travelberlin

Why would they have to close all restaurants if they go the Azamara way? Azamara does not close any restaurant on that evening. As a matter of fact many cruisers I know including me go to the MDR on the night of this event and afterwards to have the desert at the white party ( nice crepes usually prepared by some officer) and to dance. There are always plenty of tables and I have never experienced anyone looking desperately to find a place. Russ did a wonderful job on the white parties when he was Cruise Director at Azamara. However, I understand that it is not for everyone. I understand also that we have different indicators of success. For example, I do not consider a success when only about 20 people (including dance hosts and entertainers) are on the event. Time will tell, which changes this event will experience.

This was definitely the menu last evening. Ivi

Really? This is a surprise. I have 4 more cruises booked with Crystal and when I tried to upgrade to a better cabin, I was supposed to pay more than US 5000 per cruise. Ivi

Yes do your booking with the Symphony if possible 😊 I have two more cruises with the Serenity and two with the Symphony 👍

A very nice meal at the Osteria. Carpaccio is back. Thanks to the recommendations of the Italian Sommelier, I have enjoyed a good red wine from Verona and a black Sambuca. Lovely.

Plus 1

Unfortunately this event has never been successful with Crystal. If I recall it started only some years ago. It could be a nice party but not the way it us conducted now. Below a white party at a different cruise line. ivi

I enjoy the Japanese breakfast. I am glad it is still in the menu Ivi

White party started at 10.30 pm on the Serenity. Too late. Many of us were wearing white for the whole evening but I do not think many made it to the party because it being late. It would be nice imho to have this party on Deck 12 with some nice buffet and early instead of the way is done now. Ivi

A rainy morning in Gustavia. A wealthy place. Reminds me of Cannes because of its yachts. It has lovely corners with many young people enjoying their champagne in fancy bars and restaurants. Others, not so wealthy just eating a baguette near the port. I also saw a Gypsy telling somebody her fortune. Interesting Gustavia. My third visit here. Ivi

Today in St. Lucia. I have received an alert about safety concerns in Castries from the German Government. Apparently many reports of robberies and some of them including violence. Since I have been here before, I decided just to stay onboard today. A nice swim on the pool and a visit to the Bistro. Voila the Portuguese tarts 😊

It sounds very good Rob. How long was the hike? Ivi

Isles Les Saintes, Guadeloupe, what a lovely surprise. Charming french and easy to walk. Loving this cruise on board the Serenity 👌

Rob, there you have the Cotton Candy. It was very good 😊

Seen in St. Thomas: a perfect half size copy of the little mermaid. Not very well taken care of, but still beautiful…

I would like to see balconies also for the solo rooms. Or at least french balconies with a possibility to get fresh air.

Lunch at the Waterside. Nothing beats this relaxed and friendly atmosphere for lunch on the ship. Ivi

Are you sure it was not a special offer? The 50% discount? I remember seeing a limited time offer for some cruises with the 50% solo supplement. For al the cruises I was interested, at the time of booking they were almost 100 % supplement. Just the port taxes and other taxes were deducted. Ivi

All solo cabins are located forward. If one wants to book at the solo lower discount (which by the way is not zero supplement as some people believe), those are the cabins one will get. No possibility to choose unless the solo passenger is willing to pay for two.

Is this just for New Years or will we have the brunch in each sailing ? We used to love the brunch … Ivi

Thanks again Keith for all your information with beautiful pictures. I am glad that you and Anne Marie are enjoying the cruise. I know your cruise is pretty full. Do you have an idea ( or someone you know has) of how many guests are being expected for the next cruise? Ivi

Yes British Airways has a very nice first class. It is of course much better to enjoy it when you have a day flight. But for the evening you can eat very well before the flight at the first class lounge in LHR. Ivi

I understand that a solo traveler can get a two top independently of the dining options.

Nice Christmas cookies. Just today my DH and me are having almost our last Christmas cookies for this year. We start with them at the first advent Sunday and it continues up to the Christmas day on the 25th. We also have the tradition of eating at this time Stolle, panettone and warm cheese empanadas 😋 Ivi

Jeddah, difficult to reach even from Europe 😔