Louis Cruises Cristal

[tully07]

Yes, you will need a converter and an adapter for use on the Cristal (or any of the other ships in the Louis Cruise Lines fleet).

[ILoveScotland]

Yes, you will need a converter and an adapter for use on the Cristal (or any of the other ships in the Louis Cruise Lines fleet).

 

Thanks. I was pretty sure that was the answer.

[fuzzysimba2]

HI

 

 

My husband and I are going in May for our honeymoon and I have a couple of questions.

 

How much are the Visas to get into Turkey?

 

How much are the Safes in the rooms?

 

We Have a Superior Outside Room.

 

Very important Can we change the automatic tipping? 8 euros (about $13 dollars)seems high for a small cruise. There are other sites that say $6 to $10 a day per person. Even Cunard home to the QE II is only $11.00 a day per person.

 

I have been going back and forth on this for many weeks whether or not to leave it alone.

 

Also How much are the drinks onbroad wine, beer soft drinks?

 

Thanks ever so Much

 

Dawn

[ILoveScotland]

On thread having to do with another ship and cruiseline the CCer posted a gazillion pictures of the ship and even took requests throughout his cruise.

 

So....since I'll be on the Cristal in early April, does anyone have requests for areas of the ship you would like me to photograph? I'll be leaving the US a week from Friday so need to know before then. I'll do my best to fulfill all requests if I can.

 

Beth

[Zippee]

Tully, my only concern of this 7day cruise is that it seems it does not spend all that much time on each island, only a few hours or so. Did you find this enough time to take in each island or did you feel rushed each time? and was there plenty to do aboard ship while it sailed between ports? How was the pool and sundeck area, etc

 

thanks!

[tully07]

Zippee

 

You're right, you don't spend much time on each island -- just long enough to get a taste of the island and to decide if you would like to return and spend more time. If you take tours on each island, you won't have a lot of free time. That being said, I found that I had more than enough time on Patmos and Rhodes. I did a tour on Patmos and had a hour or so in the village. On Rhodes, I did the tour to Lindos and a walking tour of the old town. There was ample time to walk around the town on our own.

 

The day we were at Mykonos, it was incredibly windy so that made walking about very difficult (ships had trouble getting into the harbour that day) and it was a very rough crossing from there to Patmos. There were no tours offered on Mykonos -- and we did have lots of time to walk around in the afternoon and evening. That is one island I would like to revisit.

 

We did not have much time on Crete so we took a cab into the market and then walked back to the ship = we had about half a day to walk around. Some groups went to the Palace of Knossos so they had no free time to wander.

 

We had about 5 hours on Santorini -- I took the tour to Thira and Oia village. We had time to wander around both Oia and Thira. This is another island I would like to revisit --

[C&TinFL]

I just got off the Cristal a few days ago. When reboarding, they scanned only your card and took no interest at all in what you had inside your bags.

[ILoveScotland]

I just got off the Cristal a few days ago. When reboarding, they scanned only your card and took no interest at all in what you had inside your bags.

 

I was on this same cruise, and I was very surprised that our packages were not scanned when we reboarded.

 

I'm working on a review of the ship which I'll post soon along with pictures I took around the ship.

[Livestotravel]

Looking forward to your reviews. We are going the end of October, so some things won't be relevant, but would love to hear about the time you spent in each place especially what you did in Istanbul. Did the ship offer excursions in Istanbul? Was the Grand Bazaar closed (was it a Sunday?) Our literature says we are on our own for the day. Did you need any Turkish money in either Istanbul or Ephesus? Did you get into port early in Santorini as Tully did? Is it safe to wait until we are onboard to book excursions or did any sell out?

 

Is there anything you wish you had packed? Found you didn't need? Did your converters work okay? Was the hairdryer supplied sufficient? Do you recall what a glass of wine costs?

 

Thanks for any info!

[photographia]

I was on this same cruise, and I was very surprised that our packages were not scanned when we reboarded.

 

I'm surprised too! Did you go to Turkey at all? We did a three-day cruise with Louis last summer, and while they were very lax when we reboarded at all the Greek islands, there was tighter security when we got back on at Kusadasi. It was Turkish security, not Louis, that ran us (and our bags) through metal detectors and scanners, rather like boarding a plane. In fact, nobody was prepared for this and it caused us to leave the port late, since so many people ran back to the ship at the last minute and got held up at the checkpoint.

[ILoveScotland]

I'm surprised too! Did you go to Turkey at all? We did a three-day cruise with Louis last summer, and while they were very lax when we reboarded at all the Greek islands, there was tighter security when we got back on at Kusadasi. It was Turkish security, not Louis, that ran us (and our bags) through metal detectors and scanners, rather like boarding a plane. In fact, nobody was prepared for this and it caused us to leave the port late, since so many people ran back to the ship at the last minute and got held up at the checkpoint.

 

Yes, we made a couple of stops in Turkey. One day we were in port in Antalya. The next day we disembarked at Mersin (Icel, I think), rode a bus ending up in Antioch and then back to Iskenderun to embark. We did not have to go through metal detectors either place.

