History&Wine

I recognize that this is an extremely difficult process. But as far as that last line in the quote above: There has been no “ongoing conversation” with me or anyone else I have talked to onboard. Indeed, this press release was not shared with onboard guests. My only knowledge of it comes from Keith’s post. Dwight

Whatever Crystal decides I hope they will give those of us already booked some options. By that I mean accepting the new itinerary or giving us future cruise credits or cash refunds. Was greatly looking forward to Europe. I don’t want to cruise South America again.

Thanks for posting. Wonder why the effective date shown on the right ends on January 30 ?

That figure includes those boarding in San Diego. There are 105 or so world cruisers on Serenity at present.

Not exactly ok but better. I think some time on land will help.

What Rob said. I’m embarrassed to admit that I am suffering from a bout of seasickness. My first in 15 years. Maybe I should not have booked the forward room. The front desk provided medication. Hopefully that and a port day will help. Dwight

Rob has the right idea in so many ways. There was a long line at 6:15 to dine at Waterside last night. I went early because I needed to catch up on sleep and also was told that is when the solo tables were seated. Noisy and only fair service as there were so many arrivals at once. By 8:00 or so it was so much more pleasant. Going to work towards a later night schedule…. Dwight

Yes Rob. I’m still recovering from messed up flights. My impressions of the Avenue have been in the 8:00 to 9:30 range. I’ve gone to the Cove pre dinner.

And yes the Avenue has been about as dead as I can ever remember…

Hope everyone is safe. Multiple announcements this morning for all crew members with O neg blood to report to the infirmary.

Approximately. 625 pax on this segment, so near capacity. Great to be home on Serenity. In keeping with balanced reporting, I will mention that service was very slow in the Stardust last night for the world cruise event, 55 minutes from ordering from a limited menu to receiving the appetizer. I wish I had dined at Waterside. Dwight

I was told last night there are 167 full world cruisers. That includes those boarding in San Diego. On this segment there are only 100 to 110 world cruisers.

Much stress…four cancellations from American Airlines before I wised up and booked a Delta flight. Now in Miami and will board later. Woohoo! Dwight

Rob and G... I want to thank you both for this thread...much appreciated. Rob...hope to see you on the next segment. Fingers crossed that I can make it to Miami tomorrow. Most flights out of my airport were cancelled today due to weather. 🥶

@ryndam About the gin...is this the only liquor in your room? Did you request gin or is Crystal just encouraging sampling? No mixers provided? Keith said bring back warm weather...Heck...send it now! It's freaking cold here! Dwight

I'm always learning from Cruise critic posters. I like Crystal's policy of easy cancellation of excursions just days before departure. And as May B said the policy of charging after the excursion. @TER777 That Explora policy would surely curtail pre booking of excursions. I hope Explora has a decent refund policy?

My experience with reservation agents at Crystal has been VERY hit and miss. I agree with Texas Tillie. My travel agent might not know the answer but she is not afraid to say so and can find the answer. I don't know of any cruise line that would prohibit using OBC for excursions. Boarding Serenity one week from today! 😁

Thanks for the gin posts! Looking forward to martinis, gin and tonics... @ryndam I don't understand. You mean there are gins (or other libations) that are available for room consumption, but not bar consumption? And one other question for those on board: Does New Crystal have an app? I can't find one, and I know many lines are using apps for any number of things. Thanks! Dwight

I'm curious as to how high of a suite one must book to receive the snack tray. It would be wasted on me as I rarely eat anything in the room.

I've seen some rather questionable carpet design choices on the refurbished Serenity. I like the carpet in your room.

Buffets...ugh. Just a personal opinion....

@LoveBoraLooking forward to joining you on the world cruise. In my experience one can usually find some machines to work out on. The exception to this is a class...any class. Spin classes seem most popular and the attendees seem very fit. You will need to sign up for the classes in advance. Classes are free.

Thanks again for the reports Keith! Barbados...my impression has always been that of meh.... I walked quite a bit on my last visit there, a beautiful day. I came upon a business with a line running 15 feet into the street. I discovered what was so popular: it was a line of people waiting to buy lottery tickets.

Great post Keith.. and a reminder that life is short and unpredictable. Enjoy your cruise! Dwight

Maybe I'm missing something, but why would one have the A/C running with the window open? Along this same line....if a new build were to have window only rooms (no veranda) I would like to have the option of opening the window at least partially to let in fresh air.