Keith1010

Patty before I saw your post I caught it. And yes it would make Crystal unique. LOL. Eating a rain shower. Keith

For now they do mention a sushi restaurant. Keith

Everyone has opinions when it comes to itineraries. This is why in the end you have to decide which one(s) are appealing to you. There are some which years ago would have been very appealing which no longer are whereas there are some that these days are appealing to me which years ago were less appealing. If it's a place we enjoy and want to spend more time in I appreciate the longer stays including overnights. One of many examples is the second voyage for Serenity from Lisbon to Southampton as it includes a couple of nights in Bordeaux. Having done a lot of travel my wife and I look at the itinerary coupled with the cruise experience. We also factor in where the ship embarks including ease to get there and the city since we like to arrive a few days early and where the cruise ends whether that is the city again or simply the ease of getting home. Keith

Claudia excellent thread. More of a question. Can anyone tell if the new rooms will have those entranceway doors that the Seabreeze have or will they be as they were? Two comments. I like the introduction of the new Junior CP for those who want something larger than the Sapphire. I feel you can never have too much storage. I remember on the PH that there was a lot of wasted space next to where the TV was and when they redesigned it they added more usable space and drawers. I always think the design people whether it be a cruise line or a hotel or even a Fitness Center think of visual appeal but not practicality. I think it's nice they are calling the outdoor court(s) Paddle Tennis and Pickle Ball. They bought Pickle Ball racquets and balls in 2021. Hopefully, they will reflect the kitchen on the court so those who play Pickle Ball don't have to place tape on the court. I like the removal of bath tubs although I realize some like them. I felt it was unused space for most people. I do like rain showers. For me, I like seeing the real things so I reserve judgment on seeing how everything looks and operates when we are on-board. Keith

https://www.crystalcruises.com/press/crystal-exceptional-at-sea MIAMI, FEBRUARY 01, 2023 Crystal: Exceptional at Sea Crystal relaunches, with Serenity and Symphony returning this summer with Exclusive Access to 2023 and 2024 Voyages Crystal Cruises has officially relaunched under a reimagined name and vision: Crystal – Exceptional at Sea. This new era for Crystal begins with an innovative website and branding under the guardianship of the A&K Travel Group. Crystal has also announced its 2023 and 2024 voyages aboard the newly refurbished Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, reimagined with larger updated suites that include artisanal finishes, cutting-edge-onboard wellness, and world-class dining and entertainment.With over nine dining options onboard each ship, a leading spa, fitness facilities and large pool, there is ample choice for all. New Itineraries The award-winning ships will soon embark on itineraries around the globe, immersing guests in incredible locations. Voyages will travel throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. See the collection of voyages here. Exceptional Suites The suites and guest rooms are more spacious, with elevated detail and contemporary craftsmanship. Suites feature marble quarried from Italy, with modern furnishings and fine cotton linens. Exceptional Service Personalized, friendly service gives a home away from home sense of relaxation, with a ‘what you want when you want it’ ethos. This is delivered via industry-leading staff training synonymous with Crystal. Exceptional Dining An award-winning complimentary food and beverage program has been designed to bring authentic dining experiences with efficient and personalized service no matter where and when you eat. There will be a series of guest chefs connected to the destinations visited, adding diversity and local flavors. Exceptional Experiences Both the spa and the gym will be revamped, and the Wimbledon courts will host both paddle tennis and pickleball. A refreshed approach to entertainment and events programming has been developed with more information to follow. On shore, a seamless experience with unparalleled levels of service continues with Abercrombie & Kent’s ground arrangements. A&K is well known for their ability to open doors closed to most, with exclusive access, the world’s leading guides and meticulous organization. Operating on every continent, they have been regarded as the gold standard for even the most discerning traveler for more than 60 years. “I am delighted to announce that Crystal is reborn, with Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony reimagined and enhancements made to every part of our guests’ journey,” said Crystal president Jack Anderson. “Palatial suites, spacious verandas and guest rooms have beenrolled out on both ships, reducing overall guest capacity. Personalized service – long a Crystal signature – has been elevated further. Dining is a journey through culinary specialties, with authentic food from around the globe. Local experts at Abercrombie & Kent have planned memorable experiences in each destination to guarantee beyond-the-guidebook access.” Travel Advisors and guests with Open Deposits have exclusive access to an early booking window beginning Wednesday, February 1 - before bookings open to the public later this month. The first sailings will be a Mediterranean cruise of Crystal Serenity on July 31 from Marseille and Crystal Symphony, scheduled to depart September 1 from Athens. Preview the new Crystal experience and just announced voyages at crystalcruises.com. Register online to receive the latest updates. Crystal Facts Refurbished: 2023 Rooms by Type | Both Ships Crystal Penthouse Suite: Our largest suite, with expansive living areas, a private veranda, sumptuous finishings and attentive butler service. Suite Size: up to 850 sq. ft. Veranda: up to 107 sq. ft. Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite: Large suite with spacious rooms with separate dining and living areas, looking onto a private veranda, and accompanied by attentive butler service. Suite Size: up to 646 sq. ft. Veranda: up to 161 sq. ft. Sapphire Veranda Suite: Spacious suite, with living area, lavish finishings and private veranda, accompanied by attentive butler service. Suite Size: up to 430 sq. ft. Veranda: up to 107 sq. ft. Sapphire Ocean View Suite: Spacious suite, with living area, lavish finishings and expansive ocean views, accompanied by attentive butler service. Suite Size: up to 430 sq. ft. Aquamarine Veranda Suite: Suite offering comfortable living area, private veranda and is perfect for grand yet intimate moments, accompanied by attentive butler service. Suite Size: up to 323 sq. ft. Veranda Size: up to 86 sq. ft. Double Guest Room with Veranda: Contemporary classic bedroom with junior butler service and comfortable seating constellations opening onto a private veranda. Room Size: up to 215 sq. ft. Veranda: up to 54 sq. ft. Double Guest Room with Ocean View: Contemporary classic bedroom with junior butler service and large windows onto ocean views. Room size: up to 215 sq. ft. Single Guest Room with Ocean View: Cozy bedroom with welcoming and comfortable detailing, junior butler service and ocean views. (Single occupancy only). Room size: up to 215 sq. ft. Food & Beverage Nine restaurants and six bars on each ship Awards Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards winner for 27 years in a row Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards Winner 24 years in a row Crystal Serenity Guest Capacity: 740 Per Guest Space Ratio: 1 to 93.1 cu. ft. Nearly one staff member per guest Refurbished In: 2023 Crystal Symphony Guest Capacity: 606 Per Guest Space Ratio: 1 to 84.2 cu. ft. Nearly one staff member per guest Refurbished In: 2023 About Crystal Exceptional at Sea For over three decades Crystal has been synonymous with exceptional, award-winning voyages. Last year, the A&K Travel Group acquired the Crystal brand and its two most beloved vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, ushering in a new era of Exceptional Suites, Exceptional Service, Exceptional Dining, and Exceptional Experiences.

