CabinBoy2020

Very helpful. Thanks!

I’ll be on Discovery Princess. First time on Princess. On embarkation day, where can I have lunch other than the buffet? Thanks for any tips. Bill

Another idea for the hoi polloi: onion rings or French fries from the Trident Grill (open till 5) and a cocktail from the Cove - Happy Hour to go! Bill

Patty - I did the exact same thing and enjoyed them at home. Waste not, want not!

Homage to Crystal … from Dallas. 😉 The matchbox is from the Connoisseur lounge. Thanks, Ryndam, for your terrific posts. Bill

Thanks for the information. Sounds perfect.

That helps, Greg. I read your Venezia blog. Thanks!

Hi Greg, I love your blog and Cruise Critic posts and marvel at your stamina - including getting the most out of the Cheers package! I don't see any info on your blog about emailing you, so I apologize for this off-topic question. I'll be on a Carnival Journeys cruise on the Miracle soon (SF to Galveston). I recall you've done a couple Journeys cruises. Were they special or different from regular Carnival cruises? There are lots of sea days and I'm just wondering what to expect. Was the demographic older and more sedate (fine with me)? Thanks. Bill

So creative! Mood lighting in the bathroom!

Vince et al -- Did you notice the "mini-shelves" (plastic topped things) over the toilet paper holder and on one side of the vanity? Your top photo shows the one over the toilet paper holder. I thought they were weird. I used the vanity mini-shelf for small items like lip balm. What are they? I did stay for a couple weeks in an Aquamarine on a previous cruise. The closet and bathroom were so lovely and spacious compared to the solo cabins. But I actually preferred the nice sitting area in the solos as compared to the Aquamarine with the sofa directly across from the bed. And not much room between them. But that's another story :) Bill

Vince, Did you try the beef with (if memory serves) a Gorgonzola crust? I don’t eat much meat, but I’ve had this twice and love it. I ordered the always available filet in Waterside one night and was disappointed. The Osteria version was delicious! Bill

Vince - I'm loving your reflections on the Serenity. Keep them coming please. And, it was a complete pleasure to meet and chat with you on board. You are one of the "Crystal-ebreties" I was pleased to meet on my San Diego/Alaska cruise. Hope to sail with you again. Bill

Elegant Serenity crew members watching as we sail under the Golden Gate Bridge last evening. A beautiful day in a beautiful city on a beautiful ship. Bill

Thanks, Patty! I had a moment of panic when I thought I had my boarding date wrong. Maybe I’m getting old (er) ….. Bill

Riding in Uber from San Diego airport to hotel, I was totally surprised to see the Serenity in port today June 23. I board the ship tomorrow. Is Serenity here early or was an overnight always the planned itinerary? Cruisemapper shows her arriving tomorrow June 24. Anyone have news? Bill

I must really be an outlier here, but I loved Tastes on Serenity (both the food and the venue). So much variety at lunch and dinner. However, the new Beefbar concept sounds fun. Just keep a little bit of Tastes as well, please. PS: I hate the name. I know it's a European thing, but it's unappetizing. Bill

I got the survey also. My personal experience regarding the lounge on Serenity is that it is overly large, has no windows, is rarely used (at least for the three weeks I was onboard), and very cold (as Stickman reported). I hope they bring a casino back. Bill

I was on Serenity for three weeks and loved Tastes. The new concept sounds interesting, but I hope they keep some items from the Tastes menu - especially the vegetarian and fish options. Bill

There were three art classes a week on my recent Caribbean cruise. Water color and, I believe, a jewelry making class. I hadn’t painted since childhood, but attended the water color classes and thoroughly enjoyed them. The woman in the photo was the excellent instructor. They displayed all our “masterpieces” in the Crystal Cove at the end of each week.

Keith, Thank you for your fantastic reporting and photos. I hope your next Crystal cruise is coming up soon as I love to follow along. I agree 100% about the food on board. I was on a B2B2B just before your holiday cruise and had a chance to eat in all the venues (and room service) numerous times. I'm probably an outlier, but I preferred Waterside and Tastes the most. I was impressed with the variety, quality, and presentation in all the restaurants. And, as you've highlighted so well, the service is outstanding. Have a safe trip home. Bill

Hi Keith, I'm curious about your walks around the pool deck on 12. Are you simply walking around the pool area or are you continuing inside? Do you feel you get a good walk doing this? I love the promenade deck, but as you said, sometimes it's too windy. I'm really enjoying your reporting! Bill

Keith, I just walked through the Lounge area on Serenity. It’s all set up for embarkation. The ship looks immaculate. Have a wonderful time! Bill

Have a fantastic cruise, Keith. I’ll be following along. I posted a couple times about the current Serenity cruise and realized how much work it is. Glad you’re the one doing it! Bill

I enjoyed meeting you and your husband. Thanks for all your posts during the cruise. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

The Serenity crew has made my cruise so wonderful. Here are a few of the many special people. (Apologies for photos out of order). My morning routine with Rizaldy at the Bistro. Prakash keeping the ship immaculate. These ladies are doing something that must be uniquely Crystal - forming the Crystal logo in the sand. Amazing! Queron magically appearing while I’m reading on an aft deck. Evan’s kind face and manner at Waterside. Finally, my evening routine with Ali in Palm Court. Never have I heard crew members speak so highly and fondly of a cruise line. I can’t wait to return in June. Bill