Keith1010

You may have done this already but be sure you verify that you can debark the ship that day. When it comes to this history doesn’t matter. In terms of distance it depends whether your transport can enter the port or if you have to meet them outside the gate. If inside the port it’s very short distance after you debark. If outside the gate another couple minute walk. Keith

Vince, yes the sailing we were on with you. Keith

Five years ago sailing Crystal Symphony. Keith

Our experience on Serenity was the same as Tracie's. Keith

That is wonderful news. I am glad this worked out and another example of why we enjoy Crystal. Keith

Larry was on a cruise of an extraordinarily low guest count. It is the lowest of any of the Serenity voyages from what I was told. If you are looking to book in 2024 or beyond I don't see that happening again on Serenity. The exception could at times be Waterside for lunch but that will depend on how many guests are off the ship and overall occupancy. We were on Serenity for its first 22 days and the Specialty Restaurants were open each night for dinner with no closures. Good luck with whatever you decide Hank. Keith

A tip for those of you ordering the brochures. When I did order them there was a place already checked that said: Yes! I would like to receive news, updates, and other information from Crystal Cruises I unchecked that. This happens often if you are ordering items on the internet. Often you are ask if you would like to receive e-mails and other promotional material and I uncheck those boxes as well or if unchecked I don't check them. And for phone number all nines should work. While not applicable here I also don't provide my birthdate when that is requested by some companies. Keith

Cruisecyp's post reminds me what I always do. I do print out copies of my reservations for cruise spa/salon, specialty restaurant and tours as I do for any private restaurant, shore excursion tours and for all car transfers, hotels, and airline reservations and the cruise ticket. Or if you don't want to print it out save it to your smart advice. I have done this for all of our trips regardless of land or trips by vessel. Why? Because things happen. I also make sure in my smart phone I have key phone numbers including for car transfers should my ride not be there. A good TA should be able to give this sort of advice to their clients as well and be pro-active. Keith

Well given that Hank has not sailed with Crystal for a very long time and given what he posted that is important to him it seems to make the most sense for him to wait for a new vessel. Certainly, if he wants to sail earlier it's his choice. But he is certainly capable of making that decision on his own. Having sailed Crystal this year with both first time Crystal Cruisers and Crystal Society Members the overall response from the people who we spoke with was terrific. And since that time the issues which bothered people have been addressed. Keith

Serenity six years ago while in San Diego. Keith

Hank, maybe you would be best to wait until the new Crystal Vessels come out. They plan to add two new Ocean Vessels and two new expedition vessels. We should know a lot more sometime during the first half of next year about deployment plans for the first two (one ocean and one expedition). In my case I found our two voyages on Serenity July 31 and August 12 back to back voyages to exceed "my" definition" of luxury. And I do have high standards as to what I expect from a luxury product. Keith

Yes, They had them on board when we sailed Serenity in August and they have also had them in the past. It is one umbrella and a large one. We bring a fold up one which we need pre cruise. So this give us two. Keith

Have you been on board since new Crystal began. Overall for anyone who enjoyed Crystal it is Crystal and even better. We’re there a few hiccups? Yes but that has to do with a restart but our overall experience was superb and I hear this from lots of people. Keith

Time for a rest. Keith

On the first two cruises it was very cold in most areas. As recommended, bring something to wear indoors in case you are cold and not just for the public areas. Depending on where you are sailing, time of day (are you facing the sun) your room could be on the cooler side. Just depends. Keith

I actually knew that and you can unsubscribe to them. I've done it. And yes they spend a fortune with all of that printed snail mail. Keith

You can just unsubscribe.

I haven't read all of the suggestions but try using a different e-mail. In general, Crystal has reached out to most of the Crystal Society Members. The biggest challenge and they knew this was that when they released itineraries the vast majority of people already had bookings with other lines and didn't want to change them. I hear from several people, (some from this board) who won't sail Crystal until later next year or even 2025 because they had other bookings in place. Keith

Roy, the plan was to be as paperless as possible. However, initially the tablets were not ready for deployment so they printed hard copies of the reflections. I am reminded how most cruise lines have evolved and many have far less paper than they did with each passing year. Old Crystal eliminated those four page newspapers such as the abbreviated New York Times several years ago and the Guest List as two examples of this. When we sailed Mozart there was less paper and on Endeavor things like Refections were not printed. It took us a day or two to get used to not having the printed copy of Reflections. Thank you again for taking us along on your adventure. Keith

Serenity in Spain in August of this year. Keith

Ray and Ann: I am very glad to hear you pulled the trigger and signed up for your first Crystal Cruise. Sounds like a great plan you have developed. You have selected a terrific itinerary and a great time of the year to sail this area. Please return to ask questions whenever you have them. If you have not done so already be sure to go to the Crystal Cruises website to set up your user name and password for your account. Once this is set up you can view your account and see your booking and fill in some or all of your guest documents. 60 days prior to the start of your cruise you will be able to make shore excursion, specialty restaurant and spa/salon reservations. Positivity is something I truly believe in. Life is short. And current events such as what happened in Israel is a reminder to put things in perspective IMHO. If the greatest problem in life is that someone didn't care for a restaurant life is surely good. Congratulation to you both. Keith

It's interesting what you said and we had a similar discussion while on board Serenity with some folks who were working on another luxury line when Crystal was shut-down. They said that the ship could make almost no decisions. The similarity between those comments and your comment is that both lines are owned by large parent companies. I agree with your analogy about software versus hardware. In the end, what makes Crystal great for us whether the ship was new (Endeavor) or had been around for awhile, is the crew who are truly the software and also the heart and soul of Symphony and Serenity. Keith

Got it. Someone might know but two suggestions: One is to contact them by e-mail or phone: Contact Details Department of Immigration and Emigration Suhurupaya, Sri Subuthipura Road, Baththaramulla Hotline : 0094 71 9967888 Telephone : 0094 70 1777555 , 0094 11 5329422 Fax : 0094 11 2674631 E-Mail : eta@immigration.gov.lk Web Site: www.immigration.gov.lk Email : controller@immigration.gov.lk The other one is to have your TA contact Crystal as I know they have been working on answers to visa questions for each voyage and they should have this information available for yours. Keith

According to their website a visa for Sri Lanka is good for up to 30 days so you wouldn't need a second visa. https://lka-egov.org/visas-and-requirements/ Keith

Rather I think what we see on this and the other cruise boards is that we all see, experience and view things as we see them and that is not always the same. Go to other sites to read reviews whether they are about hotels, restaurants or a wide range of products and how they rate them is certainly not the same for everyone. And this is why choice is good. Keith