commodoredave

I like having choice, which is why we have 9 cruises booked with a variety of cruise lines. I am not loyal to any one cruise line, and in fact will go for the best deal to the best place at the best time. I was hoping NC would be part of what I could include, but I have not been able to find an itinerary or price point that appeals to me. Maybe next year or 2026.

I agree. If I can find a Crystal itinerary I like at the right price, I’m on it. Just haven’t found it yet, despite the massive appeal of a librarian and / magician.

While one can nitpick any set of facts, the bottom line here is that Crystal is more expensive than Explora at this point in time. Rather than arguing this fact, it would be more productive for Crystal fans to explain why they believe the higher price is worth it, as has been done on another thread. For me, the fact that Crystal has a librarian and a magician is certainly enough to justify the higher fares!

Likewise.

I find it very disappointing that some ports have few if any shore excursions left to select when these excursions are part of the cruise fare. Almost fraud.

Good advice.

Well said. I too loved the old Crystal, but not interested in NC at current pricing and value points.

I would definitely pay much more for a librarian and a magician.

Yup. Do you know if the ship’s GPS plotter is maintained by the same tech people?!🧑‍💻

See below the notice on the Explora app for our cruise departing two days from now March 1. I hope the Captain and crew are better at their jobs!!

Yes, that is true. But if you go on the Crystal forum you will discover that the lip stick is the best in the world despite it being overpriced and coming in an inferior container.

As a previous Crystal passenger, I was offered open booking discounts before itineraries were released. Maybe this is what is being referred to.

But someone has to pay for the lipstick!

Doesn’t matter what forum, if someone says anything even slightly critical of Crystal, there will be whining.

A good assessment. I’m afraid you won’t find this kind of objectivity on the Crystal forum.

Crystal’s high pricing surprises me. Have they already done so well with passenger loads that they can be this aggressive with pricing?

I was wondering if Emerald may be trying to take business away from SeaDream. There’s a sizeable market for yacht-like cruise ships, and SD’s ship are very old.

How so?

Agree. When we cruise with our grand children, we go on a mass market line like NCL that provides lots of activities and facilities for children. The kids have more fun and they do not interfere with adult activities or facilities. Why anyone would want to subject young children to an ultra-luxury cruise ship experience with little or no ability to entertain them is beyond me. Maybe others can explain their logic.

Thanks for the explanation. Will there be a point in time when CC provides a dedicated forum for Emerald ocean yachts?

Well, as long as they keep the tattoo parlour closed while I’m on board, I’ll give it a chance.

Why does Scenic operate two ocean going cruise lines - Scenic and Emerald - and what are the major differences between them?

Your comments are fair and interesting. Like you, we choose between the two based on itinerary and price. But we enjoy both and would never say “no” to a bargain on either!

Yes, but she doesn’t know who I am. Please don’t tell her!

I agree. I like a country club casual dress code for the Caribbean. But I’m not into the gangsta dress code. Guess this will be our first and last cruise on Explora.