Some Thoughts For First Time Crystal Cruisers

[docmark]

On 1/29/2020 at 8:31 PM, Sujormik said:

Is there a list somewhere of the specific included  “premium spirits” on the ships? Eg,  Scotch... Glenlivet 12 or Macallan 15?  Specifically?  Thanks.

I don't have a copy of the "List", but can address "Macallan", we were on Symphony earlier this month , and the "covered" Macallan  was (single malt), labeled "Quest", which we enjoyed. 

[pduncan]

Have not been on Crystal before.  Am looking for a cruise as a solo traveller and wondering if Crystal is solo friendly (as in, would I be the only uncoupled person on board)?

[Keith1010]

19 hours ago, pduncan said:

Have not been on Crystal before.  Am looking for a cruise as a solo traveller and wondering if Crystal is solo friendly (as in, would I be the only uncoupled person on board)?

You may want to start a new thread or do a search to find the solo threads but want you to know many solo guests sail with Crystal and many from the Crystal Board so you won't feel out of place at all and will find many solo guests on each voyage.

 

Keith

[Ace4th]

On 1/7/2020 at 2:25 PM, Caymus88 said:

Thank you Keith 1010

looks like Crystal won’t be in our future as we travel Carry-On only. 

It's truly a matter of knowing how to pack. We always travel with carry on only - even for 3-4 week trips.  Trains/Planes are so much easier when you carry your bags.  I could do 7 "formal" evenings out of my carry on.  :)

[Sthrngary]

Keith, what a GREAT thread, BRAVO. I have recently booked a 7-day Bahama Cruise on Crystal Cruises for July 31, 2021.  I have never cruised with Crystal Cruise before. I am 63, married for 41 years and gone on 23 cruises.  I want you and other to know how I got to this posting. 

 

I found this topic by posting on the Crystal Blog on CruiseCritics.com.  Your fellow CruiseCritics.com FANS told me to go to post #91 for new Crystal Cruisers.  That was the best advice. 

 

Since retirement, I have been writing op-eds on my journey’s to the purchase of certain luxury products.  These articles drive to the actual purchase and end with a review of the product.  Why I have written them?  Because very little first hand accurate information is available for many of these higher-end products.  Examples of some product types but not all of the products I have written about are “Super Automatic Espresso Machines”, “Four-Day VIP Music Festival Experiences”, “Full Home Automation” and of course  “Luxury Cruise Experiences”. 

 

Up to this point, I have “NEVER” gone on a true luxury “All Inclusive” cruise.  Instead, I have gone on mainstream or premium brands, in their “Ship-with-in-a-Ship” sections like Celebrity Retreat and NCL Haven.   I would study and accomplish all the activities I would need to do “Pre-Cruise” to make the experience as “All-Inclusive” as possible. It was not easy and it took lots of time.  The good news was, I really enjoyed the process. More important, it was needed information for other consumers.  All we had were travel agents, cruise consultants, brand marketing departments, and so called internet influencers.  They just did an feature information dump.  Never gearing to the ultimate consumer.

 

Your thread, posts and updates are exactly what I was attempting to accomplish.  You just did it much better than I could ever do.  I want to personally thank you and let you know your work is much appreciated.  It really helps when a cruiser wants to take the leap to Luxury and simply know the “Rules to the Game”.  Thank you.

[Keith1010]

Sthrngary....You made my day.  Thank you for your very thoughtful comments and how wonderful that you have been writing op-eds on journeys and products.  I would love to read them. 

I hope you have a wonderful time on your first Crystal Cruise.  We sailed many different cruise lines until we tried Crystal Cruises back in 2002.  We have also sailed a few other lines since but overall we became Crystalized on that first cruise and in very short order Crystal became our go-to cruise line.  If we can help with any other questions as you prepare for your cruise please let me know.

 

Best to you.

 

Keith

[Sthrngary]

9 hours ago, Keith1010 said:

Sthrngary....You made my day.  Thank you for your very thoughtful comments and how wonderful that you have been writing op-eds on journeys and products.  I would love to read them. 

I hope you have a wonderful time on your first Crystal Cruise.  We sailed many different cruise lines until we tried Crystal Cruises back in 2002.  We have also sailed a few other lines since but overall we became Crystalized on that first cruise and in very short order Crystal became our go-to cruise line.  If we can help with any other questions as you prepare for your cruise please let me know.

 

Best to you.

 

Keith

Keith:

My pleasure and yes I will take you up on asking some questions.  Thank you for your offer.  I also ust down loaded the Atlas per your suggestion.  Lots of information for sure.

1. In the Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah: The Atlas shows Complementary selected wine and spirts upon request. Can you clarify what they mean. Example: Room service will bring you a glass of wine or Adult Beverage? If you like a White wine, your room steward will bring you a bottle of wine?
2. Pre-Cruise Specialty Restaurant Reservations: When can you begin making reservations specifically for Deluxe Staterooms vs. Penthouse?  Do you have to pay in full prior to making this reservations?
3. Pre-Cruise Excursions: I know you said you don't have to have full payment prior to booking Excursions pre-cruise. When can you begin booking excursions?

Thank you again for your kindness.

 

Gary

[Keith1010]

3 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Keith:

My pleasure and yes I will take you up on asking some questions.  Thank you for your offer.  I also ust down loaded the Atlas per your suggestion.  Lots of information for sure.

1. In the Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah: The Atlas shows Complementary selected wine and spirts upon request. Can you clarify what they mean. Example: Room service will bring you a glass of wine or Adult Beverage? If you like a White wine, your room steward will bring you a bottle of wine?
2. Pre-Cruise Specialty Restaurant Reservations: When can you begin making reservations specifically for Deluxe Staterooms vs. Penthouse?  Do you have to pay in full prior to making this reservations?
3. Pre-Cruise Excursions: I know you said you don't have to have full payment prior to booking Excursions pre-cruise. When can you begin booking excursions?

Thank you again for your kindness.

 

Gary

Gary,

Yes in the deluxe rooms you can get wine and spirits by the bottle and/or glass.  Typically you could ask for two bottles at a time and your room stewardess will take care of this for you.  For glasses you can just contact room service.

