Cruise-y

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. 

Remember if you are in a top exclusive suite, there may be a butler for every 2 or 4 cabins. He/She can give you attentive service. When I was in a Sapphire suite (on a full ship), my (super wonderful) butler had around 8 cabins. On deck 7, I assume the junior butlers have even more. If everyone wants room service on the same night, the butler is going to be overwhelmed. He/She can't pack everyone's suitcase and change reservations and check on shore excursions and deliver course-by-course room service to everyone at the same time. I know the "butler service" is something we all want to enjoy, but there is a reality to it as well.  Not trying to be a downer here, just trying to establish some realistic expectations. We only had room service one night, and that was burgers and fries, which were delivered hard and cold because there was a long queue. Not the butler's fault at all, just reality. He rushed in as fast as he could to set up our table and deliver, but others were also waiting. Love Crystal, but we are happily independent and don't rely on the butler for everything.

15 hours ago, travelberlin said:

I have found this from 2019. It was a feast not only for the eyes

 

I remember these langoustines from a Crystal cruise in late 2019 (maybe the same one?). They sure were delicious but there was a huge crowd around them and I couldn't even get close. I had to snake my arm underneath the masses to try to fork only one and they disappeared fast. A lot of other things on the buffet (including the cute penguins) pretty much went to waste. Not sorry to see it go.

It’s pretty hard to justify a quartet playing for 4 guests ballroom dancing with 4 paid Crystal ambassadors. That’s what I observed in Palm Court on a full ship, on multiple nights. Even with a duo, the return on investment is negative. 
 

After shows, the band would continue to play for dancers in Stardust. There was good participation (and fun) but it wasn’t “ballroom” dancing.

Thanks for your thoughtful review. I appreciate your comments. In a future Crystal cruise, I hope you will try again the cuisine that you thought was too fancy for you. The Waterside chef creates dishes with subtle nuances, a small swish of sauce and tiny garnishes that blend together in perfect harmony. These are some of the best dishes I've ever encountered. And there are multiple options every night, so it is easy to find something that seems familiar. 

54 minutes ago, BEAV said:

 
I’d have a mighty tough time with tonight’s menu…

 

No, not because everything fails to appeal.

 

QUITE the opposite. 🙄

 

Thanks for posting. Are the Reflections available in paper copy in the rooms? Or do we have to make a special request for that with our butler when we board?

Just give me pigs in blankets and I’m totally happy.

5 hours ago, moto_italia said:

 

As someone who is looking for a new cruise line to move toward, and someone who is not particularly interested in decades old music, it seems that Crystal may not be a place that meets my music interests.  That said, it doesn't mean that we wouldn't consider Crystal, it's just that it seems to be firmly walking on the side of the line that addresses its older customers' musical interests. Please correct me if I'm off on this, as there seems to be so much else to like about Crystal.

I appreciate your sentiments. I don’t like to listen to Frank Sinatra and I’m in my 70’s (although I didn’t like him in my 20’s either). I put up with the mid-century music schlock because I do like the great cuisine and enrichment lectures and all-inclusiveness. And the promenade deck. It’s a trade-off. 

5 minutes ago, ryndam said:

Unfortunately, it’s Sunday and most venues are closed today. 

Perhaps, but the Sandbar is very small and local so might be open.  And I think the lighthouse is just open for anyone to go through with nobody manning it. But my memory could be rum-razzled! Enjoy the beautiful beach to yourself! Jealous! 

If you can, rent a golf cart right there by the ship and take it up the island to a little place nestled in a neighborhood called Sandbar. Wonderful seafood right on a gorgeous beach. Then continue on to tour the lighthouse. 

I never knew one could use the showers, steam rooms and sauna rooms without booking a spa experience (like a massage or facial) in conjunction. Just shows you what I don't know. How does it work? Do you just walk up and say you want to use the sauna or steam room? Do you need a reservation?  Are these truly included in the cruise with no additional charge? Thank you! What a great discovery. I like to use a sauna after a workout.

20 hours ago, Keith1010 said:

We made yesterday a sea day.  We didn't want to walk into town and then return to say it didn't feel safe. Better for us to enjoy the ship. Seriously better to take an excursion over just walking around the port area.

 

We made Serenity our destination yesterday.  

 

 

 

 

Certainly, everyone should enjoy the ship as they wish and stay onboard if they wish. That is an individual choice and I totally respect that opinion. I know many choose to never get off of a Crystal cruise.

