EdieRodriguez

We're newbies to Crystal and love many aspects of the product. However, we miss something that is available on every other cruiseline we've sailed, whether luxury, premium or mainstream. That is the ability to create and access a guest account on the cruiseline website. The account typically contains info such as guest profile, preferences, past sailings, current reservations and loyalty status. It's easy to review, update and verify. On Crystal, limited guest info is available in PCPC and only as it pertains to a current booking. The Crystal online registration allows guests to subscribe to promotional material but contains no other info. It would be great to have a "My Crystal" type account available. Obviously this is not mission critical stuff but still would be nice to have.

Thank you MightyQuinn. This is something we are working on, as we integrate the website and its services into our new reservations system. We will announce updates as they are available.

It is our Golden Wedding at the end of June 2019, when would be the optimum to book our Mediterranean cruise , to get the best cabinat the best price?:)

Dear Fuertelover,

Congratulations on your milestone anniversary ! We are honored that you are choosing to celebrate it with us, and look forward to welcoming you aboard. Our full schedule of 2019 itineraries will be announced within the next few weeks, giving you optimum time to secure the stateroom or suite of your choice.

If, as is rumored, the guest capacity on the Symphony is to be reduced in the September 2017 drydock, how will Crystal handle reducing the number of guests already booked on subsequent nearly sold out segments such as v8218? Options for example: by booking date, by Crystal Society status, by assigned as opposed to guaranteed stateroom.

 

When will Crystal be confirming the drydock dates? In your earlier (Facebook?) meeting, you said that the 2017 President's cruise would be immediately after the drydock. Several people immediately pointed out that there were 3 other segments and a month+ between the scheduled end of the drydock and the start of the President's cruise and asked for a clarification. We've been waiting quite sometime now for an answer to that question.

Hello TER777,

In respect to the first part of your question - as a matter of our standard communication practice, I don’t comment on rumors or hearsay.

I can tell you we are nearing closer and closer to a date on when I will announce the full details to the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity enhancements. As it often goes with preparing for very important announcements, we want to ensure all of our business platforms are aligned in delivering the information to travel agents and guests in a timely and efficient manner. I thank you for your understanding and patience.

Please, please, please renovate the Palm Court, Prego and Starlight on the Serenity. My favorite ship is sadly looking more 90's each year

Thank you for your feedback Avalon1025. More details on the enhancements to Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will be released soon.

What is being done in the 2017 dry docks for the two ships to match the changes that have been promised such as larger rooms and open dining? Will people still be able to do fixed dining? Will there be more significant changes in future dry docks to continue these changes.

 

You have mentioned previously that the revised ships will have items that no other ships have - what are those items?

 

Why are there, as of now, no cruises listed for Symphony in 2019?

 

Since other cruise lines now include more than the "all inclusive" Crystal, will Crystal be including more items in its offering?

 

How will Crystal balance the demands of the residents with the needs of the regular cruise passengers?

Thank you so much for the many wonderful questions ctjon. I will answer in their respective order.

Aside from what I’ve shared in the previous Q&A response, about the much anticipated revitalization of Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, which includes open dining and more suites - the remainder of exciting details will be released in the near future. As it often goes with preparing for very important announcements, we want to ensure all of our business platforms are aligned in delivering the information to travel agents and guests in a timely and efficient manner.

I am delighted to share with you and the entire Cruise Critic forum that our full 2019 itineraries for Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will be unveiled in two weeks. I will give Andy, our Social Media Ambassador, the honor to post more details on the exact date of when the itineraries will be available to view and book.

In regards to our all-inclusive experience, I believe it is one of the most attractive offerings in today’s luxury travel, lifestyle and hospitality industry. As any good business does, we continually evaluate to determine on how we can elevate the overall guest experience. If any enhancements are made to our all-inclusive experiences, you and our loyal Crystal guests will be the first to learn more about them.

