Keith1010

Not sure Ivi but with OC only awarded once. We used it today. Keith

So you all remember when I said berth assignments may change our has. We will now sail out of Terminal E and not J on 12/23. Crystal informed the TA's today and we received notification from our TA. Keith

Bags Packed. Ready To Go. Can't Wait. A New Crystal Adventure Begins, We begin a new adventure today flying to Miami for a pre-cruise stay before boarding Crystal Serenity on December 23. We will sail with some of the CC members and many guests who we have known a long time. Today's airport experience was great. Maybe, because we were on one of the first flights of the day. We arrived to the ticket counter and to our surprise they opened the counter 15+minutes early. I do not believe that has ever happened in all the years I've been flying including frequent business trips all across the nation and around the world. Next up was TSA and we took our place on the TSA pre-check line after walking around for a while. Guess what TSA opened 15+ minutes early. We walked around the terminal for awhile before making our way to the gate. Guess what. There was no mob scene with people waiting in line and not in group order. We approached when they called our group first. The flight is full. We departed the gate on time and at the present time we are to arrive to Miami earlier than scheduled. As they say the night is young but at least the airport experience was good. We have an amazing flight attendant and his voice is terrific. And the AARP magazine I brought with me featured an interview with Ringo Starr. Amazing how well he looks at his age. The Holiday Cruise is expected to be full or close to full. It will be a good test to see how everything works with a full cruise. Happy Holidays and more in the coming days. Keith

The cancelled cruise is for December 2024 not 2023 so this one shouldn't have anything to do with current cruises. Keith

And then there is Tampa during fog season. That is when people say can I make a 10:00 AM flight. My answer. The next day yes. The day you debark. No way. Keith

Yes, autocorrect strikes again. Or was it the longshoreman strikes again? 😀 Either is possible. LOL.

Ivi, that's an incredible story. And I know Buenos Aires port is a bit complicated too. I remember once coming back on a group bus in Ashdod there was a lot of confusion by the bus driver as to how to get into the port and it took about 30 minutes for him to figure it out. We've had interesting experience in several USA ports. The time in Los Angeles where we got delayed getting off I believe the long showmen wouldn't remove the luggage from the ship because they smelled fuel. In San Francisco we were boarding after the World Cruise ended there in 2016 and I don't think all of the luggage from the previous voyage got off until something like noon or later and guess were still on the ship. On our 2004 Crossing on Symphony we were delayed by 90 minutes to get off. Not an issue for us as we were staying over in the city but I remember one of our table-mates (a pilot) and his wife had a flight at 10;00 AM which is crazy to begin with so they missed it. Then again one time I was flying from Dallas to St. Louis. Got on first flight early afternoon. It was canceled for mechanical reasons. A few hours later go on a second flight and it was cancelled for mechanical reasons. Got on a third flight in the evening and about 30 minutes from touchdown they said we couldn't land due to severe thunderstorms and we were turning back to go to Dallas. As it turned out they took us to North Carolina. Are you kidding me? I arrive to St. Louis at 3:00 the next morning. I could have driven it quicker than that. This is why I am a believer in Murphy's Law when it comes to many things including travel. Maybe one day they will be able to beam people to their desitination like they do in Star Trek. Or maybe not. Keith

Another day and view of Serenity and the use of the Zodiacs. Keith

Back to Ivi. We've sailed Miami many times. If there was an issue with the number of ships in port it normally impacts debarkation (clearing the ship) not boarding the ship. You are boarding that day. And in J. So I see no issues for you. When you debark there are only three ships. So I see no issues for you. But since you have a lot of time the day you debark even if there was a delay you don't have an issue. There are some of us who debark the day of the 8 ships. Unless one made a very early flight then I wouldn't have a concern but the good news again is terminal J. Things can happen and not just in Miami. Often the first week or two of the Alaska season in Vancouver boarding can be a real hassle and that is due to the USA clearing citizens before boarding the ship. Our worst experience was on the 2010 New York CIty to Los Angeles Cruise when the maximum number of ships were in port at San Pedro (I believe three) and I don't believe debarkation began until 10:30 AM and there was what looked like a mob scene in the Crystal Plaza (man from CC were on this cruise. This was the French Fry Cruise) and people were screaming at the concierge as if she caused the delay. Lesson is don't book a morning flight home. And I think one of our worst embarkations I saw was WC 2008 in Los Angeles. Big delay boarding. Many unhappy people. Anyway, things happen when we all travel. Most of us have more horror stories related to flights I suspect including airline and even FAA computer glitches, weather and all sorts of other issues. Keith

Yes to both. Signs and easy to see the ships Keith

Like I said. 😀 And it may change. When I first looked I expected J because only a few ships. However, this happened one or two cruises before you boarded so you never know. It's Miami. Keith

When it comes to embarkation it does not matter how many ships are in the port. The issue can be debarkation in terms of immigration and customs but sometimes that is done in the prior port. The key is to book a flight that is too early. Ivi does not have that issue. Ivi you have no worries. I say this not just about clearing customs in Miami but at the a Miami airport. Keith.

