Crystal Serenity Review

[tinaincc]

14 minutes ago, AtA said:

And they just posted they have no idea if it is happening on Crystal or any other line. This after implying it didn’t happen on the other lines. 

The REVIEWER just finished their cruise on Crystal. Have you read the review? Why are you so intent on discounting the reviewer’s comments? 

[travelberlin]

10 hours ago, ak1004 said:

A review of the new Crystal from a paying customer (not paid influencer) - https://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=704902

 

Key points:

 

Generally a lack of engagement by management and officers with guests who are not known

Apparent two tier service levels with regular known guests receiving warmer service and more indulged

 

Overall this was a very enjoyable quality cruise experience on a 20 year old ship, which is partially refurbished. This surprised us as it doesn’t quite match what the launch publicity and “influencers” would have you believe. It was good, but not exceptional, and in our opinion no better than the other luxury lines.

 

And eye opener for all new potential Crystal customers.

Thanks for posting the link to the review. It is good to read the opinion of another Cruise Critic member. For me this shows that Crystal is real and it would not be perfect. I can live with the negative points listed on this review. When I only hear positive, and positive plus comments, somehow those comments raise expectations very high and once on board the disappointment is unavoidable. Too many just positive reviews achieve also doubts.  Some times “less is more”. 
Ivi

 

Edited September 15, 2023 by travelberlin

[travelberlin]

10 hours ago, ak1004 said:

 

Repetition

Edited September 15, 2023 by travelberlin

[ChatKat in Ca.]

I learned a long time ago, that there is a difference in friendliness in service between the European style of hospitality and the American style.  The crew will often take their cue from the passengers in terms of how to engage. 

 

We loved the servers on the first Crystal Cruise and we asked to sit with the waiter/assistant and sommelier.  If they were on board, out next cruise, we did the same. We knew about their families.

 

Our most recent cruise was on Regent and post covid.  We did not have the same kind of service and no one got to know us and we them.  The service was professional but not as friendly and more aloof.  We did not find it lacking - it was a different experience.

 

 

 

[tryber]

I don't find reviews that lack details to be particularly useful.  If someone gives details about their experiences (positive or negative), I can judge to what extent I would agree or disagree with the assessment.  

 

I didn't find this review to be particularly illuminating, but what was there seemed overwhelmingly positive to me.  So, it's strange that it was framed as a negative review.  I would much rather have a cruise with that has good food, nice cabins and good entertainment than worry about whether I'm being treated as warmly as the regulars.  

[ak1004]

43 minutes ago, tryber said:

I don't find reviews that lack details to be particularly useful.  If someone gives details about their experiences (positive or negative), I can judge to what extent I would agree or disagree with the assessment.  

 

I didn't find this review to be particularly illuminating, but what was there seemed overwhelmingly positive to me.  So, it's strange that it was framed as a negative review.  I would much rather have a cruise with that has good food, nice cabins and good entertainment than worry about whether I'm being treated as warmly as the regulars.  

 

To me, it wasn't negative. It was balanced and objective, definitely more positive than negative. 

 

Maybe his conclusion that "It was good, but not exceptional, and in our opinion no better than the other luxury lines." seemed not positive enough to Crystal loyalists who consider Crystal far superior to other luxury lines.. 

[BWIVince]

4 hours ago, ak1004 said:

Maybe his conclusion that "It was good, but not exceptional, and in our opinion no better than the other luxury lines." seemed not positive enough to Crystal loyalists who consider Crystal far superior to other luxury lines.. 

Nothing like being painted incorrectly with a very broad brush…

 

I sail more with Crystal than other lines because they do certain things that I value better than their competitors.  I don’t think I know a single Crystal regular that thinks that everything Crystal does is “far superior”.  🙄  Regent does many things “far superior” to Crystal, they just happen to all be things I couldn't give two hoots about. 

 

Vince

[ak1004]

5 hours ago, BWIVince said:

Nothing like being painted incorrectly with a very broad brush…

 

I sail more with Crystal than other lines because they do certain things that I value better than their competitors.  I don’t think I know a single Crystal regular that thinks that everything Crystal does is “far superior”.  🙄  Regent does many things “far superior” to Crystal, they just happen to all be things I couldn't give two hoots about. 

 

Vince

 

There are a lot of examples of C loyalists mentioning that Crystal is “far superior” to other luxury lines. Here is one recent example from a random search.   

 

 

[Keith1010]

9 minutes ago, ak1004 said:

 

There are a lot of examples of C loyalists mentioning that Crystal is “far superior” to other luxury lines. Here is one recent example from a random search.   

