skybluewaters

Is there a CS discount? And if so, does Crystal have that info and will they automatically apply it? And is there a B2B discount? Thanks

This is an example of how two people on the same cruise can have diametrically opposed views. I felt that this was an outstanding cruise, combining a cheerful holiday atmosphere with the lighthearted joy of cruising the Caribbean. I am baffled that a "very high percentage appeared to have been recruited from a homeless encampment." This in entirely contrary to what I saw. There were multiple (almost daily) poolside parties with caviar, sushi, drinks, etc., accompanied by live music. I'm not a big party person, in fact I generally shun them, but I was won over by the excellence of these experiences. If you truly don't want a party atmosphere, you could merely avoid the pool deck for 45 - 60 minutes at ~ 5:00PM on the days of the parties and you will have solved your problem. Getting back to the OP's concerns, there were exactly two children on this cruise, so this was not an issue at all. If you pick a cruise that is at least two weeks long (this one was 16 days) and not back-to-back one week cruises, my guess is that you'll be ok.

Did you say "shower"?

I beg to differ! When we were on a Crystal River cruise we were so pleased with the rain shower head that we asked the room attendant to find out the name of the manufacturer and the model of the the shower head so that we could order one for our home when we returned. Later that day she brought us that information.

Regarding dining...rumor has it that there won't be a Japanese restaurant at all. Hope this is not true!

Yes, the New England/Canada cruises just go to the usual ports and not to the more intriguing, smaller stops. There are possibly two reasons for this. First, Crystal may have had to scramble to put up itineraries and perhaps it was easier to go for the big, usual ports (although I may be giving them too much leeway with this "excuse"). Secondly, they are using Serenity, the larger of the ships, and it may not be able to access some of the more interesting/smaller ports. Additionally, Serenity is too large to go through to Montreal, while Symphony is able. And while we're at it, the Alaska itineraries suffer from this same malady, and possibly for the same reasons as above.

But the new entry level suite - the Aquamarine Veranda Suite - is just 323 sq ft. For comparison, the standard veranda cabin on Seabourn is 300 sq ft. You're correct that the huge gap is gone, but it still is substantial. Plus, you're getting a cabin (sorry, a suite) that is only 8% larger than a much lower priced standard veranda cabin on Seabourn. (Yes, there is a butler on Crystal, but how much is that butler really worth?)

The vast majority of veranda guest rooms have been eliminated in favor of suites. Additionally, these few remaining veranda guest rooms are poorly located (at the extremes of the ship or at the elevators). I suspect many potential passengers will be faced with having to upgrade to a suite at a price differential that will drive them away from Crystal.

Glad to hear that you're home! Take good care of yourself, get plenty of rest, lots of good food and hydration, and I look forward to your sunrises again when you're able.

I believe the port charges and taxes are in addition to the prices quoted on the website, although I don't know if this is what the representative on the phone said.

https://www.crystalcruises.com/legal/booking-terms-conditions

One thing for sure: the new website is much more user-friendly and has a better look to it. In particular, the search function for cruises is markedly improved.

That's what social media is all about!

Yes, galley tours are back, and more importantly...galley grand buffet's are back!

We were at Princess Margaret Beach a few weeks ago on Sojourn. It is about a 20 minute walk from the dock. You walk along the beach a good part of the way to get there, so it's pleasant. There are some inclines and some steps along the way, also, and part of the walk is on a gravel path. The beach itself is not much for snorkeling, but you can certainly lie on the beach and go swimming. It's fairly shallow for quite a ways out. There were a fair number of people there, but it was not at all crowded. I'd recommend going all the way to the far end of the beach if you want to be more isolated. If I ever go back to Bequia, I'd certainly go back to Princess Margaret Beach. I don't see the need to pay for an excursion there if you are looking for a beach day.

Any idea why you were being tested at this time? Was there an outbreak on the ship or is it due to requirements of an upcoming port? As I mentioned previously, there were some Covid cases onboard at the end of Sojourn's cruise during the first week of this month.

Hardly unproven. Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio is among the most accomplished luxury cruise operators, while Abercrombie & Kent has reliably provided world-class travel packages for many years.

And don't forget Gabriel, the barista at the Square!

This might be helpful for you, but it is at the expense of someone else who won't be able to make a reservation.

Actually, there are only four ports visited that could possibly have excursions, because Honolulu and Vancouver are the ports of embarkation and disembarkation. My hunch is that most people who book this cruise as an independent voyage are primarily looking for the experience of sea days. Additionally, there still is more than three months left prior to the cruise and I suspect more excursions will be added.

In my experience, they post the menus the evening before and they can be viewed on the Seabourn Source app. The easiest way to secure reservations is by telling the host/hostess at the podium of the Colonnade, most conveniently when you go there earlier in the day for breakfast or lunch.

I received two calls this week from area code 407, which is in Florida. I didn't answer them because I didn't recognize the number and my iPhone labeled them as spam risks. I wonder if those calls were from Crystal. For anyone who has received a call from Crystal in the past week or two, could you kindly look back over your recent phone log and see if they came from area code 407? Thanks!

Unbelievable sandwich! Was it provided by Seabourn or was it given out by the tour company?

I answered your request a couple of weeks ago when I was on Sojourn. This is a copy of my answer, which apparently you didn't read: I spoke with Ryan this morning. He’ll look into it if he can get your name, email address and which cruise this is about. I guess you can either post that information here and then I can pass it on to him, or you can email him directly if that is possible.

Don't forget to check out the movies on demand on the TV in your cabin. Surprisingly good list of movies. (As opposed to the surprisingly poor selection of TV news and sports channels).