Keith1010

While I was surprised at first that the library was moving it makes a lot of sense and I get it now. In fact, the last time we were on-board my darling wife said the lounge would be a great place for the library. It already has lots of shelving. There is room for the board games kept in the library. It is spacious. One could go there to read while other could sit in another area and talk or play a game. Personally, I think the lighting is fine. It also would allow a lot more people to sit and read books. Remember, the existing library didn't have many seats so the number of people who could use the room concurrently was not many. I've used the Lounge quite a bit on our three cruises after it was put in place and really like it. There are cozy spots and other spots for larger groups to enjoy. I have sat there by myself, with Anne Marie, with friends and it has worked out well. It is bright enough that I can see which is always good and at the same time I don't have to be sitting on top of people in a small space such as the existing library. The advantage of using the Library for Bridge is that it provides a location where people can play or intend instruction with less distraction. In the end, while we can all chime in with our opinion the decision has been made and in the end the owner makes the decision as they do with the layout of most things. I give a lot of credit to New Crystal for listening. That doesn't mean they can do everything that everyone wants. They can't. It's a business. However, they are bringing back a casino based on feedback. They will provide a partial promenade deck after receiving input. Personally, I think those who wanted a casino, a library, and bridge should be happy that it remains. It might not be in the location each person wants but as the CEO said this was the only solution that they could come up with given what they were working with. Keith

They say patience is a virtue. I am sure that having to update 2024 and 2025 was a big deal with so many things to figure out and this was something that was unplanned and not caused by Crystal. My own opinion is they are doing the best they can under very challenging circumstances not caused by them end not caused by anyone in the cruise industry. A few people in the travel industry have told me that because of world events and a few other reasons that people are booking cruises closer to the cruise date. This makes sense. While I know some people like to book far in advance and traditionally we were one of them, that many do not for various reasons. Also, even if the 2026 itineraries were available (and I have no idea if they are or if they are not) I suspect it would not be a good idea to release them until people sort through their 2024 and 2025 cruising plans given the revisions that were only just released the other day. Keith

There is a two person duo who plays at night when people dance. I have not heard of any plans to change this. Sometimes the DJ plays. Keith

Jen, I just wanted to add to what stickman1990 said just so you know a bit more about how the program works. For many years old Crystal allowed you to use the milestone on the cruise that you reached a milestone level. So for many years on your 5th Crystal Cruise you could use the milestone. I believe the last time the program was revised under old Crystal it was changed so the earliest the milestone could be used would be the cruise after one reached that level. New Crystal kept with this program rule. With all this said I would have your TA write to Crystal Society to confirm that you are eligible for this fifth milestone and to request that it be applied to your 2025 sailing. It may take a few days to get this in place but once in place your TA can get an updated Crystal invoice reflecting this. We had this done for an upcoming cruise so have been through the process with new Crystal. Keith

Well, we have an answer which was posted by the CEO about Serenity. I will summarize. "The Library will be moved to the Lounge which is a very quiet place, perfect for relaxation with a book. And we will ensure it is not freezing cold like some have mentioned." This has been analyzed in depth. This is the decision is the only possible. Allocating space on a cruise ship is quite different than in a hose or hotel. The only area for the casino was the bridge room and it cannot go where it was. "Please also note that prior to the refurbishment, the very big casino on the Serenity had public areas below and 24 rooms above. "In the new location the casino will have public spaces below and 4 rooms above. So no real change other than less rooms will be above the casino." Keith

They have said from the get go and said it over and over. The space is way too large to put a casino back where it was. So they are not going to rip out what they put in there. From the beginning when they said they would bring it back they said it would be in a smaller footprint. They said it was a money loser. Let's see how this all plays out. Keith

Let's see how this plays out. Keith

Remember they have had a lot of time to plan this. I am reminded that the lounge is very large so think there would be opportunities for the library in a portion of the room. Time will tell. Keith

