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I'm on Symphony now and nothing is happening to a Tastes redo as I write. Two dishes I love are the Gambas Al Ajillo and the Hamachi Crudo. I mentioned these to the waiter and he said those are the two dishes people want to keep - oh, and the Mongolian Lamb Chops. Others are good, but these are great! As an additional comment, in the Osteria, I liked the Melanzana (very tasty) and the Salt Baked Sea Bass in Tarragon Sauce (sublime). So I have no issues with that specialty restaurant. For others in our group of 7, it was a hit and miss. Most all have sophisticated palates.

I'm assuming they are still there, but there is a nice feature that I call "running lights" - a strip of lighting at floor level on a dimmer.

I have one design feature that was not preferable to me. Look on the floor plan of the updated Aquamarine cabin. Note the makeup chair is smack dab in the doorway to the bathroom and the one to the closet. When I am sitting there, I have to keep moving to let the other person go by. My issue, may not be a bother to others.

I'm using LuggageForward.com to and from my cruises and am very pleased. My luggage was picked up at my home on the 11th and is already at the port (on the 16th)! You can track it through your account. No more baggage claim or customs to contend with. I now can breeze through the airport with my little rolling personal bag . . . . period!

Here's one more: My E-tickets were in My Account online this morning (Apr 3) for my April 25 cruise,

I couldn’t agree more. Thinking more of their safety on their journey.

Fingers are crossed. Have a trip planned from Athens.

Yippy, I got the Alaska email. I guess they know me now. Hope I get the Catalog soon.

Thanks, I have been using the website, but I like the printed copy for research if I'm away from my computer/laptop/phone/or iPad. Maybe lolling on the patio and daydreaming - just easier. Thanks again for being helpful.

I just recently researched Valletta for a return visit. I've been there once before and remembered we caught a local bus on the street by the ship which made a nice ride around the city. We then got off and wandered all over - wonderful sights/views. The line is 133 and runs every 30 minutes. Don't remember the cost, but I think you have to exact euros. Valletta is one of my favorite ports. Have fun . . . .

When these reports of people not receiving anything from Crystal were posted, I contacted Crystal that I had not received any email or printed brochures. How often does one receive emails, once a week? To date, I've received nothing. I've been on over 20 cruises with Crystal, yet I've heard of "new" cruisers receiving both digital and hard copies. Please ? ? ? I really want to make plans for the future, but need something in my hands to research.

Along with exploring picturesque Villefranche, you might want to jump on the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus near the port, get off if the whim strikes, or just stay on for the sight-seeing ride.

What a beautiful brochure. I'm definitely happy to see it arrive in my mailbox.

Thank you . . . . Lovely location.

Sounds good. I scrutinized the restaurants and menu there and they look very nice. I also like that the location is walkable to much. Thank you for replying. The Athens Capital is a little further away and a very busy street to cross. Athens is the only city I've gotten lost in - couldn't find my way back to the Bratagne. All the street signs were in Greek (humor me).

I'm looking at Electra Palace and the Athens Capital. Any opinions? I always choose a hotel that has a good restaurant menu in case I decide to stay in after my flight to recover before the cruise. I've been to Athens a couple of times so don't need to tour this time. I've stayed at the Grand Bretagne and it is very lovely as well.

Here's the lunch menu . . .

Here you go . . . .

Egg on face. I'm always backwards in my comments. Understood it completely and have the date computed in my notes. I'm all set. For what it's worth, I'm directionally challenged - always turn in the wrong direction.

Hi Keith, I just went to make sure my info has been completed in "My account" and notice there is still the statement that reservations, etc can be made 90 days in advance. This has not been revised to 60. My cruise isn't until until next Apr, so I can understand it's still too early for me - just looking and saw this.

To Cruisemonty - We will be on Symphony all of May 2024 and made note on my calendar that there are only two ports where we will tender - one on May 4 - Chania, Crete and May 11- Villefranche. Where I found that info is not at hand at the moment, I could look tomorrow if you really want to know.

Thanks, Rob. That certainly sounds like a nice diversion to stretch our sea legs. Those that I will be traveling with may want the trip into Rome, but as much as I love it there, I would rather have more than one day to spend there. This was just an unfortunate stop to be "in between" cruises.

Thanks - I see you are from my area of the desert. Finally nice weather . . . . .

I've been there a couple of times and always had a driver either to or from the port, but never on a b2b where we stay onboard, I know it's quite a ways from Rome. Do you happen to have the contact of your tour operator handy? We will be a group of 7 with or without all wanting to go.

Thanks to you both for your answers. I was wondering if Symphony may have offered an excursion type (for a price) into the city center with or without a tour for those of staying on board. I also hoped those who had been on the same b2b yesterday (Sept 26) could answer my question. Our trip isn't until next May.