skybluewaters

Thanks, Nancy! We booked this cruise on short notice - the day before yesterday - just 3 1/2 weeks before the cruise begins. Unfortunately, that means less time to enjoy the pre-cruise anticipation, but we couldn't wait until our next SB cruise, which begins in October.

Very much looking forward to your impressions. We will be getting on Ovation the day you disembark for the 14-day circumnavigation of Iceland. Sounds as though you're going in with a great attitude! P.S. Let me know the name(s) of the best waiters in The Restaurant so we can ask for them.

Actually, I would be more than satisfied if the new Crystal was a carbon copy of the old Crystal...and that especially includes Umi Uma.

Use a flashlight and look under the pillows.

The only issue I have with the drinking water is that the bottles of water in the cabin are placed right above the refrigerator, causing the water to be warm. Of course, I could move the bottles elsewhere, but that's where the slots for the bottles are located.

Even if you request a specific size, quite often the jackets you are provided are the wrong size; this has been mentioned on previous threads on this board. However, it's a simple matter to exchange your jacket for one of the correct size.

On the Sojourn holiday cruise this past winter, one evening there was a Friends of Bill W meeting at 5:00PM, an LGBTQ+ get together at 5:30, and a Hanukkah celebration at 6:00. If you were a gay, Jewish recovering alcoholic you were well taken care of.

Perhaps the rep was so utterly gobsmacked by this question that she temporarily lost the ability to think clearly.

Can't argue with that, especially if the Chronic Tacos in OC are as good as the venue in Vancouver. After several weeks of escargot, beef Wellington, lobster thermidor, etc. etc. on a cruise, a hefty burrito dripping with spicy Mexican sauces really hits the spot!

Check again around the time when cancellation fees kick in. This is when you can expect some cancellations to occur.

That would be a problem for some, but from reading previous posts it seems that many were unhappy that they couldn't have a quiet, served lunch in the Restaurant, as opposed to eating in the busy buffet Colonnade. Even if the food is the same, the ambiance would be markedly different, which would satisfy some passengers.

The Dover Sole Meuniere at TKG. But be warned, it's massive.

I agree. If it were up to me, I'd have the musicians in the lounges play the Grateful Dead at all times, but I'm realistic enough to know that would never happen, and I certainly don't expect it to happen. In any event, the type of music on board would never factor into my decision whether to take a specific cruise or not.

We also were on Sojourn this past December/January. The veranda cabin we had was actually quite attractive, with light colored wood and clean furnishings throughout. Didn't feel it was dated at all. There was a walk-in closet that, although a bit small, had plenty of room to hang all our clothes and store our shoes, etc. Overall, quite pleased with the cabin.

Yes, the Giants do have a DH (designated hitter).

How about for Yankees people?

That's one way of putting it. Another is that it is just adjacent to the Cove. Sounds more hygienic that way.

Just having this rule in place serves the purpose of discouraging passengers from dressing in such a manner, regardless of whether enforcement is carried out. Of course, some people feel that rules don't apply to them and they will test to see if the rules will be enforced.

Except that Crystal already has a very nice computer room, an outstanding coffee/snacks venue (The Bistro), a great library, a functional guest service area, and a comfortable future cruise desk area. So all that would be left for this area would be a place to sit, chat and read...exactly what has been proposed above. Moving all of these into the casino area (and I doubt they would fit), would create a new problem of what to do with the abandoned venues.

Westin San Diego Broadway, several blocks from the pier.

I understand that the Keller meals in the Colonnade are served family style, but if we prefer a table for two, will they serve one of those seafood platters just for the two of us?

Darn it, you discovered their dirty little secret! The two Crystal ships never were intended to sail the itineraries listed on the Crystal website. They're actually being converted into private yachts, one for Manfredi and one for Geoffrey Kent. And the actual ratio of crew to passengers will be 20:1.

@waldorf If you had gone with a veranda cabin, you might be very pleased with SB. Paying 4-5 times what a veranda costs (per your estimate) changes the calculus enormously regarding how satisfied you would be. Of course, that doesn't excuse poor service or disruptions due to noise, but you perceive things quite differently when you feel you are being wildly overcharged. Perhaps you are one-and-done with SB, but I would be interested in hearing your review of a future cruise with SB if you experienced a veranda cabin. In any event, whichever line you choose to travel, I hope you have calm seas and a prosperous voyage.

I wasn't aware that this was a corporate decision. What is your source for this information? Thanks

The 102 year old gentleman on Sojourn during the Holiday Cruise in the Caribbean seemed to fit in well, enjoying his pre-dinner cocktails in the Observation Bar and going on excursions regularly. Most passengers didn't know his age and, I'm certain, didn't care. You can be any age, you can dress (almost) any way, as long as you don't interfere with others or disrespect the ship's guidelines. Fellow passengers on Seabourn are very welcoming.