kool kruiser

The above, together with other comments in this thread, are perfectly accurate so far as US bookings are concerned, However, I note that, like me, you are UK-based. Our market is quite different. It is perfectly permissible for a Crystal cruise to be openly discounted. Indeed, our TA does and markets the fact, describing the discount as a ''bonus''. On the other hand, OBC is not generally available, unless it is a promotion from the cruise line. Of course, we also benefit from our statutory legal protections when using a TA and paying by credit card. Finally, most (but not all) of our TAs are independent corporates and not members of the various US networks. Different markets, different principles. So far as I am concerned, currently I book in the UK as the cash discount offered is far better than the OBC available if I book in the US.

Thanks so much Keith for, as ever, taking time out from your time onboard to report back to us and also answer so many queries. I am truly heartened by all I have read and hope to make some bookings real soon ! Hoping you both also enjoyed a memorable anniversary with so many ''friends and family '' .

Brilliant, thanks !!

Could somebody possibly remind me when dining reservations can be made, oplease. Thanks

I am really impressed with all that I hear, especially bearing in mind this is the inaugural and there are bound to be a few minor inconveniences. Great to hear that there are so many positives and that the negatives seem to be few and rather minor in nature. Having put matters ( I hope) in perspective, could I perhaps make a couple of observations. Firstly, OC had some really good production shows in the theatre but these currently seem to be absent. The only ones seem to be the cabaret lounge smaller juke-box style shows. Are the large-scale production shows ( eg Icons, Speakeasy) going to be re-introduced and is the delay due to getting the artistes up to speed ? Secondly, I note that the Bistro now sadly closes when dinner service starts. Candidly, we thought the Bistro coffee was far superior to that offered in Waterside and we often enjoyed a post-meal coffee there, perhaps with a decadent mini-dessert or chocolate truffle etc. We also often had a late night hot chocolate there before retiring. Is there now anywhere to get these offerings ? Has the Waterside coffee now reached Bistro's very high standards ? Please take these thoughts in the spirit they are intended....

For what it's worth, we sailed SS just before the pandemic and concur that, other than the staterooms, which were superb, we found it very inferior to Crystal in every other respect. We do agree that the pricing for NC is not particularly competitive. Whilst loyalists, including ourselves, will continue to cruise on NC, there will, IMHO, need to be a downwards adjustment to attract the numbers needed to reach suitable capacity levels.

In a word....terrific !! And isn't it great to at long last have such unbridled positivity and optimism on this board.

Bon voyage to you both. I look forward with great anticipation to hearing your considered views and hope you both have a wonderful time. One day we will meet in person !! Colin

And I doubt if this will be any great hardship for Keith😀

I have felt your pain through your posts following the cancellation and entirely agree with your thoughts regarding Explora's approach. Very different from what was indicated previously. Delighted that you have managed to get an alternative and wishing you a well-deserved and enjoyable cruise. Knowing where you live (!!) please take care in the current extreme weather conditions.

As anticipated, brilliantly informative, as ever😀. Lots of positives thus far. Appreciate your devotion to us (!!) but don't forget to ensure that you have a wonderful, enjoyable and memorable cruise.

Having valued greatly your insight on another board, I very much look forward to reading your pearls of wisdom😀. Are you on the inaugural ?

Our plans for 2023 were already made before NC was launched. We have decided to wait for early feedback before hopefully booking three cruises ( including one b to b ) in 2024. We are very optimistic but no rush, as cannot book flights yet either.

For us ( and I would be surprised if we were alone ) what matters is the ability to get laundry done with no upcharge, either in laundry room or by ship. Surprised that this appears to be such a contentious topic !!

Understood, although still not comparable at all to the superior offering that should be available, as previously outlined. After all, like it or not, we are now in a 'coffee culture' society/environment.

Rather disappointing to hear that Saga does not offer coffee made from a ''proper'' machine, just the push button type. Certainly, the luxury lines all have included excellent coffee, made as you would find in a coffee shop. I believe that even the mainstream lines also generally have this option, albeit at extra cost. Time for Saga to get real in this area !!

Like ctjon, our experience on Old Crystal was the same. Personally, I think there is little to fear from Explora allowing youngsters on board, the limited facilities available for them compared to the mainstream cruise lines should curtail their numbers. I anticipate that the end result will be similar to that experienced on Old Crystal.

Keith Do please continue to post as and when you can. So far as I can see, nobody has not welcomed or been appreciative of your efforts thus far. also, of course prioritisation is a necessity in any start-up. In time, I do hope that NC will be able to post this information as used to be the case. Thanks Colin

Firstly, this is rather poorly worded. I agree that it must refer to indoors as otherwise, what is one expected to wear when swimming or in a hot tub !! As per Mr Google, in the US a tank top is what we might describe in the UK as a sleeveless vest or singlet. As for baseball caps, I will definitely need to modify if this, IMHO, rather silly guidance is enforced. Being rather follically challenged on top (😀), I habitually wear one is sunny climes and it will be a real bind to keep taking it off when indoors, as well as trying not to lose it ! I am sure that there are many others in my situation. Personally, I can't see this guidance sticking.

As ever, I think this thread proves again that we all have different preferences, likes, dislikes etc, when it comes to entertainment and enrichment. Perhaps what is most important is that it seems that NC is aiming to continue the outstanding offering in this aspect of cruising that was, at least for us, one of the great attractions of OC. Incidentally, great to get confirmation that the close-up magic shows are coming back. Also, don't forget that the OC Elton John tribute was performed by Neil Lockwood, so we may well have a new show here. All in all, more great news !!

Other sample menus have also been posted and there will probably be more to come, as each dining option has a menus tab. Interestingly, Scoops now references Italian-style gelato and not Ben and Jerrys.

Of course ( as stated in the unquoted part of my previous post ) but this is a very different scenario, as generally agreed and acknowledged earlier in this thread,.

The thing is, it's an EXTRA $300, over and above the already paid for luxury cruise line per diem. I do not share this optimism, although respect that this may appeal to others, just not us. Time will tell....

Oh dear, what HAS Keith started. Didn't know that there was any possible substitute for ketchup !!

Thanks Keith. More great news. Best wishes Colin