It’s A Crystal Family Affair – Return To Crystal & Crystal Serenity

[Keith1010]

34 minutes ago, USC Adventurer said:

keith,

there isn't anything in my junk/spam folder with that subject.  try sending again please.

Will do. I will resend in a moment.

 

Subject will be e-mail from Keith

 

Keith 

[USCAdventurer]

keith,

just to let you know i have not recieived any emails from you.  hopefully later today something will arrive.

cheers,

david

[USCAdventurer]

here it is again.     dir44@msn.com

[Keith1010]

21 minutes ago, USC Adventurer said:

here it is again.     dir44@msn.com

David I sent it again from my regular e-mail but just in case I sent it from another provider I use on occasion.

 

Keith 

[PTIGIRL]

On 7/23/2023 at 8:48 AM, Keith1010 said:

It’s A Crystal Family Affair – Return To Crystal & Crystal Serenity

 

 

 

Later this week I will begin posting about our upcoming adventure on Crystal Serenity as we sail the first two voyages from Marseille, France to Lisbon and Lisbon to Southampton.  We visit places we have been to before while also visiting seven ports of call for the very first time.

 

 

 

I am excited that we will know most of the crew and several guests. I look forward to sailing with members of this board, including those familiar to us and those who we haven’t sailed with before.

 

 

 

I will be happy to answer questions “but” please remember I want to enjoy this experience so I may choose not to run down every question.  For those of you on this cruise if you would like to post here, you are very welcome to do so but if you don’t and prefer your own thread that is terrific.  For those of you on one or both cruises travel safely and enjoy every minute.  Everyone, remember we all see things differently because we are human, and many things are subjective. In the end the only opinion that matter is our very own.

 

 

 

I have also learned something over the years. If someone asks me for recommendations for a cruise line, restaurant, hotel, tour, or a host of other things I will answer their question. At the same time, I will let them know while we enjoy them, they might not. Conversely, I have sailed lines that we had an average experience with although others enjoy them. If asked what I think about cruise lines we didn’t particularly like, I will say it didn’t work for us, but it may for you. 

 

 

 

I also want to add that new Crystal-like old Crystal will evolve, and this includes pre-cruise information and the actual cruising experience. For example, only a month ago some were critical of marketing and pre-cruise information.  Now you can see more things coming together with a much larger staff in place and several items solidified.  Some have criticized itineraries.  Please remember, they to put together itineraries quickly and there were ports not available as they were already booked. I expect this will not be the case for 2025. though I am reminded for years some on this board have been critical of the itineraries. 

 

 

 

I want to close with a couple of thoughts.  Captain Glen used to say if you want to have a good time you will. If you don’t you won’t.  I subscribe to this. Some people like to point out what is wrong. I prefer focusing on all that is good.

 

 

 

In my next post I will share what shapes my views and opinions before we begin another new travel adventure.

 

Did I tell you..................Bags are packed............Ready to go.................Can't wait..............

 

 

 

Cheers,

 

Keith

 

Captain Glen was great. We miss him. 

[Keith1010]

More from yesterday.  After I returned to the hotel Anne Marie and I went out on a long walk of a couple of hours. The weather was delightful.  We visited a church and took in all that surrounded us.  

We had a lovely lunch at a restaurant recommended by the hotel concierge which featured fish. It was terrific.  The waiter was exceptional. We learned he is from Ukraine. His mother moved to France many years ago. The waiter brought over his younger sister to France after the war broke out. He said the people of Ukraine are strong people and was very appreciative to the United States and the rest of NATO for their help. He speaks English, French, Ukrainian, Russian and Polish. We even discussed various words. Growing up my mom (some say mum) would call a suitcase a valise and I used that word for several years. At the end of the meal do you ask for the bill or the cheque. It is always interesting the words we all use.  

We would have gladly returned today but they are closed as we know many places in France are on Sundays.

 

I went back out on my own before dinner, and the streets were very busy with people walking, riding bicycles, watching a show, dining, taking one of several ferries and other boats and just enjoying themselves. The area was truly vibrant.

Enjoyed a nice dinner back at the hotel.

 

Cheers

 

Keith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[USCAdventurer]

your pictures of marseille are fabulous.  it looks like they have lots of interesting buildings and its a very picturesque city.  and tomorrow's the big day.  i bet you can't wait to hear louis armstrong sing at your departure, right?

[rafinmd]

13 minutes ago, USC Adventurer said:

your pictures of marseille are fabulous.  it looks like they have lots of interesting buildings and its a very picturesque city.  and tomorrow's the big day.  i bet you can't wait to hear louis armstrong sing at your departure, right?

Have you gotten Keith['s email yet?  If not, Keith, is it ok if I forward it to him. 

 

Roy

[USCAdventurer]

Thank you for your concern, Roy.  Yes, Keith and I have connected via email now.

[Keith1010]

51 minutes ago, USC Adventurer said:

your pictures of marseille are fabulous.  it looks like they have lots of interesting buildings and its a very picturesque city.  and tomorrow's the big day.  i bet you can't wait to hear louis armstrong sing at your departure, right?

Thank you David. We are very excited about returning to Serenity including hearing Louis Armstrong sing

 

Keith

[Mgsrcs]

Keith, we have never sailed Crystal before ( only Seabourn and this year trying Viking) but are considering an 8 day Barcelona- Lisbon cruise next year.  Can you tell me if dinner is open seating or assigned table and times? We are traveling with friends so we want flexibility.
Looking forward to your comments on the "new" Crystal. Have fun! Thank you. 