 

For Specialty Restaurant reservations you can make up to one per restaurant before you board.  Once you board normally you could make more ( a fee at Prego or Umi Uma) should you already have a total of two which were included in the fare.  However, this being a seven day cruise and if the hours remain the same but occupancy of restaurants is lower than normal it might be a problem getting more.  As soon as you make final payment as long as the system is loaded you can make a reservation at Umi Uma, Prego and Silk.

 

For excursions normally you can make them as soon as they are available for booking.  Normally this is four to six months before sailing. With things just starting up it's hard to know when they will be available for booking so I would just keep checking PCPC frequently.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Keith

[whystayhome]

So...on the week-long Bahamas cruises there should not be a formal/BTO night? 

 

Linda

[Stickman1990]

1 minute ago, whystayhome said:

So...on the week-long Bahamas cruises there should not be a formal/BTO night? 

Correct - no Black Tie Optional night 

[Keith1010]

5 minutes ago, whystayhome said:

So...on the week-long Bahamas cruises there should not be a formal/BTO night? 

 

Linda

Linda each night will be Crystal Casual as they do not have BTO nights on cruises of seven days.

 

Keith

[whystayhome]

Thanks.  A little disappointing, but certainly simplifies packing!

 

Linda

[Keith1010]

2 minutes ago, whystayhome said:

Thanks.  A little disappointing, but certainly simplifies packing!

 

Linda

Linda they changed this a few years ago because for awhile they would have one BTO night and some people would complain about taking BTO attire just for one night.

 

On Casual nights though you see an entire range of attire.  Not formal attire but you will see some men in Sports Jackets (I wear one) and some also wearing a tie and some of the ladies in attire fancier than casual.

 

Keith

[whystayhome]

My husband always wears a jacket in the dining room on "casual" nights - it makes the meal more festive - and I will enjoy wearing some nice dresses.  For the past year, my uniform has generally consisted of yoga pants and an under armour tee, so it'll be a pleasure to wear something a little more attractive.

 

Linda

[Keith1010]

4 minutes ago, whystayhome said:

My husband always wears a jacket in the dining room on "casual" nights - it makes the meal more festive - and I will enjoy wearing some nice dresses.  For the past year, my uniform has generally consisted of yoga pants and an under armour tee, so it'll be a pleasure to wear something a little more attractive.

 

Linda

We both always do the same.

 

We find dining very special so we like to dress nicely for it to add to the festive mood.

 

Keith

[islandchick]

There is no BTO night but there is a white party, so bring some white clothes. 

[Stickman1990]

6 minutes ago, islandchick said:

There is no BTO night but there is a white party, so bring some white clothes. 

The White Party is a very much optional event, primarily held in the reception/foyer area which is themed for the night - so by no means a mandatory dress code 

[Keith1010]

I have not updated this posting based on the new COVID-19 protocols but wanted to repost this as we have a lot of first time Crystal Cruises booking voyages.

 

For the latest on the COVID-19 protocols I would encourage you to visit the Crystal Cruises website at:

 

https://www.crystalcruises.com/crystal-clean

 

 

PLEASE NOTE:

 

The information for this thread is mainly related to the Ocean Vessels, I have incorporated some information on the River Cruises and the Yachts.

 

The information is primarily focused on cruise preparation and the first day of embarkation.

 

In addition to this information I would like to highlight the following.

 

Cruise Critic Crystal Cruises Threads

===========================

 

MEET AND MINGLE PARTIES

 

After booking your cruise be sure to visit the Meet and Mingle Board to register to attend a party for the Ocean Vessels.   If 10 or more people sign up Crystal Cruises will host a complimentary cocktail party for that voyage which will provide a nice opportunity for you to meet your fellow Cruise Critic Cruisers.  A couple of days before the party, you will receive an invitation to your room noting the date/time/location of the party.

 

The following link will take you to the Meet & Mingle Signup Page.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=995584

 

After you have signed up for a party the following link can be used to make revisions.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/rollcall/partylist.cfm

 

 

FUTURE BOOKINGS

 

After you have booked your cruise you can go over to the Future Booking Thread, which shows voyages that other members of Cruise Critic are signed up for and request to have your details added to this thread.

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1858005-new-future-bookings-on-crystal-does-not-register-you-for-meet-amp-mingle-parties/?page=30

 

ROLL CALL THREAD

 

Be sure to see if a roll call has been established for your cruise. There is a roll call thread that lists all of the roll calls. This link will take you to the first page of the thread and from there click on the last page to see the most current roll calls.

 

 

 

Pre-Cruise Items

============

 

-Visit the Crystal Cruises Web Site at www.crystalcruises.com as it provides lots of useful information to assist you in preparation for the cruise.

 

-Obtain a copy of Crystal Cruise Hard Copy Brochures as they do provide a wealth of information. This link will take you to the brochure section on the Crystal Cruises Web Site.

 

http://www.crystalcruises.com/order-a-brochure

 

I would recommend ordering the Cruise Atlas. It provides lots of information.

 

-For the best availability of cabins, book early. Booking early also has other advantages including getting your request in for either early or late dining or dining by reservation. Before you book, be sure to understand the administrative cancellation fee which applies to all 2020 voyages and beyond.

 

-Utilize the shipboard diagram found in the Hard Copy Brochures or on-line to determine category of stateroom desired and to develop a prioritized list of stateroom numbers.

 

At the time of booking If you have any special dining requirements have your Travel Agent note them on your booking reservation.   For example, if you have allergies to certain foods, have that noted on the reservation or requirements for foods such as low sodium foods, gluten free foods, or for kosher foods indicate that as well.  Your Travel Agent should also notify on board guest services so that this information is passed over to the ship.  Their email address is obgs@crystalcruises.com

 

-Before booking air, compare prices that you can obtain by making your own independent airline arrangements vs. those offered by Crystal.  To obtain specific flights through the cruise line, ask for Air Deviation. There is an additional free for custom air.  Be aware that if you want to purchase economy seats and upgrade them to business or first class that usually cannot be done when you purchase tickets through the cruise line.  Keep in mind that the Crystal air program includes transfers, which can save considerable money in certain areas of the world. I want to highlight that if you want to get the specific flights use custom air.

