I posted this in another thread but it is also relatable here so I have reposted with some adjustments here.
To help put things into perspective I was supposed to have taken my first Crystal Cruise 10 days after the shutdown. I, like many others, was out some money. I was luckily able to get it all back thanks to AMEX platinum. Then the open booking deposit program opened up. A&K Crystal will not consider me as a returning customer, so I do not get the full advantages from the open booking program. Does not matter that I had paid in full for the cancelled cruise, does not matter that I have a Crystal Society membership number. Since I did not complete the cruise (through no fault of my own) I am not considered a returning customer. Also was told by the A&K customer service rep that I would not be considered a new customer either since I had a Crystal Society membership number. So, I do not qualify for the extended benefits for the open booking programs, and do not qualify for new customer booking incentives. So, whether the old Crystal (where I never got to cruise) or the A&K Crystal (seems to not want me as a customer) it seems predestined that I not cruise on this line. I would think that A&K Crystal would want someone like me who would not compare the two Crystals since I do not have an analytical comparison structure to follow since I never rode Crystal LLC. I hope everyone who cruises with them has safe and enjoyable trips. Maybe once they decide what my status is regarding the open booking program (since I am neither a returning customer or a new customer) I will revisit my stance regarding A&K Crystal.
Safe travels,
Phelios