One of the key principles to Crystal’s illustrious history, is our impressive crew to guest ratio - almost two service staff to every guest. This will continue on our Crystal Exclusive Ships with Residences, and be expanded to great heights under our Crystal philosophy, for anticipating and fulfilling guests’ needs. I wish I could share more, but it will have to wait until we are ready to issue additional news of the new ocean ships.

Dear Edie,

 

We are currently on our second Crystal cruise but it's the first time we are on Symphony. We are booked for the African Holidays cruise in December 2017 post the Symphony dry dock. There is a lot of talk on board at the moment as to what the changes during that dry dock will be. Can you confirm the following:

 

1. Will there be open dining?

2. Will the Trident Grill seating are be air conditioned and the ceiling permanently fixed shut as on Serenity to make this space useable in warm climates?

3. Will there be an additional restaurant similar to Tastes on Serenity?

4. Will all staterooms undergo a facelift with, at the minimum, new soft furnishings?

 

I'm also wondering if the Starlite lounge area will be changed and what other areas/venues will be refurbished or redecorated.

 

Many thanks in advance.

Dear ClefsDor,

I’m delighted to hear you will be sailing with us on this year’s holiday cruise in South Africa. It’s going to be an incredible experience!

At this time, I can confirm the significant outcome to Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity’s investments will feature full open seating dining for guests on both ships, and more suites. More information will revealed at a later date.

Edie,

When will you give us details on the upcoming changes to Symphony?

Thank you.

Crispy46

Hello Crispy46,

At this moment, I’m not prepared to specify an exact date on announcing more of Crystal Symphony’s enhancements and its overall timeline. But we are getting very close to revealing more details.

Greetings from Adelaide, South Australia!

 

Whilst we are super excited about Symphony's planned refurbishment in September this year, we are super anxious whether it will impact our B2B voyages - 7220 & 7221 - being straight after the dry dock.

 

We are fully paid and flights are booked so, are we good to go? We would just like some peace of mind. V7220 is booked out, so I am sure there are a few fellow cruisers sitting on the edge of their seats, waiting for some clarification.

 

Cheers,

Angie

Greetings Angie !

Thank you for your message. Myself, and the entire Crystal team, appreciate sharing your concerns surrounding the upcoming enhancements to Crystal Symphony. As it often goes with preparing for very important announcements, we want to ensure all of our business platforms are aligned in delivering the information to travel agents and guests in a timely and efficient manner. I thank you for your understanding and patience.

Also speaking of dance, I see the 2017 Grand Voyage on the Symphony has a Latin Dance Team listed instead of a standard ballroom couple. Will the Latin Dance Team be teaching ballroom dance as well as latin?

Hello TER777,

Yes, Crystal Symphony’s Grand Cruise offers a four-member (two couple) Latin Dance team on board - who are providing the same services and dance styles of ballroom dance as our standard ballroom couple normally provides. The dancers will also be performing three different shows featuring different styles of ballroom dance, with multiple costume changes.

Dear Edie,

 

Many of us cruise with Crystal to enjoy the skill of your gentlemen hosts on the dance floor. However, recently Crystal has been booking these gentlemen through an agency and the standard has dropped considerably. Please would you go back to checking their individual credentials in-house, so we may once again enjoy being whirled around the dance floor? Thank you.

Dear Trudi,

Last year, we made the decision to move to a new agency. As with anything new, there is always a test and adjustment phase. Overall, we feel the new group is doing a wonderful job, but we have identified areas to improve. With that said, if we feel the best course of action is to return to an in-house operation, we first need to examine the staff infrastructure on how to manage it well. This will take thoughtful planning and additional time to put it all in place.

Hello TER777,

Thank You for your questions.

As the only luxury cruise line to offer Crystal Society Savings on every voyage in every category, I am pleased to let you know that our Crystal Society benefits will remain the same for 2017.