 

-For long flights such as oversea flights, flights within the Continental USA involving long flights durations, consider flying in a day or more before the start of the cruise.   With most flights running at full capacity, this will help ensure you do not miss the ship, should your flight be canceled or significantly delayed  and help to start the cruise with little to no jet lag.  Personally no matter where the cruise begins, we always arrive one or more days in advance of the sailing.   As they say, if something can go wrong, it will go wrong. Should you have to change planes look very closely at the connection times. Even some connections that are legal  leave very little room for error and if your flight is delayed and/or you have a long way to get to the next flight you can easily miss your plane.

 

-Likewise, when you make flights to return home if you are departing the day that the ship arrives in port give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. Be sure to factor in any delays that could occur including the ship arriving to port late, delays in clearing the ship for disembarkation, delays in claiming your luggage, the length of time to get from the pier over to the airport and the times required to check in for flights. Remember airport security guideline can change at the last minute.  My view is there is no sense in spending half the cruise worrying whether or not you will make your flight so think very carefully about the flight times.

 

-Look carefully at the cruise pre-hotel and post-hotel program. Remember, that while the hotel stay through the program is likely to be more costly compared to booking  the stay on your own, the hotel program also includes transfers between the airport and the hotel and then on embarkation day from the hotel to the ship. In some cities around the world transportation can be quite costly. We have used the hotel program several times.  The program can be good for those who need extra care and/or are traveling solo. 

 

-Be sure to determine whether or not you need travel/health insurance and what your needs are. If you want insurance to cover say the impact of a catastrophic event (sometimes called an act of god) be sure you read the policy carefully so you know what is and what is not covered so there are no surprises.

 

-At the time of your booking, determine if your cruise requires any visas that have to be arranged prior to your cruise and if any vaccinations are required. This information can be obtained from Crystal. The availability of this information may vary depending on how far in advance you book the cruise. Crystal does an outstanding job letting its guests know whether or not visas are required and if any vaccinations are required. Usually by around August the information is available for the following calendar year. Crystal Cruises will also let you know if a Yellow Fever Vaccination is required for your cruise.  This link will take you to the webpage showing visa requirements.

 

https://visacentral.com/crystal-cruises?login=crystalcruises&tourkitredirect=false

 

Your Crystal Cruises booking invoice should reflect preliminary information for visas but it will not note whether or not they can be obtained on board the ship.  This will be sent to your TA a few months before the sailing.

 

PCPC - Priority Check-in& Planning Center

 

-Sign in to the Priority Check-in & Planning Center (PCPC), by clicking on the following link. 

 

https://checkin.crystalcruises.com

 

You will need to enter your first and last names and your booking number, which your travel agent/specialist should provide to you. You will complete four sections related to immigration such as passport information for each traveler, credit card, onboard profile and a transportation section.

 

Make sure your credit card doesn't expire during or before the cruise ends. The check in system will NOT let you put in a Credit Card that expires before the cruise. If you use a debit card to make your initial entries because your CC expires before the cruise, make sure you go back and put in your new Credit Card information.

 

-PCPC will also provide you with other information about your cruise including a calendar showing the itinerary, along with other information. 

 

-After you make your final payment you can use the system to pre book one specialty restaurant reservation per voyage and a reservation at the Vintage Room.  If you are on a back to back cruise(s) you can make one reservation at each venue per voyage.  This applies to Umi Uma, Prego and Silk.

 

• PCPC can be used to make spa and salon reservations reservations and to book computer classes.  There is also an iMovie Class offered on each voyage and you can register for that program via  PCPC. If you do sign up for sure to purchase and load the iMovie App that is listed on PCPC at the signup screen for this program.

 

• From PCPC you can be taken to other sites such as a site should you wish to submit a visitor approval form to have friend(s)/family visit you.  You can also be taken to the Luggage Concierge website should you wish to utilize that program (at a cost) to ship luggage between your home and the ship. 

 

-If this is your first Crystal Cruise I do recommend making one reservation at each Specialty Restaurant; Umi Uma which serves Japanese Cuisine, Prego which serves Italian Cuisine), and Silk which serves Chines Cuisine.  No reservations are required at Churrascaria. 

 

Please note that on Crystal Serenity only on cruises greater than seven days that have Black Tie Optional Evenings (BTO) on up to two of the BTO evenings, dinner and entertainment is offered in one seating at the Supper Club located in the Stardust Lounge. The menu is a more limited menu of cuisine that would be served at Waterside.  There is one seating beginning at 6:30 PM and you can make the reservation using PCPC.  Table sizes are for four people.  If you don’t select two other people to dine with you either via PCPC or once on board the ship the evening you arrive they will seat two other people with you.

 

With respect to PCPC, after your first Crystal Cruise you can go to the Crystal Cruises Web Site to set up a user name (your e-mail address associated with your Crystal Society Number) and a password.  Going forward you can access all your booking in one place. This link will take you to the sign up page.

 

https://www.crystalcruises.com/account-login?redirectUrl=https%3a%2f%2fcommunity.crystalcruises.com%2fs%2f

 

 

Crystal provides various newspapers on line, and the ability to watch on demand lectures and movies on various devices such as the iPhone, Android and the iPad. Be sure to make sure you have downloaded the Press Reader App to read newspapers and the daily program Reflections, the movies on demand swank player app to watch movies on your iPad, and the iMovie by Apple app to make iMovies should you sign up for the class while still at home. This link takes you to the Crystal Cruises App center where you can download the apps you require.

 

http://www.crystalcruises.com/app-center

 

You will also be able to watch on-demand movies and lectures on the interactive televisions located in all guest staterooms/suites.

 

-There is a calendar on PCPC that you can print which shows all of your reservations which I recommend printing.

 

-About six months before the cruise begins, under your voyage, the Crystal Web Site will list all of the shore excursions and provide the opportunity for you to sign up for these excursions. This information will also be shown on PCPC along with the pricing.  You can make reservations even before making your final payment.

 

Most shore excursions can be canceled with no penalty. On the night that you embark the ship, your shore excursion tickets will be delivered to your stateroom, and each ticket will note the last day in which the tickets can be canceled to avoid penalties. Ordering the tickets ahead of time, saves you time early in the cruise and also helps to ensure that you get the excursions that you want as some of the more popular excursions with limited availability can be sold out prior to the commencement of the cruise.

