Texas Tillie

The OP on this thread reported returning to Waterside after the show for dessert, so I don't see why your dinner can't be a progressive dinner!! Patty

I've never met Fernando, but I had understood that his job was to schmooze the passengers. The Cruise Director actually has things to do behind the scenes, paper work, scheduling, etc. Why do you think there would be a conflict there? Patty

Crystal is already doing better with Serenity. The holiday cruise was fully booked, the current cruise is 650 passengers and the next cruise is fully booked. Patty

That's a great way to approach travel, move on and look forward to your next trip. 💖 Do you have future Crystal cruises booked? Patty

No, it wasn't a special offer. This was for the other ocean views on Deck 7, not the ones with a balcony. Now, prices change and when a certain percentage of cabins are booked, they go up. I think the lesson is book early to get a single cabin or, if those are all booked, a lower supplement on other ocean views.

You do not have a 100% supplement in all cabins on all cruises. I am a solo with a double ocean view booked on the Jan. 18 Panama Canal cruise on the Serenity and paid a 50% single supplement. The solo cabins are often less than 15% more than the double ocean views. I have one booked in the future that is 12%

If the shoe fits…..

It’s up to the traveler to learn the customs. I know better than to tip in Japan. I almost never tip in Australia as too many Australians come on sites like this and are absolutely holier than thou about tipping. Just don’t forget, it works both ways and “we don’t tip where I’m from” doesn’t work when visiting a country where tipping is expected.

However, they are traveling the world and are often in countries where the guides aren't "properly paid". If they can't adjust to where they are, not where they are from, perhaps they should stay home where they approve of the standards.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

My theory, if the tour guide stands by the door where you must exit, it's not just to say good bye. I've noticed that often some who can afford luxury lines are bigger cheap skates than those on mass market lines.

A google search reveals that she is a James Beard Award winning chef, originally from St. Lucia, now living in New Orleans. Still never heard of her!

I've sailed on the new Crystal and the service is as good as ever and the food is even better, if you can imagine. To the OP, Viking, Oceania and Azamara are not the true luxury lines, people often refer to them as luxury light. The true luxury lines are Crystal, Seabourn, Silversea and Regent. There's a new line, Explora, owned by the European line MSC. I have heard mixed reports on them.

I generally agree but think there are times when it should be obvious to the cruiser - the Middle East these days, for example. Having to adjust there might affect numerous cruises afterward. With the low water in the Panama Canal, I would guess some cruisers knew about the situation before changes and others didn't. Changing an embarkation, disembarkation port from Miami to Fort Lauderdale is no big deal as the distance from the Fort Lauderdale port to the Miami airport is closer than many ports to airports around the world. It is good that Crystal is now going to notify guests and travel agents. Patty

You can scroll to the right, but it does need to be fixed. Basically it says the Nova isn't up to prior Silversea standards, the Royal Caribbean bean counters are in control.

Check where the OP posts. I see Regent and Crystal.

It's my understanding there are a number of women who send their husbands to the spa to use the showers there so the women can get ready in the evening alone. The showers have all the shampoo, soap, etc., and even provide disposable razors. Things like this separate Crystal from the mass market cruise lines.

I've been known to order a double portion of an appetizer as my main. If it's already on the menu it's "my pleasure"! Patty

It's Julius Meinl, an Austrian brand. Old Crystal started using that brand on their river boats and then on the ocean ships. Just an FYI, the only really good coffee has always been in the Bistro and I found it to be the same this past August. Patty

Another case where the English doesn't translate to the American. Since Silversea operates on the US dollar, I guess they use the American definition! 😁

It was pointed out on another site that this cruise starts in Saudi Arabia during Ramadan. Anyone else see there might be any number of issues with that? Patty

Landry's is part of a huge national chain where all the food is pretty much the same at all the restaurants around all the country. Gaido's is a local institution. Which would you prefer?

I was on that segment from Tokyo to San Francisco. I'd booked a flight later than I might from a US port and was so glad. Was supposed to be on a Crystal transfer that went to a hotel first but they had to take us directly to the airport. This was the longshoremen trying to show the port authority who was boss.😵 Patty

Do I remember a sign at the bridge into the port that lists the ships that day by terminal? I also remember being able to see the ship and say to the taxi driver, it's that one over there! 😉 Patty

Sometimes the devil is in the details, like what would the single supplement be if you use this offer? Patty