ryndam

After experiencing the ongoing pandemic debacle of 2020, we do not purchase any non-refundable tours, hotels, airfares, cruises, tickets, restaurant reservations, et.al., etc. from any supplier or vendor. And certainly not a year in advance. These two offers do not appeal to us (even the refundable option), but it I suspect that they would not be offered if the actuaries, investment and marketing strategists did not believe there was an audience and a benefit involved. Rob

Ashley, I totally agree with your observation about the drapery pockets in the classic version vs. the 2018 version. However, I will gently correct your observation about the width of the balcony sliding doors. They are wider in the original classic versions. In the first photo, check out the difference between the deck 10 & deck 11 doors when compared to the deck 8 & 9 doors. Also on deck 10, immediately below the person on the deck 11 balcony, going aft, these are the 2018 conversions with the smaller doors. The three rooms all the way to the left of the photo on deck 10 are the original classic versions. In the second photo, the deck 11 rooms are the original classic version. The rooms below on deck 10 are the 2018 renovations, and the rooms on decks 8 & 9 are the 2023 Sapphire renovations, all with the original door openings from the ship's original balcony configurations. Rob

They are addicting...especially with the lingonberry topping. Glad you're enjoying. 😊 Rob

Interesting observation. We found the upholstery and sofa & chair cushions in the 2018 version on our December 2023 cruise to be sagged-out and showing significantly more wear than the classic suite we occupied last month. I agree that the carpet in the suite needs some love, but nothing was worn, soiled, torn or in obvious need of repair. Even the loose bed and sofa pillows were pristine. The sofa on the classic version was way more comfortable than the sofa in the 2018 version. Everyone views decor differently. The classic suite we occupied was certainly not worn out or shabby. Rob

Yes it does. But honestly, we only used it to rinse and dry our snorkel gear. 😊

Here are a couple of pictures of the 2018 version that we sailed in December. I don't have as many pictures, because I was not that impressed. The photos on the Crystal website are accurate. As mentioned above, we did like the bathrooms in the 2018 version, but in order to have that larger shower, the real estate was taken from the living area in order to create those larger bathrooms. Rob

Depends what your definition of "dated" is. We've sailed in the classic version and the 2018 version. We like the additional USB and electrical outlets and the big walk-in shower in the 2018 version, but overall, we prefer the classic version. In our opinion, the classic version has better storage, a better closet, better desk space, better flat space, the bathroom door does not open directly on the bed area, and the glass doors to the balcony are larger. It is a better designed layout, at least for us. Attached are a few pictures of the suite that we just spent the last 30 days enjoying. Rob

Our bottles of Grey Goose, Knobs Creek and the Cabernet spent quite a few bumpy nights together on the sofa! Sending you continued thoughts for calmer seas in your direction. Sail on! Rob

Thank you Dwight for continuing the journey. Looking forward to the ongoing adventure. Best wishes and smooth sailing (eventually)! Rob

Parting shot. Till next time. 🛳️🛳️🛳️

For those boarding today, the WC balloon drop will be tonight. Safe travels!! Rob

Final Reflections. I pass the baton to the next group of adventurers. It’s been a fun 30 days. Luggage in the corridor, including the balance of the gin samplers! 🥃🥃🥃 Rob EA6DC407-D9EE-4A18-9DEA-64355B8206FB.pdf

Lunch menu just posted. 8C284030-0DC7-45C3-9B1F-6D5C1CB28CFC.pdf

Not so subtle hint. These documents greeting us this morning. Rob. 🥲🥲

Reflections and dinner menu. Lunch menu not yet posted. F8A52864-2ABA-457D-86F4-0F69191DCB4B.pdf 5AE8D103-6BDF-4EEA-8A3D-9B21742489E8.pdf

This is a smart marketing gesture. It has certainly generated a fair amount of onboard bookings the past two weeks here. Rob

Reflections and menus attached. I’ve also included the breakfast menu, which never changes. B3651836-6EC9-493E-A137-3FF4A771B061.pdf A72B7103-B9A0-400C-A164-212845B6E679.pdf BEDDA9F1-513B-4676-8FAE-62221862994A.pdf 8C44F328-715A-41D3-9EC1-68E9A22E58A6.pdf

Reflections and lunch menu. Dinner menu not yet posted. Clocks back an hour tonight and again tomorrow night. B3651836-6EC9-493E-A137-3FF4A771B061.pdf 8C44F328-715A-41D3-9EC1-68E9A22E58A6.pdf

The afternoon snacks keep getting better. At least for us. Today’s included the seafood sampler as well as some delicious crudo.

Choice is good. Like individuals’ food and dietary preferences, everyone has their favorites in performance styles and entertainment. We do not care for Perry nor his schtick across Celebrity, HAL and Crystal. It’s great that he has loyal and wonderful followers such as you and Mr. B. Peace. Out. 😁🙏 Rob

Puerto Vallarta. Humongous Princess docked next to us. Offloading trash and recycling today. Walmart directly across the street; every crew member off duty stocking up their personal supplies. And that’s about as exciting as it gets for us today. 🥴🥴 Rob

Neal Fullerton is the loud performer. There is nothing wrong with the volume controls. Several of us have had numerous conversations with CD, HD, the sound engineers and the band masters. It is his style to sing with his mouth practically in the microphone. When he just plays and keeps his mouth shut, it is a perfect piano bar. When he opens his mouth, it is rock concert decibel level. Performer’s ego vs. guests. Ego wins. We just frequent other venues. There a lots of choices. Rob

Todays menu just posted. 35402F09-BBC9-47C0-B39D-8431C511EFBD.pdf

I was going to respond to this question, but decided that any response would not be appropriate. There has been no official communication from shipboard personnel of any communicable disease. There are general notices about hand sanitation, distancing, etc. in Reflections, but no specific communications concerning disease transmission. Rob

Todays Reflections. Menu not yet posted. 10800890-91CB-4A0F-B2E1-01CFE4D79D93.pdf