Would we enjoy Crystal?

[ryndam]

33 minutes ago, Mahogany said:

But isn't the wood furniture in the Classic suites, Original, as in, never been replaced?

All rooms have been refreshed several times since Symphony originally entered service in 1995. Soft goods were last refreshed  during the 2020 drydock in Singapore. I believe the current hard goods were replaced and/or refinished during the 2017 dry dock. (Others more familiar with cabin updates, please chime in.)

 

Rob

[ggo85]

We sailed Crystal 4-5 times in before and during COVID.  Booked on C later this year.  We've sailed SS when C was on hiatus and after.  Booked on SS twice next year.  We always book higher-end suites (i.e., Silver Suite) but not the very top.  Here are the things we like (better) about each line.

 

SS

• Larger suites at same level / price point
• Included shore excursions that actually are decent
• Newer ships 
• More ships and thus more itineraries
• INCREDIBLY fast check in and luggage delivery 
• Fun trivia and Bingo events daily
• Loungers on the balcony (without asking)

 

Crystal

• More personalized service
• Exceptional excursions (although not on the cruise we're taking later this year)
• No uncharge for any dining venues
• Enrichment lectures and computer classes 
• More experienced / better trained butlers 
• More casual dress for dinner (when we sailed on SS, men had to wear jackets, though believe this has now been relaxed)
• Entertainment

 

We've seen very few kids on either line.  There will be more in the summer and over holidays.  Neither is a great choice for young kids (IMO) as there is little for them to do and the passenger demographics skew on the older side (60s+)..

 

The service on C is unparalleled.  For example, we're sun worshippers and get out early.  By Day 3, the pool guys knew what time we would come out and had already prepared loungers.  (We never asked them to do this and are sure that, if someone else had come along first, they would have been given the chairs). They knew the drinks we liked and would stop by asking:  "Are you ready for your ice water and Diet Coke now?"  

 

By contrast, on SS, they would set up chairs if we asked.  They would get drinks if we asked.  Everything was fine, but not the anticipation of our needs that we found on C.

 

On SS we've had great butlers and terrible ones.  I asked one about new dinner reservations.  His reply:  You can do that yourself at Guest Services.  Uh no, that's why I have a butler -- so you can do it on my behalf.  Some don't bring more soda or water unless we ask.  Others on SS are, as noted, terrific but it's more hit or miss.

 

The one thing I really hate about SS is their non-primary entertainment.  Pre-dinner consists of music to slit your wrists to.  The shows are fine but everything else is mediocre at best and is at odd times.  

 

I do love SS's ships and cabins. Light and airy. Lots of storage space.  Expansive bathrooms.  Just beautiful ships

 

We select based on itinerary / timing.  Would do either in a heartbeat.  

 

[Whipsnade]

6 hours ago, ggo85 said:

We sailed Crystal 4-5 times in before and during COVID.  Booked on C later this year.  We've sailed SS when C was on hiatus and after.  Booked on SS twice next year.  We always book higher-end suites (i.e., Silver Suite) but not the very top.  Here are the things we like (better) about each line.

 

SS

• Larger suites at same level / price point
• Included shore excursions that actually are decent
• Newer ships 
• More ships and thus more itineraries
• INCREDIBLY fast check in and luggage delivery 
• Fun trivia and Bingo events daily
• Loungers on the balcony (without asking)

 

Crystal

• More personalized service
• Exceptional excursions (although not on the cruise we're taking later this year)
• No uncharge for any dining venues
• Enrichment lectures and computer classes 
• More experienced / better trained butlers 
• More casual dress for dinner (when we sailed on SS, men had to wear jackets, though believe this has now been relaxed)
• Entertainment

 

We've seen very few kids on either line.  There will be more in the summer and over holidays.  Neither is a great choice for young kids (IMO) as there is little for them to do and the passenger demographics skew on the older side (60s+)..

 

The service on C is unparalleled.  For example, we're sun worshippers and get out early.  By Day 3, the pool guys knew what time we would come out and had already prepared loungers.  (We never asked them to do this and are sure that, if someone else had come along first, they would have been given the chairs). They knew the drinks we liked and would stop by asking:  "Are you ready for your ice water and Diet Coke now?"  

