JohnKen3 Posted September 16, 2017 Author #26 Share Posted September 16, 2017 (edited) Comments about Day 3 Docking at Durnstein required the Mozart to dock along side the Riveria Emily Bronte. We had to go to the top Vista Deck the walk across a small bridge to the top deck of the Riveria Emily Bronte, walk across their top deck and then walked down the side stairs to access the pier. If you need a lift and a wheelchair, you would be stuck on board. On our return (after our wine tasting), I shuddered at the thought of the having to maneuver the route and narrow stairs with my box of wine. Just as we reached sight of docking area, we saw that the Mozart sandwiched between two other boats with a third boat having tied up next to Mozart as well. However, the moment, we reached the pier, all passenger traffic was stopped. The ropes tying all the boats together was unleashed and the Riveria Emily Bronte sailed off. The Mozart then moved directly next to the pier so access was really simple. The third boat also moved on so the Mozart was left on its own at the pier until we left. Beautiful sunny weather and views of the Wachau Valley sailing the 18 miles on to Melk. There was a lovely chilly breeze so many passengers were enjoying the sunshine while covering themselves with Crystal's signature green blankets. When we arrived at Melk, we had a dock all to ourselves. At the next dock, the Scenic Jewel was docked alongside another boat. Not sure how docks are allocated along the river. The Crystal Society Host set up office by the side of the Bistro and I saw a group of four passengers making a booking. Waterside dinner menu for Day 3 Bistro Mozart was also opened for dinner tonight. I think I saw two tables of four of which one table was the Hotel Director and the Crystal Society Host entertaining the couple who I think have the most number of past Crystal cruises on this voyage. I must say I am so very impressed by all the staff on board. When I last said in December, I could tell experienced Crystal staff from the new staff the moment they said something. I am happy to say that all the staff have been "Crystalised". Service is excellent and customer interact is fantastic. I am receiving constant "Mr KenJohn" acknowledgments all over the boat as if I was a true Crystal regular. You are really made to feel welcome as part of the Crystal family. It is truly a wonderful experience. I knew it would take a while for Crystal to get their service levels up to speed and they really have succeeded. Edited September 16, 2017 by JohnKen3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnKen3 Posted September 16, 2017 Author #27 Share Posted September 16, 2017 (edited) Day 4 activities We were meant to go to Salzburg but one member of the family overslept. Anyway, I offered to take her shopping in Linz so she did not have to rush and change in the morning. As there were three full day excursion to choose from, the Mozart was fairly deserted throughout the day. Lunch was served in Blue only so it was busy. Having spent three days in December in Linz as our Mozart itinerary was being juggled about, I do know Linz fairly well now. We found a wonderful farmers market along the high street selling various organic products like jam, whiskey, whiskey infused jam/chocolate, salad oils, cheese, etc. I went to my favourite traditional Austrian clothes shops and gave my credit card a serious work-out. All I can say is that I got my gym workout carrying all the shopping back to Mozart in time of lunch. Had a Saturday afternoon nap followed by loads of time to dress for the open Vintage Room dinner tonight. At 5pm, the butler knocked on the door and delivered today's canapés Sent from my iPhone using Forums Also a photo pf Day 3's canapés. No Waterside Dinner menu loaded onto the Crystal iPad for tonight's dinner yet. Edited September 16, 2017 by JohnKen3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnKen3 Posted September 16, 2017 Author #28 Share Posted September 16, 2017 (edited) Vintage Room Dinner - part 1 The wine selection was exceptional starting off with Cristal champagne. This was the best selection of wine I have had since my very first Crystal vintage room about 5/6 years ago. The Spanish red (i.e. the second red wine) was out of this world - so smooth yet so fruity. The meal was excellent but the risotto with seared foie gras, mushroom and truffle was the highlight of the night. The Mozart's Vintage Room seats 10 persons. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Edited September 16, 2017 by JohnKen3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnKen3 Posted September 16, 2017 Author #29 Share Posted September 16, 2017 (edited) Vintage Room Dinner - part 2 While I love my wine, I am not that big a drinker so by the end of the night, I just have a collection of half drunk wine. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Edited September 16, 2017 by JohnKen3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dolllover Posted September 16, 2017 #30 Share Posted September 16, 2017 Wow looks amazing! I've been thinking of trying Crystal in the future. Thanks for the pics and review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sirgym Posted September 17, 2017 #31 Share Posted September 17, 2017 The food, wine and presentation look amazing! I’m sure I would be enticed to book the Vintage Room, but isn’t it an up charge of about 290€? Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnKen3 Posted September 17, 2017 Author #32 Share Posted September 17, 2017 I’m sure I would be enticed to book the Vintage Room, but isn’t it an up charge of about 290€? Yes. A bit more expensive than the Serenity/Symphony bit then it is not duty free. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnKen3 Posted September 17, 2017 Author #33 Share Posted September 17, 2017 Day 5 activity The glass blowing demonstration was not only interesting but really entertaining and funny. