Bye bye Vikki Van Tassel

[chrism23]

An article appeared yesterday-

 

https://crystalcruises.com/story/meet-the-crew:-introducing-vicki-van-tassel,-crystal's-new-cruise-director?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=CTA_image&utm_campaign=Vicki_15Apr24_PRUS

 

a long  interview,  with Vikki saying she has become Cruise Director for Crystal-I think not for one particular ship but for the whole fleet-all the ships Crystal has left of which I have no idea, the only one I can name is the Symphony.  For me, she was a great, the best Cruise Director in the SS fleet,  I have no idea what the story is with Crystal.  With Manfredi Lebebrvre now running Crystal it seems like some cherry picking has begun.  Has anyone been on Crystal since the sale.  What I had understood was that its ships are worn, its cabin's too small, and definitely not a 5* experience.  I haven't looked at their web site, ships where they are sailing.  Should I. I imagine Manfredi is spending some of the cash he got from the sale of SS to invest in Crystal.  Oh PS.  I haven't seen her in a couple of years, she is a blond now looking quite attractive .

 

 

[DavyWavey70]

1 hour ago, chrism23 said:

What I had understood was that its ships are worn, its cabin's too small, and definitely not a 5* experience

Not at all what I have been hearing. There’s a lot less dissent at Crystal than SS right now. 

[saminina]

Crystal has two ships.  I believe close to 83% of crew has returned since BK debacle.   Should be an indicator in this very competitive market for quality crew.  Ships are dated by years in service.

Inside, you would never know and have been much better maintained than SS ships.

 

Bottom cabins are not competitive to SS for comfort/space.  No casino.  You might enjoy passenger mix on SS versus Crystal.   So three out of how many categories?  We all have our own priorities.   Mine align with Crystal.

 

 

[vistaman]

5 minutes ago, DavyWavey70 said:

Not at all what I have been hearing. There’s a lot less dissent at Crystal than SS right now. 

I left SS Dawn 3 days ago and I decided not to go back 

[spinnaker2]

I think there are many crew and Silversea personnel who would go to Crystal right now. We are looking at Crystal. 

[Port Power]

2 hours ago, chrism23 said:

An article appeared yesterday-

 

https://crystalcruises.com/story/meet-the-crew:-introducing-vicki-van-tassel,-crystal's-new-cruise-director?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=CTA_image&utm_campaign=Vicki_15Apr24_PRUS

 

a long  interview,  with Vikki saying she has become Cruise Director for Crystal-I think not for one particular ship but for the whole fleet-all the ships Crystal has left of which I have no idea, the only one I can name is the Symphony.  For me, she was a great, the best Cruise Director in the SS fleet,  I have no idea what the story is with Crystal.  With Manfredi Lebebrvre now running Crystal it seems like some cherry picking has begun.  Has anyone been on Crystal since the sale.  What I had understood was that its ships are worn, its cabin's too small, and definitely not a 5* experience.  I haven't looked at their web site, ships where they are sailing.  Should I. I imagine Manfredi is spending some of the cash he got from the sale of SS to invest in Crystal.  Oh PS.  I haven't seen her in a couple of years, she is a blond now looking quite attractive .

 

 

I was on Crystal Serenity two weeks ago.  Gorgeous!  6 stars.  Some (relatively) smaller cabins, but many large ones.  Beautiful decor that screamed Manfredi!  Completely refurbished.  Some cabins have kept their traditional decor, but have still been refurbished.  LOTS of outdoor and entertainment spaces.  Fabulous food. Wonderful, attentive staff.  I was impressed.  Evidently most of the crew were returned staff.

Edited April 16 by Port Power

[Texas Tillie]

Vicki is one of the two Cruise Directors for the Symphony, There are also two for the Serenity. Over the course of the year it totals six months on, six months off.

 

Manfredi put a lot of (Royal Caribbean's) money into both ships and reduced the capacity by enlarging many suites. The food is head and shoulders above what is offered on Silversea. My experience is that there is no comparison between the Bistro on Crystal and the Arts Cafe on Silversea.

 

Although things have changed over the years, with many additions and some subtractions, Crystal in total is better than ever. Hoping Manfredi's money holds out so that it can stay that way.

[saminina]

Will add comment to those considering first time with Crystal.  Began sailing shortly after all inclusive went into effect.  So, a relative newbie but have sailed 28 segments.  Crew has been welcoming since the start and noticed them treating new passengers the same on most recent cruise.  

 

Edit:  About five Seabourn crew in food service plus a hotel manager we've been on friendly terms with on Serenity adds to the fun.

Edited April 16 by saminina

[jjs217]

The biggest difference is diversity of itineraries.  With only two ships, Crystal's itineraries are worn out and boring.  At least with SS you can get diversity and range.

[Texas Tillie]

33 minutes ago, jjs217 said:

The biggest difference is diversity of itineraries.  With only two ships, Crystal's itineraries are worn out and boring.  At least with SS you can get diversity and range.

 

Diversity and range with inferior food, service, enrichment, etc. Whatever floats your boat!

[turtlemichael]

For us, a very important aspect of our cruise is the fellow passengers. I can identify differences in the four lines we've sailed on - Celebrity, Regent, Seabourn and, of course, Silversea. Silversea has suited us very well in this respect. We have many long term friends in Australia and overseas who we maintain contact with and have visited with too.  What are the differences with Crystal?

Edited April 17 by turtlemichael
Grammar

[DavyWavey70]

18 minutes ago, turtlemichael said:

For us, a very important aspect of our cruise is the fellow passengers. I can identify differences in the four lines we've sailed on - Celebrity, Regent, Seabourn and, of course, Silversea. Silversea has suited us very well in this respect. We have many long term friends in Australia and overseas who we maintain contact with and have visited with too.  What are the differences with Crystal?

I Found the passengers on Crystal very similar to SS TM. Engaging, friendly, interesting, well travelled explorers of the world. I’m still in touch with several of them, as I have been with friends I’ve made on SS too. I Know some people ***** a snoot but I made some very good friends on my Celebrity jaunt too that I’ll be staying in touch with. Yes a different crowd but still met some lovely people. I Can’t wait for my next adventure on Azamara next January where I’m sure I’ll make new friends too. 

[lincslady]

I know it is being a bit impolite, but until I saw her photo I assumed Vikki van Tassel was a drag artiste.  

[MBP&O2/O]

23 minutes ago, lincslady said:

I know it is being a bit impolite, but until I saw her photo I assumed Vikki van Tassel was a drag artiste.  

Unless you watched the series Benidorm 😁😁

[lincslady]

2 hours ago, MBP&O2/O said:

Unless you watched the series Benidorm 😁😁

Not knowingly, and the drag race programme for possibly 5 minutes?  Not really my 'scene'.

[JandKsVistas]

Vikki Van Tassel was by far the best cruise director (Nova, last September) with whom we have ever had the pleasure of sailing. I say this comparing multiple trips on Silversea, Regent, Oceania, Celebrity. We wish her much success!

[jjs217]

On 4/16/2024 at 8:15 AM, Texas Tillie said:

 

Diversity and range with inferior food, service, enrichment, etc. Whatever floats your boat!

The itinerary floats my boat - thank you very much.  If you like going to the same old places over and over again I guess your boat gets floated too.  Bon voyage.