Stickman1990

Uncle les

They are tough on just about everything. I quickly booked a trip to usa before the change over from qbe to allianz knowing my pre existing would be covered with QBE but not Allianz.

Had to cancel due to one of the pre existing conditions. Lodged my claim last week.

Good luck to everyone trying to get cover for pre existings.

Interesting CBA c card insurance is changing from allianz to Covermore underwritten by Zurich on 1 October. Neither cba covermore or Zurich will give me any info til after 1 oct.

 

Insure and go seem reasonable can get 20% groupon discount.

Check out wombats comments.

How did you go with your claim on ANZ via QBE - but as I read it it would actually be Allianz dealing with the claim (glad they got stung for it in this case but sorry you had to claim)

I just tried ANZ - Allianz today with exactly the same "pre existing conditions" that ANZ - QBE have covered many times (and will cover for 2 more cruises through to May 2019 as I got in before the cutover) - of course they declined me on them. Of course I'm still covered for all the other elements of the policy just not the medical items for pre existing conditions

So off to Insure & Go I go and they covered me with the pre existing conditions for an additional premium - no problems (and I used the Groupon20 code)

The ANZ Black Frequent Flyer VISA card will definitely not be getting renewed when it comes up for renewal

Those credit card companies are really walking away from those with pre existing conditions

this guy seems like a Loon (I'm young so don't know much about politics)

 

Think the OP summed it up pretty well

Out of the mouths of babes

Newbie supplementary question that is related

If one of these paid for upgrade offers should come my way (probably wishful thinking know) what level of discount over list pricing would typically be offered?

I like the idea - provided its suitably priced

ACA + Beat Up

Now how could you suggest such a thing?

Perhaps tomorrow nights story will be on a Noro virus outbreak....

Interestingly the journos all love their freebies on the cruise ships but are quick to put the boot in - no ratings/news in good news I guess

 

Second, In my opinion, Facebook would not be the best way to find a TA but is an option. Getting recommendations from fellow cruisers, friends that cruise on luxury lines and the internet is the best way.

There’s lots of cruising groups (including Regent) on Facebook - they are communities frequented by very experienced cruisers who may be able to assist with recommendations based on their experience.

Like any recommendations just how much credence you give it is up to you

I note you say the “internet” is a good source - just what is that? It’s a technical vehicle for various sites including Facebook and I think most would agree there are many sites in the internet that aren’t worth anything in terms of credible opinion and advice

Thanks for posting these - you’ve made a Seabourn newbie very happy

Does anyone have any from Encore they can share? I’m sure they’re very similar but would be interesting to see ones from it as we’re sailing on her in December

We are just wondering how you (or anyone actually) make yourself comfortable with your agent being so far away? We prefer doing business like that face to face with a TA.

Ours are literally tens of thousands of miles away and I have no issue communicating with them, without delay despite multiple time zones difference, usually by email but once in a while by phone (they have a local number setup in our country)

But the best thing is catching up with them on a cruise or when I’m in their city - great to be able to enjoy a meal and a drink with them

Ironically instead of us choosing them as agents because they were friends we’ve actually become friends over the years

Stickman,

I have a coupon for you

Thanks - I've sent you an email

My wife and I are first time cruisers on Seabourn Encore on 3 December 2018 ex Bali having booked today

We do not have any OBC from Seabourn so I understand we would qualify to use the Referral coupon and the $400 OBC. I would therefore like a referral coupon to use

I'm not sure how to apply for the on board credit using so any tips on the process would be appreciated

Anyone able to assist - just let me know your email address and I'll get in touch

A couple of questions which I couldn't find answers to:

1. Is the Referral Coupon one per cabin or one per person? ie for my wife and I as new to Seabourn would we receive $400 or $800 OBC?

2. At what point do they need to be registered to validate them? If I book through my TA and pay today will I still be able to obtain and redeem a Referral Coupon? Or does it need to be quoted at the time of the booking or payment?

This has been a good and in my view healthy discussion that hopefully has helped a number of members out. It is interesting to see many “experienced” cruisers who don’t (or haven’t until recently) receive rebates or discounts

I don’t think it’s a case of “either or” in terms of rebates v service - there seems to be (many?) agents out there who manage to deliver both

I think mixing business and pleasure (in this case friendship) can have its problems but I also know some of us do value our relationships with our TAs and rate them far beyond transactional interactions.

After all we are entrusting them with a very important role regarding our leisure spend

If you’re in the Crystal Penthouse, of which there are very few on either of the ships, then you are not counting your pennies or the relative cost

People cruise in what suits them - for some a Penthouse seems essential for others it is OTT. Each to their own

I’d venture the opinion that for most cruises there’s more to life onboard that what happens in their cabin

[emoji33]There should be limits put on the number of ships in port at once - that is just sad!

I’m trying to get factual information to decide if I’m willing to have this awkward conversation with someone I like and feel comfortable with and gives us personal attention.

But I believe at the moment you get nothing in terms of a rebate from your TA - so given others have said they receive up to 10% from their agents and it’s a fair assumption your agent is receiving a reasonable level of commission from Regent (maybe not the maximum) you are leaving money on the table and your TA is retaining that as margin - either at the agent or the agency level

Now whether you value your relationship with the TA enough to that extent to forgo the rebate only you can answer. But I’d be very surprised if your agent isn’t giving some degree of rebate to other customers so you are indeed missing out

I wouldn’t feel awkward asking them what’s possible - what have you got to lose?

