Keith1010

Thank you. I've been on a couple of cruises with Crystal where some professional organization was on and had special lectures and such and it was towards their training. Keith

We’re your two cruise talks on Crystal? The reason I ask is one of the items highlighted to the lecturers is that guests enjoy engaging throughout the cruise whether that involves questions or even going for a drink or a meal. Keith

I do not believe the Cleveland Clinic ever provided onboard clinical services in terms of the doctors and nurses or other related support. They provided lecturers who covered a range of medical and other health related items. The doctors and nurses which Crystal has used come from different places including South Africa, Eastern and Western Europe the USA and South America to name a few . I am sure they use a staffing company for this. I know of at least one doctor who is returning. I also know there are times when they consult with those on land when they need help in an area that is not part of their core discipline. I know this because one time the ships doctor had to consult with a land based person about my situation. Thankfully, they were wrong but I had to go off the ship while the ship thankfully had an overnight to be checked and cleared to return. Keith

A day late but saw this on a run I took yesterday. Keith

Crystal did have a relationship with the Cleveland Clinic for a number of year,s but as Patty noted it ended long before Crystal stopped sailing. Keith

For us not matter if it is rain or shine it is always a great day when we are back to sea on a Crystal voyage. Bags packed. Ready to go. Can't wait. Keith

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. They seem very logical and possibly this coupled with the comments from the webinar Q&A combined are the reasons for this as when the answer was provided my sense is that it was due to a combination of reasons. I might add to it on top of the smaller number of gamblers most cruises have all ports except for one sea day compared to years ago when almost every cruise had three or more sea days and with overnights and late port departures there is less time for the casino to be opened so less hours of play. I am glad you will be back to cruising soon. I was wondering why you hadn't posted of late and now understand why. Very happy that your surgery was a success and you are also able to post agiain. Keith

Judging by your name and location you probably know more than we do. We will soon find out. Keith

I realize the loss of the casino is upsetting to some. I have seen frustration on this board and one other forum. While many have said they don't care, and some have said they utilized the casino on occasion but not a big deal there are some who have said it is a deal breaker. Like many things this was a business decision made by the new ownership. We will never know whether or not there was more to it than what was said or if it was also a financial decision. Many things happen behind the scenes on ships just like on land in companies that we, as guests, are not aware of. I have no idea whether or not casinos are profitable or not and all that is involved with their operations including things such as overhead. Over the years we have seen many changes in what is offered and not everyone was applauded by everyone. This includes pretty much everything from room design, to food and beverage to entertainment and enrichment to evening attire and the list goes on and on. Some of the changes brought new guests to the fold while some resulted in some guests moving on. This is a business and as such the owner can make changes and the customer can decide whether they will continue sailing or move on. We don't know all the details behind the decision. Crystal won't be the only cruise line without a casino even though the majority of the lines presently have them. And certainly some lines put more emphasis on them than other lines. Crystal Endeavor had a very large casino given the overall size of the ship and one of the first things when SS bought the ship was the announcement there would not be a casino. I don't believe they ever explained why but if I am wrong on that I am sure someone will correct me. We all have different reasons for cruising and the good news is thee are lots of choices. I think we should be understanding of those who are not happy about the change but at the same time those who are unhappy about the change should understand a decision has been made and either accept it or move on. I say this respectfully. Keith

Although this dining venue isn't returning, these are still nice responses when you are asked if there is something more you would like by the wonderful waitstaff team on-board Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. Keith

Roy the classic Serenity Aquamarine (former PH0 Deck 10 on Serenity are 10036 thru 10074, 10078 10082, 10086 and 10090 and 10037 thru 10075, 10079, 10083 and 10087 and 10091. Keith

Yes.

LeeAnne, on this one I am not sure on either one. Hopefully some who have booked the single guest rooms can at least answer your first question. On the second one I would recommend calling Crystal or if you have a TA having them check for you. to see if any changes were made to either one of them. Clearly they show as larger than the single ones and more like what you would expect of a regular size room. Keith

When the question about why casino came up this is precisely the answer given. "I think it was a conversation around the direction of the product that we wanted to go not mixing well with some of the former casino guests that we had." Having been on the webinar live as some of you were I thought the answer came across very thoughtful. If someone wants to take it as they are showing you the door that is ones prerogative. I don't think the was the case though. Interestingly enough while I know this is a deal breaker for some I know of some people who do love casinos including on land and four of them who I would see in the high rollers room on the 2020 World Cruise and they are returning for the 2024 World Cruise. Like most things each person will make their own decisions. Keith

Mine is always half full. 😀 Keith

I had understood we'd start to see them before July 1 but not 100% sure if that is still the case. I'll try to ask. Keith

