Keith1010

Can you let us know where you want the service to take you to and from. That may help with the answer. Also I would recommend asking this on the Port Of Call Board. Keith

Do you use Uber? If so a good option. Keith

Now I understand your point about choice; choice of cruise lines. I thought you were talking about choice of laundry. If I got it the first time I would not have responded. Thank you for the explanation. Yes if laundry is important to you it wins. Just as if included excursions are important to you those who provide it wins. However, nothing is free. All amenities provided are included in the cruise fare. Keith

I have always said choice is good. You have two choices. Use the self service laundry. Have Crystal do your wash. But that does not mean you get it free when you have Crystal wash it fro you?

One thing I wanted to mention is one of the items I brought to Crystal's attention last week is that when you go to I believe the first full cruise of January of 2025 (could be the second one) and then hit next it skips to March. I suggest they check all of them even ones I didn't look at. They got back to me right away saying they would get this fixed. I've reports a few other related items. Keith

I remember having dinner on the 2015 WC with two other couples and for whatever reason the discussion turned to laundry and the gent was complaining about it saying Regent included it but Crystal didn't. Knowing that he enjoyed lectures as we did I said how did you find the lecture program on Crystal compared to Regent. He said far superior on Crystal. I said there is a cost of doing most things. In Crystal's case this meant dedicating rooms to lecturers that could be used for revenue generating guests (yes I know not all cruises were full but on the 2015 WC it was full for most segments) and said which one do you want more lectures or included laundry. I learned in business that often the customer cherry picks. I get it but the reality is each line does some things the other one does not do. I did read on another site the CEO chimed in about the laundry when people asked why they could not include this for everyone. She said it was not possible. She also noted it was for one cruise. Having visited the laundry area on tours done for the World Cruisers I am amazed they can even keep up with the basics including linens, towels, etc for all of the rooms/suites and those who pay to have items done. I've not sailed Regent. I have sailed other luxury lines and on many other ships. My own experience is that the self service laundry rooms on Crystal are significantly larger than on the other ships we have sailed and with less guest capacity now it makes it easier to find open washers and dryers. For us even when laundry is included we don't send it out. We prefer to do it ourself knowing how we prefer to wash it including what gets dried and what doesn't and when it needs to come out. I also think back to people who we've become friends with on that chance encounter(s) of meeting them in the laundry room. It's interesting that both new Crystal and old Crystal chose not to include laundry as part of the Crystal Society Benefits Program so they have to have thought this through. I wonder how many people end up seeking compensation when their laundry doesn't come back the way they thought it would and something changes color or shrinks permanently. I am just happy new Crystal is back and that there are these terrific self service laundry rooms on board. Keith

We were in the same suite category but the classic one on the Holiday Cruise. Same issue with the TV but also had it when we stayed there under old Crystal. My success rate though was around 80% being able to turn one TV on and not the other. I would point the remote down towards the floor of over towards a wall and this would turn on the one closest to the remote but not the otter one. Keith

Time will tell. Keith

Hving met both of them my opinion is they will both have a lot of input. 😃 To me they make an amazing team. Keith

Sounds like a discussion about the casino. With recent specifics released about the casino someone said great news, can you improve the odds (assume they are talking about slot machines). They went on to say after all this is entertainment. I am thinking given that Crystal said they eliminated the casino because often they lose money and then came back to say they would do a casino but in a smaller footprint. Seems the person wanting the lower odds doesn't case if they lose money or if those of us who don't gamble pay a higher cruise fare to subsidize the losses that could occur. I had to scratch my head and think are you kidding me when I read about this. 😃 Oh well. Keith

We have done this often. Two ways to do this. While you could do this from home by sending an e-mail to the land based department indicating where you would like to go, we usually wait till we are on board and stop by the shore excursion desk and go over what we want to do in each port where we have the car and they send an e-mail to the local tour operator that arranged the port tours for that respective port. It's worked out fine this way. Over the years I have also done touring privately. I have found the tour companies through in there to four ways. - Visit the CC ports of call board and search for the port you want and just read threads. Very easy and a great way to find companies. - Utilize Trip Advisor - Tours By Locals - Viator Also, on occasion I've had my TA arrange the tours. If I am concerned about time getting back I will go with Crystal for sure. Keith

Crystal used to give things often and that included gifts. It must have cost them a fortune.When they changed that around 2005 people were very upset. I am not sure which brought out the most anger; changing that or when they announced inclusive. Keith

Ivi, That key lime pie looks great. Keith

Vince and Rob are correct. Crystal has no records of what milestone were used so what you were told is correct. Once you hit milestone 10 then you can use it on your 11 cruise. There is a saying use it or lose it so I always recommend using them as soon as you can. Keith

I agree with you. The wording is certainly different than what was said a few months ago. Yes, time will tell and another one that applies is the devil is in the details so we'll wait to see the details and hopefully they will come "in-time". Keith

I have very much enjoyed your review. Great idea to break it up into several parts. Thank you for taking the time to write and share this with everyone. Keith

It will be a 3/4th promenade according to what was said a month or two ago by Crystal. Keith

Beautiful. I cropped it so we could have a larger version. Keith

Beautiful. Keith

This is terrific news. Keith

We have thoroughly enjoyed several World Cruises which ended in Europe and had lots of visits to ports in Europe. Often, a great time to be in Europe rather than in the hot/humid summer months with a lot more tourists. This one has more days in Europe than previous World Cruises given the itinerary had to be revised but I do find it very appealing. I never tire of visiting the Mediterranean. Yes these will sell well as individual segments and back to backs but I also think for those who want to take the full World Cruise it will turn out nicely too. We've done the World Cruises that touch most continents but have done the ones that were much more focused on a couple of continents. Enjoyed both types. Keith

We have other Crystal Cruises planned for 2025 so we're not on this one, although I have to say I am attracted by all of the ports in Europe so will take a look at this for sure. Keith

I am not sure if this will help but a deck plan for each ship; two pages per ship. https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/ships/packgoprint-all.php?ship=Crystal-Serenity https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/ships/packgoprint-all.php?ship=Crystal-Symphony Keith

Yes. FYI I posted this on the Casino thread. Keith

Hot off the press. Update from Crystal. Keith *Casino Update* Greetings Crystal Society Members, After listening to your feedback regarding the casino since our announcement yesterday, we have a few updates to share: · The Library will remain where it is on both ships and not be changed. · Bridge will be played in the Lounge on both ships during designated Bridge Hours. For tournaments, we will ensure that there is no flow of passengers through the Lounge to guarantee no interruptions during play. Additionally, Bridge play equipment will be provided in The Lounge during this time. While we appreciate everyone’s feedback, no further modifications will be made, and this is the final configuration. We hope you are as excited as we are about bringing back the casinos to Crystal.