 

 

I know you were responding to Vince but I will chime in too.

 

I have rarely seen people use the word superior but if they do that their view.

 

Often I hear people say I like x cruise line better.

 

Superior.

 

I don't think so.

 

 

[BWIVince]

27 minutes ago, ak1004 said:

 

There are a lot of examples of C loyalists mentioning that Crystal is “far superior” to other luxury lines. Here is one recent example from a random search.   

 

 

Thank you for confirming that no one who actually responded to you in this thread actually exhibited the behavior you generalized all of us with.

 

Vince

[tinaincc]

5 hours ago, BWIVince said:

  I don’t think I know a single Crystal regular that thinks that everything Crystal does is “far superior”.  

I could easily name a few…

[BWIVince]

Just now, tinaincc said:

I could easily name a few…

EVERYTHING?  Really?  I can’t name anyone I know that doesn’t have at least a small wish list for Crystal, no matter how much they enjoy Crystal or rave about their experiences.  YMMV obviously, though.

 

Vince

[ak1004]

6 minutes ago, BWIVince said:

Thank you for confirming that no one who actually responded to you in this thread actually exhibited the behavior you generalized all of us with.

 

Vince

 

And why are you focusing on this thread only? Look at many other threads on this board. When I originally raised the question why Crystal is more expensive than SS/SB, the answer given by many was "because it's in a different league compared to SS/SB".

[kool kruiser]

One of the problems on this board ( and those of other lines too ) is the criticism of some to honest and considered opinions posted by a ''genuine'' passenger. What is surely most important is to simply digest what has been said and then reflect on whether it affects one's own views. For me, I welcome all expressed views, whether positive or not and try always to avoid a reactionary defensive posture.

I also think that there is not only perhaps a difference in service provided in a US or European style but also perhaps  in attitudes towards crew from US and European guests. Frankly, whilst absolutely enjoying meeting again those who have previously given us outstanding service and always trying to engage with those looking after us in a convivial and warm manner, we know nothing about the crew on a personal basis. Of course, no issue with anybody who has a differing approach but just a thought...

 

[Texas Tillie]

9 minutes ago, tinaincc said:

I could easily name a few…

 

Better not put me on that list! I can think of a number of places where Crystal can improve. My point was almost everything I experienced (I experienced) on Silversea wasn't equal. I expect my upcoming cruise on the Nova to reveal a new, fancy ship. Will the food, service, etc. equal, much less exceed Crystal, we'll see. I will be honest in my review, but my review will be a personal review, as are everyone's.

[tinaincc]

2 hours ago, BWIVince said:

EVERYTHING?  Really?  I can’t name anyone I know that doesn’t have at least a small wish list for Crystal, no matter how much they enjoy Crystal or rave about their experiences.  YMMV obviously, though.

 

Vince

The posters I am talking about likely have a wish list but that was not the point. Those same folks comment relentlessly that C is superior to other lines.

[Keith1010]

Maybe we're caught on semantics here but I just don't see people saying a line is superior over another one..

 

Some  of us have a favorite line.  I do.  And yes it's Crystal but I just don't see people around here using the term superior which in someways comes of condescending.  

 

And there is no problem in my book having a favorite product. I never know why some have a problem with that.

 

Life is short.  I believe find those things you enjoy in life and if you find things I think that is great.

 

[travelberlin]

2 hours ago, kool kruiser said:

 

I also think that there is not only perhaps a difference in service provided in a US or European style but also perhaps  in attitudes towards crew from US and European guests. Frankly, whilst absolutely enjoying meeting again those who have previously given us outstanding service and always trying to engage with those looking after us in a convivial and warm manner, we know nothing about the crew on a personal basis. Of course, no issue with anybody who has a differing approach but just a thought...

 

I agree with this. Interesting that I was just exactly thinking the same..

 

[tinaincc]

I totally agree that it is fine and even wonderful to find a line that is everything you want. 

 

I don’t expect that you spend much time on the SS board since you have a well-known favorite line. There are some loyal to Crystal folks that have in fact, in the last couple days, come onto the SS board and used the term “far superior”. No semantics. 
 

[ak1004]

1 hour ago, Keith1010 said:

Maybe we're caught on semantics here but I just don't see people saying a line is superior over another one..

 

Some  of us have a favorite line.  I do.  And yes it's Crystal but I just don't see people around here using the term superior which in someways comes of condescending.  

 

And there is no problem in my book having a favorite product. I never know why some have a problem with that.

 

Life is short.  I believe find those things you enjoy in life and if you find things I think that is great.