 

For those shore excursions which require cancellation before boarding these will be noted on PCPC at the time the reservation is made.  Be sure you carefully read the terms.

 

-Be sure that your passport will not expire less than six months after your cruise ends. If it does expire be sure to get a new passport. Also, check to see if you have sufficient available visa pages in the back.

 

Notify all of your credit card and ATM card banks of the dates of your vacation and your itinerary so they do not think transactions from your vacation are fraud related. Make a list of your card numbers and phone numbers in case you need to reach the card company should your cards become lost or should your card not be returned from an ATM machine.

 

Attire

====

 

Often, there are questions about the evening attire. The following information about attire comes directly from the Crystal Cruises Web Site. 

 

The web site also notes the appropriate daytime attire for Waterside.

 

In general daytime attire is very casual.  Shorts and other casual clothing is permitted in all of the dining venues during the daytime. 

 

EVENING ATTIRE

 

Crystal Casual

 

For women, Crystal Casual includes a dress, or a blouse or sweater and skirt or dressy slacks. Men’s Crystal Casual attire includes a sports jacket (optional), dress shirt, buttoned down shirt, open collar or collared polo shirt and dress plants. (No tie required.)   Jeans are allowed but should not have holes.

 

Please note one evening each cruise the theme is Crystal White Extravaganza.  Later in the evening there is a mixer in the Crystal Plaza with dancing and music.  Guests are encouraged to wear white that evening.  This can range from wearing all white to a white pants or capris to a white top. 

 

Black Tie Optional

 

For men, this includes a dark suit with tie or tuxedo. For women, this includes a formal cocktail dress, evening gown, or dressy evening separates. On Black Tie Optional evenings, Crystal requests at least a Jacket to be worn by men and dress, skirts or dressy slacks and blouse or sweater be worn by women.

 

My experience is that the number of people in traditional formal attire such as Tuxedos and Gowns will vary. Sometimes on longer cruises you will see a greater percentage of people in formal attire then on shorter cruises.  On voyages with only one Black Tie Optional evening you will see far fewer people dressed in formal attire.   With that said, with each passing year less people wear formal attire. 

 

NOTE: Jeans may NOT be worn in any dining venues or lounges, including the Casino on Black Tie Optional evenings.

 

Guests can expect the following Black Tie Optional Nights:

 

7 days or less cruises no black tie optional nights with all Crystal Casual evenings;

 

8 to 10 day cruises: Up to1 Black Tie Optional evening;

 

11 to 13 day cruises: 2Black Tie Optional evenings;

 

World Cruise, Holiday Cruises and Crossings may be scheduled differently.

 

Your booking on PCPC will confirm the number of Black Tie Optional Evenings for your specific cruise as will your final cruise documents.

 

On Board Shopping

===============

 

Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony have some on board shops.  This includes Fine Jewelry, Cosmetics, Clothing (Mainly Women with some clothing for Men). Sundries and some logo Crystal items for purchase.  In your room there will be a list of sundries and their prices.

 

Visitors

=====

 

Crystal is one of the few cruise lines, which permits having visitors on board the ship. As mentioned earlier there is a link on PCPC which will take you to another vendor site where you can fill out this request and submit it on-line.  Please be sure to fill out the form in its entirety. Visitors are permitted on embarkation day and other days with the exception of the day you disembark the ship. The form notes the costs to have visitors on board including meals.  All of the costs will be charged to your shipboard account.

 

Always wise to get it approved sooner rather than later as the number of visitors who can board is capacity controlled. You must make your final payment to be able to submit the visitor form. 

 

 

Final Documents, and other Preparations

===============================

 

 

-Your final documents should arrive approximately 30 to 40 days prior to the start of your cruise. It includes the cruise passenger ticket, your luggage tags, and other important information to read through including a book titled before you cruise. Be sure to read that book from cover to cover as it includes a lot of useful information which will address many questions that first time cruisers to Crystal undoubtedly have. NOTE: Your final documents will not be sent out unless you have filled out the information on the on line PCPC system.

 

-If booked through a travel agent your final documents will be sent to them directly and they will need to send them to you.

 

-You may want to type up a list of any special requests for your stewardess, (butler and stewardess in Penthouses) which you can hand to her the day you first meet her. This could be the type of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages you prefer be stocked in your refrigerator, or the type of fruit that you like in your fruit bowl or any other special requests that you have. If you are staying in a PH or above category your butler will take care of your refrigerator so you could make a similar list for your butler.

 

-Think through what items you will take with you on the cruise and think through what you will wear the first day of embarkation and take into account what you will wear to dinner the first evening should your luggage arrive later than expected.

 

- You will receive luggage tags, which you will want to fill out. Attach to your luggage right before you go to the pier.

 

Getting Ready For The Cruise

======================

 

In addition to the evening attire, think through carefully what you will want to wear on the ship on sea days and what you want to wear while in port. Consider the weather that is expected based on the time of year and the itinerary you are sailing. 

 

If you are on an extended cruise we bring wire hangers with us, which take up less room in the closet and allow for more clothes to be hung.  The stewardess can also provide them for your use.

 

Complimentary laundry facilities are available on most passenger decks. They include washer, dryers and an iron and ironing board. Complimentary laundry detergent and fabric softeners are provided.

 

Pressing and Dry Cleaning Services are also available on the ship for a charge. Complimentary pressing is available for those passengers booked in any of the three penthouse (PH, PS, or CP) categories and complementary dry cleaning and laundry services are also available at no charge for those in the CP Category.

 

Internet is complimentary and two devices per guest may be used simultaneously.  For two people that equates to a total of four devices, but two per user simultaneously. 

 

We also bring some magnets with us and they can be hung on some of the walls in the cabin.  We use them to hang up reminders and various invitations and the cruise ship summary and pictures of the family.

 

Be sure to bring your cruise ticket with you which comes with your final documents.   Check-in is done on board the ship.

 

We bring extra passport photos with us and we also bring a copy of each of our passports. We do this just in case we lost our passport either before the start of the cruise or after the cruise before we fly home. This will facilitate getting a new passport.

 

There are various apps you can put on devices such as iPads and selected smart phones. This link will take you to the list of apps.

