KenzSailing Posted April 6, 2023 #1 Share Posted April 6, 2023 Don't know if this is new, but embedded in this otherwise run of the mill email from Crystal pitching Med Cruises is a rendering of the new Bistro on Symphony. More of a makeover than I anticipated. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare May B Posted April 6, 2023 #2 Share Posted April 6, 2023 6 minutes ago, KenzSailing said: Don't know if this is new, but embedded in this otherwise run of the mill email from Crystal pitching Med Cruises is a rendering of the new Bistro on Symphony. More of a makeover than I anticipated. I thought the very same thing! And I’m glad I was tempted to take an extra look. I like the makeover that looks like it’ll be happening in Osterio d’Ovidio, as well. Also happy to see Ben & Jerry’s mentioned by name. I knew I could expect good ice cream, but there’s just something extra special about Cherries Garcia and Coffee Coffee Buzz Buzz Buzz (both of which I enjoyed this past Monday at Free Cone Day). 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted April 6, 2023 #3 Share Posted April 6, 2023 It will be exciting to see each ship and all of the enhancments. Keith 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Txcotn Posted April 6, 2023 #4 Share Posted April 6, 2023 I think it's ghastly! Talk about glitz! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bitob Posted April 6, 2023 #5 Share Posted April 6, 2023 Still doesn’t have comfy chairs. But at least it has a view Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Txcotn Posted April 6, 2023 #6 Share Posted April 6, 2023 (edited) Right you are. Guess they don't want anyone sitting there too long. And that wallpaper😱 Edited April 6, 2023 by suzeluvscruz added 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1st time aboard Posted April 6, 2023 #7 Share Posted April 6, 2023 The Crystal Webpage for Serenity dining has an image of the Bistro on that ship. It looks nice, not sure about the green though... One thing I missed on the last few Crystal Cruises I was on in 2021 is that the bistro, at least on Serenity, wasn't open in the evening. I guess this may have been due to staffing shortages. I really missed going there after dinner and having a glass of wine and a small selection of cheese and mini desserts. I know keeping it open later, until 9 or 10 would require extra staffing, but I definitely enjoyed it and I noticed a number of other folks did also. https://www.crystalcruises.com/ship/serenity?sm=dinings&id=osteria_d_ovidio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Txcotn Posted April 6, 2023 #8 Share Posted April 6, 2023 9 minutes ago, 1st time aboard said: The Crystal Webpage for Serenity dining has an image of the Bistro on that ship. It looks nice, not sure about the green though... One thing I missed on the last few Crystal Cruises I was on in 2021 is that the bistro, at least on Serenity, wasn't open in the evening. I guess this may have been due to staffing shortages. I really missed going there after dinner and having a glass of wine and a small selection of cheese and mini desserts. I know keeping it open later, until 9 or 10 would require extra staffing, but I definitely enjoyed it and I noticed a number of other folks did also. https://www.crystalcruises.com/ship/serenity?sm=dinings&id=osteria_d_ovidio Looks better than Symphony, more classic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenzSailing Posted April 7, 2023 Author #9 Share Posted April 7, 2023 1 hour ago, suzeluvscruz said: Looks better than Symphony, more classic. How so? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Txcotn Posted April 7, 2023 #10 Share Posted April 7, 2023 Just personal taste. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted April 7, 2023 #11 Share Posted April 7, 2023 6 hours ago, 1st time aboard said: The Crystal Webpage for Serenity dining has an image of the Bistro on that ship. It looks nice, not sure about the green though... One thing I missed on the last few Crystal Cruises I was on in 2021 is that the bistro, at least on Serenity, wasn't open in the evening. I guess this may have been due to staffing shortages. I really missed going there after dinner and having a glass of wine and a small selection of cheese and mini desserts. I know keeping it open later, until 9 or 10 would require extra staffing, but I definitely enjoyed it and I noticed a number of other folks did also. https://www.crystalcruises.com/ship/serenity?sm=dinings&id=osteria_d_ovidio I agree. The Bistro is so nice. I remember the first time we sailed Crystal back then we had never seen something like The Bistro. On our sailings in 2021 it was open in the evening on Serenity from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. As you note, on your sailing it might have been due to staffing as on a few of the cruises some crew had gotten Covid and were in isolation. Keith 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ibis Posted April 7, 2023 #12 Share Posted April 7, 2023 Excited to think about being back in that favorite spot; The Bistro, but I must say the decor is disappointing. Particularly on Symphony it seems to be very cold and modern with uncomfortable looking chairs. Maybe they don’t want us to linger! We hope this isn’t going to be the trend for most of the decor on the ships..Ugh. Still can’t wait to be back onboard and have a look! