travelberlin

I agree that Warnemünde is nice to spend the day. Berlin is too far away and it is very little to see in the short stay there during a shore excursion.

I have been in all those ports (except Riga, which we have visited not on a cruise) with another cruise line. They are very easy to do things on your own. I have walked from the ship to the main attractions without a problem. But from The cruise terminal to Visby center is probably more than a mile. Lovely walk though (see picture below). Tallinn center is also more than a mile from the cruise port.

MS Hamburg is also going through the Red Sea without guests.

There is a company called: „welcome pick ups”. We have used it once from the port to the airport.

Wise words Keith. After looking at your different bookings and evaluating your options, have you decided to apply the non refundable 20% promotion to any of your bookings? Or at least the 10% promotion, which is refundable? Ivi

The changes are not easy for travel agents either. Besides trying to rebook guests affected from the cancellations they are still doing business as usual with Crystal or with other cruise lines. I would contact my travel agent to request information instead of waiting to be contacted.

I agree, except when it is something exceptional such as the Grand Buffet used to be.

Since you want luxury but similar to Royal, maybe MSC Yacht Club is for you. None of the smaller luxury ships would be similar to Royal.

If you get the upgrade, do your bookings like restaurant reservations, the Key, etc, get changed to your new cabin automatically?

Our rescued dog in carnival mood 🥳

I have tried to add some pictures of the Grand Buffet onboard the Symphony in 2014. OMG, 10 years ago and it seems it was last year 🤭. Unfortunately the pictures come upside down when I upload them. No idea why. The event was very enjoyable. Good music, Champagne, good food and we made new friends… Nice memories… Ivi

Interesting 🤔 . I had no idea that remaining food they prepare to be served for lunch at the Market Place but they have not taken out of the Galley, could be reused again for the guests or the crew 😲 Do you mean they will keep it for next day for lunch? Or for the evening at the Waterside or other restaurant? In relation to the food remaining at the Market Place which has been displayed, for sure is a waste of food. It happens in all buffets on all cruise lines. The only way cruise lines would have to avoid this, is not to offer buffets. But this is unrealistic. Ivi

I have found this from 2019. It was a feast not only for the eyes

Thanks 🙏 that webpage does not display the information properly but it looks like there is an app for AMB. I will have a look.

Alserrod, thank you for all the help you give on those page. One question please, how much shall we expect to pay for a taxi for 2 passengers, 2 luggage from the port to a hotel in the Gothic Quarter on a week end?

We did a transatlantic crossing on a Royal ship and then we continued for about 9 days in the Mediterranean on the same ship. Although the food and entertainment were very similar, my friend said it looked as if we were on a different ship, cruising with a different company. She said, Europeans were more polite at the Windjammer, were better dressed and gave the cruise a more sophisticated athmosphere. This was her observation and for this particular cruises, I have thought, she was right.

We did enjoy the Grand Buffet in our previous cruises with Crystal. It is a pity that is gone. In order to avoid food waste, it could have been done on a reduced scale or regularly once per sailing at the market place, but I think the main reason is to reduce costs. By the way, the food at the market place is also food waste afterwards. Two sections of the market place serving the same food is not a great offer in terns of options either. Lots of food remaining at the end. I have asked what happens with this food afterwards, if the crew gets some, and the answer was that the remaining food is discarded. Ivi

I see your point. One would be paying in full more than 12 months in advance for cruises booked after April 2025.

The white night is an inside event after dinner. There is no buffet at this party. About 60 days before your cruise you can make reservations at Umi Uma and Osteria D’Ovidio. As May B has mentioned sometimes people post the menus on this board. In relation to the fares, I believe the ones at the webpage are the actual fares even though you might see „ prices from“. When you look at the cruise of your interest, if there is availability for the cabin category you want to book, you will see “request a quote”. Otherwise you will see „join the waitlist „. I would recommend to use a travel agent for your booking. It is good to have someone who knows the booking process and the company and can answer other questions you might have. Ivi

In cruise lines like Royal Caribbean or Celebrity, the cruise fares are lower than at Crystal. Meaning that it is easier to pay one year in advance for example US 1600 for one in order to save US 500, and not worry about it if one loses it all, than to pay 10.000 non refundable, one year in advance to save US 2000. I am comparing two cruises I am interested on, one with Royal and one with Crystal. Besides this, there is the consideration about the financial situation of the company behind this offer. Royal Caribbean apparently is making billions of profit and the bookings are increasing. Crystal is just starting to operate and this offer gives the impression of being in need for cash. However, each one of us will analyze pros and cons. For some guests it will work out. For others will not. But as we hear many times on this board, it is good to have options. Ivi

Thanks for posting the benefits. On debarkation day, they say we can choose the time of departure. What is the latest that we can choose to depart?

Does anyone know how many formal nights on a 13th night cruise? And on which night there is lobster?

I do not think that this promotion applies for any bookings in 2024. Isn’t it a requirement that the payment has to be made 12 months in advance before the cruise? Ivi

Don’t they use sea water for the pools? How do they heat them? Doesn’t usually need a couple of days to heat a pool? How often do they change the water on the pools?

As far as I understand, Crystal has explained that they are working on alternatives. Crystal has provided a letter about that. They have explained that they have to work on visas for the crew for alternative itineraries, logistics, etc. It is not easy and they have said that as soon as they have worked out the alternative, they will communicate. it is very hard for the company. They are not just sitting around hoping that a miracle happens. I am empathetic towards those affected. It is also not easy for those who have to flight to ports and do not know what to do. I wish that this information comes soon to give you peace of mind. Ivi