Cruise-y

I had a South African this year (hair). She was fine, I was happy, and I tipped her over the 18%. I have not had similar experiences with nail or facial services, however. In fact, just the opposite. This is a part of the luxury brand that needs work. I don’t care if it is the same third party company as Royal Caribbean. It should be better.

There are several cruise lines that already do this (Cunard for example). I'm totally fine paying more for a bigger/better suite with better canapés, but the roped off VIP area is just off-putting to me.

On OC, I had the same spa complaints about the technician standing over you with an iPad, watching you sign, and shaming you into adding more above the 18%. Which is totally fine if the service is great, but it never was. I had many subpar (and expensive) spa experiences and finally quit going in disgust. On NC (Serenity) earlier this year, my experience was greatly improved. But I had hair services only. On NC I also used the free steam room and sauna (with a large picture window looking out over the ocean) on several occasions after a workout, and had access to a robe, bottled water, a locker, towels, personal products, shower and a serene/very quiet changing area. All included. It was lovely. I thought things had been changed for the better. So, I am very disappointed to hear they are back to their old tricks. Even if the spa is not owned by Crystal, it needs to be supervised.

I actually think the Stardust does serve a good purpose, as a second (and smaller, more intimate) space for stage acts - which often morph into late night dancing on the stage with the Crystal band or DJ. And it's used for Supper Club and a gathering place for excursions that has lots of seating. There's a similar space on Symphony (Starlight). I've used Stardust and Starlight lot more than I've ever used the empty walk-through space that used to be the old Casino (which is never). But with that said, I'm really glad the library is staying where it is.

This is all true. And because so many regular cruisers are friends with the lecturers, of course they want them to be invited back to repeat.

I expect intellectually challenging lectures and I attend anything historic or scientific. I appreciate destination lectures too. I’ve enjoyed most of the ones on Crystal. I like cultural talks but I am so tired of repeat lectures about gossipy encounters with long-dead movie stars. I don’t cruise that much - I might take a multi-week Crystal cruise once a year or so - so for me to experience those repeats is pretty sad programming. My 2 cents

As long as we are all complaining about onboard music (although I know I am a bit late to the thread)…. Why can’t we have music (in some venues) themed to the locale? Locals would be best (maybe on an overnight stop), but barring that, I know the show band could do it. Even if it’s just an hour at the pool. Let’s have some cultural awareness paired with our itineraries. Why does it always have to be pianists or violinists or DJs? We don’t even get Caribbean music in the Caribe.

When Crystal revamped the ships they converted most rooms (especially on Serenity) to Sapphire suites. These, by the way, are fabulous and desired. Smart move. But there are very Aquamarine and standard veranda rooms. Those less expensive rooms book far very in advance.

I don’t recall any issues at all with the closet or drawers. So, I just asked my partner and he said yeah the drawers opened 3/4 with the doors open, but it was no big deal, as he could still reach into the back of the drawers. It obviously didn’t bother me since it didn’t even register!

I’m perplexed by this whole thread. I spent 16 days in a Sapphire suite on Serenity a few months ago and I had no problems with the nice walk-in closet and absolutely no problems with the drawers. I thought the whole suite was spacious and well laid-out. I loved it, especially the bathroom and shower. I always bring my own hangers and ditch the big wooden ones because they take up too much space, but that was the only issue.

All I can say is, I would not sail Crystal if drinks were not included. I’m not a big drinker, but I hate having to sign and tip for every single drink. It’s so annoying. That is a big, big deal to me. So that decision was spot on. Laundry I couldn’t care less about. To each his own

I'm totally with Roland4 on this one. It's mind-boggling to me that people who book multiple luxe cruises years in advance, at tens (if not hundreds ) of thousands, will quibble over something as trivial as free laundry or $150 in OBC or whatever. Sometimes I think the whole deal here is just feeling pampered.

I hadn’t thought of this - but the bridge room is small so this makes perfect sense. And the choice of casino operators will make it more sophisticated and upscale than a mass market line. Very good venue choice now that I mull it over a bit. Maybe a few who love to sit at slots will be disappointed, there probably won’t be room for a big bank of those (which is fine with me). Again, that keeps it sophisticated.

Hooray! I’m so glad the libraries will remain where they are. They are such a joy to so many. There was no reason to move multiple locales around. This makes much more sense.

I’m flummoxed as well. I’m not a gambler so don’t care about a casino. But, as Vince pointed out, having a casino on the same hallway as rooms doesn’t seem very pleasing for Deck 7 guests. I AM a lover of the quiet library on Serenity with the ocean views. I know a lot of people on this board play bridge, but I’ll be willing to bet that, overall, more people enjoy the library. Bridge players aren’t there to gaze out the window. That whole lounge area concept just keeps domino-ing into cramming square pegs into round holes.

Waterside is five-star spectacular. Marketplace is, hands down, the best breakfast and lunch buffet at sea with options changing daily. All the other dining venues (Tastes, Umi Uma, Trident Grill, Bistro) are equally fantastic. All of them. If Manfredi wants an Italian restaurant removed from the usual Americanized standards, then that is fine. I thank him for what he has done and wish him financial success. One restaurant out of so many great choices is not going to sway me.

On Serenity they have it late nights in Pulse. On a completely full ship in January, we never saw more than a handful (or less) participating. The DJ is happy to play whatever you want.

Well ok, to each his own. I book Crystal for the cuisine. The Hotel Director, Cruise Director and Mâitre D’ are never going to influence my cruise choices. I’m more interested in the enrichment lectures and itinerary. I’d like to see some new evening entertainment, though.

Not because it’s full

Yes. I forget that others book so far in advance.

I don’t know how anyone can book this without expecting some disruption.

This is an oft-asked question and unfortunately there is no set answer. On a recent full cruise, we found that there was usually one show at 9:30. But this can be different on other sailings. Dining at 7:30 seemed to work for us, if that helps. You cannot book the nightclub until onboard when the date is announced. The magic show is usually offered at multiple times - in the afternoon, early evening or late evening - and on multiple days.

I received the survey early last week and responded. I never used the casino but I don't care if it is there. I don't use the Lounge either (except for sports events). But I miss the bar outside of the Galaxy because I like to take a drink into a show. (Am I remembering correctly? Was there a bar in the casino?) When Crystal first announced they would return the casino they said it would be in a smaller footprint. That pretty much points to Pulse (another vastly underused space), which is tucked back in a corner and not on a main thoroughfare. I hope Crystal makes a casino decision based on a true cost-benefit analysis, not emotion, because I want them to stay solvent. I'm glad they sent out a survey instead of relying on social media platforms.

This sounds like a glitch (and the excursion reservation page has had some) so I’d call Crystal to check. The waitlist is different from a reservation.

The Crystal butlers are great, there is no denying. But I can run down to (or call) the shore excursion desk to ask a question faster than I can summon my busy butler to ask the same question and wait for him to get back to me. I can do the same with the reservation desk. Maybe I’m too independent but I prefer a faster response with no middle man.