 

http://www.crystalcruises.com/app-center

 

Preparing For Your Port Visit

=====================

 

Embarkation Day

=============

 

While at home I make good use of the shore excursion information provided by Crystal Cruises as part of the port research.  I also utilize other sites such as Wiki, Trip Advisor and Google for port research.

 

Once on board the ship I speak with members of the shore excursion team should I have additional questions about Crystal Sponsored Tours and also to learn more about the port.  The concierge desk can be helpful and I may ask other cruise members about their experiences.

 

I go to the destination lectures to learn more about what to do in port and about its history.  I also watch the broadcasts by members of the on-board Shore Excursion team providing more information about tours, shuttles and the port.

 

-On most embarkation days, boarding of the ship commences at around 12:00 Noon. However, there are some exceptions to this. Usually they are duly noted in your cruise documents.

 

-Your final documents include a document that will be scanned when you arrive to the ship for embarkation. The embarkation process is now handled on the ship including the photo of you being taken for your shipboard card.

 

-If you embark at or close to noon, your stateroom will likely not be ready until approximately 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. An announcement will be made when all rooms are ready.

 

-Before you board the ship the ships photographers will be taking photos. This is optional and for those who do not want a photo taken they can just pass on this.

 

-After you embark, stop by the front desk to get a copy of the Reflections daily program. This program is a keeper and I encourage you to read it thoroughly. While there will be one in your room, often we read the one we pick up at the desk during lunch.

 

The embarkation Reflections program not only provides lots of information about the first day’s activities, but some additional information regarding the overall cruise.  Read it cover to cover.  You will learn a great deal about the cruise. 

 

There will be a one-page summary that will list each day, whether it is a sea day or a port day, what the attire is for dinner each evening, and the type of entertainment for each evening. We keep this page handy throughout the cruise.

 

-Go enjoy lunch. A nice place for lunch is Waterside where a nice sit-down lunch is available along with complimentary flutes of champagne. While you are waiting for lunch, this might be a good time to read through reflections. You can enter and still be seated in Waterside up until 1:30 PM. More casual luncheon-dining venues open include Waterside, The Trident Grill, Silk and The Bistro.  Opening times will vary and will be listed on Reflections.  Waterside may be open as early as 11:45 AM.  More recently Marketplace offering a wide range of items at food stations served buffet style and Silk offering sit down dining are also also open on Embarkation Day.

 

-If you want to make additional reservations at the Specialty Restaurants the Specialty Restaurant MaîtreD’s will have hours available in the afternoon when you can meet him.  The hours and the location will be posted in Reflections.  The office hours usually commence at 1:30 PM.

 

-If you have brought your own computer with you this is also a good day to stop by the Computer University where they will configure your computer for use in your stateroom. While you can do this on your own for those needing help I recommend you stop by the Computer University if this is your first time on-board.   If you would like to sign up for computer classes, stop by the Computer University to do so and to pick up a copy of the computer class schedule. 

 

-If you have spa and other beauty salon appointments that you need to make, be sure to visit the spa. Also, pick up a schedule of all of the fitness classes that will be offered during the voyage at the Fitness Center.

 

-While you are waiting for your cabin this is a good day to get learn about the layout of the public a reason the ship. Take a walk to see what is on each deck.

 

-When your room is ready, go by your room. Some or all of your luggage may already be in the room and those pieces that are not yet there will be delivered throughout the afternoon. Your room should be ready sometime between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM as mentioned above.

 

-Your stewardess will come by to see you sometime that afternoon. This is a good time to ask her any questions you have. If you like particular types of non-alcoholic beverages let her know. You can order up to two bottles of wines/spirit for your room. A list of what can be ordered is in the back of a Crystal Stateroom Book that can be found in your room. The same goes for the fruit bowl that she will fill each day. And, if there is any other requests you have you can let her know. If you have a list that you prepared mentioned earlier then this is a good time to give it to her. 

 

-If you are staying in a PH or above category in addition to the stewardess who is also assisted by a stewardess in training you will also have a butler. The butler will stock your refrigerator with non-alcoholic drinks, will also provide selected complimentary wine, spirit sand beer should you want any. 

 

-This is a good time to unpack and later in the day you will attend the lifeboat drill. The time of the drill will be noted in the Reflections Program and an announcement will be made about the drill well before the start time. On your door there will be a sign noting where your muster station is. If in doubt, any of the assigned personnel in the hallways and near the stairways will be able to direct you to the appropriate muster station.

 

-Stop by the library to checkout books.

 

On Board Credits (OBC)

 

All on board credits have to be used as any unused credits cannot be taken as a credit to your credit card when the cruise ends. If you are on for more than one consecutive cruise the credit from the first cruise will continue to rollover to subsequent cruises until you disembark the ship at the final port of call.

 

There are a variety of ways to use your on board credit. This list reflects examples of many ways you can use your on board credit. I may have omitted some examples but this list should give you some good ideas as to how you can use your credits.

 

Shore Excursions including Private Crystal Excursions

Private Transfers Post Cruise Booked On Board or Shared Transfers booked via PCPC or on board.

Post Card Stamps

Connoisseur Wine &Beer List

Crystal Spa & Salon

Personal Training 

Other Paid Services in the Fitness Center

Vintage Room

Tips

Crew Welfare Fund

Cigars

Private Parties

Flowers

Specialty Restaurant Reservations that exceed the allotment based on the length of the cruise and the number of cruises you completed.

Special Umi Uma Connoisseur Menu

Caviar

Dry Cleaning, Pressing and Washing of Garments

Medical Expenses

On Board Stores including Sundries

Private Dance Lessons

On Board Visas if there is a requirement for them and the ship arranges them

Long Distance Telephone Calls

Photos

Photo items sold on board

Photo Book

 

If you are expecting on-board credit, sometime after boarding the ship I recommend stopping by the reception desk to have a copy of your shipboard account printed out.  This way you can verify that the amount of on board credit matches up to what you expected and if it does not this will allow to have sufficient time to have any discrepancies reconciled.

 

Meet & Mingle Party

================

 

If you signed up for the party you will receive an invitation to your room one or two days before the party.  If you want to know the date/time/location sooner than that stop by the reception desk on deck 5 to inquire about it.

