Keith1010

We enjoyed another nice day in Marseille. Weather was quite nice. I went out on a long walk by myself, and this was followed when Anne Marie and I went out for another two-hour walk. Later in the afternoon I went out for a one hour walk with a Crystal friend who I have known for years. We both enjoy playing Paddle Tennis. We had the opportunity to chat with friends who we hadn’t seen for a couple of years. Seeing friends is a reminder that the cruise will clearly be not only an inaugural cruise but also a Crystal Society Family reunion cruise. I wanted to close with some personal thoughts as we get ready to board Crystal Serenity tomorrow. When the Pandemic hit in 2020 and the Cruise Industry came to a screeching halt, as this went on and the former parent company stopped refunding money within 90 days of cancellation for the moment, we wondered would they return. Would those first segments of World Cruise 2020 when we left about ten days before the World Cruise ended be our last time sailing Crystal? Thankfully, not. When Crystal restarted in 2021, we sailed three different times on Serenity on seven different voyages plus one on Crystal Endeavor. When we left Serenity in November of 2021 we were thinking ahead to our next voyages on Serenity, Symphony, Endeavor and Mozart for 2022. When the World Cruisers boarded in 2022 and the next day it was announced the parent company had gone insolvent and Crystal was ending, we wondered was November the last time we would sail with Crystal again? Thankfully not. Even before these two items, we realized due to some issues the importance of positivity, enjoying the time we have and not putting off those things you can do today to another time. We enjoy each cruise, focus on the things we like, and do our best not to sweat the little things that don’t go our way. After all, we love sailing Crystal and adore the members of team Crystal. When people ask what is your favorite cruise? Answer simple. The one we’re currently on. When people ask what is your favorite cruise ship, Symphony, or Serenity? Answer simple. The one we’re on now. In closing, as I write this and we get ready to board Crystal Serenity tomorrow all we can say is we are tinkled pink, thrilled to be here, and words cannot adequately describe our happiness. Cheers.

Dinner is open seating in Waterside which is the main restaurant. Thank you for the good wishes. Keith

Thank you David. We are very excited about returning to Serenity including hearing Louis Armstrong sing Keith

I did more checking. They will have a casino but no definitive dates as this decision was just made. Keith

Nancy me too. I expect it is all part of the agreement with Nobu.. We'll find out next week. Keith

We loved Endeavor as well and I expect we will love the new expedition ships. It is clear new Crystal will be a great luxury experience. Keith

My advice is to judge all of this after you board the ship. Maybe it's me but I am tinkled to pink that Crystal is sailing again and so very excited at all I have heard and read from those on-board right now. It wasn't that long ago when we didn't even know if Crystal would ever sail again. If a chair is not so comfortable we will make do or sit somewhere else and be so happy that Crystal is back with so many things we have enjoyed. Today we already ran into four friends who we have not seen since 2019 and 2020 respectively. We are thrilled that we will return to the cruise line we adore, sail with friends some of whom we have known for years, sail with the amazing Crystal Crew, and enjoy many amenities that the ship offers. We are ready to go and will have the best time no matter what chair we sit in. JMO. Keith

So nice to see that Crystal is back including its pre and post Hotel Programs. Keith

More from yesterday. After I returned to the hotel Anne Marie and I went out on a long walk of a couple of hours. The weather was delightful. We visited a church and took in all that surrounded us. We had a lovely lunch at a restaurant recommended by the hotel concierge which featured fish. It was terrific. The waiter was exceptional. We learned he is from Ukraine. His mother moved to France many years ago. The waiter brought over his younger sister to France after the war broke out. He said the people of Ukraine are strong people and was very appreciative to the United States and the rest of NATO for their help. He speaks English, French, Ukrainian, Russian and Polish. We even discussed various words. Growing up my mom (some say mum) would call a suitcase a valise and I used that word for several years. At the end of the meal do you ask for the bill or the cheque. It is always interesting the words we all use. We would have gladly returned today but they are closed as we know many places in France are on Sundays. I went back out on my own before dinner, and the streets were very busy with people walking, riding bicycles, watching a show, dining, taking one of several ferries and other boats and just enjoying themselves. The area was truly vibrant. Enjoyed a nice dinner back at the hotel. Cheers Keith IMG_2222.mov