[ILoveScotland]

Here is a link to 33 pictures of the Cristal that I took: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/563143254KgmUtQ. I didn't title the ones that are obvious.

 

General Reflections

 

This was a land and sea chartered trip following in the steps of Paul. We left Athens on April 2nd, went to Rhodes, a couple of ports in Turkey, Haifa, Cyprus, Santorini and back to Athens April 12th. There were about 700 of us, and the ship was essentially at full capacity.

 

Louis Cruise Lines is not Royal Caribbean, HAL or Norwegian or any of the others most of us have cruised. To expect that it is would lead to disappointment.

 

The Cristal was built in 1982 by a "Finnish Company." I couldn't get a clearer answer from the one staff person I asked. That means it's smaller, has smaller cabins and older systems even though they've been upgraded.

 

I was in 6022, an outside cabin with a great view of a lifeboat! :D I was alone and had plenty of space. I don't know the exact square feet, but I would estimate somewhere in the 150-160 range.

 

The bathroom was very little. Again since I was alone I was fine. There was a small closet. There was a hair dryer as well.

 

I had taken a converter but couldn't make it work. The people at Reception recharged people's electric appliances for free.

 

I thought the Reception, Shop, Caruso and La Scala Dining Rooms were well appointed and actually very attractive. The Traviata Casual Dining (Buffet) was comfortable.

 

The weather was such that I never saw anyone in the pool. But many of us gathered around the pool for breakfast or at other times in the late afternoon or evening.

 

The bars and lounges were fine, but I really liked the Stars Lounge and Disco on Deck. We had long days on our excursions so I didn't go up for the disco at night, but I did go there on our one sea day to have a drink, read a book and enjoy the view forward.

 

In my opinion the food was quite good. While the variety was not as extensive as other lines I thought the food was tasty and well presented. Most of us at my table got glasses of house wine each night. I don't remember the cost (sorry), but a bottle of house wine was 19 Euros. There was not an extensive wine list, but we were all happy with the house white wine.

 

The casino was closed since the ship was chartered by a Christian organization. However, I got a look at it but no picture. It was small - 5 tables ans 12 slot machines of various kinds.

 

There were only 3 available computers and no wireless access. Maybe it was our group, but I never had to wait long to use a computer and found the connection perhaps a bit better than other cruise lines.

 

I had a massage (excellent) and a shampoo/set, both of which were overpriced as is usually true. In neither case was I given a sales pitch to buy certain products. And one day when I returned from a long excursion with very swollen ankles the Manager of the Salon massaged my feet and ankes and did not charge me!

 

With only a couple of exceptions I thought the service was very good. This included the dining room staff but especially Kostas my cabin steward whom I gave an appreciative extra tip at the end. The management staff seemed to be Greek, and many of the stewards and others were also Greek. Otherwise there seemed to be a mix of staff from Balkan Countries, the Philippines and India--perhaps other countries, too.

 

I liked the layout and decor of the Metropolitan Show Room. The company that chartered the ship brought entertainers. I didn't go to hear them perform. However, one night the ship provided a series of Greek dances which were fun. The women who danced were part of the professional dancers on the ship, but the three men were 1) a bartender, 2) a waiter and 3) Kostas my cabin steward.

 

One complaint I have is that Room Service food cost extra. I love Room Service breakfast, but after paying the 4 Euro for a basket of bread and some coffee on the first morning I opted to go to the buffet for the remainder of the trip.

 

Also, the toilet system needs work so we were asked to put all paper, including tissue paper, in the waste basket. Enough said.

 

I'm sure I've omitted something, so ask questions or make comments ifyou were on the Cristal when I was. These are one 67 year old woman's thoughts which might be different from others who are younger or who had a different cabin or service.

 

I will add that I actually liked the Cristal because she is smaller and shows her age making her less glitzy and for me cozily comfortable. I'd sail on her again just for the fun of it.

 

Beth

[Livestotravel]

Were your excursions all pre-booked by the tour you were with? I'm wondering if it is safe to wait until we are onboard to book ship's excursions. Can you go into some detail about your time in the various ports? Thanks.

[tully07]

ILoveScotland, thanks for posting your reflections on your recent trip on the Cristal. I agree with your comments -- I found the ship very comfortable and the crew friendly and helpful. I really enjoyed looking at your pictures -- they were a reminder of my trip last fall.

 

I had a different type cabin than you did -- probably larger since we had a sofa and much larger closet and desk area. We also had a shower with door (although your picture explains why some people have complained about the bathroom floor getting wet)! Strange that your converter wouldn't work -- I had no problem using mine.

 

Once again, thanks for your post --

[ILoveScotland]

Were your excursions all pre-booked by the tour you were with? I'm wondering if it is safe to wait until we are onboard to book ship's excursions. Can you go into some detail about your time in the various ports? Thanks.

 

Yes, our excursions were arranged by the tour company, and all 700 of us saw the same sights each day although not in the same order.

[Livestotravel]

ILoveScotland, thanks for posting your reflections on your recent trip on the Cristal. I agree with your comments -- I found the ship very comfortable and the crew friendly and helpful. I really enjoyed looking at your pictures -- they were a reminder of my trip last fall.