And yes, I totally agree that a Crystal excursion is better (and probably safer) than walking around in a port. But the locals need tourist dollars too.

 I've spent many weeks living in the Caribe, and I don't want people to feel that it isn't safe. These ports have the most wonderful and interesting people, and fabulous local cuisines. I've had some of my most memorable experiences and delicious meals in St. Martin, Jamaica, and the like.  Like any city in the U.S. (New York, Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, Chicago, etc.), one should always be cautious with their belongings and aware of their surroundings. But please feel free to enjoy these fascinating cultures too. I can't wait to get off in these spots. We often rent a car and drive around.

Thanks for your posts, Keith. No disrespect intended of course. Just my personal bias. 

I'm concerned about the availability of shaded seats around the pool on full cruises. We cannot lounge in the sun. If you could notice and comment on your first sea day, I would appreciate it. Thank you!

40 minutes ago, Stickman1990 said:

These awards are so subjective without knowing the criteria used to rank lines (assuming there were criteria) - take them for what they are - opinions. I’ve never cruised on Oceania but I have to wonder if they’re that great why doesn’t everyone cruise on them? 

We cruised Oceania because they were purported to be the best in dining and were very disappointed (although we loved the Med itinerary). They did provide outdoor dining on a top deck every night with a nice grill/buffet (cooked-to-order rock lobsters and steaks), but the rest of the specialty restaurants required very far-ahead reservations (and were good but not great). There were fun cooking classes, but one had to reserve so far in advance that it was almost impossible to get in. The main dining room was abysmal. Plus there was literally zero entertainment or enrichment.  I'll never cruise with them again. And I know others disagree. This is JMO.

They both look great! Thanks for posting. 

We’ve always taken pot luck with servers and sit wherever. We’ve never been disappointed. We like meeting them all. 

7 minutes ago, fisherboe said:

We thought the desserts in Waterside were all so refined and elegant. They definitely felt more European than American in style - smaller, composed dishes, not super sugary - just how we like it. I certainly wouldn't describe them as underwhelming for us. I can understand that others would want more 'traditional' choices, but they were perfect for us. 

Totally agree. European-style desserts are much more appealing to us as well. 

40 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

And for shaded loungers don't forget the aft decks.

 

Roy

True good point. but sometimes smokers. 

If the cruise is full (and several heading to warmer climates are full during Christmas and into January) then the limited shaded lounges won’t be available unless you get there super early. Hopefully the crew can bring out additional umbrellas if asked. 
 

There’s still quite a bit of availability on the cruise right before Christmas, so you should be ok on that one. 

Can you still ask for sun umbrellas to be placed next to your chair on the deck?

18 minutes ago, ryndam said:

Random observations for today.

 

1. If you are ever on a cruise with Annette Manhuyod, run, do not walk to the venue. She has a voice that rivals Whitney, Streisand and Garland. Just saying. 30 minute SRO set in the Palm Court. She could have kept the crowd another hour.

 

2. James Fox doing Billy Joel is back. Just wow. That’s all.

 

3. Dined in OO tonite. Between the two of us we shared 6 different starters, 2 different main courses and 3 different sorbets. Some were misses. Three were absolute hits. (Steak tartare, fig tortonelli, lamb chops). Both sorbets were fantastic.

 

4. The Avenue Saloon was the gayest gay bar we’ve seen at sea in ages. Pianist played Bohemian Rhapsody. We have never heard that live in the Avenue. And “It’s Raining Men”  - Weathergirls version. Wow. Totally spontaneous. I’m telling you, Mark Farris or Joel Spire never attracted a crowd like this one tonight. Don’t lecture about gays here. It was the most incredible, inclusive party we’ve seen in years.

 

5. Dislike #1 - no more self serve in the bistro. This was already explained earlier due to lack of a hand wash sink required by US & Canadian health authorities.

 

6. Dislike #2 - the nice Italian soap, conditioner, shampoo square bottles are really difficult to dispense.

 

7. Dislike #3 - the phone system snd the in room tablets remain an unfinished work-in-progress. Fussy annoyances.

 

That’s all for Wednesday. Night.

 

Rob

Thanks for the post. The Avenue sounds fabulous. Can’t wait. I’m really tired of Billy Joel and Frank Sinatra though. Could we do something new? 

Here’s a screen shot of all of Cruise Critic’s 2023 Editor’s Picks for the Luxury Category.