 

 

I just quoted some people who used exactly those words.

 

And I agree with you 100%, nothing wrong to have a a favorite line. Every line has its loyal followers, and once you do, you obviously are willing to pay more to sail on it.

 

At the same time, may people (me included) have more than one favorite line, and they make decisions based on number of factors (itinerary, price, specific ship etc.) This is why I won't pay Crystal fares if I can sail on SS/SB for 20-25% less in larger cabins and newer ships. I will be the first to admit that there are things that are better on Crystal, but they are not enough for me to overcome the price difference, larger cabins and newer ships. Just matter of personal choice.

 

And if people believe that their favorite line is "far superior" over other lines - this is their opinion, and we just agree to disagree.

[PaulMCO]

21 hours ago, ak1004 said:

 

I just quoted some people who used exactly those words.

 

And I agree with you 100%, nothing wrong to have a a favorite line. Every line has its loyal followers, and once you do, you obviously are willing to pay more to sail on it.

 

At the same time, may people (me included) have more than one favorite line, and they make decisions based on number of factors (itinerary, price, specific ship etc.) This is why I won't pay Crystal fares if I can sail on SS/SB for 20-25% less in larger cabins and newer ships. I will be the first to admit that there are things that are better on Crystal, but they are not enough for me to overcome the price difference, larger cabins and newer ships. Just matter of personal choice.

 

And if people believe that their favorite line is "far superior" over other lines - this is their opinion, and we just agree to disagree.

@ak1004 I am debating your exact point. 

 

Just looking at the 2025 cruises.  I have purposely waited to book one until Crystal published theirs.  Wanted something in Venice and Dalmatia.  When comparing between SB versus Crystal, Seabourn wins by over 25%.  SS is closer to Crystal but on a new ship.

 

Crystal is not going to succeed by attracting their own loyal crowd back.  Why? Because they failed before and they will never attract everyone back because many are owed money and many have drifted to other lines.  They have to be competitive in the luxury market place and they are not carving a new space in the market.

 

How should they market themselves as the Great food and service -- old partially renovated ship specialists???  The market is too crowded with existing and want to be new entries all trying to rise to the top.

Edited September 17, 2023 by PaulMCO

[speech1102]

I think the idea of this thread was don’t expect to be treated by the staff like most of what you have read.  We have sailed many crystal cruises and have never personally met any officers or cruise directors.  We have never dined with anyone associated with Crystal.  We don’t stay in a penthouse or luxury suite.  We have always enjoyed our cruises but don’t expect to be pampered. Great if you have 100 cruises and dine every night with staff.  I just think they were saying this is not the norm. 

[Keith1010]

We met officers on our first Crystal Cruise and by our fourth cruise dined with officers and with lecturers and we were in a standard room.  Never was seated at an Officers Table.  We just reached out to them as we do with fellow guests who we also dine with.

 

There is a saying.  It takes two to tango.  
 

At the same time we know guests who have no interest in dining with officers, senior staff or lecturers.  
 

Keith

[ak1004]

49 minutes ago, Keith1010 said:

We met officers on our first Crystal Cruise and by our fourth cruise dined with officers and with lecturers and we were in a standard room.  Never was seated at an Officers Table.  We just reached out to them as we do with fellow guests who we also dine with.

 

There is a saying.  It takes two to tango.  
 

At the same time we know guests who have no interest in dining with officers, senior staff or lecturers.  
 

Keith

 

I thought that officers are supposed to engage with guests and not the opposite?

 

Keith, as someone who spent more than 4 years (almost quarter of your life in the last 20 years) on board Crystal, I can completely understand why Crystal is so special to you. But maybe try to understand that for most people Crystal is just another luxury line and not something special like it is to you? You have an answer for every critical comment, but your case and your experience are not typical. Not even close.

[Keith1010]

21 minutes ago, ak1004 said:

 

I thought that officers are supposed to engage with guests and not the opposite?

 

Keith, as someone who spent more than 4 years (almost quarter of your life in the last 20 years) on board Crystal, I can completely understand why Crystal is so special to you. But maybe try to understand that for most people Crystal is just another luxury line and not something special like it is to you? You have an answer for every critical comment, but your case and your experience are not typical. Not even close.

It takes two to tangle. Officers engage.

 

I know lots of guests who sail Crystal and it is special to them. And it's a lot so don't get your point.

 

And I fully realize ther are others who have two or more cruise lines they sail and some have no loyalty to any of them.

 

I know what is typical and what is not.

 

This is not my first rodeo and I have sailed much more than 30 years and on a lot of ships and cruise lines.

 

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