Cruise-y

Well ok, to each his own. I book Crystal for the cuisine. The Hotel Director, Cruise Director and Mâitre D’ are never going to influence my cruise choices. I’m more interested in the enrichment lectures and itinerary. I’d like to see some new evening entertainment, though.

Not because it’s full

Yes. I forget that others book so far in advance.

I don’t know how anyone can book this without expecting some disruption.

This is an oft-asked question and unfortunately there is no set answer. On a recent full cruise, we found that there was usually one show at 9:30. But this can be different on other sailings. Dining at 7:30 seemed to work for us, if that helps. You cannot book the nightclub until onboard when the date is announced. The magic show is usually offered at multiple times - in the afternoon, early evening or late evening - and on multiple days.

I received the survey early last week and responded. I never used the casino but I don't care if it is there. I don't use the Lounge either (except for sports events). But I miss the bar outside of the Galaxy because I like to take a drink into a show. (Am I remembering correctly? Was there a bar in the casino?) When Crystal first announced they would return the casino they said it would be in a smaller footprint. That pretty much points to Pulse (another vastly underused space), which is tucked back in a corner and not on a main thoroughfare. I hope Crystal makes a casino decision based on a true cost-benefit analysis, not emotion, because I want them to stay solvent. I'm glad they sent out a survey instead of relying on social media platforms.

This sounds like a glitch (and the excursion reservation page has had some) so I’d call Crystal to check. The waitlist is different from a reservation.

The Crystal butlers are great, there is no denying. But I can run down to (or call) the shore excursion desk to ask a question faster than I can summon my busy butler to ask the same question and wait for him to get back to me. I can do the same with the reservation desk. Maybe I’m too independent but I prefer a faster response with no middle man.

Remember if you are in a top exclusive suite, there may be a butler for every 2 or 4 cabins. He/She can give you attentive service. When I was in a Sapphire suite (on a full ship), my (super wonderful) butler had around 8 cabins. On deck 7, I assume the junior butlers have even more. If everyone wants room service on the same night, the butler is going to be overwhelmed. He/She can't pack everyone's suitcase and change reservations and check on shore excursions and deliver course-by-course room service to everyone at the same time. I know the "butler service" is something we all want to enjoy, but there is a reality to it as well. Not trying to be a downer here, just trying to establish some realistic expectations. We only had room service one night, and that was burgers and fries, which were delivered hard and cold because there was a long queue. Not the butler's fault at all, just reality. He rushed in as fast as he could to set up our table and deliver, but others were also waiting. Love Crystal, but we are happily independent and don't rely on the butler for everything.

I remember these langoustines from a Crystal cruise in late 2019 (maybe the same one?). They sure were delicious but there was a huge crowd around them and I couldn't even get close. I had to snake my arm underneath the masses to try to fork only one and they disappeared fast. A lot of other things on the buffet (including the cute penguins) pretty much went to waste. Not sorry to see it go.

It’s pretty hard to justify a quartet playing for 4 guests ballroom dancing with 4 paid Crystal ambassadors. That’s what I observed in Palm Court on a full ship, on multiple nights. Even with a duo, the return on investment is negative. After shows, the band would continue to play for dancers in Stardust. There was good participation (and fun) but it wasn’t “ballroom” dancing.

Thanks for your thoughtful review. I appreciate your comments. In a future Crystal cruise, I hope you will try again the cuisine that you thought was too fancy for you. The Waterside chef creates dishes with subtle nuances, a small swish of sauce and tiny garnishes that blend together in perfect harmony. These are some of the best dishes I've ever encountered. And there are multiple options every night, so it is easy to find something that seems familiar.

Thanks for posting. Are the Reflections available in paper copy in the rooms? Or do we have to make a special request for that with our butler when we board?

Just give me pigs in blankets and I’m totally happy.

I appreciate your sentiments. I don’t like to listen to Frank Sinatra and I’m in my 70’s (although I didn’t like him in my 20’s either). I put up with the mid-century music schlock because I do like the great cuisine and enrichment lectures and all-inclusiveness. And the promenade deck. It’s a trade-off.