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travel2Learn Posted April 7, 2023 #13 Share Posted April 7, 2023 The coffered ceiling will not be sufficient to buffer noise. I hope the uncomfortable chairs will have soft fabrics on the backs to help with the acoustics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare FlyerTalker Posted April 7, 2023 #14 Share Posted April 7, 2023 The lingering in the Bistro issue is a two-sided coin. For those who get to the Bistro early and linger, it's all about the comfort. For those who show up at the Bistro and there are no chairs that are open, because folks have been there forever, it's about availability for other guests. Can't please everyone. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Txcotn Posted April 7, 2023 #15 Share Posted April 7, 2023 Maybe the casino space would be a comfy place to linger..... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted April 8, 2023 #16 Share Posted April 8, 2023 As a reminder to some these are just renderings. I am reminded that when Serenity first came out that many people criticized the colors in various public areas. As time went along I stopped hearing about this including on CC. I guess for me I always say to myself I am not buying the ship just sailing on it. I also say to myself that what one person dislikes another one likes and that doesn't apply only to cruise ships and hotels but also to ones home. I sit back and say I am glad that new Crystal is updating several of the public areas and can't wait to see each ship. Over the years on the most part we have been very pleased with the changes. Once in awhile they don't go as planned such as the removal of the couches but as they say you live and learn. Keith 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calliopecruiser Posted April 8, 2023 #17 Share Posted April 8, 2023 That wallpaper is pretty scary.....I think the seats look like they could be fine, though. The squared tables give it a little more "restaurant" than "hangout" feel to it, but that will probably change as people use it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CorgiGuy Posted April 11, 2023 #18 Share Posted April 11, 2023 The Symphony revision strikes me as the look of a modern diner atmosphere. Not necessarily bad, just not that laid back relaxed atmosphere, IMHO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Tillie Posted April 11, 2023 #19 Share Posted April 11, 2023 I’m much less concerned with the decor than their serving the variety and quality of food we had come to expect at the Bistro. Hint, hint, Portuguese tarts!! Patty 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs. Claypool Posted April 11, 2023 #20 Share Posted April 11, 2023 Costco has just started selling boxes of Portuguese tarts in our local warehouse. Check your cold case section. 😉 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Luxury Posted April 11, 2023 #21 Share Posted April 11, 2023 5 minutes ago, Mrs. Claypool said: Costco has just started selling boxes of Portuguese tarts in our local warehouse. Check your cold case section. 😉 I have just returned from Madeira and they have been the best that I have ever had. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare PaulMCO Posted April 12, 2023 #22 Share Posted April 12, 2023 On 4/6/2023 at 7:04 PM, 1st time aboard said: The Crystal Webpage for Serenity dining has an image of the Bistro on that ship. It looks nice, not sure about the green though... One thing I missed on the last few Crystal Cruises I was on in 2021 is that the bistro, at least on Serenity, wasn't open in the evening. I guess this may have been due to staffing shortages. I really missed going there after dinner and having a glass of wine and a small selection of cheese and mini desserts. I know keeping it open later, until 9 or 10 would require extra staffing, but I definitely enjoyed it and I noticed a number of other folks did also. https://www.crystalcruises.com/ship/serenity?sm=dinings&id=osteria_d_ovidio Agree 100%. We did several cruises on both Symphony and Serenity post COVID, and we were surprised that the Bistro was closed in the evening. The first one in July was open but the later ones in November and Jan were closed. Thought it was more of a cost cutting issue at the end. I do hope they will reopen it in the relaunch. Yes the desert, the cheese and wine were a perfect night cap. I never had an issue with not getting a place, used to hang with my computer at the table for 2 by the pillar or at the coffee bar, usually catching up on some emails or work and satisfying my caffeine fix.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scamper Posted April 13, 2023 #23 Share Posted April 13, 2023 On 4/6/2023 at 5:09 PM, suzeluvscruz said: Right you are. Guess they don't want anyone sitting there too long. And that wallpaper😱 Your comment reminds me of the alleged last words of Oscar Wilde. "Either that dreadful wall paper goes, or I do." While I agree that the paper is a bit too busy for my taste, I think the rest of it is rather subdued. Could be worse. Could be Las Vegas at sea like Carnival. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctjon Posted April 13, 2023 #24 Share Posted April 13, 2023 Gee sitting in the Bistro with ugly wall paper and great food and service or at home with nice walls and ?? food and me doing the service - guess what I'd choose 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claudiaYVR Posted April 13, 2023 #25 Share Posted April 13, 2023 Last time we checked in at the Avenida Palace Hotel in Lisbon it was around 10 pm and we were very hungry. Our biggest surprise when we got to our room was to find a box with two Portuguese Tarts still warm from the oven. The most delicious thing I've ever had 😉. They must have sent them up while we were checking in. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now