 

I had a different type cabin than you did -- probably larger since we had a sofa and much larger closet and desk area. We also had a shower with door (although your picture explains why some people have complained about the bathroom floor getting wet)! Strange that your converter wouldn't work -- I had no problem using mine.

 

Once again, thanks for your post --

 

We upgraded to a larger room (category SA/SB) and I hope that means a bigger closet and a door on the shower. With two women we'll need the closet space. Do suitcases fit under those beds?

 

Were you able to book the tours you took once you were on board? Unlike other cruise lines we've been on, there doesn't seem to be an option to purchase ahead of time on Cristal and it would be a shame if we couldn't get on the tours we wanted to do.

[ILoveScotland]

Since the entire ship was a chartered trip there were no tour options offered by the ship.

 

And, yes, I was able to get my luggage under the bed which helped a lot.

[tully07]

Hi Livestotravel

 

Our room was an SA so that should give you more space - and a shower with a door! We did not try to fit our suitcases under the bed as there isn't that much storage space for clothes, so we used our suitcases throughout the trip.

 

We were able to book the tours we wanted once we got on board. We were travelling with an organized tour group so we had our own tour director who looked after things for us but we were given the same list of tours as travellers going on their own. There did not seem to be a problem booking tours - this is a small ship and there seemed to be lots of space available on the tours.

 

Enjoy!

[Livestotravel]

Hi Livestotravel

 

Our room was an SA so that should give you more space - and a shower with a door! We did not try to fit our suitcases under the bed as there isn't that much storage space for clothes, so we used our suitcases throughout the trip.

 

We were able to book the tours we wanted once we got on board. We were travelling with an organized tour group so we had our own tour director who looked after things for us but we were given the same list of tours as travellers going on their own. There did not seem to be a problem booking tours - this is a small ship and there seemed to be lots of space available on the tours.

 

Enjoy!

 

That's what I wanted to be sure of - thanks.

[einstein2]

Thank you for all the information about the Cristal. I'm headed to Greece in two weeks and will be boarding her in three weeks.

 

The information about the toilet system is not good news, but I'm glad I had a warning.

[Livestotravel]

I look forward to your review of the ship and the tours.

[Zippee]

Ilovescotland and tully!i am going aboard the Cristal in about two weeks, on May 23. Thanks for all the info and pics, helped alot!!

 

I was wondering how formal the dinners were? Does everyone dress casual or will we need to dress up a little bit? i dont think there is any formal night as in suits and gowns, but please correct me if i am wrong. I am wondering what i should pack and try to plan my clothes for the dinners, is jeans kind fo casual or maybe some nice pants and nice shirt kind of deal?

 

Im also wondering what times they have their dinners, and do you just sign up once you are on the ship for the early or late seating?

 

thanks :)

[ILoveScotland]

Ilovescotland and tully!i am going aboard the Cristal in about two weeks, on May 23. Thanks for all the info and pics, helped alot!!

 

I was wondering how formal the dinners were? Does everyone dress casual or will we need to dress up a little bit? i dont think there is any formal night as in suits and gowns, but please correct me if i am wrong. I am wondering what i should pack and try to plan my clothes for the dinners, is jeans kind fo casual or maybe some nice pants and nice shirt kind of deal?

 

Im also wondering what times they have their dinners, and do you just sign up once you are on the ship for the early or late seating?

 

thanks :)

 

Since I was on a chartered cruise I suspect our dinners were more casual than on a regular cruise although I don't know. People were pretty informal although I don't recall seeing anyone in shorts. We had two "Elegant" dinners, and women wore nicer dresses or pants outfits but nothing formal, and some of the men wore suits, but others simply wore nice sports shirts (not knit) and pants. Again, that might have been because the ship was chartered.

 

Again, because of being on a chartered trip we ate early some nights and late some nights so that everyone got a chance to do both. We did stay at our own table and with the same table mates regardless of the time.

 

I'll be anxious to read your review when you return.

[einstein2]

I booked with Cosmos, and they sent us a booklet with hints for packing. It says we should bring smart casual outfits. There is also a Greek evening where everyone can wear blue & white. And, at least one formal night. I have brought a dress for that evening and plan on wearing capris and nice tops for the other evenings.

 

Zippee, I board the 16th, so you won't receive my post/review before you leave for your trip.

 

I'm headed to Greece tomorrow - I can't wait!

[ILoveScotland]

I booked with Cosmos, and they sent us a booklet with hints for packing. It says we should bring smart casual outfits. There is also a Greek evening where everyone can wear blue & white. And, at least one formal night. I have brought a dress for that evening and plan on wearing capris and nice tops for the other evenings.

 

Zippee, I board the 16th, so you won't receive my post/review before you leave for your trip.

 

I'm headed to Greece tomorrow - I can't wait!

 

I am soooo envious that you're going to Greece tomorrow as I can hardly wait to return.

 

We did have a Greek night with Greek entertainment. The three men who danced were all part of the ship's crew and not regular entertainers. One was a bartender, one a waiter and the third turned out to be my room steward!