 

The Cruise

========

 

-Each time the ship leaves port, if you go outside on your own verandah, or on any of the outside decks you will hear what has become a tradition for Crystal Cruises and it’s guest and crew which is a recording of Louis Armstrong singing "What a Wonderful World"

 

- Gratuities are included with your cruise fare. However, should you wish to you can give gratuities to those from the cruise who you will to thank for the excellent service they have provided. You can either do this by giving them cash of if you would like you can obtain a form at the reception desk so that you can charge the tips to your shipboard account.

 

-Wine. Complimentary wine is available throughout the day/evening. For those who might want to have something other than the complimentary wine you can order it at the time you dine or you can pre-order it. If you would like you can pre-order wine earlier in the day at the Bistro which is staffed with several of the sommeliers. That way if you are ordering a red wine it can be opened up ahead of time. If you have a bottle of wine in your room that you would like to send to any of the restaurants just let your stewardess know or in the penthouse categories let your butler know.  There is no charge for having wine opened in any of the dining venues.

 

Each night the dining venues will offer a few different wines.  They will rotate in Waterside each evening. 

 

-Spirits. The complimentary list includes a wide range of spirits and also includes other items such as liquors for after dinner drinks or to enjoy other times of the day.

 

-Beer. For those who enjoy beer there are some offerings of beer on each voyage.

 

- Most importantly, start enjoying your cruise knowing that the superb personnel on board the Crystal Ship will take care of your every need. Enjoy the ambience of the ship and the five-star+ services that await you from the outstanding cuisine to the outstanding service. 

 

-Enjoy each and every minute of the cruise knowing that you are in the professional hands of the superb Crystal Staff.  For those who like to keep busy there is so much to do and earn. For those who just want to sit back, read a book, enjoy the sea, there are many special places around the ship in which to relax.

 

-In the unlikely event there is a concern with some item, be sure that it is addressed. If you are not sure who to speak with, just ask the reception desk for assistance. 

 

- At the end of the cruise you will be a member of the Crystal Society.  As a Crystal Society member you receive discounts on future cruises and you can achieve additional benefits based on the number of cruises taken. Also, this is the time to consider booking a future cruise, as you will receive an on board-booking discount. The discount is on top of the Crystal Society discount and is the same percentage. So if the Crystal Society discount was 4 percent then you would receive an additional 4% for the on board booking discount for a total savings of 8%.

 

-Assuming you enjoy your experience with Crystal Cruises, you can book another Crystal Cruise with the on-board booking consultant while still on the cruise and this will provide you with an on board booking discount. If you are unsure what cruise to book you can do an open booking which you can then apply to a specific cruise within the published time frame while back on land.

 

-Once you are home, you will have the opportunity to complete an on-line questionnaire. Take the time to fill it out. This used to be a hard copy questionnaire that you had to fill out on the ship. Now you can complete it at home within the established timeframe, which allows Crystal Cruises to capture information on your disembarkation process and also allows you to take time to reflect on the cruise. There is lots of room for comments and also to recognize members of the crew for a job well done. The comments are read by many people including personnel in Los Angeles and on the ship and the results of the questionnaire are taken very seriously. 

 

Before you leave the ship you will receive a letter in your cabin discussing the on-line questionnaire and noting the e-mail address they have on file for each passenger where the information will be sent.

 

Disembarkation:

 

About two days prior to the end of the cruise all disembarking guests receive a hard folder that says Your Travel Documents.

 

Inside the folder:

 

Luggage tags with a number and color.

 

Disembarkation instructions similar in design as the daily Reflections program. Information in the write-up includes:

 

Placing the luggage tags on the luggage and the time to have the luggage outside your room, and customs formalities if applicable along with noting there is a disembarkation briefing.

 

The write-up also provides arrival information, and notes for your color code and number where you will meet as a group and at what time. 

 

It also notes that Crystal endorses a "no disembarkation announcement policy."

 

It includes other information such as times by dining venue for the "last" breakfast. 

 

For any guest who has arranged a private Crystal Cruises transfer the document folder includes a letter from the concierge noting what time to meet them in the Crystal Cove area, typically 15 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time of the private vehicle.

 

The advantage of going to the assigned public room is that is where they will provide updates on disembarkation and as a group is ready for disembarkation they will announce that in the room. Sometimes disembarkation runs ahead, behind or on schedule and this is where you get the most up-to-date information.

 

Some guests wait in their rooms and then go directly to the gangway deck when it is time to disembark. Downside is they won't know the current status and it prevents the stewardess from starting to get the room ready for the next cruise and if disembarkation is running behind schedule it can cause unnecessary congestion in the public area.

 

My wife and I feel so very fortunate to be able to cruise on a cruise line as special to us as Crystal. Through our many cruises with Crystal we have had the opportunity to learn so very much about the world we live in. In our humble opinion there is no better way to see so many places in a relatively short time as on a cruise. And, for us, each and every time we board the Crystal Serenity or the Crystal Symphony, and familiar faces, crew and passengers greet us alike, we know we are back home. 

 

Finally, as soon as you board the ship, just start enjoying the cruise and I hope each of you will make memories that will last a lifetime.

 

YACHT

 

In late 2015 Crystal Cruises launched their first Yacht known as Crystal Esprit. 

 

This link will take you to the Crystal Cruises Web Site providing some very useful summary information about the Esprit Yacht.

 

http://www.crystalcruises.com/yacht/yacht-guidebook

 

In 2020 Crystal Cruises is launching the new expedition ship, Endeavor and the following link will take you to the Crystal Cruses website with information on Endeavor.

 

https://crystalexpeditioncruises.com

 

RIVER CRUISING

 

Crystal Cruises began river cruising in 2016 with the deployment of Crystal Mozart. Since that time they have added several new River Cruise Vessels to the fleet.

 

For information about River Cruises:

 

http://www.crystalcruises.com/river/river-guidebook

 

I hope that each of you has found this document to be of help.

 

Bon Voyage!

 

Keith

 

 

 

 

 

[SusieQft]

Thank you, Keith, for such a comprehensive guide for Crystal newbies.  I know I found it very helpful when I was getting ready for my first Crystal cruise.

