Keith1010

I think most people will find having a butler an enhancement. The butlers on both ships are not a butler in name. Many were butlers on land or others were outstanding members of the waitstaff team. Newer ones have/are receiving training from the Senior Head Butler and Head Butler. I know some people say they never utilize their butler but I have often found that there are times they will. I am reminded that some who don't eat a meal in their room still ask for a glass of wine or even a mixed drink and the butler is there for them. Even the appetizers are an enhancement for those in the solo and double rooms. Anyway, see what you think if having a butler with Crystal is new for you. Cheers, Keith

Happy Days. Keith

Correct. Keith

Bingo and it is. Keith

Every room can order from Waterside. Only CP and Junior CP can order from two specialty restaurants. Keith

The purpose of my post is to say I don't see it as discrimination of a solo guest as the staterooms for solos and double occupancy guests are the same. Only difference is location. In fact, one could say it is those sailing as two people would find it more challenging as collectively they have more items for the closet. This was a design flaw. It was not something that someone sat down with the designers to say how can I make this as hard for the guests as possible. As to my opinion. I have traveled in the former double occupancy rooms on both ships. Symphony without a verandah and Serenity on the full 2007 World Cruise with 4 times the amount of clothing one would bring for a single cruise and also on two other cruises so I am very familiar with space relative to luggage. And I have seen the new double room with my own eyes. Yes it will be a challenge. Yes they will have to see if they can address this. But no, I don't call it discrimination. Keith

I am not sure if this will change. Right now they are in catchup mode. Keith

We will know a lot more late next month. If you start a new thread then it will be a reminder and I can ask for you. Keith

Some exciting news about World Cruise 2025. Keith https://crystalcruises.com/press/get-closer-to-the-worlds-most-sought-after-destinations-on-crystals-2025-world-cruise?fbclid=IwAR2JtS_4_HwixnG1z3SldZ7OxGMFXCAY6EpmKXiHYcjV5x2Q0_ve8M2-L00

I am not sure how we started to discuss Oceania but I am reminded this is the Crystal board. If it's not for you that's fine but most people on this board sail Crystal. Oceania is not a line I am interested in and there are other lines that don't work for me so I focus my attending on the boards of CC including ports that I am interested it.

This is what we do LeeAnne. Our view is not to compare one line with another when we are sailing and to have the best time we can. There is always time for comparisons after we return. We focus on the positive. Keith

My next door neighbors who liked Oceania were disappointed on their sailing from a couple of months ago and won't return They said cutback. And our friends on board said nickel and diming. I am just sharing what four people who I personally know shared with me, unsolicited. Keith

It's also analogous to when the removed the couches from the rooms with the idea that they would create extra space only to realize that people really wanted a couch which they corrected. I remember in our last home when we worked with the architect and had someone help us that we made mistakes some of which we realized as the home was being constructed and paid more to make changes and a coupe of items that we couldn't correct. Keith

They do. You can go to the specialty restaurants with no additional charge as many times as you would like based on availability. You can also order from Umi Uma and the new Italian Restaurant to you room which is now limited to just the CP's and Junior CP's. You can also order appetizers to you suite as before. If you go to the website for your voyage or any other one and go to where it shows suites and click on details it will show you what is included. Keith

Spoke to several people today some on their second and third Crystal Cruises and some who have sailed much more and some on their first Crystal cruise but who have sailed other lines. They all say the same thing. They are having a great time and glad to be here. Those leaving in Lisbon wish they could stay longer. The new owners really did a great job despite all the negative comments on this board and the former board that Crystal would not be Crystal. I think of all the posts and all the negativism. I applaud the ownership and senior executives for recognizing that Crystal had a lot going for them. This is why when they bought the ships they kept the most important part of the name which is CRYSTAL. And they have added to it in an attempt to make it better. And they have a vision for the new brand. I am thrilled to have been hopeful and then to recognize that it would be so much like the old brand. I wish Crystal success and the future is bright. Keith

Sorry but Crystal is not discriminating at all. All of the double and solo room are brand spanking new. Not sure how that was discrimination. All the classic suites have had minimal work done to update them. I am the one who mentioned the roller to hang items and that is mainly for people who are on the World Cruise to consider. The new safes are the same as the old safes so yes they fit an iPad. By adding a desk where they did which was all good intentioned it made the closet smaller. I don't think they released that would happen. The new rooms are beautiful including the bathroom and overall it is a big upgrade to the previous rooms. Keith

