Happy2trvl

We completed our cruise on the Debussy and let me say that you are in great hands with Crystal. They want you to enjoy their exemplary service, and have a river cruise experience. We found their staff, Captain included, to move mountains to make all possible work for you. We appreciated staying on the ship and being spoiled by staff, and food. Our excursions were uniquely worked out to maximize our experience of the area. Trust me, this company and staff are working around the clock to give you a Crystal experience, and once you are on board you will be grateful with your choice. We certainly were!

We just completed our Rhine cruise on the Debussy and want to let you know despite the changes you will be pleased with your Crystal choice. The staff is amazing, the ship incredible, food outstanding. We were so grateful that we were able to stay onboard and not have to pack up and move as others on other lines had to do. Once on board you will be relaxed and pampered! Enjoy and embrace the new itinerary.

Could you please share which ship you're on and what was your itinerary? Thanks...so glad things are going well!

We are on the Debussy, arriving Amsterdam on the 22. It is raining in Cologne so fingers crossed for success on the next cruise out!

I am posting this to calm nerves (mine were slightly...okay ....totally frayed prior to embarkation)

Crystal has been beyond amazing in dealing with the low river levels. I could go on with details but rest assure if it is possible to keep you on the ship they DO IT! We have stayed on the ship for our sailing, and will now make it to Amsterdam without major issues. The biggest change they have made, is to dock in safer water levels which have been chosen close to excursion sights. The bus picks us up, off we go to the excursion, and bring us back to the ship. Again, anyone wishing to deviate from their chosen tour can stay on board without any problem. The captain is brilliant in his way of making this work. Staff....I sincerely don’t know if they sleep... they share all information clearly for us. Crystal, a big thank you to all, from the bottom of our hearts! Your staff makes the impossible POSSIBLE! No unpacking...we have stayed onboard and enjoyed all services offered!!!

Day one on Debussy and loving it! Exceptional food, wine, cabin and crew. We were in Strasbourg this morning and completed our morning excursion. The ship was to depart Strasbourg at 10 this evening. We were scheduled for tours this afternoon, to return at 715pm. After our morning tour we were advised that the Captain wanted to sail at 1 pm as the water level was going to be going too low later today. Crystal was excellent in extending choices to all. We could go back to the ship and sail at 1, or for those that wished to complete the afternoon activities Crystal kept staff behind with them and arranged a bus to meet up with Debussy later tonight. That was terrific, as it was a quick deviation and I thoughtful. Thank you Crystal!

Thank you Crystal that’s all I needed. Concise information pertinent to my sailing. That’s exactly what I have been asking for. Appreciate it!

hope it helps those on the river

Thanks, did not know that. Appreciation to all that are sharing their experiences and knowledge. Wish I had this info prior to our anniversary sailing

And... as per the August 16, deceleration from Walter why is the same offer not given to the rest of us with “amended itinerararies”?

Totally agree that they do not have a crystal ball on weather from day to day. What they CAN share, due to lack of ship swap availability, is to share what they Have done the last week or two. I am confident that has not changed, so sharing that info with future cruisers should not be a big deal. Really not sure ... if you don’t have a bus tour to hide, why not be honest. They do have insurance for such situations, considering they are Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) owned.

Why not be honest with those that pay their salaries, and save face. We are all in it together.

Don’t go Crystal. We paid a fortune and Walmart shoppers are treated better. Low water levels on the Rhine.. get they cannot control Mother Nature but they have not communicated any changes in scheduling to us at all. What we here is it has turned into a bus tour. We leave in 4 days and no info. Save money DO NOT go Crystal

We understand the difficulties and understand they have contingency plans, but without their honesty in communicating their intentions, we feel like we have been involved in a time share plan, with us putting forward a large investment at stake. Crystal, you have been very dishonest and not forthright in explaining what we are to expect. If you hide the travel plans moving forward how do we trust you. You have have at minimum a month at this situation. Shame on your lack of integrity!

Again agree with the other person who was honest, and shared their experience...where’s the Crystal in this line...certainly not in communication, that’s for sure.

John where are your statements now??? Walmart has better customer service. Again, as my Granthmother used to say...shame on you...and apparently on me for booking Crystal.

We have sailed and traveled with many and will not be repeating this experience. I believe LA Times are our next COMMUNTICATION!!!!

Sailing on Debussy out of Basel Sept 16. Spoke to my agent yesterday asking about any news from Crystal...received a general statement without any information. Sent an email to head office in Los Angeles asking what they did on our itinerary this past week, no response. Called the Amsterdam office today asking what itinerary changes have been made this week assuming conditions will be the same or deteriorating and was told “of course there will be changes”. I again asked ..using the last couple of weeks as historical data what can I assume to experience. I was asked by the crystal representative how I got this number. He was extremely rude, would not allow me to finish asking my questions, told me to call Los Angles. Asked several times what can I expect for Sunday on, and in different wording said yes there will be changes. I asked for his name and he would not give to me, nor would he give me any information. What is this???? I understand this is a difficult situation for ALL concerned, company, employees, and let’s not forget CLIENTS! Come on Crystal, I expect communication....

Anyone on the Debussy and can report? We are to sail Sept 16 and are feeling a bit in the dark.

Thanks :D

Why are we not hearing from Crystal clients on Rhine situation?

Any reports from the Debussey? We are scheduled to travel on her Sept 16, fingers crossed.

Where do you acquire the Crystal information? We are sailing soon and I can’t seem to find any information on it.

Thanks.

Very exciting that you are will be visiting the Debussey. We are scheduled to sail on her mid September. Would welcome your comments, as I am finding very little info from previous passengers. We are staying in S5-227. Will this cabin be dark when docked? Also not sure of the travel time between ports in Bassel and Amsterdam to city center. Would love to know that.

Thanks for your help, happy sails!

I can do that but I must be sure of the time frame. I know when we were in Europe last year only certain companies were permitted to drop you at the ship. Not sure if that is true on river ports

Sorry we depart from St.Johann Pier 1 and will be departing the Hotel Merian am Rhein.

We are departing in the port of Basel. Does anyone have advice on what company we should contact to take us from our hotel to the port? How long does it take, and any advice on the registration?

Thanks so much

I am confirmed on a river cruise in September. Thus far there is only 1 Signature excursion offered for the entire 7 days. Compared to the special excursions Viking offers we are disappointed. What direction regarding excursions, will Crystal be taking in the future?

Do all the transfer companies drop you at the ship, or at the entrance? We have someone in our party that has mobility issues. I read somewhere that only certain companies have authorization to take you straight to the ship. Is that true, and if so who provides that service?

Thanks

We will be leaving the Jewel in October. We are in a suite and would like to book transport from Civitavecchia to Positano. From your experiences, what time should we expect to be off the ship, and when would be a safe time frame to book our transportation.

Thanks for your help.:cool:

Thank you for your report. I will be in 1060 in october with girlfriends celebrating 2 birthdays also! What was the size of the balcony?

Cheers!