Keith1010

Thank you Tracie. Everyone, this link will take you to the details of the 2025 Grand Voyages on the Crystal website. https://www.crystalcruises.com/2025-grand-journeys Keith

Because for years they utilized them so that guests on a particular deck couldn't use the facilities on the other deck. Much of this was due to overall guest capacity and that some floors with suites had less guests with decks that were all regular staterooms. Keith

Excellent suggestion. It might also make it easier for people to get a transfer from the hotel over to the ship the day of embarkation. Keith

Excellent question. This was a press release. Normally, I copy and past the entire release but the 2025 Grand Voyages were not yet on the website so thought it simpler to post it this way. The 2025 details with the pricing will be up relatively soon. Keith

From 2008, photo of Asuka II while on-board Serenity and were together for a couple of hours. For some of us, the first Crystal vessel we sailed when it was Crystal Harmony. I'll add additional photos of her over the coming days. Keith

Yes, AFT more desirable for many people. Keith

All are the same in terms of layout and amenities. Keith

Some good options for 2025 for those looking to take a longer cruise. Keith Today Crystal announced Grand Journeys for 2025 on both Symphony and Serenity. Additional details follow: 2025 Grand Journeys include: Roundtrip Mumbai Jan. 7, 2025, to March 18, 2025 (70 Nights, Crystal Symphony) This round-trip sailing from Mumbai weaves through the enchanting tapestry of Asia’s gems, sailing through 15 countries and 32 destinations. Revel in overnights in the vibrant cities of Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City; be captivated by the ethereal beauty of Ha Long Bay and delve into Japan's heart, starting with an overnight stay in Tokyo. Looping back, discover the cultural richness of South Korea and unveil the treasures of Brunei, promising a blend of diverse cultures, breathtaking rainforests and memorable Asian experiences. Roundtrip Singapore Jan. 18, 2025, to March 6, 2025 (47 Nights, Crystal Symphony) Embark on this 47-night round trip sailing from Singapore and traverse a tapestry of extraordinary destinations. From the vibrant shores of Taiwan to Ko Samui's tropical beauty, Ha Long Bay's mystique, the dynamic energy of Hong Kong, and Tokyo's neon jungles, this trip captures Asia’s most mythic destinations. With overnights in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Shanghai and Singapore complemented by days at sea, the experience offers both exploration and relaxation. Rio de Janeiro to Mumbai March 5, 2025, to April 18, 2025 (44 Nights, Crystal Serenity) Enjoy a riot of color, charisma and happy cacophony on this cruise. Start by immersing in the vibrant rhythms of Rio’s famous Carnival during a private event before enjoying plenty of serene sea days. Stop in remote St. Helena en route to Namibia, where you’ll overnight in beautiful Walvis Bay and enjoy a captivating concert in the desert. Sail on to the captivating city of Cape Town before espousing the scenic coasts of South Africa, sailing east. Immerse yourself in the heady aromas of Zanzibar, aka the spice isle, then sail on to the white sandy beaches of Mombasa, the Seychelles and the Maldives. Continue the voyage to Sri Lanka, culminating in India's vibrant and diverse treasures. Cape Town to Barcelona March 20, 2025, to May 10, 2025 (51 Nights, Crystal Serenity) This epic 51-night expedition from Cape Town to Barcelona is brimming with diverse wonders. Beginning with the savannah-strewn landscapes of South Africa, guests will sail on to relish overnights in the exotic paradises of Zanzibar and Mombasa. Dive into the turquoise allure of the Seychelles and the Maldives next, then experience the vibrant tapestry of India, including an overnight in Mumbai. Venture on through the Middle East, discovering the ancient wonders of Petra and the Pyramids. Embark upon the cultural riches of Athens, the scenic beauty of Sicily, and Italy's coastal allure, culminating in Barcelona's whimsical grandeur. Stockholm to Liverpool July 29, 2025, to Sept. 7, 2025 (40 Nights, Crystal Serenity) Experience Northern Europe’s long white nights on this 40-night voyage. Begin with an overnight in Stockholm, then immerse in the medieval charm of Tallinn and the historical allure of Visby and Riga. Visit Copenhagen, the capital of the “World’s Happiest Country,” and then head to Kristiansand, the Shetland and Orkney Isles, and the landscapes of Iceland and Norway. Sail to the iconic North Cape, overnight in Amsterdam, and embrace the coastal charm of England, ending the journey in the Beatles' hometown, Liverpool. In addition to offering one-of-a-kind experiences together with Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal is offering exceptional benefits for those who book 2025 Grand Journey voyages. Grand Journeys Benefits (Terms & Conditions apply): Crystal Society members receive 5% early bird savings if booked before Jan. 12, 2024, or 2.5% savings for bookings thereafter Business Class airfare allowance or credit for the first two guests Two A&K One-day Experiences throughout the sailing Up to $1,500 'As You Wish' credit Private transfers Complimentary laundry service Complimentary first visit/medical consultation

Vince I am so sorry to hear about her passing. We met Avis and Eugene Robinson on one of the segments of the World Cruise and chatted a few times with both of them. We learned about her paintings in one of our conversations. I am sorry I don't have a photo of her. She insisted on taking one (well three) of Eugene with the two of us. A very nice person with a great talent. Actually two very nice and talented people. Keith

