Txcotn

Waterside closed for lunch on a sea day? Hmmm

Have a great time! Wish we were there too!

6 hours ago, Keith1010 said:

For me 50 minutes is no big deal.  From there we went to other areas and then back to Hotel and then out again a few more times.  

 

Keith

 

 

For some of us, FIVE minutes is a big deal!

50? minutes?!! Aaarrrggghhh😱 NOway for us, a taxi or bust.

What a great write-up, thank you, Terry! And such great pictures too! You've made us homesick for our favorite ship😎

I know that. 

You mean those cheesy flimsy things that are fine for laundry but not much else? What about a nice real live tote  like they used to give? 

1 hour ago, happy cruising said:

I am one of Crystal’s biggest cheerleaders but this really irritates me. We loyal crystal customers who have given Crystal tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars since the restart and have multiple 2024 cruises booked are not eligible for an upgrade but someone who is new to crystal and/or not loyal gets a complimentary upgrade? I already have 4 cruises booked for 2024 for which Crystal has had my deposit money for over 6 months and I don’t have infinite money to book more. I understand trying to lure new customers but I would suggest that Crystal also offer complimentary upgrades to existing bookings right before sailing based on availability and perhaps based on number of past voyages sailed or number of days sailed. I thought Crystal  valued past passengers - this is very disappointing. 

OC used to grant discounts and upgrades to those already booked.

Hmmm...nice and I hope this doesn't mean '24 bookings are way lower than expected. Obviously trying to generate bookings. Would love to accept!

2 hours ago, Cruise-y said:

If the cruise is full (and several heading to warmer climates are full during Christmas and into January) then the limited shaded lounges won’t be available unless you get there super early. Hopefully the crew can bring out additional umbrellas if asked. 
 

There’s still quite a bit of availability on the cruise right before Christmas, so you should be ok on that one. 

Beware the chair hogs who arrive at sun up and claim chairs in the shade that they don't visit till much much later!

9 hours ago, May B said:

I loved every dessert I had in Waterside. I can’t say I ever noticed jello. Seriously, that was on the menu? Perhaps I didn’t notice it b/c I would never order it.

I remember once there was a major fusspot at table next to us. She ordered dessert after dessert after dessert and sent them all back with a cringe. Then out came the jello and she was in heaven. We were shocked!

2 hours ago, ryndam said:

I’ve seen at least three 8-tops in the center of Waterside. Haven’t seen any of them occupied except one evening when each of the 3 larger tables were hosted by an officer. We saw one 8-top in OO last night (unoccupied). I don’t recall seeing an 8-top in Umi Uma.

 

That said, none of the dining tables are permanently attached to the floor. They’re all movable. I believe charger sized tables can be requested for larger groups. They may be just two 4-tops pushed together, rather than a round too, but there’s enough real estate available in all venues to be adjustable and flexible.

 

Rob

We had a group of 9 on Symphony and Remi put us at an oval table which gave us all just enough space.

On 12/3/2023 at 6:57 PM, KenzSailing said:

 

Recipe please?    Maybe on the off topic entry.  Lamb(cooking it) intimidates the heck out of me.

I find lamb as easy as steak. I would happily share if you put an email address here...

Good question for onboard guest services or your TA.

1 hour ago, Keith1010 said:

As I read about the columns I keep telling myself the glass is half full.

 

There is so much good about Serenity and about Symphony. Don't sweat the little things.

 

Live is good if you can sail with Crystal.

 

JMO.

 

Keith

Hard not to when you’re handicapped..

Those columns are just the worst, and I question why they need to be so intrusive. I'm sure the actual supports are similar to a lolly column, which is much smaller in diameter, so the huge enclosure is strictly for a "look". Unfortunately they make it impossible for anyone in a wheelchair or scooter or even a walker to get past them so friends with wheelchair either say goodbye at the entrance or we go somewhere else. Maybe reconfigure the bar? I wish they would consider redecorating the columns as well as the furniture, which I file under "gawdawful".

3 hours ago, Texas Tillie said:

 

OK, so we are at the point that it did happen at one time, but that time was over 20 years ago, is that right?? A lot changed on the old Crystal from 20 years ago until 2022 when old Crystal went kaput!

 

Patty

Yes.

Tracie may never have seen it but it was there before she was on the scene. I saw it with my own eyes.

2 minutes ago, Texas Tillie said:

 

OK, so we are at the point that it did happen at one time, but that time was over 20 years ago, is that right?? A lot changed on the old Crystal from 20 years ago until 2022 when old Crystal went kaput!

 

Patty

I think someone asked "was there EVER" and the answer is YES.

That's probably why it was discontinued!

7 hours ago, Cruise-y said:

One of the reasons I first chose Crystal, many years ago (besides the itinerary and cuisine), is precisely because they DID show the lecturers and entertainment on their website. As I recall, there were several lectures I wanted to hear. It pushed me from one line (with a similar itinerary) to theirs. I can't emphasize enough how important this is to decision-making when people are deciding between brands, especially with new clients.

 

I want a full and exciting itinerary, but I also want good enrichment on sea days.* Crystal needs to get this old amenity back on their new website ASAP.

 

* Not the same guys over and over

 

Agree 100%, not the same guys or at least not the same lecture over and over!

7 hours ago, ivyleaguegent said:

I didn’t start sailing on Crystal until 2016 so it was far more recent !

13 minutes ago, Texas Tillie said:

If Tracie says dancing was never in the Galaxy on old Crystal Symphony but in the Starlite, I am sure that my original thought is accurate. I'm thinking the OP has the name of the venues confused. 

 

Tracie, what is going on in the Starlite while they are having dancing in the Palm Court on Symphony? I'd love to go back to the Symphony where I spent the majority of my Crystal time, but I've now reached the time in life where flying half way around the world isn't something I'm able to do. 

 

Patty

Well Tracie goes back 20 years, I go back 28 and there WAS pre-dinner and pre-theatre dancing on the stage in Galaxy prior to and up to at least 2000. I even remember a couple who left the dinner table early to dance in Galaxy and it wasn't a special or theme cruise.

10 hours ago, Texas Tillie said:

I go back 16 years, so it had to have been many years ago. 😳

 

Patty

Indeed it was, perhaps in 2000 and before. I go back to 1995! Dancing was on the stage. 

There was ballroom in Galaxy many years ago, it was called pre-theater dancing. No more though. 

1995, 1999, 2001, 2005 for final