Dear ClaudiaYVR,

Our commitment to exceeding our guests’ wishes remains a priority. Every step of the way, we are listening to the feedback of our loyal guests and expert travelers, as well as continually evaluating ourselves and the luxury travel market. The feedback from loyal guests along with their enthusiasm for a true luxury river cruise experience and expedition travel, made it Crystal Clear to focus our attention on the initial expansion in both Crystal River Cruises and Crystal Yacht Expeditions. This is not to say we are neglecting our larger vessels, as evident of the direction to make significant enhancements to Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.

We are great fans of Crystal Cruises and have several cruises booked through 2018. Would you comment if there are any plans to upgrade/enhance the onboard Internet service on Symphony and Serenity? In addition to Crystal, we do sail other cruise lines who's ships provide Internet service that is generally more reliable, consistent, and faster than the current technology offered on Crystal. Thank you for your consideration.

 

Rob

Hello Rob (and Emdee),

Thanks for the kind words about Crystal Cruises. We recently increased the vSat bandwidth availability on the ships to improve performance and meet the connectivity and mobility demands of today’s luxury travelers. As I mentioned in a previous post, our Wi-Fi architecture on board the two vessels provides pervasive connectivity to wireless services such as streaming video, on line newspapers, and internet access.

Dear Emdee,

We’re in the midst of planning for all the new builds scheduled for Crystal Yacht Expeditions and Crystal Exclusive Class with Crystal Residences. More details will be announced at a later time.

Hello Edie, thank you for the wonderful product that is Crystal Cruises. We enjoyed a wonderful 20 Day Cruise with 'Symphony' in Feb 2016 and Look forward to our 'Serenity' experience to Mexico this coming May.

 

Do you have any plans to offer Canadian Pricing on any sailing booked by residents of Canada. I do see the value of your cruises but find the 30% premium a little hard to swallow.

 

Thank you.

 

 

Brian

Greetings Brian,

For many years, we’ve had a reservation system with limitations - including the option to sell in multiple currencies. We are currently migrating into a new reservation system - that when completed later this year, will afford us the opportunity to explore and evaluate this new avenue.

Wishing you a wonderful voyage on Crystal Serenity in May !

If I may tag onto Keith's inquiry ....

 

I have read the press release (March 14, 2016) about Crystal Endeavor and its potential expeditions in polar regions. My question relates to the Antarctic itineraries. Are there plans to include South Georgia in any or all of the Antarctic sailings? Would zodiac landings in Antarctica & South Georgia be a regular feature on the expedition yacht, conditions permitting? Thanks for your reply.

Dear MightyQuinn,

Zodiac landings and various other extreme adventures for our intrepid luxury travelers, are all being explored in coordination with Crystal Endeavor’s itineraries. Further details of the Megayacht, its itineraries, and shore excursions will be unveiled later this year.

Edie, thank you so very much for taking the time to do this Question & Answer Session. It is very greatly appreciated.

 

My question is about the new Mega Yacht Crystal Endeavor.

 

I was wondering if you might be able to provide an update on the rollout of the new expedition ship to include what time frame you expect to be able to announce additional details about the new ship including when it will be deployed and when its first set of itineraries will be available?

 

As background, Anne Marie and I thoroughly enjoyed our first experience on the Northwest Passage on board Crystal Serenity in 2016. As a result we are very excited about the opportunities to sail this new Mega Yacht.

 

Thank you again.

 

Keith

Hi Keith,

Your kind words about experiencing Crystal’s first Northwest Passage has been a common sentiment from many of our guests. It was truly historic and game changing for the luxury cruise industry. But I have to ask, why haven’t you and Ann Marie booked for this year ? You can join an exclusive group of world travelers to have sailed the Northwest Passage in consecutive years on the largest luxury cruise ship. It’s a feat that will never be repeated ! Just something for you to think about when planning your next adventure.

