Keith1010

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

Hank, maybe you would be best to wait until the new Crystal Vessels come out. They plan to add two new Ocean Vessels and two new expedition vessels. We should know a lot more sometime during the first half of next year about deployment plans for the first two (one ocean and one expedition). In my case I found our two voyages on Serenity July 31 and August 12 back to back voyages to exceed "my" definition" of luxury. And I do have high standards as to what I expect from a luxury product. Keith

Yes, They had them on board when we sailed Serenity in August and they have also had them in the past. It is one umbrella and a large one. We bring a fold up one which we need pre cruise. So this give us two. Keith

Have you been on board since new Crystal began. Overall for anyone who enjoyed Crystal it is Crystal and even better. We’re there a few hiccups? Yes but that has to do with a restart but our overall experience was superb and I hear this from lots of people. Keith

Time for a rest. Keith

On the first two cruises it was very cold in most areas. As recommended, bring something to wear indoors in case you are cold and not just for the public areas. Depending on where you are sailing, time of day (are you facing the sun) your room could be on the cooler side. Just depends. Keith

I actually knew that and you can unsubscribe to them. I've done it. And yes they spend a fortune with all of that printed snail mail. Keith

You can just unsubscribe.

I haven't read all of the suggestions but try using a different e-mail. In general, Crystal has reached out to most of the Crystal Society Members. The biggest challenge and they knew this was that when they released itineraries the vast majority of people already had bookings with other lines and didn't want to change them. I hear from several people, (some from this board) who won't sail Crystal until later next year or even 2025 because they had other bookings in place. Keith