CabinBoy2020

I got the survey also. My personal experience regarding the lounge on Serenity is that it is overly large, has no windows, is rarely used (at least for the three weeks I was onboard), and very cold (as Stickman reported). I hope they bring a casino back. Bill

I was on Serenity for three weeks and loved Tastes. The new concept sounds interesting, but I hope they keep some items from the Tastes menu - especially the vegetarian and fish options. Bill

There were three art classes a week on my recent Caribbean cruise. Water color and, I believe, a jewelry making class. I hadn’t painted since childhood, but attended the water color classes and thoroughly enjoyed them. The woman in the photo was the excellent instructor. They displayed all our “masterpieces” in the Crystal Cove at the end of each week.

Keith, Thank you for your fantastic reporting and photos. I hope your next Crystal cruise is coming up soon as I love to follow along. I agree 100% about the food on board. I was on a B2B2B just before your holiday cruise and had a chance to eat in all the venues (and room service) numerous times. I'm probably an outlier, but I preferred Waterside and Tastes the most. I was impressed with the variety, quality, and presentation in all the restaurants. And, as you've highlighted so well, the service is outstanding. Have a safe trip home. Bill

Hi Keith, I'm curious about your walks around the pool deck on 12. Are you simply walking around the pool area or are you continuing inside? Do you feel you get a good walk doing this? I love the promenade deck, but as you said, sometimes it's too windy. I'm really enjoying your reporting! Bill

Keith, I just walked through the Lounge area on Serenity. It’s all set up for embarkation. The ship looks immaculate. Have a wonderful time! Bill

Have a fantastic cruise, Keith. I’ll be following along. I posted a couple times about the current Serenity cruise and realized how much work it is. Glad you’re the one doing it! Bill

I enjoyed meeting you and your husband. Thanks for all your posts during the cruise. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

The Serenity crew has made my cruise so wonderful. Here are a few of the many special people. (Apologies for photos out of order). My morning routine with Rizaldy at the Bistro. Prakash keeping the ship immaculate. These ladies are doing something that must be uniquely Crystal - forming the Crystal logo in the sand. Amazing! Queron magically appearing while I’m reading on an aft deck. Evan’s kind face and manner at Waterside. Finally, my evening routine with Ali in Palm Court. Never have I heard crew members speak so highly and fondly of a cruise line. I can’t wait to return in June. Bill

I’m so sorry for the late response. There is so much to do each day, that I’m actually a little exhausted. I’ve never experienced a cruise ship with the variety of quality activities, music, lectures every day. No need to leave the ship! On Seabourn, for instance, I often couldn’t find anything to do. I agree with Keith’s and Emdee’s excellent responses. There is a solo table in Waterside on embarkation day, but no separate solo get together. Perhaps you could suggest it or a Cruise Critic meet up. I was in a solo cabin on 7 for one week, but have since moved (paid upgrade) to deck 10. The move had nothing to do with the solo cabin. IMO the solos are great except for the limited storage. I was in 7034 right next to the elevators and door to the promenade. I heard nothing. As others said, loungers have been available. I prefer the aft deck areas, even with the occasional smoker. It’s sunny, but I also love the deck 13 loungers. Quiet and peaceful and the wonderful waiters find me up there and offer drinks and a nice chat. Special dishes? Well, I love the chocolate dome served in Waterside at embarkation lunch. But really there are so many fantastic dishes in every venue. The food has been superior to any other line I’ve sailed. I’m enjoying myself so much, I extended my stay until Dec 23 (for a total of 3 weeks). I hope you enjoy your cruise as well! See you on the heavenly Serenity. Bill

Most nights there has been one table for solos in Waterside at 6:30. I’ll try to find out if there is a later table. On two nights there were two solo tables. Each with about 6 people including some of the dance hosts. Some people do wander in a bit later and that’s fine. This cruise all my table mates have been interesting, fun, and congenial. It’s one of the (many) highlights of my day. We’ll see about next week…. Crystal also arranged a solo table for one night each in the specialty restaurants. Again, a great group and lots of fun. Tonight is Tastes. Your butler can make reservations for these specialty nights. The Waterside table needs no reservation. Any other questions, I’ll do my best to answer. Bill

I really appreciate that Crystal has a Catholic priest (always?) on board and a rabbi for Jewish holidays. There was a nice reception after the service. Latkes, challah, kosher wine. Chag Sameach! Bill

You’re absolutely right! I, however, love the canopy. It reminds me of the whimsical Parasol Bar at the Wynn Las Vegas. Also, the “Pope’s Umbrella” in Catholic basilicas. See you in July. Bill

OK, Vince the Expert. Do you know where this is?

Thank you, Vince. I believe we are on the same Vancouver round trip Alaska cruise in July. I certainly hope we can meet and share the Crystal joy. Your many informative posts have been instrumental to my enjoyment of Crystal. Bill

A milestone birthday in Waterside at the delightful solo table and a beautiful salad at Umi Uma. Life doesn’t get much better. Bill

Not a great photo, but this was the Captain’s Reception last night on a 7 night Serenity cruise. As I understand it, 7 night cruises have no formal night. This was officially a “casual” night, but many dressed for the occasion. The dance hosts wore tuxedos and some of the ladies wore gowns (and jewels!). I wore a blazer, slacks, shirt, no tie and felt very comfortable. As to the food question, I think it’s fabulous. And the crew is marvelous. Very happy to be sailing Crystal! Bill

I boarded Serenity today and am completely Crystalized already. Thank you, Keith and Anne Marie, for sharing your knowledge and love of Crystal. My three year wait to board a Crystal ship was totally worth it. Bill

Good advice, Vince. Thanks. I'll be on a back-to-back. I think I'll make reservations for one segment and leave the other open. I think Waterside, Tastes, and room service will be my main dinner choices.

I understand that there is a designated solo table at Waterside every night. Also, a solo table in the specialty restaurants on certain nights. And you can make a reservation for those once on board. I'm planning to wait until I'm on board to make any reservations. Bill

I always prefer the starboard side. Maybe we can switch once on board :) Bill

I'll be on Serenity in 7034 for two weeks in December. I intentionally selected this room because it's next to the door to the promenade for easy access. As mentioned, it's farther away from the rooms over the Galaxy Lounge. Also I like not having a neighbor on one side. Bill

We may be looking at different sources, but the Seabourn website lists 7-day Caribbean cruises in December starting at $3100 (per person, double occupancy). The Crystal cruise fares discussed above are for single occupancy cabins (includes solo supplement).

The next segment (Dec 9 - 16) looks like it has availability. BTW, my birthday also falls during these cruises. Bill

Thanks for alerting me to these cruises. I'm booked on the Serenity Dec 2 - 16, 2023 Miami to San Juan. Also in a solo stateroom. I was able to use two Exceptional Initiative certificates! I hope to see you onboard. Bill