Ivi if you are coming from downtown Miami as soon as the driver goes over the bridge Terminal J is on the right side. But even if it was on the left side you can see all the ships lines up on the left and you would see Serenity. But in your case even easier. Easy, Peasy. Keith

I'm using the same site as you did Rob. I know your report showed J. Mine shows E. One thing I know about Miami is this can change and I always recommend checking close to the cruise just to see if it changes again.

Yes but not 9 and you have the benefit of J. You'll be fine. Keith

To me not an issue Ivi. The one I would be concerned about is 9 ships. Terminal J is nice as the stand alone. Keith

Ivi, easy peasy to find ship. 12/23 Terminal J 12/5 Terminal J 1/18 Terminal E J is the stand alone one. Keith

A couple of things about pricing. Since the 2023 and 2024 itineraries were announced there has been price adjustments based on demand. Crystal seems to do dynamic pricing although I have not asked anyone about that. At the same time with the new promotion prices have been adjusted upward. Although a higher price there is a lot of value for those wanting the upgrade and other benefits that go with it. For those who don't want the upgrade you can look at the pricing after the promotion ends. For what its worth I looked at one of our cruises and the suite is not part of the program but it has gone up 16% since we booked it in August. Keith

Ivi that category was for the Ocean Lines not the luxury lines which is why Crystal nor any of the luxury lines are shown. This is the one for the luxury lines. https://www.cruisecritic.com/editors-picks/luxury/ Keith

Many thanks to you for taking us along on your Serenity voyages. Great commentary and photos. Travel safely. Wishing you the best as you recover. Happy Holidays. Keith

Photo taken shortly after we landed via Zodiac as part of NWP 2016. Keith

Wasn’t apparent from your post but glad you know that.

Some additional information about the suite upgrades for new bookings and for those already booked and information about the Exceptional At Sea Campaign. It's been great to see the ads that are mentioned below. MIAMI – Dec. 15, 2023 – To herald this year’s Wave Season, Crystal has announced an exclusive offer for those looking to embark on remarkable voyages in 2024. Guests booking a 2024 cruise before Jan. 31, will receive a complimentary suite upgrade, as well as an upgraded wardrobe valeting service with dry-cleaning and garment care also included free of charge. The promotion includes: Up to a three-category upgrade from an Aquamarine Veranda Suite to Sapphire Veranda Suite or from a Double Guest Room with Veranda to an Aquamarine Veranda Suite on select departures in 2024. Terms and conditions apply. Complimentary garment care and dry-cleaning services. Terms and conditions apply. Only eligible for new reservations made after Dec. 14, 2023. Any changes to existing reservations would require guests to pay the prevailing rate. Additionally, Crystal has been running new creative tied to its Exceptional at Sea campaign, the first since the brand’s acquisition by the Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group in 2022, and the multi-million-dollar refurbishment and relaunch of its beloved ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony earlier this summer. Celebrating Crystal’s heritage as the most awarded cruise line in the industry’s history, a team drawn from the worlds of luxury fashion, design, hospitality, and travel created a refreshed brand identity, positioning and art direction, of which this landmark campaign is the first expression. The creative features guests enjoying moments of tranquility, connection and celebration onboard the reimagined Crystal ships – whether that’s poolside, on private verandas, fine-dining at Crystal’s landmark restaurants Umi Uma and Osteria d’Ovidio, or sipping champagne at sunset. “We went back to the DNA of what made Crystal so special to everyone who has sailed with us,” said Crystal’s Senior Vice President of Global Marketing Jacqueline Barney. “Exceptional at Sea aims to connect all of those elements in one campaign and transmit the feeling of a Grande Dame of travel, being beautifully remodeled for a new chapter. We wanted to use a group of creatives drawn from fashion, film and architecture to capture these two iconic ships in all their glory and create an emotional bridge linking the modern with the classic.” Exceptional at Sea will form part of a seven-figure print, out-of-home and digital campaign that launched in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia this fall. Creative is appearing in some of the top US and UK lifestyle and travel publications including The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, The Telegraph, Travel & Leisureand more. Imagery will also be featured across the brand’s owned social media channels. Additionally, Crystal will be working with all its major consortia partners on specialized initiatives.

The Crystal Society Totes were never in everyone's room. They were presented one time. As to the totes in the room we do use them. I would bring it to the fitness center for indoor cycling classes with shoes in them and a few other items. Can be used for the pool or for the beach, etc. It's nice they have them. And they have been using them for years. Keith

I am not surprised. I think for many people they will find booking early worked well and that goes for solos and those with double occupancy. But I think each person who is interested in this should look at the details or have their TA's do this for them to see if there is a benefit to them to cancel and rebook. Keith