skybluewaters

To JohnKen3: Thank you so much for the links to your recent Mozart cruise! We will be going on the Mahler this fall (our first river cruise after numerous ocean voyages) and your review and photos have answered many of our questions. I appreciate the effort you put into evaluating rooms at various locations of the boat, and I was especially impressed by the food (both the quality of the photos and the quality of the food!).

Is there any update whether the Bach and Mahler are coming along on time?

They've both been delayed once.

Crystal's statement regarding the delays in launching the two river vessels included the following, "...we feel that the adjustments to the launch timeline are in the best interest of our guests, as well as our travel partners."

What do they mean by "travel partners"?

Also, I've noticed that you can take excursions on the ebikes, but can you just take an ebike and go off on your own?

I am booked on the Mahler for September 30, which apparently now will be the maiden voyage. I specifically do not want to be on a maiden voyage because there most likely will be unexpected issues that will need to be addressed.

It doesn't suprise me that there is a delay, as Crystal has blundered mightily in its overly ambitious campaign to build a "brand." Airplanes, yachts, expedition vessels, river boats, residences at sea....too much at once! Instead of improving their core business and slowly expanding, they may soon realize that they have bitten off more than they can chew.

My biggest worry now is that this delay is just the first in a series of delays, and that my September 30 sailing will be canceled, possibly on short notice. I have already spent thousands of dollars in airfare and trip insurance and Crystal will be on the hook for that if this trip doesn't come off as scheduled. I also will never sail on any Crystal vessel again if that happens. I am pi$$ed!

Other dealbreakers:

1. A liberal smoking policy

2. A cruise with lots of children

3. Nickel-and-diming

4. Not enough sea days

5. Lines & crowds

Thanks for doing this, Claudia.

Clare and I are booked on the Mahler next year on a 16 day journey from Budapest to Amsterdam. Like many others, this will be our first river cruise. I share the concern that the evenings will be too quiet and your report should shed some needed light on that. I'm also interested to see and hear how the food compares to Serenity's and Symphony's.

Have a great trip!

Leo

You should always have your cell phone with you. If it is a Smartphone, get a waterproof case from Aquapac. Smartphones take awesome underwater photos and videos.

 

If it is a regular flip phone, get an Aquapac to old the flip phone, your ID and a credit card, maybe some cash.

 

There aren't any cabs at Hanauma I am aware of.

 

http://usstore.aquapac.net/

Thanks for that useful information!

I imagine it is fairly easy to get a taxi from the pier in Honolulu to take you to Hanauma Bay for some snorkeling. But how do you get a taxi to take you back from the beach to the ship? Are there taxis right there waiting for clients? I would prefer not to take a cell phone so that it doesn't get wet/ruined.

Also, in Kona, after taking the tender to the pier, are there taxis easily available to take you to Kahaluu Beach? And since that beach would have many fewer people visiting, would taxis be available there?

If you have these specific experiences, or even a vaguely similar experience, I would be grateful to hear your recommendation. Thank you!

Boulevard Restaurant, several blocks from the Ferry Building, is perfect for lunch, fairly expensive but with a solid SF vibe. Also, it's a stone's throw from the waterfront and could be a nice stopping point during a walk along the water. You should make reservations. http://www.boulevardrestaurant.com

As previously mentioned, Tadich's Grill is a fantastic seafood restaurant, but, alas, is too snooty to take reservations, so you usually have to wait for about one hour to get seated. However, if you're able to go there around 3 or 4 pm, the wait is more reasonable.

http://www.tadichgrill.com/

If you want to venture across the Golden Gate Bridge, there's a place called Murray Circle Restaurant that is located on the premises of Cavallo Point Lodge, which is gorgeously situated just past the northern end of the bridge, on the grounds of the former Fort Baker. The food and ambiance are very good, and walking around the resort will give you tremendous views of San Francisco.

http://www.cavallopoint.com/

1. which gins and vodkas are included in the classic alcohol package?

2. which gins and vodkas are included in the premium alcohol package?

3. if i use the current 123 promotion and get the free classic alcohol package, how do i upgrade to the premium package, and when can i do so?

this is my first post with celebrity, although i have sailed with them twice before. thanks in advance!