Keith1010

My view is simple. If you liked Crystal before NC is like OC but even better. Keith

As I read about the columns I keep telling myself the glass is half full. There is so much good about Serenity and about Symphony. Don't sweat the little things. Live is good if you can sail with Crystal. JMO. Keith

Bill, Fantastic News. Love the Cobb Salad too. Enjoy every minute. Keith

You are very welcome. This is a photo I took while on board Serenity in August of this year. Keith

Some of their salaries just can't be per month. Take a look at cruise director as one example. The actual form that these folks use to submit says amount per their contract. Very confusing. Just saying. Keith

Yes. Keith

I looked at the data and honestly have not clue what it represents. Some of the data makes no sense to be monthly or by contract while other data could be categorized that way. Where they ask for a submission it doesn't even note what it is based on. But an interesting read. Keith

Always have Crystal on my mind whether on a Crystal vessel or at home. Keith

There are things I like about each ship. I have sailed a lot more on Serenity and that is because they offered the World Cruises the years we sailed. When people ask me which ship I like better my answer is simply the one we are on. We love each one for similar and also for different reasons. The glue which makes them equal is the crew and so many of the things in common including cuisine and drink, service, enrichment, and entertainment. Keith

One final one for Asuka II until next time we see her in port. Keith

In general these are the answers. Have your TA verify them when you are ready to book. Keith 25% deposit Final Payment due 120 days prior to cruise. You can book reservations for shore excursions and specialty restaurants 60 days prior to the cruise at the present time for most cruises. E Tickets available on line approximately 30 days prior to the cruise. Luggage tags (not being provided at the present time until new ones available). Early voyages those were arriving to ones home between one to two weeks prior to embarkation but you can fill them out at the pier. NC does recognize the cruises taken with OC and that is counted towards your next Crystal Society Milestone. Keith

I am not sure what Crystal will do for the World Cruise where they would have a Yoga Instructor(s) and a Pilates Instructors using the reformers. For the majority of the other cruises old Crystal didn't have special instructors although on occasion they would. The Fitness Director will teach the same type of courses they used to teach such as pilates using a mat, stretching, cardio classes, classes, with weights, indoor cycling, etc. With lower occupancy counts they were going with one instructor but I suspect they will have two sometime soon at least on Serenity with number ramping up. Keith

Another photo of Asuka II; formerly Crystal Harmony. Keith

Wishing you a wonderful cruise. This is the best therapy. I would bring your own leg weights. Have a great time and safe travels. Keith

Hopefully, those of you in the USA who have not yet gotten your checks got an e-mail when your name was listed in the legal proceedings.We did and it showed what the consumer priority amount ($4450.00) which is what we eventually got in a check and general unsecured amount which is what we would not get in the first round. This will take you to all of the ones that were filed with the courts except for a recent one we just saw two days ago. The challenge is you would have to go through most of these and it is sorted by your first name. https://crystalcruiseclaims.com/legal-pleadings/ Another option is try to do a google search. Put in your first and last name followed by Moecker. Don't add in Crystal to the search. It may bring up the specific filing you are in and if you click on that it will take you to the filing and you can scroll down and look for your name. Keith

Eight years ago we saw Asuka II in port. We've seen her before and since then but each time is special. Keith

Pat, at one point they did but not sure about recent years. Keith

Not sure what new Crystal's policy is. Best to have your TA contact them. Keith

Dwight. She was a World Cruise Hostess rather than an Assistant Cruise Director. Keith

Correct. Keith

David, I am glad that you now have received your check. You are right. They are getting paid. I never expected any money other than a few dollars. If more should come next year great but if not we have closed the chapter on this. The Exceptional Incentive Program worked out well for several of us and I am very appreciative new Crystal implemented it. Keith

Roy they had planned to do just that and am not sure why they don’t. They do use it for check in if gangway is on that deck. Keith.

While on a tour eight years ago. It's always nice to spot the vessel you are on from afar. This way you know it hasn't left while you were away. Keith

I too can't think of a woman CD either at Crystal. We've had an Assistant Cruise Director who was a woman and that was Stacey Huston. Keith

Nancy, that's correct.This one was sent to me last night and also one of several posted) but because it was sent to me by the person who took it I could easily post it. Keith