We had a glass of wine in our room before dinner and Butler Rao brought some appetizers. These are prepared for each suite and are alternated each day. They include a variety of items including fruit, desserts in this case shrimp and biscuit and humus. Before dinner we listened to Carlos Rayan play guitar and sing in the Crystal Cove. We have seen Carlos perform with Crystal starting in 2019. We returned to Waterside for dinner and will be dining there over the next three days. We always enjoy the food, service, and ambience of the dining venue. While there are specialty restaurants, Waterside is also very special to us where we have enjoyed so many memorable meals at dinner and when we first started cruising Crystal, we would eat breakfast there and for the first several cruises enjoy lunch as well. At 9:00 pm the theme of the show was Come Dance With Me which featured Bruce Hammond along with the four Ambassador Hosts where guests could dance to various Frank Sinatra Classics. Last night was white night so we wore some white clothing. Most guests have sailed Crystal before so many wore something white or even all white clothing. At 10:00 pm they had the Crystal White Dress Party at the Crystal Plaza. Today is our first and only sea day of the cruise, although with arrivals around noon in a couple of ports we had morning sea days. The morning and afternoon program featured 35 different activities. As in the past, there were three lectures. World Events Lecturer, Stephen Cole, spoke about Putin who he met twice. Celebrity Bruce McGill was on at 11:00 AM and the afternoon included a talk given by Destination Lecturer George Munro on Lisbon. Other activities included indoor cycling, golf class, beginners bridge, computer class, a class on how to take selfies, dancing, duplicate and social bridge, and watercolors just to name a few. For those wondering if the Mozart Tea would return the answer is yes. This evening is a formal night. In addition to this combined we walked, played Paddle Tennis, spoke with fellow guests and members of the crew. Somehow, we ate. LOL. I went for a massage, and we are enjoying an amazing day on-board Crystal Serenity. Cheers

As in the past, the lectures are recorded so you can see them in-person or on the TV in your room. Lectures have been terrific. Keith

In case you wanted to know: Supper Club this evening. Reservations could be made on-board. Keith

Early morning I workout at the Fitness Center when it's just me and the equipment and knowing that some of you (Claudia) are interested in the equipment I took photos of all the equipment. The vast majority of it is the same as before. Keith

Today is a full sea day and the program is like it has been in the past. And yes, Mozart Tea this afternoon. Keith

You do this in My Account. If on a computer on the top right hand side you will see My Account. You need to set it up the first time. On the left hand side of smart phones and tablets/iPads you will see two lines on the top, click on them and towards the bottom you will see My Account As soon as you make a full deposit and you establish my account you can add in your details including passport information. After full payment has been made and 60 days prior to the cruise you can make reservations including specialty restaurant, shore excursion and spa/salon appointments in my account. Keith

I have easily spoken with over 100 guests. I always ask the question what do you think of the cruise. Everyone and I mean everyone says it is wonderful. Those getting off at the end of the cruise say they can't wait for the next one. I think this is very telling because after all it is the inaugural cruise. Now it was not doom and gloom as a few said it would be months ago. Those few said it would not be Crystal. Crew would not be back. Everything would be different. One said Manfredi would make it into SS which always made no sense to me. Why call it Crystal in the first place. I think those few missed the "boat". If you are going to complete remake it why call it Crystal. The ship sailed on time which some said couldn't happen. You remember that such as dry dock would be delayed. Couldn't get space, contractors and supplies. They underestimated Manfredi. They said the ship would be overwhelmed with contractors. It's not although some are on board. As I've said there are a few issues such as phones not working in some rooms and with each passing day that is being improved. And yes you can't leave voice mail as that is not yet working. iPads not available so a few things delayed. In short all of the systems are new. However unlike your normal inaugural cruise we have a very competent and experienced crew on board. Back to my original comments. Everyone I've asked is loving the cruise. A few do mentioned one or more of the problems I noted and maybe one or two others but this varies by person. And yes we got e-documents late but these are not third world problems. Crystal is back. Now Crystal and not Crystal Cruises but if you liked Crystal Cruises I am confident you will enjoy Crystal. Keith

New rooms were not created on Deck 10 or 11. New bed linen and bed spread for all rooms. The suite category I am in received new carpeting, painted and detailed. New TV's in all rooms. New telephones in all room. Keith

Phyllis, The osso bucco is not available at OO nor are other items from Prego such as the soup. The soup is available in Waterside when on the menu. I did try the Beef Tartrare on our second visit to OO and enjoyed it. I thought the taste was excellent. Keith