Keith1010

There is no longer a metered rate. This changed in July of 2022. Keith

These are big boots (or for some shoes) to fill. Keith

This is an example of what is so special about Crystal. Thank you for sharing this. Keep enjoying Keith

I am not Bill, but I can answer some of the questions. When we were on board the first two sailings of Serenity I didn't see any solo get togethers listed in the daily program reflections. I am familiar with the location of the solo rooms on deck 7. No worries about being near the elevator. You should not hear other out by that area. On the Pool Deck there are lounges available in the shade. For some that is certainly a preference particularly saying in the Caribbean. But overall demand varies by overall occupancy of the ship. If you find it's a problem my recommendation is to get out there earlier. On port days less of an issues as many are in port. My view is to try a variety of dishes. For example, the Osteria Italian restaurant was new to all of us so rather than have one starter it was recommended I have two. There are lots of great choices in all of the dining venues but food preferences do vary by person. Keith

I thought this would help. You don't have to go all the way to Key Biscayne but as far as you think you can do and make it back. https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Four+Seasons+Hotel+Miami,+1435+Brickell+Ave,+Miami,+FL+33131/Key+Biscayne,+Florida+33149/@25.7267635,-80.2223109,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x88d9b680c8ba8b07:0x494fd6ac4a57e74a!2m2!1d-80.1922639!2d25.7588046!1m5!1m1!1s0x88d9b5f6594fa365:0xecf8e502280e8ed3!2m2!1d-80.1628248!2d25.693713!3e2?entry=ttu I've never run from downtown to South Beach and then to Miami Beach because of my concern getting to that Bridge that takes you over there. Too much traffic and not a sidewalk. What we would do is walk over to the Intercontinental and get a taxi or Uber and drop us off at the beginning of Ocean Drive in South Beach. From there you could run on the side walk up Ocean Drive past those iconic hotels on the left and beach on the right and eventually it turns from side walk to boardwalk and just keep going as far as you want. Often a goal would be to get to the Fontainebleau Hotel. We used to go there on family vacations to Florida so it brings back fond memories for me. Yes I've always wondered why they check cars coming into Port Everglades and not Miami. You would think if there is a security concern at Port Everglades there would be one at the Port Of Miami as well. Keith

I would ask if you prefer to sit in the same area with the same wait-staff. I would see what you tihink the first night and if you are happy with the table and wait staff ask if it is possible to sit there. Now, the issue is what the overall occupancy level on that cruise and what time you arrive. Keith

I have run early in the downtown area and across the bridge into the port area. If you are going up Brickell you do have to contend with cross walks/lights. Or you could start further down by the Intercontinental and run from there to the port and back. If you don't start early downtown then you will have to contend with people walking on the side walk although with patience you can get around them. When you get across the bridge you have to run across a couple of streets but they are part of the port so not highways to deal with. Unlike Port Everglades there is no security check point to deal with. I hope this helps. Another place to run is if you go across the bridge to to the island where the Mandarin Oriental i located there is a nice wide path that goes around that area and I like to walk and run it with nice views of the Bay and some of the cruise ships. And finally you can head in the other direction from Miami where you go through Coconut Grove and then over to Key Biscayne if you want a long run (you have to get back too) to change things up. Keith

The nice thing about Miami is there are tons of Hotels a short distance from the port including ones in Downtown on and near Brickell Avenue at a wide range of price points. They include: These are located about 10 minute drive from the port in downtown with some a few minute walk from lots of restaurants on Brickell. Four Seasons JW Marriott Hampton Inn Conrad Hotel AKA Novetel SLS Brickell Slightly closer to the port but within walking distance of Mary Brickell. Mandarin Oriental (you can walk over the bridge (low bridge with walkway for pedestrians) Hyatt A little closer to the port but still walkable to downtown places mentioned above. Intercontiental Epic Marriott Marquis plus another hotel in the same building. Holiday Inn Past the Arena Hilton If you just want hotel and not visit the downtown area there are a slew of Marriott Brand Hotels within a mile of the Maim Airport. If you want the beach area and night life you have tons of hotels in South Beach (noisy at night) or Miami Beach. A more remote area has the Ritz Carlton on Key Biscayne. And they have two other properties one on South Beach and one in Coconut Grove. As you can imagine price points vary quite a bit but great choice. And transportation options include taxi, hotel arranging a service for you, taxis, etc. Eventually people will ask about Fort Lauderdale when the ship starts to use that as its home port for Florida. In my case, we prefer Miami (I know some don't but we do) so we will stay there and on the day of embarkation make our way to the port. Also, the Florida Ports of Call Board is terrific for discussions of hotels and things to do in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and for that matter most of Florida. Our first time staying in Miami (I stayed there when I was young on Family Vacations) was before WC 2007 when the pre cruise hotel and gala was held at the Four Seasons Hotel. This was when they were taking down many of the low rise hotels in Miami and replacing them with large high rises buildings. I hadn't seen more cranes in a city until we visited Dubai. Things slowed with the great recession only to pick up again a few years later. Lot of new hotels and even the Brickell Shopping Mall didn't open until November 2016 and took awhile to fill with stores and restaurants. I like to walk so often we would walk from the Four Season, up Brickell, across the bridge and into the port of Miami. GO to get those steps in. Keith

Luggage tags are not on-line. The e-documents are. Keith

Great photos Roy. Speaking of Northwest Passage, not often one sees guests getting off Serenity like this.. Keith

Pat, wish we could be on board when you and Ray are and to see others from this board including Dwight. Due to commitments at home we can't be on board then. Hopefully we'll see you both on another voyage. Keith

It is possible you will have luggage tags for the cruise Pat. The last time I checked the status they were hoping to have tags for the world cruise. If not, as Rob notes it will be easy to do them at the terminal in Miami. Keith

Serenity 2016 in the Northwest Passage. Keith

Suggestion. Post on the Florida Ports Of Call Board. Several knowledgeable people who can give you advice including hotels for day rooms. Keith

I believe that is a charter. There is a dry dock for 2025 but believe that is after WC ends. Keith

Ivi, Crystal most definitely offers shared transfers to the Miami airport. It will be noted in Reflections for you to sign up for. Rob posted debarkation information yesterday and it shows the group transfer time when they will leave the ship. I am not sure for those on late flights if they will offer a group transfer for those in the same "boat" where you can stay in a lounge at a hotel. Possibly someone on the current or recent Miami voyages will know. Keith

Happy Hanukkah. Keith

Alaska six years ago. Keith

Just like each of us has opinions these awards are based on the opinions of CC. So some will agree and others won't. Nothing new. As to solos if their narrative gives their reasoning for this and it includes other factors beyond the ones that have been discussed and that includes the many activities that Crystal provides on board many that solo guests might enjoy. The good news from my perspective is last year Crystal didnt' win any and here they have been sailing a few months and picked up some. The fact that they are back to me is an award in itself. Keith

Seattle six years ago. Keith

Cc just sent a link to their article.

On World Cruises yes. I've seen it on some full voyages too.

Let me also add that on a full sailing they might have two receptions. Just depends.

As we've said more times than I can count on my fingers. Crystal knew this year would be like this and has said so publicly. They announced 2023 and 2024 itineraries when others were out two to three years already. They are in this thing for the long-run. This is not their first rodeo.

Rooms with solo travelers in mind. I don't hear them complaining about the room size. Single supplements. Not like they were but still offered. Ambassador Hosts for those who like to Dance. Ability to sign up for shared dinners. So it goes.