Keith1010

Thank you so much. Keith

All good things come in time. Bags unpacked. Keith

I will be sure to take another tour when they offer it or will revisit on turn around day. I will try to take photos too. Keith

I spoke with some of the TA's and they were very pleased. I've seen a few guests who didn't want to return for the period of owners the former owners were here and are now back. If you liked the Crystal you left you will like today's Crystal. One of the inclusive wines is Vine Robles which I enjoy and first had on Crystal and have bought it at home. Keith

Thank you so much. You know I think you are right. At first it looked like a big open space to me which doesn't make sense the more I think about it. It is a refrigerator. Black door. So sorry. Keith

Thank you for your good wishes and kind words. Keith

You are very kind. Thank you. Keith

I believe around 450 to 500. Keith

I will use this thread for observations. First impression. This is Crystal as you knew it enhanced. So you will here me say Crystal Enhanced. Most crew returned. Some who are not here will return as crew goes home as some have been on for months. Some went over to Symphony. Some retired. A few are on other lines. For example Sommeliers on board are all from Crystal instead of one. Most butlers returned. There are new ones for the decks which didn't have butlers before. Internet speed is good.Enhanced plan not yet available. No iPads yet. Sign in very easy. Check in very much the same. The way they take credit card is with a more sophisticated reader. Saw many of the suites. Junior CP beautiful. New Sapphire very nice. Love the countertops and bathroom. No make up desk in bedroom. As you come in a desk that will need to serve many things. Although it doesn't look like the cocktail tables can be raised they can.Super. Saw the new double occupancy rooms. They look very nice. Closet is smaller. Less draw space with a pullout draw in the entry and a large draw below. Decor beautiful. The chairs in the new lounge and the furniture look great.It is not cheap. It looks comfortable to me. And a word about comfort. I have a rear end with less padding than many of you. Not being insulting but that is fact. So, I have less meat and more bone. I sat down. Nice cushion. Looks great and feels great. Again, this is subjective. If you don't like it that's fine. I only say you are not buying the place and you should know that people visiting where you live might not like your taste in furniture either. Salon looks amazing. Not sure where the rumor came that Fitness Equipment was changed out. It was no. Didn't need to be. A couple of new pieces of equipment. Crew is wonderful as ever. Well this is my start. More to follow. Happy to be here. Keith

We checked out of the hotel and were driven over to the port. As we saw Crystal Serenity through our own eyes for the first time since November of 2021, we had joys of happiness as smiles came to each of our faces. Words cannot adequately describe the emotions we experienced as we walked up the gangway to return back home to Crystal Serenity. When we boarded Serenity on July 3 of 2021 for the restart of cruising which had been placed on-hold due to COVID-19, it was an emotional day. Given the uncertainty of Crystal when operations ceased in March of 2022, if you can believe it this was an ever more emotional day. When operations first came to a halt, we thought to ourselves, would we ever step on-board Serenity again or see the beloved crew or so many guests we have come to know so well over the year of sailing with Crystal. Our tears swelled as we were greeted by crew members with the words welcome home. These words ring very true. For those who wonder Crystal is still Crystal. We will refer to it as Crystal enhanced as there are some new things to enjoy. Most of the crew are back. We enjoyed an embarkation lunch and had our traditional Cobb Salad as we toasted with flutes of champagne. Today is a big celebration as we toasted to the crew, to returning to the cruise line we love and because today is our Wedding Anniversary. We couldn’t have planned it any better. I will end early today but rest assured I will be back tomorrow. I will also do an observations thread. I did this with the Bahama Cruises. Keith

Ship looks beautiful. Crew is back. You will hear me say Crystal enhanced. Because it is. A few things not there yet such as iPads. It will come. And Cobb Salad and Champagne as is the traditions. Happy to be home. Keith

Trying to get this back on topic if that is possible these days. Lots of excitement on board about the new vessels. Provides guests with many more choices. Provides crew with many opportunities. Very happy. Keith

Thank you so much. Keith

Slept great. For me this time is normal. I am known to be an earlier riser Kenz. 😄

Thank you so much. Keith

Today my bags will be unpacked. Ready to go. Can't wait. Crystal is back. Keith

It wasn't what I would call a ship-wide announcement as many people on the ship didn't know. Just call it a decision was made to have a casino. Date has to be determined since it was only decided. Keith

Thank you very much. Your cruise will be here before you know it. Keith

Thank you so much and will do. Very much appreciated. Keith

I don't know anyone on this board who takes a criticism of Crystal as a "personal" attack. They might not agree with all negative comments or with those who "only" have negative comments, but I don't know "anyone" who takes it personally. Also. people who enjoy a cruise line IMHO are not cheerleaders IMHO but they are often fans. My opinion is if someone wants to feel welcome on a board or on land to a group, don't start off with the insults of others. JMO

I know that those on this cruise including myself thank you for your nice thoughts. Many thanks, Keith

Thank you. Keith

Thank you so much Natalie and if we can answer questions for you along the way please be sure to ask. Keith

Thank you so much. I hope you have a great time in December. Keith

Bob, best to have your TA contact Crystal directly. The do have pre and post cruise Hotels. Keith