floridacruisegirl

Greetings from Miami - I'm looking for a comparable alternative to Crystal River Cruises (in terms of comfort and hospitality) for a Christmas markets cruise.  While my only river cruise with Crystal wasn't perfect, it was still an amazing time.  Thank you, in advance, for your recommendations. 

On 1/10/2023 at 1:34 PM, Mum2Mercury said:

Be aware that "no sugar added" doesn't mean "no sugar" or "no carbs".  For example, an apple has "no sugar added", but it is full of natural sugars.  

I like the Windjammer for breakfast or lunch, but I'm not sold on it for dinner.  I do like it as a substitute for dinner in the MDR.  

Eh, not buying it ... at least, not buying that it'll save significant manpower. 

I know. 🙂 But, if I'm going to have dessert, I'd still like to enjoy it with as little sugars as possible (even if it's still unhealthy). 🙂 

17 hours ago, RichYak said:

$9.95 * 18%

Ah, an 18% gratuity on $9.95.  Thank you!

How is the 18% gratuity determined?  Are ala carte prices attached to the room service items?

Thank you, very much, for posting the new menus.  Just like with Celebrity Cruises, the "no sugar added" desserts are now only as ice cream, rather than an actual dessert.  Does anyone know if "no sugar added" desserts can still be requested in the main dining room even if it's no longer on the menu?  Thank you, in advance.

I'll be sailing on Freedom of the Seas in February.  Coco Cay Beach Club is currently pricing at $223.99/person (10% off the $249.00/person standard pricing).  There will be two ships in port that day.  I'm hoping the price comes down to below $150.00/person, but I don't think so given how close my sail date is.  I presume entry is not worth $223.99/person, correct?

23 hours ago, johnasmith99 said:

It showed $119 on Celebrity's Website for a 7-Day Thermal Suite Pass, while logged onto my account.  See attachments.  When selected it suddenly became $219 per person.  I would have spent $238 for my wife and myself, just for the experience, but not $476.  Not worth that much for us. We may use it once or twice.   I have read of others spending $199 for a couple, which is what got me looking.  Our cruise is Apex Dec 10, 2022.  Thanks for any thoughts on this. 

I am experiencing the same issue in Cruise Planner.  The price for the thermal suite is reflected as $119/person.  Upon clicking on it, the next page lists it as $219/person.  I wish I had purchased it when it was $119/person.  

Thank you to everyone who replied to my question.  Since my husband and I will be traveling with family booked in non-AQ cabins, we will just stick to our current non-AQ cabin.  This way, we can all eat in the main dining room together.  Note 1: if it were just us, we would upgrade to the AQ cabin and enjoy the Blu dining room.  Note 2: I should have purchased the 7-day spa pass when it was $119/person.  I got busy and didn't purchase it.  Now, it's $219/person.

Thank you so much for your quick reply.  My current category is an "Edge Statement with Infinite Verandah."  The added perks of the Aqua Class would be nice (Thermal Spa access, upgraded cabin showerhead, and fitness classes).  But, if my existing main dining room reservations in Cruise Planner will be affected by the change to Aqua Class, I will opt to just leave my cabin reservation as-is and buy access to the Thermal Spa separately.

Greetings fellow cruise passengers:  my family and I will be sailing in multiple cabins on Celebrity Apex next month.

In my cruise planner, I see I can purchase access to the Thermal Spa for $119/pp.  But, I also see an option to bid/move-up for an Aqua Class cabin starting at $150/pp.  Given I plan to purchase the Thermal Spa access anyway, I feel the minimal price difference to move to an Aqua Class cabin may be worthwhile (since access to the Thermal Spa will be included).

My dilemma: my family and I already secured our main dining room reservations in Cruise Planner.  If I move to an Aqua Class cabin, I would still like to dine with my family in the main dining rooms and not in Blu.  Will this be an issue?  Will our dining reservations in the Cruise Planner be affected?  Note: all of our cruise reservations are linked together.

Thank you, in advance, for your insight.  I do appreciate your time.

Greetings fellow cruisers: I have a question regarding "no sugar added" desserts in the main dining rooms. 

I previously sailed on Celebrity Apex in January and was told the only "no sugar added" dessert was ice cream when dining in one of the four main dining rooms. 

I am booked again for November and, while browsing menus on the Celebrity App, I saw that a "no sugar added" dessert (other than ice cream) is offered each night in Blu.  Unfortunately, I am not booked in Aqua Class and will not have access to Blu.

Has anyone been successful in arranging a "no sugar added" dessert (other than ice cream) when dining in one of the four main dining rooms?  Thank you, in advance, for your help.

13 hours ago, Coral said:

Other lines are also. A friend flew home today from Viking (similar route as you did). Their ship was full. She was hoping they would cancel.

Hi Coral - good morning, have you heard from your friend regarding her experience abroad as well as onboard the cruise?