 

I just have a couple of updates for you to consider.  Early under "Pre-Cruise Items" you mention selecting early or late dining or dining by reservation.  As you know, Waterside now has open dining and that no longer applies.

 

Unfortunately, Cruise Critic has put online registration for Meet and Mingle Parties on "PAUSE" for Crystal and several other lines.  They are still booking them for a few lines, so hopefully that will soon re-open for people to sign up for and attend the Meet and Mingles on Crystal also.

[Keith1010]

5 hours ago, SusieQft said:

Thank you, Keith, for such a comprehensive guide for Crystal newbies.  I know I found it very helpful when I was getting ready for my first Crystal cruise.

 

I just have a couple of updates for you to consider.  Early under "Pre-Cruise Items" you mention selecting early or late dining or dining by reservation.  As you know, Waterside now has open dining and that no longer applies.

 

Unfortunately, Cruise Critic has put online registration for Meet and Mingle Parties on "PAUSE" for Crystal and several other lines.  They are still booking them for a few lines, so hopefully that will soon re-open for people to sign up for and attend the Meet and Mingles on Crystal also.

Thank you for your suggestions.  I've removed the  early and late dining from the area  I still had it included. 

 

Let's see where we are when we do the updates again.  Yes, the temporary hold on CC parties were one of the items I had in mind when I said a few items would not take place due to COVID-19.  Maybe by the time I do the next update we'll be a bit more back to normal.  Thank you again.

 

Keith

[Keith1010]

This is in my latest update but wanted to highlight for the latest for the Crystal Cruises COVID-19 protocols be sure to visit the Crystal Cruises website.

 

https://www.crystalcruises.com/crystal-clean

 

Keith

[Sthrngary]

This is my second post on this thread. If I am too wordy or asking to many questions, please tell me.  You will see I am absorbing all the information you are providing, and it may help other in my situation that want to ask the same questions, but don’t.  

 

Overview: July 31, 2021 it will be my wife and my first cruise on Crystal Cruises.  Prior, we cruised upgraded Mainstream Cruises in areas like the NCL Haven, Celebrity Retreat and MSC Yacht Club.  We have never cruised in the Luxury Cruise Segment. This will also be the first time out of 24 cruise we have gone on a smaller ship.  The ships we normally have gone with had 4000 or more guests.  Finally, we are cruising with Crystal to the Bahamas as a “Luxury Cruise Test Drive”.  Our goal is to confirm that our bucket list 10-day Mediterranean 45^th anniversary cruise will be in the Luxury vs. Mainstream segment. Our Crystal accommodations for this cruise is a (P2) Deluxe Stateroom with Balcony “Guarantee”. Since this is a "luxury cruise test drive", we choose not to invest in a Penthouse or higher stateroom to conserve funds.  As a matter of transparency, at the conclusion of this cruise, I will be doing a detailed review comparing this cruise experience to other mainstream cruise experience.  I do this because, like this great post by Keith1010, it might help others with the same past cruising experience as I have.

 

Now for some questions some of which I have asked but need clarification. In answering, please keep in mind we are in a Deluxe Stateroom with Balcony:

• Cabin Mini-Fridge:  May I assume, based on my cabin type, the mini-fridge items are complementary?  However, when looking online at the “Exclusive Amenities”, no water or soda is listed in the stateroom.  Can someone clarify?
• Wine Bottles in The Stateroom:  The Exclusive Amenities show, “Wine, Beer and Sprits”.  This question is for my wife.  Will the Room Steward bring a bottle of wine ( we understand it is selected house wine) or is it a glass?  This is for night relaxing on the Veranda?
• Robes and Hairdryers in the Stateroom:  It seems that most of my questions are based on what I am reading on the “Exclusive Amenities” section under each stateroom category.  Does this category of stateroom have both Robes and a handheld semi powerful hair dryer?
• Swimming with the Pigs:  I usually only book "beach cabana" as my excursions, however my lovely bride asked to "swim with the pigs", and I was not enough of a PIG for her.  Any thoughts on this excursion?
• Normal/Main Dining Rooms:  My assumption is that the “Normal/Main Dining Rooms” are the same or better quality to a “Specialty Restaurants” on mainstream cruise brands.  Am I correct with that assumption?
• Specialty Restaurants:  Since my cabin classification allows one (1) each reservation at a specialty restaurant (total for a seven-day cruise of three).  What nights or strategy is usually are best to book these reservations? I am aware you need to be paid in full to reserve. Also, what is your favorite of the three (3) choices and why?
• Massage in the Spa:  I have been extremely disappointed in Massages at sea on Mainstream cruses.  I looked at the prices for a massage on my voyage and they were extremely expensive.  Can you give me some feedback?
• Boarding:  All of my research shows you register on-board rather than in a port terminal.  Therefore, it is so important to do your “Pre-Check-In” information online.  Since my trips is round trip from the Bahamas, is this correct? 

 

I am and have been for a very long time creating a "Journey Document” of this experience.  I did this in my business for decades and now in retirement, I do it for pleasure on luxury products and experiences.  I will be happy to share this document with this group after my voyage.  The document is a rough draft now with the last section incomplete or inaccurate because it is the actual review.  If you want to see it, I will attach it upon request. Thanks to everyone who has helped me on this life Journey.

[Keith1010]

20 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

This is my second post on this thread. If I am too wordy or asking to many questions, please tell me.  You will see I am absorbing all the information you are providing, and it may help other in my situation that want to ask the same questions, but don’t.  

 

Overview: July 31, 2021 it will be my wife and my first cruise on Crystal Cruises.  Prior, we cruised upgraded Mainstream Cruises in areas like the NCL Haven, Celebrity Retreat and MSC Yacht Club.  We have never cruised in the Luxury Cruise Segment. This will also be the first time out of 24 cruise we have gone on a smaller ship.  The ships we normally have gone with had 4000 or more guests.  Finally, we are cruising with Crystal to the Bahamas as a “Luxury Cruise Test Drive”.  Our goal is to confirm that our bucket list 10-day Mediterranean 45^th anniversary cruise will be in the Luxury vs. Mainstream segment. Our Crystal accommodations for this cruise is a (P2) Deluxe Stateroom with Balcony “Guarantee”. Since this is a "luxury cruise test drive", we choose not to invest in a Penthouse or higher stateroom to conserve funds.  As a matter of transparency, at the conclusion of this cruise, I will be doing a detailed review comparing this cruise experience to other mainstream cruise experience.  I do this because, like this great post by Keith1010, it might help others with the same past cruising experience as I have.