For some the exceptional initiative might not be exceptional but for others it is. I was owed a good amount of money across Ocean, River and Expedition. The exceptional initiative allowed me to get a significant credit related to what I was owed for the Ocean Vessel bookings that to date I have used on four bookings and I am certain I will use the fifth. In my case it was a lot of credit so for me it is exceptional and unexpected and a "boat load" of money. In the end we all have differing views on itineraries. Some of it has to do with places we enjoy while for others it has to do with sea days or wanting port as well as age and how long they have been traveling. For close to 15 years when new itineraries were released some would be thrilled while others would say they don't like them. I am very pleased with what we have booked also realizing that if there are port(s) I don't care for we will make the ship the destination. Hopefully, between reading reviews and with the release of 2025 maybe you'll want to try out new Crystal. Keith

Just announced today. Keith Crystal Announces Deal with Travel Leaders Network MIAMI – June 16, 2023 – Crystal announced today that it will be a preferred supplier to Travel Leaders Network (TLN), the largest North American consortia specializing in luxury and experiential travel. TLN has also served as a key strategic sales distribution partner for the A&K Travel Group for several years. Crystal will provide TLN’s portfolio of travel advisors with exceptional experiences at sea that will delight their clients and create lifelong memories while sailing. “Crystal is delighted to work with Travel Leaders Network and its community of passionate and dedicated travel professionals,” said Vice President of Sales & Trade Partnerships for Crystal Brandon Townsley. “Our collaboration presents a tremendous opportunity to re-engage with travel sellers throughout their vast network as well as introduce the Crystal brand to travel professionals whose clientele seek extraordinary experiences both at sea and onshore. The Travel Leaders’ team and advisor support is exceptional, which blends perfectly with Crystal’s DNA and commitment to being ‘exceptional at sea’.” Travel Leaders Network is one of the industry's largest sellers of luxury travel, cruises and tours. Representing more than 5,700 travel agency locations across the United States and Canada, the network uses the power of its parent company, Internova, to assist millions of leisure and business travelers annually. “We are pleased to announce Crystal as our newest preferred supplier partner,” said Travel Leaders Network President Roger E. Block. “Our members are once again looking forward to offering these exceptional voyages to their clients and experience the world-class service and offerings that has made Crystal an award-winning brand for several years.” Crystal Serenity’s inaugural sailing will depart July 31, 2023, from Marseille for a Mediterranean cruise, and Crystal Symphony will depart on Sept. 1, 2023, from Athens. Planned voyages will travel throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. # # # About Crystal For more than three decades Crystal has been synonymous with exceptional, award-winning voyages. In 2022 A&K Travel Group acquired the Crystal brand and its two vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, ushering in a new era of Exceptional at Sea. The globally renowned cruise line offers discerning travelers industry-leading, authentic, and enriching experiences both onshore and at sea. Crystal’s pioneering partnership with Abercrombie & Kent provides guests with unparalleled access to the most sought-after experiences, destinations, and the latest cultural makers around the world. The reimagined ships will boast larger, updated suites with artisanal finishes, new cutting-edge wellness offerings, spectacular entertainment and complimentary world-class dining - including the return of UMI UMA - the only dining experience by Michelin-Star Chef Master Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) at sea. With a legacy of unrivaled service and commitment to sophistication and elegance at every touchpoint, once on board passengers feel as if they are perfectly at home.

This one is the fourth voyage and right now I have the first three for each vessel. If I can get more I will definitely post them here. Keith

Possibly because with two you don't need the room to get cozy. 🥰 But with one that room will make you feel cozy. 😍 Keith

The digital brochures show square footage for each category.

Bags packed. Ready to go. Can't wait. Ready to eat too. Just say'n. Keith

Patty: On the webinar they mentioned some work was being done to all rooms but was too specific. They did say linens were being replaced in all rooms. Keith

Yes on Pulse and Jade. On Serenity the former high rollers room sold Crystal logo items and sundries. On Symphony the former room was called Luxe. They previously mentioned that the former areas will be used for guests to relax in. Keith

I just looked at the 2022 Crystal Atlas and they do describe the beds as either two twin beds or one queen bed. I had to second guess myself as well as they seemed to be highlighted more on this and something else I looked at awhile back (maybe from the web site or somewhere else) as queen beds so it made me wonder what were they before. 🤣 I'm looking at the photos in the Atlas and I think the height is the same although there are a couple of photos where it looks higher now but I think that has to do with the angle of the photograph plus what portion of the bed they are showing. I do like high for the reason you like though which is to make it easier to get those large pieces under the bed. 😀 Keith