Keith1010

Something new in my account under reservations since we took the first two Crystal Serenity cruise is the ability to submit a Crystal Customized Experiences Request. I realize this is not for everyone. It provides an option to have Crystal Land Programs customize a private shore excursion for you and others in your traveling party. Old Crystal had something like this. It does involve a non-refundable fee of $100.00 and that is to cover costs associated with developing a proposed itinerary for you. I do realize you don’t know if you will be pleased with what is proposed including the cost until you receive the proposal. I am glad it’s being offered as another option in the tool box for you to consider. Some additional information follows. Keith Crystal Customized Experiences General Terms & Conditions 1. An initial non-refundable $100 service fee for each Crystal Customized Experience per port requested is due at the time the request form is received. If Crystal Customized Experiences are accepted and confirmed, the $100 non-refundable service fee for each port request will be applied to the final balance. 2. All guests must have a deposit on file in order to book and/or participate in a Crystal Customized Experience. 3. All Crystal Customized Experience Request forms must be submitted at least 14 business days prior to the sailing date. Please allow approximately 7-10 business days for processing and quotation of pricing for your Customized Experience(s). 4. Payment in full for each Crystal Customized Experience is due upon acceptance and confirmation of the program. 5. Crystal Customized Experiences and the $100 non-refundable service fee for each request are non-commissionable and non-transferable. They cannot be applied as credit toward any Crystal Customized Experience and/or any other services offered on board. They cannot be redeemed for cash and/or a cash refund or credit to the credit card. 6. Any changes made to a Crystal Customized Experience after confirmation and payment in full are subject to a $100 service fee per change to each Crystal Customized Experience. 7. The following penalties will apply for all pre-reserved Crystal Customized Experiences canceled by the travel agent and/or guest(s) after confirmation and payment in full is received: Days prior to sailing % 180-90 days prior to sailing 10% 90-60 days prior to sailing 25% 60-30 days prior to sailing 50% 30-0 days prior to sailing 100% 8. Should you have any questions while completing the Crystal Customized Experience form please email crystaldestinationsATcrystalcruisesDOTcom. DOT is . AND is @

Continue to enjoy every minute. Keith

The day before we boarded Serenity in early January of 2020 in Miami. Keith

Early January of 2020. Keith

Often during the day they are there. If you see them overnight then report it. It's a big no no. If there was an emergency it could be a catastrophe. Keith

Yes and that is for safety reasons. This is from the before you sail guide which I think might be of interest to dcsam. WHEELCHAIR & OTHER ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION For complete details and guidelines, guests who have special requirements, physical challenges or need oxygen should refer to our website. The Onboard Accessibility Guide may be requested through our Onboard Guest Services departments by calling +1 (786) 464–4431, or via email at obgs@crystalcruises.com. All itineraries, fares, programs, promotions and policies are subject to change at the discretion of Crystal. Keith

Dcsam, the doors out to the pool area from a couple of different areas of the ship are automatic. I believe not a high threshold. This is on Deck 12. The promenade deck which is on a different deck (Deck 7) has heavy doors which are not automatic.. The guest decks are average size in terms of width. In a standard wheelchair/motor scooter you could navigate the clearing cart as long as they are already pushed close to the wall. There are some members on this board who utilize wheelchairs/motorized scooters who if they see your post can provide a lot more details than I can. Depending on where the ship sails you often see people in mobility scooters and some in wheelchairs. Keith

A view of Serenity in March 2020 from our Hotel in Sydney. Keith

Yes in the end, I would do what makes you happy. We have varied it up over the years. This year we wanted to be more formal so I brought my Tuxedo which I didn't do in 2020. 2021 didn't have formals based on the length of the cruises. I also don't worry about what others wear. I only pay attention to what my wife wears. 😀 Have a great time. Keith

A couple of years later, March 2020, after we got off Serenity in Sydney. After spending a week in Sydney, a few days on Long Island, returned home to the nightmare that would await with almost no food in the grocery store. Keith

I am sure if you would like something printed the would do this for you but the reality is most places are going paperless. All the hotels we have stayed at the past two years don't have printed items including room service menus and more and more cruise lines are going paperless. Most airline lounges and flights have very little if any paper as well. Very few hard copy newspapers if any. Magazines, very few if any. So I think what you want is going to be the exception and don't see the need to have stacks of paper printed out. Is it an adjustment? You bet. Keith

December 2024 and whatever dates in 2025 are a very long time from now. In the world we live in that's like years away.

Serenity from February of 2018 in Sydney, Australia . First and only time we visited the ship as a visitor. Keith

You are correct. In recent years they have had armed guards. When we sailed in this area a few times we had a lot of extra security but not armed guards. They are now there for pirates. At the present time we are on high alert for terrorism activity and that includes the USA. When we flew out of JFK one week ago today there was added security at the airport with personnel having their fingers on the triggers of assault rifles. Hadn’t seen this for many years. Keith

They are actually skipping a port due to weather and will have another day in Muscat instead which is good. Armed guards won’t help against a missile but will help with the pirates which is why they were brought on according to friends on board right now. Keith

You may have done this already but be sure you verify that you can debark the ship that day. When it comes to this history doesn’t matter. In terms of distance it depends whether your transport can enter the port or if you have to meet them outside the gate. If inside the port it’s very short distance after you debark. If outside the gate another couple minute walk. Keith

Vince, yes the sailing we were on with you. Keith

Five years ago sailing Crystal Symphony. Keith

Our experience on Serenity was the same as Tracie's. Keith

That is wonderful news. I am glad this worked out and another example of why we enjoy Crystal. Keith

Larry was on a cruise of an extraordinarily low guest count. It is the lowest of any of the Serenity voyages from what I was told. If you are looking to book in 2024 or beyond I don't see that happening again on Serenity. The exception could at times be Waterside for lunch but that will depend on how many guests are off the ship and overall occupancy. We were on Serenity for its first 22 days and the Specialty Restaurants were open each night for dinner with no closures. Good luck with whatever you decide Hank. Keith

A tip for those of you ordering the brochures. When I did order them there was a place already checked that said: Yes! I would like to receive news, updates, and other information from Crystal Cruises I unchecked that. This happens often if you are ordering items on the internet. Often you are ask if you would like to receive e-mails and other promotional material and I uncheck those boxes as well or if unchecked I don't check them. And for phone number all nines should work. While not applicable here I also don't provide my birthdate when that is requested by some companies. Keith

Cruisecyp's post reminds me what I always do. I do print out copies of my reservations for cruise spa/salon, specialty restaurant and tours as I do for any private restaurant, shore excursion tours and for all car transfers, hotels, and airline reservations and the cruise ticket. Or if you don't want to print it out save it to your smart advice. I have done this for all of our trips regardless of land or trips by vessel. Why? Because things happen. I also make sure in my smart phone I have key phone numbers including for car transfers should my ride not be there. A good TA should be able to give this sort of advice to their clients as well and be pro-active. Keith

Well given that Hank has not sailed with Crystal for a very long time and given what he posted that is important to him it seems to make the most sense for him to wait for a new vessel. Certainly, if he wants to sail earlier it's his choice. But he is certainly capable of making that decision on his own. Having sailed Crystal this year with both first time Crystal Cruisers and Crystal Society Members the overall response from the people who we spoke with was terrific. And since that time the issues which bothered people have been addressed. Keith

Serenity six years ago while in San Diego. Keith