MsCrystalina

Thanks will do!   

Just about 3 weeks and I will be on Nova.  Newest ship ever sailed!

Are there computers on board? debating whether to take my tablet.

Are the special tables for solo passengers in the restaurants still offered at 6 or 6:30? That was always unacceptable to me.  

I have been on Crystal 16 times and made a deposit for a lengthy one end of 2024.  As a solo I am unhappy with their prices. The solo rooms on 7 have no balcony which I have been in several times in the past.  but they took out the tub and decreased the storage by at least 50 percent from my interpretation of the new pics.  Casino is gone, tours not inclusive, caviar seldom served in the past. No solo get-togethers. Now it looks like the trip for 2024 is not such great deal and looks like can do better with Silversea for a longer trip with a balcony suite and all their inclusives  so not sure when I will go back.   

The C board is full of cheerleaders in the big suites who were accurately described as "cults".

soon will be on my 2nd SS and looking forward to it!!

As for clothing - shorts were worn by most of us during the hot days, wide brim hats for all.  In Cairo when to the museums wore skirts or cotton/ linen dress. Definitely no place for heavy dark jeans.   Closed toe shoes preferred for comfort, safety.   Clean-up for cocktails and dinner. On Uniworld one night all of us were able to buy cheap costumes on board for "Egyptian Night" - loads of fun, music and dancing! 

At the Ritz-Carlton I dressed in my nice things- few Americans were there and lots of well-dressed Egyptians and guests.

Last year I did the Uniworld Egyptian cruise on the Sphinx. I have only traveled the rivers on Uniworld- so pleased with the rooms, service, etc see no reason to change- this was my 4th Uniworld and different as all was operated by the Egyptians.   

I travel alone and this trip did not waive the single supplement as Uniworld does on some European trips.  It was worth every cent!  There were only 33 of us and we were divided into 2 groups with a separate bus and Egyptologist each.  So, it was like a private tour!!!

From the pickup at the airport to the drop off- every day was beyond my expectations. I had spent 3 days in Egypt with a Crystal cruise in the past and just had to get back and see it in detail.

The service, food and large stateroom (pictured by someone in an earlier post) were equal or better than My ocean cruises on luxury brands.   

The Egyptologist was fascinating and being such a small group, we all were privileged!

President Sisi is doing a fantastic job keeping Egypt a safe destination for tourists.  security was highly visible.   

My recommendation would be if anyone wants to see the wonders of Egypt- do it soon.

While it is safe and while you are young enough and physically able to enjoy all the long days and many miles of walking among the treasures!!  

Yes, the hot tub will be used for my feet. I also will have only a shower. I am a shower person at home but like to take tub baths on cruises after long touring days when hurt all over- especially my legs and feet.  Also have more time to bathe on a trip.    

The Egyptian E-visa is legitimate and was efficient process.  

A few years ago, when I did a transatlantic RT on Queen Mary 2 , their terminal in Brooklyn - Red Hook area- was like an old bus station.  Bathrooms were "added ON' sitting on a raised platform in waiting area Certainly not what I expected with such a classy ship! The ship is too long to use the Manhattan piers.

It may have been replaced since then- hope so.    The old Crystal never had a shuttle from the pier and don't expect the new expensive one will!

for clarity- the Sphinx is a luxury river boat- board it in Luxor.

I am so glad I did a trip from Dubai to Athens on Symphony years ago!  There was an overnight in Luxor which was at a luxury hotel which was not expensive nor overpriced as I would not have paid it!

If really fascinated with Egypt and able to travel more , hold off and take a Uniworld River Tour on the Sphinx which includes 2 overnights in Luxor, the Four Seasons in Cairo and flights within the country. All while having a luxurious stateroom and all is inclusive.

The double on 7 is the same room as the solo on 7.

I loved the old Crystal but it was not perfect.   Not being able to get a veranda room for 20 to 30 percent more is my biggest problem with new C.  Then seeing the lack of storage in the solo rooms which are also marketed to couples topped the cake.  I can get a veranda and a much larger stateroom, more choices for dining, all excursions on a ship of 500-700  for less than the current CC charge.    Guess the bottom line is the new C is too expensive for me .

i have booked a trip on Crystal. I am not a light packer.  I want to know how those people in the renovated 7th floor cabins are dealing with the lack of storage space.    Suspect with a bit of time as now all so happy with the return to cruising , will get some objective comments.

As in every business, the people who actually use the computer systems, offices, waiting rooms  tools, etc. are seldom  brought into the planning and design process.     As to the extinction of usable needed space in those cabins- (which I have stayed in many many times as a solo and will in the future depending in the itinerary) that is beyond reason!.  It looks like the new head honcho forgot everything about his former line!   I don't wear the same clothes multiple times on cruises and the old cabins were always just right for little me except for always being hot and bad smelling. It will be a challenge and I cannot imagine two people in the new design.    Is the carpet new? I read that the carpet was not new in some of the suites??

Why won't someone in one give us their input ?  Heresay and ancient  history including mine means nothing now!!

I don't really care what the guidelines are as I love to dress up and wear nice dresses most evenings.  After long tour days I may be less so- slacks and nice tunic.   That is me and I love it and won't change a thing!   

I have seen those clothes racks in a 7th floor window only  room  It was placed the only place it could go- right in front of the window.   Great even more cramped and now dark! 

guess I have bad luck with them!

here it is:  www.silversea.com/life-onboard/luxury-cruise-fine-dining/la-dame.html

I detected an unpleasant taste - fish like on third day of using the water.  I told staff to bring me small plastic bottles to use and kept in the refrigerator.  They promptly did and that settled that!   I have detected same when offered glass in businesses and restaurants.  I don't want any amebae or fungi!!

On 2 Delta flights to AMS with Stop and change of plane to KLM for rest of the trip, my bags did not get on the KLM flight!    I avoid any KLM flights and Amsterdam like the plague.  Hope no one has this happen to them! 

I am on Nova in Oct and was shocked when saw the $160 for La Dame.  Did not book - then somewhere on the SS cite saw that it was 60 for dinner only and 160 was with different wines for each course.  Now finding it hard to get to it again.   

Yes, Jolly Jones, although have booked a return to CC late next year will be difficult after cruising on Silversea veranda suites that are 374 sq feet with 25 percent solo supplement - and not segregated like solos are on CC cabins.   Plus the extras for solos.   My CC itinerary is great as have 2-3 days to explore Mumbai (never been - wanting to go).   So will depend on finding a great itinerary as to whether will be able to tolerate the small CC cabin.  certainly not paying what they want for a 215 sqft with balcony or any of the suites!   

I hate having to use a phone, pad etc.  I need the hard copy and always underline what I am going to do and carry it with me all day.     Just like I refuse to use the QR menus!!

Hi to all the inaugural cruisers!  Anxious to hear about  the solo cabins on 7.  The big review by the travel guys said did not visit one.   Are they totally renovated - the pics don't show much storage around the desk area.   Is there a frig?   The baths look totally new.  How about the ventilation and air conditioning?   That was always an issue in the past.

Thanks, as plan to spend 30 days on Symphony next year!.

Thank you all for your responses and I am following your recommendations!