On 12/1/2021 at 9:05 PM, loriva said:

I meant to do these notes and observations as we went along or as soon as we returned from our trip, but it just didn't happen.  And now Ravel's cruises are cancelled until the season starts in April 2022.  But offered in case they help someone traveling then.  I did save all of the daily programs as well as the menu from our dinner in the Vintage Room and will scan them to post when I can.  Also happy to answer any questions.  We were first time cruisers with Crystal as well as new to river cruising, so these are offered from that "newbie" perspective.

 

--We saw the ship docked under the Liberty Bridge in Budapest the day before we boarded and presumed all was well.  Thus, we modified our sightseeing plans presuming we’d have our overnight on the ship and tours of Budapest the next morning.  Big mistake as they were in Budapest empty only to pick up supplies, having disembarked the passengers in Esztergom—where Crystal bussed us 90 minutes the next day to board—due to low-water levels on the Danube.  I’d recommend CALLING the ship—Ravel’s number is +31 20 22 46 665-- the morning before you are scheduled to board and asking if they plan to sail from the scheduled departure city or not so you can plan your touring accordingly.  Thanks to CC.com we did realize that these things happen on river cruises, but we would have definitely changed our plans in Budapest the day before if we'd known.  And, obviously, Crystal did know as they had already disembarked passengers.  For a line the standard of Crystal, you would have thought they could have sent out a short email on the change of plans.  (Overall, communication from Crystal prior to the cruise was lacking.)
--Check-in for the cruise took place at the Ritz-Carlton in Budapest and was very easy.  Crystal had passengers book online for a COVID testing window, but they were moving along ahead of the schedule.  You do need to select a password you can easily remember when you register as you’ll need to bring up the testing portal on your device to obtain the result to show the staff.  Crystal provided coffee, tea, water, and some savory and sweet snacks while you waited.  When you had your negative results, Crystal staff checked you in.  We filled out all the forms, brought our boarding passes, calendar, etc. as requested but no one asked for them.  (If we hadn’t filled them out, I’m sure they would have done so!)

--Crystal provided extended lunch offering on embarkation day and a glass of champagne on boarding as well as bottles of bubbly, while, and red wines in the suite.  
--The ship is beautiful, service and facilities top-notch.  Thoughtful touches like a step stool for those of us of smaller statue in the laundry room (two stacked washers and dryers plus ironing board) plus a TV to see what’s going on with ship’s activities or entertainment.  And as soon as someone on the staff saw me carrying my laundry hamper, they swooped in ask me if they could carry it for me--very helpful!

--The bed was very comfortable and the suite well-laid out and equipped.  The only things we found fussy were the door to the closet—it needs something to hold it open—and the window.  The butler could get it to work after lots of trying, but we could never do it on our own.  (We think the sensor was slightly out of alignment.)
--The pool is heated and has a “swim-against-the current” feature—the button to start it is in the center of the pool wall on the stern end.  The room has four comfortable loungers with blankets and large pillows.  Plenty of towels are available on shelfs.  There is a refrigerator with bottled water and coffee and tea available above the water refrigerator.  The ceiling of the pool area is glass.  Outside is the stern with six deck chairs and two tables.  You can also see the ship’s Maltese flag and where the ship has just passed.  This is a lovely area, which seems to be underused—so a nice place to chill.  
--There is a self-service coffee machine on the second deck by the  stairwell that also has two types of cookies.
--There is a restroom on the second deck behind the stairwell and also one in the pool area at the rear of the ship.
--Crystal uses the QuietVox system for its shore excursions.  Remember to charge them at night or between tours (the butlers are also on the lookout for this).  The destinations manager also mentioned people who use hearing aids frequently lose their aids when they try to use the QuietVox ear piece over their aid.  Only one ear piece—for the left ear—was provided, so if you wear a hearing aid in that ear you might ask for one for the right.  Or see if the system can connect to your smartphone.
--River ships do not stock all of the ingredients for some of the specialty cocktails on Crystal’s ocean ships.  But bartenders do have the recipe book for all of the cocktails and will try to substitute.
--Wines poured onboard reflected the region.  Each night featured a suggested white and red pairing, but the sommelier would let you taste and suggest others if not to your liking.  (We really liked the pinot noir from Austria they had.  Sorry I did not take a photo of the label.)  The somms were very helpful and accommodating.  Same with all of the dining room staff.
--The Ravel stocks bottled local beers; on the Danube cruise these were:   Hirter (Austria), Weihenstefaner (Germany), and Weihenstephaner Korbinian (Germany).  Hirter was also available on tap.
--Neal, the piano entertainer from the UK, was great and lots of fun.  He led singalongs, some trivia, and other events.  The ship brought on a couple of wonderful singers and two interesting lecturers.
--The signature event at the Belvedere in Vienna is not to be missed.  A 10-piece orchestra, two singers, and two dancers presented a wonderful program.  And a small, private tour of the art museum before.
--Durnstein Abbey has a fun selfie mirror where you can take your photo with the abbey courtyard reflected behind you.  And the mirror hides the rest rooms!
--If you do the Bier-Unterwlten excursion in Vilshofen you visit the underground beer museum and have a beer tasting—and receive a souvenir glass.
--If disembarking in Vilshofen, Crystal will let you ride the transfer bus to the airport in Munich even if you are not on their flights or leaving that day.  Easy to arrange onboard.
 