There are many different definitions of wealth. Certainly if you were on the Forbes list you likely will travel on your own aircraft and on your own yacht or lease something similar. Others with more moderate wealth which total many millions who cruise select the line they most enjoy and that doesn't have to be a luxury line. A couple we know well in the last town we live in who can easily take a top suite on any luxury line prefer Royal Caribbean. For them it works. Like all things this comes down to personal preference and how they want to spend their disposable income or for that matter for some they might take a cruse of a lifetime. The good new is there is lots of choice out there and how much choice an individual has depends on various factors and one if how much they want to spend. Same goes for who one sails with. Some have no go-to line and will sail a wide range of lines for various reasons whether that is for itinerary or even to change things up and sail a range of lines and/or vessels. Others sail one line or evolve to one line. And back to value. Value is in the eyes of the beholder. In our case I believe we get a lot of value from cruising over a land based vacation and for us the Crystal product provides us with the value we consider important. I know some who would say there is on way they will take a cruise and be in the same room with their spouse for that length of time saying they will go stir crazy and this would lead to too many fights. Choice is good although once in a while can be overwhelming if one is looking for a product on Amazon.Com and is faced with 100's of choices. 🤣 Keith

15+ years ago on our first visit to Sydney, Australia. I remember the day as if it was yesterday. Keith

For the original posters benefit. On the Crystal website it says nearly one crew member per guest. As have said the precise ratio will vary per cruise. Keith.

when we got off Serenity in 2018 someone was in a similar boat as you as they were debarking the ship in Lisbon wearing slippers. I suppose there have been instances where someone got off in a bathrobe. Keith

Well full disclosure. When I hurt my ankle in August playing Paddle Tennis for three days during the daytime I wore Crystal Slippers a few times around the ship when the pain was too tough to take with sports shoes or regular shoes on. But.........Not at night. 🤣 But it was sure tempting. Txcotn I wear a size 12 and just thought that was average but I decide to google it and evidently 10.5 is the average men's shoes size. If not for this discussion including learning about Dwight's shoe size I would never have learned something new. For those of you who remember basketball star Bob Lanier back in our day that was the largest size of any basketball player at the time. He wore a 22. That means one foot is larger than two feet combined for the average person. Keith

Crystal has said close to 1 to 1. On some cruises it won't be quite that high, on other cruise that hight and on several cruises this year the ratio has been more than one crew member per guest. Keith

Then there is the totally relaxed look going without shoes. And yes I saw this once but only in the Crystal Cove and it wasn't on a formal night. 🤣

Should you want to view e-brochure and forgot to uncheck the box I mentioned in the post above Crystal does have a place on their website where you can unsubscribe. It is one of the items on towards the bottom of their home page. This link will take you were you can unsubscribe. https://www.crystalcruises.com/mail-unsubscribe Keith

This is the second time the past few months when wearing sports shoes has come up. I don't spend a lot of time looking to see how others dress. What I can say though is that whether or not wearing sports shoes in formal attire is a trend I didn't not this on the formal evenings on board our two Crystal cruises this year. On occasion have I seen someone on a formal night on past cruises in sports shoes? Absolutely. Was it because they liked the look, wanted the attention they would get from that, or had a foot issue? I have no idea. Keith

Cost is one of many factors that people factor into their cruising decisions not only who they cruise with, but the itinerary (flights have costs too) length of cruise, accommodations, etc., etc. ,etc. It is easy to figure out what the cost of a trip will be. As to who provides the overall value that is in the eyes of the beholder and that is because while one lines bottom line cost might be higher it comes down to how one values each product. No two products are created equally when it comes to cruising or for that matter most things. Keith

A photo of Crystal Serenity 15+ years ago on our first visit to Auckland, New Zealand. Keith

This is the point I was trying to make in my post. People don't aways see things in the same way. In the end, the only opinion that matters is your own one and opinions vary and sometimes things change.

As I read the posts it reenforces my view that in the end the only opinion that matters is our very own. One can do a lot of research but only you can decide. For example, before we book a hotel, even one I've stayed at before, I read the reviews. Some might say the hotel was glowing and others didn't care for it. Even on the same cruise some people have a great time and others not as good. When I read the comment about Oceania food I think back to there couples we know personally; one from cruising and two who live in our community. One couple took their first Oceania cruise in June and disliked it and left before their second back to back cruise started and boarded Serenity. They didn't care for Oceania. And the two couples who live here who used to like Oceania said the crew was overworked, not like they used to be and the food which they say used to be great was not longer what it was and they were don't sailing Oceania. So in the end, one can ask for as much input as possible and try to make the most informed decision but until they see for themselves they just can't be sure. Even those who like a cruise line don't always agree on all aspects of it. In my case I just consider us to be fortunate to have sailed on several different cruise lines over the years and found one that truly works for us. At this stage of our lives we see no need to sail another one unless it was itinerary driven because for us Crystal is ideal. Keith

A view of Crystal Symphony sixteen years ago while sailing New York City to Montreal. Keith

First stop on the first World Cruise we took was Jamaica. We were surprised. Had been there one time on a Celebrity Cruise and we thought at the time one time too many. 😀 Keith

We are all unique. A person can find a product better for them because of what they value in a product and what they like. It's really OK for something to be better. So when it comes to cruising some people find one or more lines to be better than others and for another person the reverse might be true. Is that really a surprise? And better can change for someone overtime. When I was 20 better for me might have been a mainstream line than a luxury line. Today, the reverse is true. Same goes for most things. As to how much time one spends on a line whereas for someone it might be boring for someone else it might be just the opposite. So it goes.