At present time the website is not all that is included with the booking fare and in the respective rooms. Not sure what the role is of a junior butler. What I can say about the on-board staff is like others on this board I do hear from many of them regularly and with very few exceptions they tell me they are coming back. How many is anyone's guess so let's see but I am very excited that the ones who told me they are coming back will be there. Keith

They are included.

Didn't work for old Crystal nor new Crystal. Keith

Sorry, but where in my post did you see where I mentioned any other cruise line. In the end we each determine what quality is and when we find quality and something we like we make the decision how often we use the product. So yes I prefer quality over quantity. I will determine what products provide quality to me. I expect others to do the same for them. Just in case you do not follow this. If a restaurant is IMHO high quality I might go less often and the same goes for other items where I place quality over quantity. For me this approach works great.

Yes I've seen the prices. Your second sentence is completely wrong. And I know value when I see value. I'll put my money booking Crystal. I would rather go on less cruises but make each one special. Do you know the meaning of quality versus quantity? I do and I know many others who feel the same way. If you don't care for the pricing or even for Crystal I get it but you should know many do not feel the same way you do. Keith I do.

Kate, my advice. Have your TA contact Crystal for you. Keith

I wouldn't' take too long because I keep hearing those first two voyages jus like Symphony have many bookings. The one you are looking at is a lovely itinerary. Love all the Bordeaux too on that itinerary. Keith

This is such a great day and so many people are booking. I haven't seen this much excitement in a very long time. Crystal is back. Crystal is open for business. Keith

Ditto AtA's response. To no surprise an incredible number of crew will be returning. Keith

I am sure and I would like to do a future cruising thread but just waiting on an answer to a question I posed to them. Keith

Pat I can't find your e-mail. Not sure why. Try this: https://www.crystalcruises.com If it doesn't work copy and paste and try with a different browser. If that doesn't work restart your computer and try again. If that doesn't work clear your browsing history (last resort). Keith

This is all very exciting. Keith

I saw that people started booking a coupe of hours ago and just received an e-mail that bookings are open. This would be for those with open bookings. Keith

Yes. Keith

Muriel you can just simply book a 14 day Vancouver to Los Angeles cruise without booking back to backs. That is the one that I was commenting on. Keith

Crystal does know Crystal Society members. I don't have further details on that but they do know who has sailed with Crystal before. Keith

Yes I've heard a number but until we know for sure didn't want to list what I heard. I expect we would know as soon as the open bookings begin. Keith

Well today in spite of snow, sleet and ice it a new day for the new Crystal so I just want to say. Well, the Pointer Sisters actually say (sing) it best. Keith

This song goes along with the title of the thread. Keith K

It's now 14 nights: https://www.crystalcruises.com/cruises/none-cse-c14-240813 Keith