Keith1010

New Crystal is very similar to Old Crystal and is not Silversea at all. Keith

One thing I wanted to highlight is if you are on the 11/9 or 11/18 cruises there will only be one formal night and if you are on the 11/27 cruise none. Keep that in mind as you plan your attire. Keith

In our early days we did eat at the Grand Buffet and on other lines we ate at the Midnight Buffet. But this was then and today is now Times have changed. For several years we would take photos of the buffet and eat at Market Place. Keith

Crystal has a golf themed cruise for 2024. Crystal Symphony Lisbon to Dover, July 18 to July 30, 2024 David Leadbetter and Robert Borgatti will be on board https://www.crystalcruises.com/cruises/none-csy-012-240718?utm_campaign=entertainment-spotlight_02Feb24_Guest-US&utm_content=golf_enthusiasts_cta&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter Keith

This is my understanding as well. Keith

While I am not a golfer although I do play a mean game of miniature golf, I am very familiar with the program and know some of the golf pros very well. You are correct. They do try to have a golf pro on board for each sailing. They use most just in case the pro isn't there. They offer complimentary group classes. For a fee they will provide private instruction. On some cruises they will arrange a golf outing. You can stop by the reception desk when you board to indicate you are interested if this is offered. Keith

Welcome to Crystal and I hope you have a great time. You've done the right things getting those booking in. While some cruise lines who do not include excursions have you pay as soon as you book them with Crystal payment will be taken on the ship. When you get the cards the first day look carefully on how far in advance you have to cancel them to avoid a charge. In your account under documentation you will see a before you sail guide. I would take a close look at it. It provides lots of useful information. Keith

On the Holiday Cruise on New Year's Day they utilized Marketplace where they had a special brunch with some of the items that one would see at a Grand Gala Buffet. Many people had the same view as I did which by having it in Marketplace it it avoids a lot of waste of food, is less prone to issues with food being out too long, avoids some of the issues of guests spreading germs to one another and to the food. In my early days of cruising I remember those late night buffets on lines. Times have changed. Or the indoor buffets held around the former indoor pool on each vessel. Times have changed. Keith

You have until February 23 to pay all outstanding balances. This is what it states on the Crystal Website. Keith

Once you are booked for your first cruise you will set up your account and that allows you to provide information for yourself and anyone else on your booking that is required by Crystal. You can make specialty restaurant reservations (one for each one) 120 prior to the start of the cruise using your on line account called "My Account" with final payment having been made. The site give you a good idea what the pricing will be based on room category and location but to be sure you a TA can get you the price and also what rooms are available unless you prefer to deal with Crystal yourself or initially call them before booking with a TA. Think of White Night Party as a mixer. There will be live music and dancing and some canapés and some drinks that have white in the name although you can order whatever you normally would. I have read that they plan to enhance the event but not sure what is planned. As mentioned it is held indoors in the evening starting around 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM or even later and people are encouraged to wear something white but certainly not required. Keith

I agree with all that said do the 14 days in the verandah room for 14 days rather than a suite for less days. Keith

It is for 2025 Voyages booked at least 12 months in advance. Keith

Many cruises have this but as Tracie noted not all. For example, the 2024 Serenity Holiday cruise is an example of that with all categories at the present time wait-listed and if you could book they show rates and do not reflect this promotion. Keith

Classic Aquamarine on Serenity is the way to go. I have been saying this for years.

I have been told new prices. Keith

FYI. Keith https://crystalcruises.com/offer/us-crystal-explorer-fare?fbclid=IwAR1vtHhMRJb7krfM-KEFvoNsErWTpxKLMz-IPEV-KSreJ9yRdzJzZSPIHTY

And this is an example of how things evolved. A few years ago when old Crystal put in the interactive TV's they moved the TV which previously had been on the side of the bed where the built ins are and placed it above the couch so you can see it from the bed. This opened up some space in the wall until as well. Keith

The Classic Aquamarine suites have gone through several changes over the years but they are not the newest of the Aquarmarine Suites. Like everything, we all have our own opinion. Personally, I prefer the Aquamarine classic suites over the newer ones on Serenity and over all of the Aquarmarine suites on Symphony. Whereas I prefer Sapphire on Symphony, I prefer Classic Aquarmarine on Serenity. I like the two desks in the Classic providing a good amount of space and comfortable seating. I like all of the shelve and draw space provided in the living area. I like the effiiciency of the closet. While the Aquarmarine does not have a round table like the Sapphire and has less space in the living area I stil prefer it on Serenity. We don't use the bath tub so somewhat wasted space. However we make good use of it to hang clothes that don't go into the dryer after they are washed. The Classic Aquarmaring evolved over the years and IMHO all for the better. Keith

Sdancer, you are very welcome and great news about your booking. I hope you are pleased with your cruise and look forward to hearing what you think. I am not sure why they went with a two person band and have no inside information on it. I can speculate it comes down to budget but this is just my guess. I've seen some short videos on another social media site which we are not supposed to mention on CC. There are some on this board who dance so hopefully they can provide more details on their experiences. Keith

As Nancy mentioned one of the cruises is the Holiday Cruise. I have been looking at the categories for the two cruises (it's split this year) for several months now. The pattern is very similar to the 2023 Holiday Cruise. Only difference is the other day all categories were waitlisted and this is earlier than the 2023 Holiday Cruise was mostly waitlisted. Makes sense because by the time itinaries came out some had commitments for 2024 and this provides those who want a shorter cruise or to sail over a portion of the holiday to book one over Christmas or one over New Years or for those who want a longer cruise to book both. But this will go back and forth. For example, several hours ago all categroes were booked and now on one of those cruise the Sapphire category shows request a quote. With 10 months to go there will be people who cancel, people who are waitlisted who get cleared and people who will book new. I have learned over the years every year is different. Many years ago the Holiday Cruise sold like hotcakes and the premium was even greater compared to other cruises. Then it his a point where it sold well but not like it did and prices were adjusted to refelct less of a premum. And the 2023 and 2024 Holiday Cruises look to be in great demand again. Keith

Pretty easy if you were on their first Crystal Cruise. We were.

Julia, enjoy every minute of the adventure. Keith

Yes those green pastures that one thinks are there until things go wrong. One correction . Not a long term Crystal Cruiser.

Great review and it sounds like you have been Crystalized. I am not sure whether or not you have done this but it would be great if you could use what you wrote to do a review on the Cruise Critic Review section. You can easily copy and paste what you wrote and do the various ratings as part of the review. I think those who have never sailed with Crystal and check oiut your review as part of their research would benefit a great deal. I also enjoyed your posts on the other thread inclkuding first impressions. Keith

I hope the seas calm soon for all of you. Also, hoping that all of you who ive in California are safe and well. Keith