to wait until someone who has been in one of the cabins checks in. Patty