Texas Tillie

Yes, didn't book until day 6 after they started taking bookings and I had to get the most expensive "double" on Deck 7. In 7075, so a good location. The flights on United for business are $1,600 LESS than what I'd booked for 2020! Got all that money refunded as planes weren't going anywhere in June, 2020. Patty

I had a similar cruise booked on the Symphony in 2020. It was 2 days longer and almost 50% less expensive, so this one better be good! 😱 Patty

The price listed for the single cabins is the price you will pay. Be aware that with a limited number of single cabins, all might be already booked for specific cruises. Patty

That would be disappointing, but I'm afraid you might be right. Patty

Know it wasn't 2007 as my first Crystal cruise was Nov., 2007 and it was still Jade Garden then. Patty

What year did the concept change from Jade Garden to Silk Road on the Symphony? Patty

Hobby is better, by far. It is at least 30 minutes closer to Galveston. It is small compared to Intercontinental (IAH). There's just one terminal at Hobby vs. five at IAH. About 90% of the flights to Hobby are Southwest and that would make Midway the option. There are plenty of nonstops from O'Hare to Intercontinental, but there is no reason to put yourself through the hassle at both of them.

And what was included in that fare? Was it one where flights were included? You have got to compare apples to apples, not apples to watermelons. Patty

Based on my travel agent inquiring about the solo cabins on several cruises and all being fully booked. There were "any number" (not getting into the argument on guessing how many crew members will be returning) of Crystal Society members who paid their $500 and booked soon after they were able. Patty

I've been seeing many no to low (25%) single supplements on Silversea and Regent. Don't know about Seabourn, but wouldn't be surprised if they have them too. When you compare Crystal's new rates (for the solo cabins which seem to be selling like hot cakes) and these other lines, when you consider the bottom line, what you get for the fare on each, you will get equivalent or sometimes better rates on the lines other than Crystal.

That's the carpet that looked like there had been a murder with those blood stains!! Patty

The casino on the Silver Muse (596 passengers) was teeny-tiny. Think it was run by Russians, well, the girls working there had distinct Slavic accents. Patty

Do you really think they would have been able to grow like they have if they were selling tainted gas??

Many luxury cruisers have thought the same, but are waiting until after they actually sail to make a booking. Feed back is needed as MSC itself gets very mixed reviews from US residents. Will they actually be able to provide a luxury product?

Crystal had a cruise that stopped at St. Pierre et Miquelon in 2018. Since we were anchored and the weather was past atrocious, I didn't get off. When it comes to weather, you pay your money and take your chances. Patty

I had been told by multiple sources that the cheapest and the most expensive cabins were the first to fill up with those doing full world cruises. Patty

That shouldn't be as expensive as earlier in the summer as here in Texas the public schools and universities will be back in session. Also, none of the big festivals then.

No doubt new Crystal's fares are higher than old Crystal. I don't think it's fare to compare to the fares after Crystal came back when doing just Caribbean, etc. A reasonable comparison to Regent, Seabourn and Silversea is a comparison to what those lines were charging in late 2019, the percentage increase they are charging from then to now and what Crystal's rates were then and then now. Everyone is charging more - has anyone been to the grocery store in the last 6 months? Afraid the new Crystal not serve Portuguese tarts based on the price of eggs - a main ingredient! 🤪 Patty

Let us know when the cruise is happening. Galveston is a tourist destination and hotel rates vary substantially depending on the season and what's happening on the island.

It's my understanding that the prices quoted for the Solo Window Cabins will be as quoted, no supplement and it says they will be booked for one passenger only. Patty

I think you know the answer and the port fees aren't it!! 😱🤓🙄 Patty

I was on the Silver Muse this past Dec., 18 days Singapore to Sydney with 9 sea days. Enrichment was lacking and entertainment was even worse. I keep hearing Silversea is upping their game with those - when you're in the basement, any improvement is up. YMMV Patty

I don't believe you are purposely being shunned; it's just another place where it appears Crystal is falling short. I haven't received anything from them but did make the deposit. There is a woman who has way over 100 cruises with the old Crystal who also seems to be a persona non grata. She has posted here on Cruise Critic that she has already made deposits on future cruises, as she keeps up with what has been posted here. Patty

Amen, Brother! How are you feeling? All well and ready to rumble? Patty

The food wasn't bad on the Muse (with a few exceptions) but I never had one meal anywhere on the ship that was as good as 90% of the meals on the old Crystal. It was a combo of the quality of the food, the recipes and the presentation. That was my only other experience with luxury cruising. Was it better than all mass market cruises I've done (Disney, Princess, Holland America and Royal Caribbean) - of course. The service wasn't the old Crystal quality. Crew tried, but they just weren't well trained. Patty