Crystal - Similarities and Differences

[Keith1010]

WIth each passing day we are learning more and more about Crystal.  We will know more when each ship sails including seeing close up all of the enhancements made to each ship.  

 

We know there are changes and that includes the look of several public rooms and spaces inside and outside the ship and other changes such as no casino.

We know there are changes with the new Italian Restaurant, Tastes replacing Silk and even some changes to evening attire.

 

In time we will see additional changes as Crystal evolves but some change takes time to implement.

 

At the same time we know there will be several similarities to what Crystal was like.

 

It was not too long that some speculated the new line could be very different than the former line with respect to crew returning, the on-board experience and how things are organized and the on board amenities.

 

WIth 80% or more of the crew returning we have a good idea of how service will be like and the warmth which the crew brings to the guests.

 

A review of the Before You Sail Guide shows many similarities to the past with some tweaks.

 

The new nutritionalist will undoubtedly allow some of the recipes to evolve.

 

With more time to plan and more staff to do the planning, we will see additional enhancements.

 

I stand by the view I have shared early on which is the new ownership will take many of the positive traits from Crystal Cruises and integrate new elements to enhance the overall product. I continue to believe this is a recipe for success.

 

Personally, taking the best and building upon it with additional enhancements.

 

We will soon see for ourselves.

 

And on a related note, I realize on an inaugural cruise there will potentially be some start-up items. Even though not an inaugural there were items which had to be figured out when inclusive rolled out, when open dining was implemented, when the major dry dock of Symphony and Serenity completed in 2017 and 2018 respectively.  The same was true when Crystal restarted 2021.  There are many new suites and as much as they are checked out things will be discovered one finds in a new home or a home which has gone through extensive modeling.

 

When I went on Endeavor an entire venue was not yet open but we had a wonderful time.

 

So given the choice of sailing early with Crystal or waiting it out I am pleased I chose the former even if there are some start-up issues.

 

Bags are packed. Ready to go. Can't wait. Looking forward to sharing this journey with several of you from this board.

Stay tuned.

 

Keith 

[Stickman1990]

The good news is there will be many reports (and photos) from next weeks shakedown cruise and from several experienced Crystal cruisers on the first passenger cruise 

 

It will be great to hear from multiple sources as we know there are many aspects to cruising and not everyone shares the same expectations 

 

I am certainly not expecting everything to be locked in and set in concrete during the first couple of cruises - Crystal will no doubt find tune their offering over the coming months - they will be listening to feedback from guests (now there’s another question - how will they gather customer feedback?)

 

Time no doubt will tell 

[claudiaYVR]

@Keith1010 wishing you and Anne Marie a wonderful cruise. Looking forward to your reports, if you get around it I would be grateful if you could provide a couple of pics and info about the fitness equipment (I've asked guest services but who knows how long it will take them to get back to me 🙂 )

[Keith1010]

1 minute ago, claudiaYVR said:

@Keith1010 wishing you and Anne Marie a wonderful cruise. Looking forward to your reports, if you get around it I would be grateful if you could provide a couple of pics and info about the fitness equipment (I've asked guest services but who knows how long it will take them to get back to me 🙂 )

Thank you Claudia and my pleasure to take some photos for you.

 

Keith

[kool kruiser]

16 hours ago, Keith1010 said:

Thank you Claudia and my pleasure to take some photos for you.

 

Keith

And I doubt if this will be any great hardship for Keith😀

[rafinmd]

On 7/22/2023 at 5:11 AM, Keith1010 said:

And on a related note, I realize on an inaugural cruise there will potentially be some start-up items. Even though not an inaugural there were items which had to be figured out when inclusive rolled out, when open dining was implemented, when the major dry dock of Symphony and Serenity completed in 2017 and 2018 respectively.  The same was true when Crystal restarted 2021.  There are many new suites and as much as they are checked out things will be discovered one finds in a new home or a home which has gone through extensive modeling.

 

Even going back further my first cruise on Serenity was right after her first drydock in 2008 when boarding was delayed by at least many hours and there was a lot of work still unfinished.  My first Serenity muster was in a casino that was still pretty much gutted and no place to sit.

 

It became a great cruise after the first few hectic days.

 

Roy