Keith1010

Isn't there only one cancellation. I believe Serenity has not cancellations just revisions. Keith

From Crystal. Keith Crystal to Cancel Cruise Affected by Red Sea Situation with Safety in Mind; 2024 Crystal Serenity World Cruise Re-Routed In light of the current situation in the Red Sea, Crystal remains committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our guests and crew. Due to the ongoing situation, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2024 Cruise from Mumbai to Piraeus (Athens) on Crystal Symphony March 27 to April 13. Additionally, we are re-routing several segments of the 2024 World Cruise on Crystal Serenity to avoid this area. However, this will not affect the overall voyage length, and the ship will arrive in Miami as originally scheduled on June 8, 2024. We are in the process of notifying all impacted guests on both ships. We greatly appreciate our guests and crew for their understanding and patience during this process.

I know TA's are starting to get the changes for Serenity. Keith

Those on Serenity are also hearing about their cruises via their TA's. Keith

David Absolutely. Learned about this when we planned our daughters wedding. Leading up to the wedding we did watch Father Of The Bride. Keith

Let me add that there is a big difference between the Grand Gala Buffet and Market Place when it comes to wasted food. When they set up the Grand Gala Buffet all food is put out before it open. At Market Place a good number of items are put out a little at a time and then refilled throughout the hours of operation This means far less waste. Buffets are costly. If you are planning a wedding you will see that a buffet can be a lot more expensive than a plated meal.This is because they have to have extra of everything not knowing how much people will eat and what they will eat. Keith

New Crystal is very similar to Old Crystal and is not Silversea at all. Keith

One thing I wanted to highlight is if you are on the 11/9 or 11/18 cruises there will only be one formal night and if you are on the 11/27 cruise none. Keep that in mind as you plan your attire. Keith

In our early days we did eat at the Grand Buffet and on other lines we ate at the Midnight Buffet. But this was then and today is now Times have changed. For several years we would take photos of the buffet and eat at Market Place. Keith

Crystal has a golf themed cruise for 2024. Crystal Symphony Lisbon to Dover, July 18 to July 30, 2024 David Leadbetter and Robert Borgatti will be on board https://www.crystalcruises.com/cruises/none-csy-012-240718?utm_campaign=entertainment-spotlight_02Feb24_Guest-US&utm_content=golf_enthusiasts_cta&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter Keith

This is my understanding as well. Keith

While I am not a golfer although I do play a mean game of miniature golf, I am very familiar with the program and know some of the golf pros very well. You are correct. They do try to have a golf pro on board for each sailing. They use most just in case the pro isn't there. They offer complimentary group classes. For a fee they will provide private instruction. On some cruises they will arrange a golf outing. You can stop by the reception desk when you board to indicate you are interested if this is offered. Keith

Welcome to Crystal and I hope you have a great time. You've done the right things getting those booking in. While some cruise lines who do not include excursions have you pay as soon as you book them with Crystal payment will be taken on the ship. When you get the cards the first day look carefully on how far in advance you have to cancel them to avoid a charge. In your account under documentation you will see a before you sail guide. I would take a close look at it. It provides lots of useful information. Keith

On the Holiday Cruise on New Year's Day they utilized Marketplace where they had a special brunch with some of the items that one would see at a Grand Gala Buffet. Many people had the same view as I did which by having it in Marketplace it it avoids a lot of waste of food, is less prone to issues with food being out too long, avoids some of the issues of guests spreading germs to one another and to the food. In my early days of cruising I remember those late night buffets on lines. Times have changed. Or the indoor buffets held around the former indoor pool on each vessel. Times have changed. Keith

You have until February 23 to pay all outstanding balances. This is what it states on the Crystal Website. Keith

Once you are booked for your first cruise you will set up your account and that allows you to provide information for yourself and anyone else on your booking that is required by Crystal. You can make specialty restaurant reservations (one for each one) 120 prior to the start of the cruise using your on line account called "My Account" with final payment having been made. The site give you a good idea what the pricing will be based on room category and location but to be sure you a TA can get you the price and also what rooms are available unless you prefer to deal with Crystal yourself or initially call them before booking with a TA. Think of White Night Party as a mixer. There will be live music and dancing and some canapés and some drinks that have white in the name although you can order whatever you normally would. I have read that they plan to enhance the event but not sure what is planned. As mentioned it is held indoors in the evening starting around 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM or even later and people are encouraged to wear something white but certainly not required. Keith

I agree with all that said do the 14 days in the verandah room for 14 days rather than a suite for less days. Keith

It is for 2025 Voyages booked at least 12 months in advance. Keith

Many cruises have this but as Tracie noted not all. For example, the 2024 Serenity Holiday cruise is an example of that with all categories at the present time wait-listed and if you could book they show rates and do not reflect this promotion. Keith

Classic Aquamarine on Serenity is the way to go. I have been saying this for years.

I have been told new prices. Keith

FYI. Keith https://crystalcruises.com/offer/us-crystal-explorer-fare?fbclid=IwAR1vtHhMRJb7krfM-KEFvoNsErWTpxKLMz-IPEV-KSreJ9yRdzJzZSPIHTY

And this is an example of how things evolved. A few years ago when old Crystal put in the interactive TV's they moved the TV which previously had been on the side of the bed where the built ins are and placed it above the couch so you can see it from the bed. This opened up some space in the wall until as well. Keith

The Classic Aquamarine suites have gone through several changes over the years but they are not the newest of the Aquarmarine Suites. Like everything, we all have our own opinion. Personally, I prefer the Aquamarine classic suites over the newer ones on Serenity and over all of the Aquarmarine suites on Symphony. Whereas I prefer Sapphire on Symphony, I prefer Classic Aquarmarine on Serenity. I like the two desks in the Classic providing a good amount of space and comfortable seating. I like all of the shelve and draw space provided in the living area. I like the effiiciency of the closet. While the Aquarmarine does not have a round table like the Sapphire and has less space in the living area I stil prefer it on Serenity. We don't use the bath tub so somewhat wasted space. However we make good use of it to hang clothes that don't go into the dryer after they are washed. The Classic Aquarmaring evolved over the years and IMHO all for the better. Keith

Sdancer, you are very welcome and great news about your booking. I hope you are pleased with your cruise and look forward to hearing what you think. I am not sure why they went with a two person band and have no inside information on it. I can speculate it comes down to budget but this is just my guess. I've seen some short videos on another social media site which we are not supposed to mention on CC. There are some on this board who dance so hopefully they can provide more details on their experiences. Keith