This discussion is interesting. Yes Crystal needs new ships to compete in the luxury arena. No doubt about that and that is to attract new customers and to provide the best luxury product. The owning company is not like the old and don't even want to mention their name. They understand the Crystal product and its customers. They are diversified in a positive way as they are owners of a diverse group of business but a core strength is high end travel. And when it comes to Crystal they are focusing in on two key areas new ocean builds and new expedition vessels and not things like River Cruise Vessels which could not make money nor airplanes. Expedition ships are not only popular but can be quite profitable. Like most things time will tell. What I find interesting is a few months ago some saying Crystal can't play or perform well in this market and at least one of those people is now posting doubts about this. So it goes. Keith

Coverage from today. https://thepointsguy.com/news/crystal-cruise-ship-order/?fbclid=IwAR03rRBf-4Ahj3vob4CtKHmJLywRW6arVGaLAS78u9AB2O0Vzwgrt5tV5M0 And https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2023/07/crystal-to-build-four-new-cruise-ships-in-six-years/ Keith

David I sent it again from my regular e-mail but just in case I sent it from another provider I use on occasion. Keith

Yes they implemented this. It was mentioned but not highlighted so easily missed. Good you posted this again. Keith

I People want new adventures. Not everyone wants the same. For example some want to see Galapagos and Antarctica to name just a few and you can't do them on Ocean Vessels. Expedition is very popular too with those in younger age brackets (yes those who can afford them) so this make a lot of sense IMHO. They did want to buy Endeavor. Funny about what you say. Sold Silversea and look where he is now. And while a few thought he would make Crystal into SS I don't see that at all with what is the current offering. Carnival by the way bought many different cruise lines and didn't make them into Carnival. Personally very excited. I had two bookings on Endeavor and if we are fortunate with health would love to do Crystal expedition ships. Keith

Will do. I will resend in a moment. Subject will be e-mail from Keith Keith

The start times will vary based on overall occupancy, specifics for the day. This is a TA and Media cruise so times take into account all of this. Keith

A press release from Crystal about today's announcement. Wonderful, wonderful news. Keith Crystal Announces Plans for Four New Ships in Six Years Today, during an executive briefing to media and travel advisors sailing onboard Crystal Serenity’s preview voyage, Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, announced that the brand is working with their advisors, lenders and export credit agents in order to sign a memorandum of agreement with two European shipbuilders for four new ships. This will include two classic ships and two expedition vessels. During the presentation, Levis stated, "We have ambitious growth plans for Crystal and are proud of what we have accomplished with the relaunch of Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony in just under a year following the purchase of the brand. We are now thrilled to formally announce that we will be growing our fleet and continue to offer the most exceptional cruising experiences in the industry.” In just a few short days on July 31, Crystal Serenity will set sail for its inaugural voyage departing from Marseille following an extensive refurbishment. Crystal Serenity’s sister ship Crystal Symphony will depart from Athens on Sept. 1, for its inaugural sailing.

In the lobby of the Intercontinental this morning. Crystal is back. Keith

Update on this. I would say almost no one wears a mask as we see at home. We did. Had lunch outside which was lovely. Keith

David, please check your spam folder. The subject is New Entry Contact Form. Keith

This will make it easier for everyone to view the video.

Video of announcement 92152f35-6d75-4439-8016-e9e809a50d75.mp4 Keith

Excellent news Crystal announced 4 new ships. 2 Expedition and 2 Ocean liners Stay tuned. Keith

Greetings a a good morning to most of you. It was good to get some sleep. For me I was up late at 5:50 AM local time but I guess that would be the night before if I was still back home. LOL. We asked for a simple breakfast of cereal, banana and coffee but this is France and was accompanied with a basket of croissants, pastry and bread/rolls and some additional fruit. I just go got back from walking around the nearby area. Marseille is the second largest city in France. I walked along the promenade (my name for it) by the water. Lots of ships by the water and across the way lots of cafes. We are fortunate that in F the weather has and will be in the 80's versus triple digit highs (F) a few weeks ago. I'll go back out again with Anne Marie shortly. I always enjoy the French architecture. We met at University in Washington, DC and I worked for many years in the city and we lived in the suburbs. The city has many buildings with the influence of the French as it does its circles thanks to the man who designed the city; Pierre Charles L'Enfant Acclamations (Cheers) Keith Pierre Charles L'Enfant

Pat, safe travels. Keith