Keith1010

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.

No impact on the Librarian which was confirmed by the CEO. Also, I am sure they will need to lock the books up at night and check them out and the librarian would continue to do the same functions as they do today including recommending books to order based on guest feedback, unpacking new books, letting guests know when a book is returned, etc., etc., etc. Keith

Vince, my first Symphony cruise was in 2003 and then in 2004 when it crossed from Dover to New York with a maiden call to Greenland. I have to be honest that I would have used the library both times but can't remember where it was. Maybe too old so I can't remember. LOL. Keith

Hi. Maybe I am looking at this all wrong The website shows Rio to Las Palmas, Spain with 10 sea days out of 17 nights. My apologies if I am mistaken. Keith

Ivi, Patty is correct. On Symphony Bridge moves to the Lounge. On Serenity Bridge moves to the Library and Library moves to the Lounge The CEO was clear that this was the only option on Serenity. Keith

The Computer Room is used as much now as before. Keith

While I was surprised at first that the library was moving it makes a lot of sense and I get it now. In fact, the last time we were on-board my darling wife said the lounge would be a great place for the library. It already has lots of shelving. There is room for the board games kept in the library. It is spacious. One could go there to read while other could sit in another area and talk or play a game. Personally, I think the lighting is fine. It also would allow a lot more people to sit and read books. Remember, the existing library didn't have many seats so the number of people who could use the room concurrently was not many. I've used the Lounge quite a bit on our three cruises after it was put in place and really like it. There are cozy spots and other spots for larger groups to enjoy. I have sat there by myself, with Anne Marie, with friends and it has worked out well. It is bright enough that I can see which is always good and at the same time I don't have to be sitting on top of people in a small space such as the existing library. The advantage of using the Library for Bridge is that it provides a location where people can play or intend instruction with less distraction. In the end, while we can all chime in with our opinion the decision has been made and in the end the owner makes the decision as they do with the layout of most things. I give a lot of credit to New Crystal for listening. That doesn't mean they can do everything that everyone wants. They can't. It's a business. However, they are bringing back a casino based on feedback. They will provide a partial promenade deck after receiving input. Personally, I think those who wanted a casino, a library, and bridge should be happy that it remains. It might not be in the location each person wants but as the CEO said this was the only solution that they could come up with given what they were working with. Keith