[Keith1010]

31 minutes ago, Mgsrcs said:

Keith, we have never sailed Crystal before ( only Seabourn and this year trying Viking) but are considering an 8 day Barcelona- Lisbon cruise next year.  Can you tell me if dinner is open seating or assigned table and times? We are traveling with friends so we want flexibility.
Looking forward to your comments on the "new" Crystal. Have fun! Thank you. 

Dinner is open seating in Waterside which is the main restaurant.  

 

Thank you for the good wishes.

 

Keith

[Keith1010]

We enjoyed another nice day in Marseille. Weather was quite nice. I went out on a long walk by myself, and this was followed when Anne Marie and I went out for another two-hour walk.  Later in the afternoon I went out for a one hour walk with a Crystal friend who I have known for years.  We both enjoy playing Paddle Tennis.

We had the opportunity to chat with friends who we hadn’t seen for a couple of years. Seeing friends is a reminder that the cruise will clearly be not only an inaugural cruise but also a Crystal Society Family reunion cruise.

I wanted to close with some personal thoughts as we get ready to board Crystal Serenity tomorrow.
 
When the Pandemic hit in 2020 and the Cruise Industry came to a screeching halt, as this went on and the former parent company stopped refunding money within 90 days of cancellation for the moment, we wondered would they return. Would those first segments of World Cruise 2020 when we left about ten days before the World Cruise ended be our last time sailing Crystal? Thankfully, not.
 
When Crystal restarted in 2021, we sailed three different times on Serenity on seven different voyages plus one on Crystal Endeavor. When we left Serenity in November of 2021 we were thinking ahead to our next voyages on Serenity, Symphony, Endeavor and Mozart for 2022. When the World Cruisers boarded in 2022 and the next day it was announced the parent company had gone insolvent and Crystal was ending, we wondered was November the last time we would sail with Crystal again? Thankfully not.

Even before these two items, we realized due to some issues the importance of positivity, enjoying the time we have and not putting off those things you can do today to another time. We enjoy each cruise, focus on the things we like, and do our best not to sweat the little things that don’t go our way. After all, we love sailing Crystal and adore the members of team Crystal.  When people ask what is your favorite cruise?  Answer simple.  The one we’re currently on. When people ask what is your favorite cruise ship, Symphony, or Serenity? Answer simple.  The one we’re on now.  
 
In closing, as I write this and we get ready to board Crystal Serenity tomorrow all we can say is we are tinkled pink, thrilled to be here, and words cannot adequately describe our happiness.  

Cheers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

[1st time aboard]

Have a great trip! I look forward to following along.

 

You and Anne Marie always have such great and uplifting travel blogs.

 

I'll be on Serenity in December. I'm really looking forward to being on my favorite ship and seeing familiar faces again!

[could travel all the time]

Hi Keith and Anne Marie

Thought to say hi as I too am following along 😊.
We have yet to sail Crystal but were looking at sailing a few years ago then well you know…what happened happened. 
Your wonderful attitude is so positive and inspiring and I am grateful that you allow us to follow along in your travels. 

Bon voyage 

Natalie

[Keith1010]

37 minutes ago, 1st time aboard said:

Have a great trip! I look forward to following along.

 

You and Anne Marie always have such great and uplifting travel blogs.

 

I'll be on Serenity in December. I'm really looking forward to being on my favorite ship and seeing familiar faces again!

Thank you so much.

 

I hope you have a great time in December.

 

Keith

[Keith1010]

1 minute ago, could travel all the time said:

Hi Keith and Anne Marie

Thought to say hi as I too am following along 😊.
We have yet to sail Crystal but were looking at sailing a few years ago then well you know…what happened happened. 
Your wonderful attitude is so positive and inspiring and I am grateful that you allow us to follow along in your travels. 

Bon voyage 

Natalie

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

 

Keith

[TRIPACIAN]

Enjoy your cruises, we return to the Serenity in October and can’t wait.  We are now in London and we board the Seabourn Quest for 24 days Dover to Montreal.  We booked this cruise last year before Crystal was “reborn.” 

[Mr Luxury]

1 hour ago, TRIPACIAN said:

Enjoy your cruises, we return to the Serenity in October and can’t wait.  We are now in London and we board the Seabourn Quest for 24 days Dover to Montreal.  We booked this cruise last year before Crystal was “reborn.” 

That's one of the most popular voyages on  Seabourn.

You'll love it.

[ctjon]

Keith - we all appreciate your help but make sure your enjoyment on these cruises are your primary activity.   Thanks,

[Keith1010]

4 hours ago, ctjon said:

Keith - we all appreciate your help but make sure your enjoyment on these cruises are your primary activity.   Thanks,

Thank you so much and will do.  

 

Very much appreciated.

 

Keith

[Keith1010]

8 hours ago, TRIPACIAN said:

Enjoy your cruises, we return to the Serenity in October and can’t wait.  

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

Keith

[Keith1010]

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[lincslady]

Lovely to see and feel your happiness, Keith.  And - what a pretty jacket Anne-Marie is wearing.

 

Everyone wishes you a wonderful trip.

[Ibis]

Thank you so much for this post! This is the day we have all been anticipating❣️ We so appreciate all the updates and positivity you have posted during uncertain times. Please, enjoy everything moment. Many of us are traveling with you. Happy Anniversary!