 

Now for some questions some of which I have asked but need clarification. In answering, please keep in mind we are in a Deluxe Stateroom with Balcony:

• Cabin Mini-Fridge:  May I assume, based on my cabin type, the mini-fridge items are complementary?  However, when looking online at the “Exclusive Amenities”, no water or soda is listed in the stateroom.  Can someone clarify?
• Wine Bottles in The Stateroom:  The Exclusive Amenities show, “Wine, Beer and Sprits”.  This question is for my wife.  Will the Room Steward bring a bottle of wine ( we understand it is selected house wine) or is it a glass?  This is for night relaxing on the Veranda?
• Robes and Hairdryers in the Stateroom:  It seems that most of my questions are based on what I am reading on the “Exclusive Amenities” section under each stateroom category.  Does this category of stateroom have both Robes and a handheld semi powerful hair dryer?
• Swimming with the Pigs:  I usually only book "beach cabana" as my excursions, however my lovely bride asked to "swim with the pigs", and I was not enough of a PIG for her.  Any thoughts on this excursion?
• Normal/Main Dining Rooms:  My assumption is that the “Normal/Main Dining Rooms” are the same or better quality to a “Specialty Restaurants” on mainstream cruise brands.  Am I correct with that assumption?
• Specialty Restaurants:  Since my cabin classification allows one (1) each reservation at a specialty restaurant (total for a seven-day cruise of three).  What nights or strategy is usually are best to book these reservations? I am aware you need to be paid in full to reserve. Also, what is your favorite of the three (3) choices and why?
• Massage in the Spa:  I have been extremely disappointed in Massages at sea on Mainstream cruses.  I looked at the prices for a massage on my voyage and they were extremely expensive.  Can you give me some feedback?
• Boarding:  All of my research shows you register on-board rather than in a port terminal.  Therefore, it is so important to do your “Pre-Check-In” information online.  Since my trips is round trip from the Bahamas, is this correct? 

 

I am and have been for a very long time creating a "Journey Document” of this experience.  I did this in my business for decades and now in retirement, I do it for pleasure on luxury products and experiences.  I will be happy to share this document with this group after my voyage.  The document is a rough draft now with the last section incomplete or inaccurate because it is the actual review.  If you want to see it, I will attach it upon request. Thanks to everyone who has helped me on this life Journey.

1. Sodas and Water are included.

 

2. Bottle of wine is fine as is a bottle of spirits.  You can have two at a time delivered and after one or both finished get replacement same or different.

 

3.  Yes everyone gets robes and hair hand held hair dryer.

 

4.  You should ask about the Pigs excursion on the thread that has been established on excursions, on a new thread you start or on the roll call for your cruise.  I have seen discussion on this specific excursion on a regular thread.

 

5.  Food is subjective.  My own experience is Waterside dining is much better than comparable dining on mainsream lines.  Sometimes I have had a better meal at a specialty restaurant on a main stream line but have paid a lot (and I mean a lot) more.  I think you will be very happy with the dining at Waterside but it will be for you to decide for yourself.

 

6.  My experience is no cruise is the same and on seven day cruises the can be busy. Sometimes the first night is less busy but you just don't know.  While there is not a black tie night it is usually the second night but because people board in Bimini on day 2 it could be on day 3 that they have things like Lobster at Waterside so if you like things like Lobster you might want to book on another night.  I would just see what you have planned each day and decide.  Book as soon as you have made final payment.  Since this is your first Crystal Cruise I would just try all of the restaurants.

 

7.  Overall the prices are higher than at home and a gratuity is automatically added in.  If you have been disappointed at sea don't do it.  The same company that runs the spa on other lines (there are mainly two major companies) runs the Crystal one.

 

8.  You want to fill out everything on the PCPC system that you mention to facilitate boarding. With that said with the COVID protocols things may be different.  We already know they will give you a COVID test so boarding might take longer than normal.  Just bring your patience with you.

 

The document sounds great and when you finish it start a new thread and share it.  I look forward to reading it.

 

Keith

 

[Sthrngary]

11 hours ago, Keith1010 said:

1. Sodas and Water are included.

 

2. Bottle of wine is fine as is a bottle of spirits.  You can have two at a time delivered and after one or both finished get replacement same or different.

 

3.  Yes everyone gets robes and hair hand held hair dryer.

 

4.  You should ask about the Pigs excursion on the thread that has been established on excursions, on a new thread you start or on the roll call for your cruise.  I have seen discussion on this specific excursion on a regular thread.

 

5.  Food is subjective.  My own experience is Waterside dining is much better than comparable dining on mainsream lines.  Sometimes I have had a better meal at a specialty restaurant on a main stream line but have paid a lot (and I mean a lot) more.  I think you will be very happy with the dining at Waterside but it will be for you to decide for yourself.

 

6.  My experience is no cruise is the same and on seven day cruises the can be busy. Sometimes the first night is less busy but you just don't know.  While there is not a black tie night it is usually the second night but because people board in Bimini on day 2 it could be on day 3 that they have things like Lobster at Waterside so if you like things like Lobster you might want to book on another night.  I would just see what you have planned each day and decide.  Book as soon as you have made final payment.  Since this is your first Crystal Cruise I would just try all of the restaurants.

 

7.  Overall the prices are higher than at home and a gratuity is automatically added in.  If you have been disappointed at sea don't do it.  The same company that runs the spa on other lines (there are mainly two major companies) runs the Crystal one.

 

8.  You want to fill out everything on the PCPC system that you mention to facilitate boarding. With that said with the COVID protocols things may be different.  We already know they will give you a COVID test so boarding might take longer than normal.  Just bring your patience with you.

 

The document sounds great and when you finish it start a new thread and share it.  I look forward to reading it.

 

Keith

 

Thank you Keith.  I appreciate it.

 

Gary

[Jdfireman]

Keith and Gary thank you for asking and answering all the questions I had saved me a ton of typing 

 

Justin