Texas Tillie

Can't predict weather but have lived in Houston for all my 76 years. January weather will be somewhere between 20 and 80. Galveston will be a few degrees warmer but feel about the same with the breeze from the Gulf. A good average is about 50 at night and 68 during the day. You're from Chicago, so I don't think you'd think that was too cold. The specific day you'll be there, ask about a week out and you'll get a good prediction.

I know I've observed that, but it's hard to dispute FlyerTalker in matter aviation, so I just let his comment stand. Patty

With the old Crystal you weren't charged if you were in a Penthouse or higher. Now you have to be in the Junior Crystal Penthouse or the Crystal Penthouse to get included specialties after the first time in each.

I fly United and other Star Alliance since that's the vast majority of flights out of my home airport. On the United website you can see the number of upgrades made for each flight and on those I've checked recently all seats in business are filled with upgrades at the gate based on those in economy with the highest status. Granted there's no guarantee, but it does happen on almost all flights, just as some who paid for regular economy are upgraded to premium economy. Patty .

I haven't been on an international flight in business class in years that wasn't 100% full. Passengers with status in the airline's frequent flyer plan are always upgraded to fill any vacant seats. In that case, I suppose the status has perceived value.

They had stopped having bar service in the Galaxy before. I think it was even before Covid. I'm sure someone will remember the exact date!🤪🥂😉 Patty

My thought, just mine, is this is information best kept close to the vest and not announced on the World Wide Web. All you can do is anger someone who doesn't get the same treatment. This opens a can of worms for everyone and makes your chances to get one the next time diminished. Also with occupancy fluctuating the crew load doesn't change when they know 2 cruises away is full occupancy., so it makes sense for all the crew to have a lighter work load. Can you just see all the butlers and stewardesses working on 10 and 11 and the other decks empty? Patty

Just make sure the cruise is within 540 days of making the deposit and your credit card makes the deposit secure. The problem with the bankruptcy was many people had deposits on cruises canceled during covid and rolled them over and over. They had initially been made more than 540 days before the bankruptcy.

Crystal doesn't have any Inside cabins. Their original ship, Harmony, had some but that ship left the Crystal fleet in something like 2005.

That should probably read the highest suite categories - Junior Crystal Penthouse and Crystal Penthouse. Don't want the lowly guests in Aquamarines or Sapphires to get excited! 😉 Patty

When on the Serenity recently, the cameras from the bridge, port and starboard where on the TV with classical music playing. So, I guess the question is, will they post the camera views on the internet? Patty

My understanding is that Symphony will never be back in North America, so probably not South America either. This is for environmental reasons. If my understanding is wrong (and I’d be ecstatic if it was), please let me know. Patty

Do a google search and see the photos. It's a chain of gas stations, but often with 100 gas pumps, and the most interesting convenience store imaginable, then think the cleanest restrooms on earth!

When I've taken the ride on the White Pass Railroad out of Skagway they did check passports at the stop in British Columbia.

And, not specifically to the OP, but the official name is INTERCONTINENTAL Airport.

Yes, I was solo, but there were numerous people I knew, so had drinks and/or dinner with people I knew often. I’m probably not the person to ask about solo travelers as I’ve lived alone for 54 years so I don’t mind (often prefer) eating alone. Crystal is back and if you liked it before, you won’t be disappointed.

Muriel, all that proves is that you are a Yankee! 🤣😍 😉 Same to all the rest of you with no chili and cheese!! Patty

You people just don't know how to make a hot dog - a chili cheese dog in the only proper way to eat one in Texas. It's yellow mustard (preferably French's), chili (preferably Wolf Brand Chili), chopped onion and grated cheddar cheese. From my youth it was Hormel all beef hot dogs and Mrs. Baird's hot dog bun. Those last 2 items can be substituted since the other ingredients tend to cover up the flavor of the bread and wieners!🤪 Patty P.S. On reflection, I believe the wieners were Oscar Meyer all beef.

Why? It's optional. The only tuxes I saw on my recent Serenity cruise, one night out of ten, were on the waiters.

Houston Hobby is not in a great neighborhood. The food is going to be fast food and basic chains. I, personally, would not consider walking too far in the area and especially not after dark. Most of the hotels will have pools.

With the remodeling of the Crystal ships, I don't think the comparison on size "works". The Symphony is now 606 passengers, basically the same as Muse, Dawn, Moon and Spirit. The Serenity is 740 passengers, basically the same as Nova. I came back from the Serenity 2 weeks ago and the food, service, entertainment and enrichment was much better than my experience on the Muse last December. I'll be on the Nova at the end of this month to give Silversea another chance. For anyone who sailed on the old Crystal, the new Crystal is as good as ever. Expecting to hear from the usual suspects telling me that my opinions are not valid but theirs always are.🤪

The "luxury" lines also require a passport for closed loop Caribbean cruises where the mass markets do not. It's a lot easier for them to have the same rules for all cruises regardless

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