Texas Tillie

My point was with a much lower capacity, Crystal would not be able to offer the same level of entertainment or enrichment and the ships would not have the same number of venues that offer the variety Crystal cruisers expect. This has nothing to do with the passenger load from cruise to cruise. And, no, I'm not under the illusion that if the passenger load doesn't average around 75% capacity down the line, Crystal's long term viability might be in question. Patty

I'm not sure Seabourn's ships would be a good fit with Crystal as most are too small. Only 2 are 600 passengers and those two are now 6 and 8 years old. Crystal would not be Crystal unless they have ships at least 600 passengers. Patty

Thanks for your thoughts, Whipsnade. "As long as you accept it" is the key. I've been too independent for too long, lived alone for 55 years this month, to be that dependent on others, at least not until maybe I have to move to "the home"! Patty

Just wishing the Symphony would be able to return to North America as I think my overseas travel days have come to an end.😪 Patty

Basically, no and no. Crystal has dishes that keep returning, but not on any specific rotation. Formal nights often have such things a caviar, lobster, etc. If there's something on the Waterside menu that you would like, but you go to a specialty that night, ask your head waiter if you can special order it for another night. If the ingredients are still available, they will make it for you. Patty

I have an idea that it's just a very small segment of Crystal cruisers who eat anywhere close to the quality and variety in real life as they do on the ship! Patty

FYI, 8.50 NZ$ is 5.25 US$. The Big Mac price varies around the US, so not sure how that compares. Patty

Don't forget that many businesses do work on their systems in the middle of the night between Saturday and Sunday when the fewest people are using them. Glitches resolve themselves when it's finished.

Does anyone know if these two addresses go to the same person (people) or if they are different? And, more importantly, which is more likely to get a "good" response? Patty

All the people saying how expensive it is - you are aware that IAH to the port is a little over 70 miles, way different than from MIA or FLL to their respective ports. If it's an option - flying into HOU is better, it's only 40 miles to the port.

I consider it the best cruise I’ve ever done because of the Antarctic part. Without those 3 days it would be in the top half of cruises but not all that special. The Chilean glaciers didn’t compare with Alaska. Being at Ushuaia was cool just because it’s Ushuaia. Also, we were able to get into the Falklands. My understanding is only about 30% actually make it there. Patty

You paid in full almost a year in advance (not sure what you mean by expedition rate), so I'm sure you are good to go. I did this same cruise years ago except we spent 3 days off the coast of Antarctica. They don't do that any longer with Serenity or Symphony. Patty

If you have a guaranteed cabin, you'll be on the ship, either in a solo or higher, probably a double ocean view. The double ocean views are identical to the solos, just closer to the middle of the deck. Did you get the guarantee for the solo cost? If so, you can't loose as the double ocean view probably has a 50% single supplement. Patty

Since the OP wants one of the "old" veranda cabins, I became curious as to how many are available of each ship after the remodel. On Symphony my count shows just 20 available, whereas there are 46 on Serenity. Many on both ships are far forward. So, with the pricing difference between those and the Aquamarines, it makes sense that they will go fast. Patty

You were in a regular double balcony, not a suite. When I was on 7 recently the potato chips or peanuts came about 1/3 of the time and the truffles about 1/2 the time. I didn't want the potato chips and had a zip lock bag to bring the truffles home since when they did come there were 3 for 1 person! Patty

I would go to Churrascaria and get a salad and baked potato (no meat at all), eat and leave. I thought it wasn't a bad idea for using the buffet area in the evening. Never understood why people had such strong, negative opinions. Really like Tastes and will be interested to see what dishes from that concept survive. Patty

Only Enterprise has a location on the island. Therefore, the price. And just for those reading your post, $700 Canadian is about $516 US. You might investigate using Uber or taxi to get to the island and then get around the island and compare costs.

Often on sea days, first one near the start of the cruise, night 2 or 3, and one closer to the end of the cruise, but never the last night.

See all the posts above to my same question, just following along...........😄🤪🙃

Not only was she talking out of school, she had no idea what she was talking about. Wonder if she's still employed by Crystal?

I think it's most often that they are out of something needed for a specific recipe. Patty

Excuse me, I'd consider myself a long time Crystal customer, since 2007, with close to 50 cruises, have done 2 cruises with the new Crystal and have 2 more booked, and NONE are at a deep discount. I have paid whatever the posted fare was for the category I booked at the time I booked. Don't believe I'm the only one missing out based on the people I know. You are right that the money behind the relaunched Crystal is Manfredi. He got a BIG payout selling Silversea to Royal Caribbean.

They crossed the International Date Line. Think they are about 19 hours ahead of us, give or take a time zone. Patty

And what do all these anti-Crystal posts have to do with a thread entitled Silversea vs Seabourn on the Silversea board?

We all have to decide what works for us. I would not be a happy camper on a Princess ship for 14 days eating what they serve, putting up with the crowds, etc. Think you probably paid more than 30% of what Crystal charges when you add any drinks (alcoholic or not) and gratuities. But, as I said, if it works for you, great for you.