Whatever the outcome they will need to meet the market in terms of being both price and package competitive - otherwise they’ll be white elephants

In reality Crystal has over 25 years experience in the luxury market and a great reputation so I expect they’ll design and implement something that meets the markets requirements - which no doubt will have evolved by 2022 - it’s 4 years away after all

Hoping that they build suites that are competitive to other luxury cruise lines.

2022 is such a long ways off. No real details announced at this point apart from overall size and capacity

The size of suites is just one component - personally that element is not an issue for me

Until they actually commit and start construction and announce solid plans I’m afraid Crystal is definitely lagging it’s competitors in having modern ships and facilities and the benefits that go with them - having said that what they have is an excellent product for those who choose to sail with them today (aside from the size of the rooms which is clearly important to you but not so to others)

Just my two cents worth.

Great synopsis FlyerTalker - while I haven’t sailed Regent I’d certainly give it a try and may well do so in 2019 if my “cunning plan” comes off

I’ve certainly sailed Crystal and I know what I like - four more booked for 2019 and can’t wait to get back onboard

 

P.S. Gin choices on Crystal? I guess that is nice for people in the U.K. that are into gin (sort of like people in the U.S. are into vodka, beer, etc.) but definitely not a reason to change cruise lines.

Please try and be a little more objective with your comments - I hardly think you can categorise Gin drinkers as being “from the UK” - it’s a global liquor produced and drunk by people all around the world. As for your comment on beer drinkers being from the US - that is just so wrong - it’s best not to try and stereotype people on what they drink based on where they live as it’s just not an accurate basis for describing individuals tastes

No one is saying anyone would change lines because of gin choices or any other single factor but let’s not dismiss out of hand any positive factors on Crystal (or Regent for that matter)

Just for clarity it’s Crystal Serenity in Livorno today - great pics from the port side

Wonder if we can catch the ship on CrystalSerenitys bridge cams? :D

She doesn’t have an aft facing one. But you’ll have options for forward, port and starboard so may catch her

http://www.crystalcruises.com/cruises/cruise-guidebook/our-ships/crystal-serenity/live-views

Bit early in the day

They are heading for Livorno today and will be in port along with Oceania Riviera and the Crystal Serenity.Livorno is the port for the leaning tower of Pisa and the Tuscan countryside.

Plenty of action around Livorno today - she’s following Crystal Serenity in

Snuggarelli,

You asked for feedback from those who have sailed both lines. We have sailed both lines and enjoy both. We concur with the previous posters who actually post from their own personal experiences.

Another interesting difference between Regent and Crystal can be seen on their respective cruise critic boards. On the Regent board you often hear from those who cannot resist telling others what suite they are in, how to dress, whether to tip, how often they dine with officers, their free cruises, etc. It is quite different on the Crystal board. In reality, onboard both cruise lines we have encountered extremely courteous passengers and superb service.

Please do not judge Regent or Crystal based upon opinions from experts who have never sailed with them.

I’m not sure that’s entirely correct, I think you get those sort of posters on most boards. Those who want to share the minute details of their experience - some cannot resist “bragging” or as the modern term seems to be blogging. Of course it’s up to others whether they bother to read them

On this lazy Sunday morning (still morning where I live), I was reading the Seabourn and Crystal boards - just to learn what is going on. I found an interesting tidbit about Crystal that could put some people off....... they do not do shared tables for singles (to be more specific, you cannot get a table for 6 in the hopes of 5 others joining you). This was quite surprising but is another difference between Regent and Crystal. There is a current thread going on regarding this issue.

Not true - what you say is not the case, let’s not go starting rumours now shall we

Some singles have very specific requirements eg speed of service that make building a table of say 6 from scratch and having everyone on the same course difficult if not impossible. Crystal continue to allow people to start tables in Waterside but they can’t dictate who else might elect to join those tables and when with open seating - I’m curious how does Regent achieve that feat if a single solo (or couple for that matter) decides to start a new table and then others don’t magically appear requesting to join a table? Does the maitre d go and forcibly recruit someone to join them to make up the numbers?

The option remains for anyone, including singles to register interest and wait at the entrance or in the Cove area for others to form a group - or the can decide to take a seat and wait at a table - but they are dependent on others deciding when to dine and wishing to join a shared table

Crystal also organise bookings for solos to visit specialty restaurants together forming tables of 8 on designated evenings - another opportunity to dine as a group

Many singles we know setup their dining arrangements with new found friends prior to dining so the situation doesn’t arise but for those who don’t there are options to accomodate them

Bon Voyage

Cabins are very much smaller on Crystal, with the average size of their "regular" cabins being approx 250sq ft.

Crystal Symphony:

Standard room - non verandah - 202 sq. ft.

Verandah Room - 246 sq. ft. (with verandah)

Crystal Serenity:

Standard room - non verandah - 226 sq. ft

Verandah Room - 269 sq. ft. (with verandah)

If you are interested in other categories they’re available at

Symphony - http://www.crystalcruises.com/cruises/cruise-guidebook/our-ships/crystal-symphony/deck-plans/

Serenity - http://www.crystalcruises.com/cruises/cruise-guidebook/our-ships/crystal-serenity/deck-plans/

Whilst I haven’t done it there is in fact enough room to swing a cat