Today Crystal provided details about the casino. November 14th on Symphony for the Chairman's Cruise and December Serenity. Keith https://www.crystalcruises.com/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=cta&utm_campaign=MonteCarloCasino_25Jun24_SMUS&utm_individual=4710023769419c CRYSTAL ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE COLLABORATION WITH CASINO DE MONTECARLO Anticipated Return of Gaming Onboard Crystal Symphony’s Chairmen’s Cruise in November and Crystal Serenity this December Monaco (June 25, 2024) — Crystal, renowned for its exceptional voyages and outstanding entertainment, is pleased to announce it has secured a collaboration with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), a leader in the world of entertainment and gaming to host the first and only Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea. This marks an exciting new chapter for the brand promising guests an elevated level of entertainment and gaming experiences debuting onboard Crystal Symphony during the Chairmen’s Cruise departing from Venice on Nov. 14, and on Crystal Serenity this December. The casino will also be featured on the two future oceangoing ships, and in all the new vessels of Crystal, with the exclusion of Expedition vessels. The alliance between Crystal and Monte-Carlo SBM brings forth a fusion of expertise and innovation, aiming to redefine onboard entertainment for cruisers worldwide. Guests can now anticipate an array of gaming activities including slot machines, blackjack, roulette and more, that will elevate their experience to unprecedented heights. "We are delighted to welcome Casino de Monte-Carlo into the Crystal family as our newest collaborator,” said Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group Manfredi Lefebvre on the groundbreaking relationship. “This affiliation symbolizes our commitment to offering our guests the finest entertainment and gaming experiences available at sea. Together, we aim to create unforgettable moments and continue to set new standards of excellence in the cruise industry." Stephane Valeri, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Monte-Carlo SBM shares the same sentiment. "We are excited to join forces with Crystal to deliver the unique Casino de Monte-Carlo experience at sea. With our combined expertise, we are confident that we will provide a gaming moment unlike any other in the cruise industry.” The 1,000+ square-foot Casino de Monte-Carlo will be positioned where the current Bridge Lounges are located on both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. The Bridge Lounge will then move to the Library on Crystal Serenity and The Lounge (location of the previous casino) on Crystal Symphony. "We have listened attentively to the feedback from our loyal guests regarding their desire to have casinos back onboard, and we are proud to announce that we will deliver on our promise,” said Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group. “At Crystal, like at Monte-Carlo SBM, guest satisfaction and enjoyment are paramount, and this alliance with Casino de Monte-Carlo underscores our dedication to fulfilling their wishes and exceeding their expectations. We are confident the reintroduction of casinos will further enhance the overall cruise experience, providing our guests with the entertainment options they crave while sailing with us."

May I ask who told you they would be up? Keith

I would add this has been happening since the 1990's. Even then some of the bands were reduced and I remember when they went to recorded music. Reducing expenses is nothing new. We sailed Princess three years in a row on the same vessel which at the time was the largest passenger vessel at sea until RCI deployed one larger. Over that three year span we saw first hand reductions. Carnival has had a big influence on the mass market lines. Their approach from the beginning was keep fares low and pick up the revenue once the guests are on board. Thus all of the announcements throughout the day about how to spend your money. With that said, the Crystal ships were designed for many more guests than they now sail with. The reduction in overall guest capacity has been an evolution. For example, when Crystal introduced what was called the Seabreeze suites on both ships they took out several of the standard rooms. Even before then on Serenity Crystal had removed some of the standard rooms on Deck 10 replacing them with what is now called Classic Suites. The good news is that this means even more space for the guests to enjoy. Keith

On Serenity dancing is mainly in the Palm Court but on occasion there is dancing in the Stardust. When Crystal reduced the overall passenger count on its ships some reduction was required in expanses to offset lower overall capacity. While for the most part entertainment is very similar to how it was before the reduction passenger capacity took place some adjustments were made and this is one of them having a duo rather than what it was before. Keith

Everyone had to establish a new log in. At the time your TA makes your booking they can ensure that your Crystal Society number is associated with your new booking. You do nothing on this. They will handle this with Crystal. Just be sure your TA knows your Crystal Society number. It will be on your last booking with old Crystal or they should be able to get it with new Crystal by providing some information about yourself. Keith

Bon Voyage. Enjoy every minute. Keith

Thank you Ivi. I like the color scheme of the Symphony Crystal Cove but our last voyage on Symphony was 2018 (we did try two other times since then) so I couldn't remember that section. Looks lovely. Keith