All kidding aside, as you may recall - last year, we shared initial details for Crystal Endeavor - which will include all the luxurious and technological features and amenities for our guests. I would love to share more details, but at this moment, I'm unable to do so, as we continue with the planning stages. I anticipate to release more exciting news about Crystal Endeavor and the itineraries later this year.

Dear Roland4,

It’s natural for the market to become excited with new ships. In reality though, a new ship is a small fraction of the big picture when it comes to a luxury vacation experience. It is Crystal Clear to me and my executive team that the hallmarks of our success are connected to the personalized service by our wonderful crew, compelling itineraries filled with rich destination experiences, a tantalizing display of culinary art, and a diverse portfolio of entertainment performances.

In setting our course for unprecedented growth, the new development timeline is an opportunity to listen and deliver to luxury travelers’ discerning preferences, and exceed their wishes.

Thank you for your feedback Bodogbodog. To complement and support our tremendous expansion, one of the main initiatives was to revitalize Crystal’s website to meet the digital preferences and standards of the luxury traveler. The new website encompasses all the growth and meets the needs of our guests wanting to learn more about our diverse brand portfolio as well as book their luxury vacation in a seamless manner.

Through regularly scheduled testing and evaluations, we have identified areas of where adjustments need to be made. Some have been expedited and others require additional time - that we did not anticipate. With the website being integrated into our new reservations systems and various online programs, all the enhancements need to be made in coordination with each other for the website to run at full capacity. But make no mistake, our website is one of our top priorities. It serves as a great resource of information for our returning and new guests when searching for and booking their Crystal vacation. I’m confident the website will continue to improve and one you will use on a daily basis.

Hello again Bodogbodog :)

First and foremost, when it comes to the competitive advantage, I firmly believe no other cruise line - or hotel for that matter - equals to Crystal’s legendary guest service. I’m bullish on the cruise industry, and it is great to see the industry grow - which has generated incredible consumer excitement. New hardware will get you only so far with today’s luxury guest. Crystal’s high standard of luxury service and incredible options are what consistently places us in the upper echelon of vacation experiences with discerning travelers. And trust me, when you hear more of our plans, it will be Crystal Clear on which luxury cruise you’ll want to sail for your next adventure.

Hello Bodogbodog,

I am very familiar with the history of Captain James Cook, and we would have been honored to name the ship after his vessel. However, during our market research, we discovered the name Endeavour to be used by another brand. Based on this information, we elected to use Endeavor to avoid any confusion in the marketplace.

Hello Bodogbodog,

Thank you again for your questions.

At Crystal, we always strive to provide our guests with the most memorable experiences all around the world. We hosted this event two years ago with flawless results - so we're as disappointed as our guests, that this year’s event fell short of expectations. In our constant pursuit of service excellence, we have worked closely with our shoreside partners to identify where things were less than perfect, to ensure that if we do host this event again in the future, it will be just as seamless as it was, two years ago.

Thank you Bodogbodog for your questions and passion of All Things Crystal. We are thrilled to have officially opened a dedicated corporate office in Sydney to solidify Crystal’s presence in Australia and New Zealand. With our expanded growth of luxury travel, lifestyle and hospitality experiences, having a dedicated marketing and sales presence is instrumental in supporting our travel partners and our wonderful guests like yourself from the region.

Specific to your question about currency options, it’s a touch point we are exploring, but as of now we haven’t come to a final decision.

Hello Bounce,

Let me be the first to welcome you to Crystal ! I am confident you will find your travels with us to be a wonderful experience for your entire family and we look forward to welcoming you aboard. The special programs and savings offers are all subject to availability and certain sailings.

Dear Tee d,

We consistently evaluate what we can offer to elevate the guest experience for singles, couples and families. Currently, we have a very generous solo supplement. Dependent of the sailing, solo savings range from 110 percent to 200 percent of double occupancy rates. This is in addition to the many special extras, including our popular Ambassadors Hosts program and Table for 8 program - which allows solo travelers to dine at our specialty restaurants with other singles.