Hi Loriva: thank you so much for your helpful tips.  Although we will be on the Rhine, your notes have greatly helped us in setting the stage for life onboard. 

21 minutes ago, Psoque said:

I’m afraid Crystal is (at least for now) pressing on with the river cruises on Debussy, probably because they can’t afford not to at this time.  I wish you have a safe and enjoyable cruise regardless of the circumstances.

Thank you!!  Your posts have been extremely helpful - happy holidays!!

4 minutes ago, Psoque said:

I accidentally found on the Google Calendar link of the piano entertainer.  I don’t think this is official.  Also, I think it is not possible to predict what Crystal is going to do in the future, so it would be somewhat unreasonable to know what Crystal is going to do for the Dec. 16 cruise and by then things might be different, both in respect to the Rhine water levels, the outbreak, and how different countries are reacting to the outbreak.  What anybody can tell you, really, is what is going on right now.

 

The “best” information, as far as I can see, would be hearing from the captain of the ship when you are onboard.  That’s just the reality of the situation.

Thank you, very much, for your speedy reply.  We were hoping our cruise would be cancelled by Crystal, but no such luck.  We are a bit nervous, but it looks like we will be moving forward with the trip (with extra precautions).  

3 hours ago, Psoque said:

It looks like Debussy is currently adding an extra port in Germany to avoid overnighting in Amsterdam.

Thank you, Psoque: where can I find more information about this?  We will be on the December 16th cruise.

Gosh, I feel very welcomed on this board by all of your responses.

I am disappointed that my initial question has garnered negative responses simply because I will be cruising with a child.

Unfortunately, adults who pre-judge and offer unsolicited advice are a bigger hinderance to an enjoyable cruise.

A big hello to fellow cruise lovers!

My family and I will be sailing on our first Holland America cruise in just a few months.🤗While we are new to Holland America, we have sailed many times with Celebrity, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and NCL. We are excited to try Holland America's product.🌞

My question relates to specialty dining on Eurodam. I see the published rates for adults online. Are children charged as adults, too?

Thank you, in advance, for your assistance in clarifying this for me.😁

86 days until Liberty of the Seas!:)

I'd like to please request a copy as well - my email is FloridaCruiseGirl2010@gmail.com Thank you so much!!! :)

You've got mail:)

May I get a copy of your template also? Thank you so much! :) I love cruise critic!

Hey guys' date=' just finishing up my welcome letters. It is two sided (both pictures attached), and then they are trifold.[/quote']

 

Hello :) - I'm getting married next year and would love a copy of your welcome letter template - thank you so very much!! :)

My grandma, family friend, and I are cruising northbound to Alaska, this summer. This will be our first time to Alaska and first on Princess (we've sailed with Celebrity and RCCL for Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises in the past and NCL for short weekend cruises) and wanted to try a new cruise line for variety):

June 26th: fly from Florida to San Francisco right after work. Overnight in SFO airport hotel.

June 27th: meet my grandma and family friend at the airport upon their arrival from Hawaii before we board our flight to Vancouver

June 27th - 29th: Pan Pacific or Fairmont Waterfront (we have reservations at both, still undecided at which one we will keep). While in Vancouver, we plan to do some relaxing sightseeing. We had hoped to visit the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, but have decided not to so that we don't tire ourselves before the cruise even starts.

June 29th: board our beautiful ship

June 30th: sea day

July 1st: Ketchikan - Misty Fjords float plane ride (we are a bit nervous about this, but have read so many great reviews about what an experience this is...hopefully, all of our worries will disappear before the trip).

July 2nd: Juneau - Whale watching with Harv & Marv, Medenhall Glacier, and then Mt. Roberts Tram if time and energy allows.

July 3rd: Skagway - White Pass Railroad or Glacier Point Wilderness Safari (we have yet to choose which one, as the Safari does not get us back in time to take the White Pass Railroad trip)

July 4th: Sail Glacier Bay - relax and enjoy the scenery

July 5th: Sail College Fjords - relax and enjoy the scenery

July 6th: Disembark ship. Taxi early morning to Seward. Go on a day long Kenai Fjords boat tour. Check-in to hotel, find a nice place for a great seafood dinner, and relax at hotel.

July 7th: Visit Exit Glacier. Rail from Seward to Anchorage. Fly home (red-eye). Grandma and friend will fly back to Florida with me and visit for a week.

July 8th: Arrive back at home in late afternoon. Go back to work the following day and then sightsee with grandma and friend on the weekend.

I welcome any feedback and/or recommendations. Thank you!! :)

After Alaska, we'll start brainstorming on where we should go on our next dream trip...perhaps a cruise to Australia/New Zealand or the Baltic. :)