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare eroller Posted September 17, 2017 #34 Share Posted September 17, 2017 Loving the review and your beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyi Posted September 17, 2017 #35 Share Posted September 17, 2017 Thanks for your review and pictures. I was onboard Mozart in July and LOVED it. Everything was top-notch. As a first time Crystal cruiser, the only thing I found interesting was that none of the staff onboard, with the exception of Neil the Piano Entertainer, made any effort at all to learn our names. Was this a big deal? No, not at all. Just a stray observation. Have a great time! Wish I was back onboard again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnKen3 Posted September 18, 2017 Author #36 Share Posted September 18, 2017 Lunch at a local hotel in the Baravian Forrest - pork knuckle. A walk in the tree tops in the Bavarian Forrest. However, it was way too cold for any animals to be sighted so this had to do. Schnapps so that.... ..... you are willing to join in a sing along session on the haywagon. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnKen3 Posted September 18, 2017 Author #37 Share Posted September 18, 2017 Day 6 activities Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare goldengatecruisers Posted September 18, 2017 #38 Share Posted September 18, 2017 I returned from my travels late last night and only now catching up with other people's threads including yours which I am thoroughly enjoying. Thank you for posting great photos of your onboard and ashore experiences. I see you also enjoyed a fabulous evening in the Vintage Room and appreciated seeing your menu and food photos. Continue to enjoy Mozart and thanks for taking time time out of your day to take us along with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
worldly wanderer Posted September 18, 2017 #39 Share Posted September 18, 2017 Enjoying your posts. Thanks for taking the time. Enjoy the rest of your time. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seaworthy98 Posted September 18, 2017 #40 Share Posted September 18, 2017 We are also enjoying your posts. Appreciate the photos, menus, programs, etc. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Becky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnKen3 Posted September 18, 2017 Author #41 Share Posted September 18, 2017 It is important to get on the beer master's good side. And know how to identify where taps for beers are located After the tour, everyone got to try three generous portions of beer with veal sausage and pretzel to help soak up the alcohol. And you got a gift as you left. Once we sailed from Passau it is a solid 26 hours of non-stop sailing. A lovely afternoon to view the surrounds. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnKen3 Posted September 18, 2017 Author #42 Share Posted September 18, 2017 As I reclines on my sofa, I thought it would be worth while posting some photos of a Penthouse Suite (not the Crystal Penthouse) Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnKen3 Posted September 18, 2017 Author #43 Share Posted September 18, 2017 The Crystal Society party is the closest to a gala night on board. Free flowing champagne and caviar with the top Crystal cruises only have 16/14/12 previous cruises. Its important to get in with chef on caviar night. A massive tin of caviar! Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnKen3 Posted September 18, 2017 Author #44 Share Posted September 18, 2017 Crystal Society party night dinner is the closest to a Black Tie Optional Dinner on the Symphony and Serenity Cured Salmon Onion soup Lobster Soufflé Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnKen3 Posted September 22, 2017 Author #45 Share Posted September 22, 2017 Day 6 activities A full day's sailing arriving in Bratislava at 3pm. A damp day so we decided to stay on board for the day. There was a concert by a couple of local Slovak musicians before dinner. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnKen3 Posted September 22, 2017 Author #46 Share Posted September 22, 2017 Day 7 activities Getting the Crystal Mozart II ready for our morning boat trip Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnKen3 Posted September 22, 2017 Author #47 Share Posted September 22, 2017 Your room butler is also comes along as your champagne butler as well as you photographer! Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sirgym Posted September 22, 2017 #48 Share Posted September 22, 2017 Is the Crystal Mozart II an all-suite, all-balcony, all-inclusive with private butler ship? Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnKen3 Posted September 22, 2017 Author #49 Share Posted September 22, 2017 Is the Crystal Mozart II an all-suite, all-balcony, all-inclusive with private butler ship? Sent from my iPad using Forums No balconies at all. All Deck 2 suites have "french windows" from floor to ceiling. Two proper suites only (i.e. separate living room and bedrooms) and five levels of suites in name only - bedrooms with sitting area. Many excursions are complimentary but some options are for a fee. Dedicated butler service for all rooms. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sirgym Posted September 22, 2017 #50 Share Posted September 22, 2017 No balconies at all. All Deck 2 suites have "french windows" from floor to ceiling. Two proper suites only (i.e. separate living room and bedrooms) and five levels of suites in name only - bedrooms with sitting area. Many excursions are complimentary but some options are for a fee. Dedicated butler service for all rooms. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Sorry, i was being sarcastic, referring to the Mozart II. The small boat you hired for your private sailing with your parent’s goddaughter. It looked like fun! Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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