 

By contrast, on SS, they would set up chairs if we asked.  They would get drinks if we asked.  Everything was fine, but not the anticipation of our needs that we found on C.

 

On SS we've had great butlers and terrible ones.  I asked one about new dinner reservations.  His reply:  You can do that yourself at Guest Services.  Uh no, that's why I have a butler -- so you can do it on my behalf.  Some don't bring more soda or water unless we ask.  Others on SS are, as noted, terrific but it's more hit or miss.

 

The one thing I really hate about SS is their non-primary entertainment.  Pre-dinner consists of music to slit your wrists to.  The shows are fine but everything else is mediocre at best and is at odd times.  

 

I do love SS's ships and cabins. Light and airy. Lots of storage space.  Expansive bathrooms.  Just beautiful ships

 

We select based on itinerary / timing.  Would do either in a heartbeat.  

 

 I agree with Go 100%. I would add that cuisine on C is much better and more diverse than SS. That is the primary reason we avoid SS. 

[cruise_loverinlaval]

On 10/26/2024 at 2:14 PM, Whipsnade said:

We have booked the Dubai RT in 26 and have been told it will definitely sail. I expect if Red Sea is still in turmoil they will do as they are planning now and get there via west coast Africa in Dec 25. 
 

When booking Sapphire or Aquamarine you have three choices: 2018 Reno, 2023 Reno or Classic.you can find these on deck plans. We much prefer Classic. There is real wood finishes, the closet slightly large and easier to hang clothes, traditional art rather than plastic geegaws. We usually go for 35 days or longer so enjoy the space in Sapphire but if we were going for less then 15 days would be very happy with Aquamarine. 
 

We, too have sailed all the other “luxury” lines and much prefer Crystal for same reasons others have stated. Much better cuisine, outstanding crew and staff and usually better selected lecturers. 

Hello, I am curious to know who told you that the Dubai RT cruise scheduled for Jan 2026 will sail?  I am on the Symphony right now and I wanted to reserve that Dubai RT - Jan 2026 and having dinner with a Crystal representative, she told me not to book that cruise.  And if you check the Crystal website, all suites are waitlisted.

[ggo85]

I haven’t eaten on the new C.  We find the food on SS to be very good with many options.  We personally wouldn’t call out either (old C or SS) as being demonstrably better. Then again, we’re not foodies.   

[saatuk]

16 hours ago, ggo85 said:

 

 

The one thing I really hate about SS is their non-primary entertainment.  Pre-dinner consists of music to slit your wrists to.  The shows are fine but everything else is mediocre at best and is at odd times.  

 

I

 

I've not seen it phrased so graphically but this is SO true.  Most aren't even decent background music.

 

I'm hoping for much better on Crystal - (boarding Serenity in 11 days)

[Whipsnade]

3 hours ago, cruise_loverinlaval said:

Hello, I am curious to know who told you that the Dubai RT cruise scheduled for Jan 2026 will sail?  I am on the Symphony right now and I wanted to reserve that Dubai RT - Jan 2026 and having dinner with a Crystal representative, she told me not to book that cruise.  And if you check the Crystal website, all suites are waitlisted.

A high up Crystal person in thus same cruise we are on. I am nit saying it will sail S scheduled I  simply saying that is what I was told. 

[rock detective]

On 10/26/2024 at 9:54 AM, Canton Nellie said:

I think we would enjoy Crystsl as upgrade from Royale Carrib. We are looking at a South American/Aunt Artica itinerary next February which unfortunately means we might miss the Super Bowl. So in your opinion. Is the cruise better than the Super Bowl - I'm assuming that I don't have to worry about my Brownies!

 

Congratulations on your excellent win today, Canton Nellie!

 

That might just have been your Super Bowl. Enjoy the cruise notwithstanding the unlikely hood of Cleveland even making the playoffs.

 

(Wow, as I wrote that, the Washington football team also pulled off a miracle finish! What a sport!!!!)