Inaugural Sailing Observations

[Keith1010]

I have easily spoken with over 100 guests.

 

I always ask the question what do you think of the cruise.

 

Everyone and I mean everyone says it is wonderful.  Those getting off at the end of the cruise say they can't wait for the next one.

 

I think this is very telling because after all it is the inaugural cruise. Now it was not doom and gloom as a few said it would be months ago.

 

Those few said it would not be Crystal. Crew would not be back.  Everything would be different. One said Manfredi would make it into SS which always made no sense to me.  Why call it Crystal  in the first place. I think those few missed the "boat".  If you are going to complete remake it why call it Crystal.

 

The ship sailed on time which some said couldn't happen. You remember that such as dry dock would be delayed. Couldn't get space, contractors and supplies. They underestimated Manfredi.  

 

They said the ship would be overwhelmed with contractors. It's not although some are on board.

 

As I've said there are a few issues such as phones not working in some rooms and with each passing day that is being improved. And yes you can't leave voice mail as that is not yet working.  iPads not available so a few things delayed.  In short all of the systems are new.

 

However unlike your normal inaugural cruise we have a very competent and experienced crew on board.

 

Back to my original comments. Everyone I've asked is loving the cruise. A few do mentioned one or more of the problems I noted and maybe one or two others but this varies by person. And yes we got e-documents late but these are not third world problems.

 

Crystal is back.  Now Crystal and not Crystal Cruises but if you liked Crystal Cruises I am confident you will enjoy Crystal.

 

Keith

 

 

[Keith1010]

Today is a full sea day and the program is like it has been in the past.

 

And yes, Mozart Tea this afternoon.

 

Keith

[tryber]

1 hour ago, Keith1010 said:

Absolutely.  I just noticed that auto correct changed one of my words from Vintage to Vinegar.  Mama Mia.  LOL.

 

The wine was Metaphora Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley 2013.

 

Keith

 

 

 

It did look odd, but I thought maybe you were doing some fancy balsamic vinegar tasting.  But that would be an odd thing to pair with a fine wine.  🙂

[Keith1010]

In case you wanted to know:

 

Supper Club  this evening.  Reservations could be made on-board.

 

Keith

[Keith1010]

As in the past, the lectures are recorded so you can see them in-person or on the TV in your room.

 

Lectures have been terrific.

 

Keith

[Keith1010]

Spoke to several people today some on their second and third Crystal Cruises and some who have sailed much more and some on their first Crystal cruise but who have sailed other lines. They all say the same thing. They are having a great time and glad to be here. Those leaving in Lisbon wish they could stay longer.

 

The new owners really did a great job despite all the negative comments on this board and the former board that Crystal would not be Crystal.  I think of all the posts and all the negativism.  I applaud the ownership and senior executives for recognizing that Crystal had a lot going for them.  This is why when they bought the ships they kept the most important part of the name which is CRYSTAL.  And they have added to it in an attempt to make it better. And they have a vision for the new brand.

 

I am thrilled to have been hopeful and then to recognize that it would be so much like the old brand.

 

I wish Crystal success and the future is bright.

 

Keith

[AtA]

4 minutes ago, Keith1010 said:

Spoke to several people today some on their second and third Crystal Cruises and some who have sailed much more and some on their first Crystal cruise but who have sailed other lines. They all say the same thing. They are having a great time and glad to be here. Those leaving in Lisbon wish they could stay longer.

 

The new owners really did a great job despite all the negative comments on this board and the former board that Crystal would not be Crystal.  I think of all the posts and all the negativism.  I applaud the ownership and senior executives for recognizing that Crystal had a lot going for them.  This is why when they bought the ships they kept the most important part of the name which is CRYSTAL.  And they have added to it in an attempt to make it better. And they have a vision for the new brand.

 

I am thrilled to have been hopeful and then to recognize that it would be so much like the old brand.

 

I wish Crystal success and the future is bright.

 

Keith

Those of us on this cruise have truly come HOME. My only regret is that we have to get off on Saturday, but we will be on Symphony next month!

[skybluewaters]

20 hours ago, JusttheTwoofUs said:

Also it seems like there is a steak tartare available, but different from OC.  

 

I believe Prego on OC had beef carpaccio, not tartare.

[JusttheTwoofUs]

7 minutes ago, skybluewaters said:

 

I believe Prego on OC had beef carpaccio, not tartare.

You're probably right.  I don't eat it, my husband does, so I don't keep track of whether it's tartare or carpaccio, just that it's RAW meat!

[Keith1010]

6 hours ago, skybluewaters said:

 

I believe Prego on OC had beef carpaccio, not tartare.

Correct.

Keith

[Keith1010]

I think most people will find having a butler an enhancement.

 

The butlers on both ships are not a butler in name.  Many were butlers on land or others were outstanding members of the waitstaff team.  Newer ones have/are receiving training from the Senior Head Butler and Head Butler.

 

I know some people say they never utilize their butler but I have often found that there are times they will. I am reminded that some who don't eat a meal in their room still ask for a glass of wine or even a mixed drink and the butler is there for them.

 

Even the appetizers are an enhancement for those in the solo and double rooms.

 

Anyway, see what you think if having a butler with Crystal is new for you.

 

Cheers,

 

Keith

[Lady Dinero]

By appetizers you mean hors d'oeuvres in the afternoon right? Are those predetermined for you or can you order what you like off a menu?

 

I can't imagine a reason why  anyone would not want a butler. It's like having a self defense weapon under your pillow at home. You may never need the butler, but it's nice to know he is there.

[Keith1010]

45 minutes ago, Lady Dinero said:

By appetizers you mean hors d'oeuvres in the afternoon right? Are those predetermined for you or can you order what you like off a menu?

 

I can't imagine a reason why  anyone would not want a butler. It's like having a self defense weapon under your pillow at home. You may never need the butler, but it's nice to know he is there.

More like hors d'oeuvres which change daily and a nice selection. Why? Because there are 277 suites so this way the Galley can make them all the same way.  Those in the CP's and Junior CPs can order additional items.

 

We were very impressed with the offering and a larger selection than in the past.

 

Keith

[ak1004]

On 8/8/2023 at 1:35 PM, ak1004 said:

Keith, your comments are highly appreciated!

 

Did you take any ship excursions? What's the general feedback? Quality of the guides, excursions sizes (average number of people on each bus) etc? How are the prices?

@Keith1010 any feedback on this?

[Lady Dinero]

As long as there is a one-to-one ratio of guests to staff, why not have the butlers assigned one per cabin? That way they could provide extremely personalized service. They could clean the room, take care of your laundry, provide all your meals, and even go out on tours with you. We used to have this kind of butler service at home. The butler's name was Mom.

[doglover214]

For those onboard- does Crystal still supply a bag? It used to be white with the Crystal logo imprinted on it. 
I found it to be so useful. It was great to use when going to the laundry! 

[KenzSailing]

8 hours ago, Lady Dinero said:

 

 

I can't imagine a reason why  anyone would not want a butler. It's like having a self defense weapon under your pillow at home. 

 

Okaaaay then.  Hope no one ever mistakenly knocks on your cabin door.  

 

 

[Keith1010]

As the first cruises comes to a conclusion the consistent feedback from pretty much every guest I've spoke with which is easily half the ship is Crystal is back and better than ever.  It is as if we never left Crystal.

The issues being worked on are the telephone (software such as being able to leave messages and getting all phones to work which could be hardware and/or software) with lots of progress made with that, some of the systems used by the crew, tv's although that has improved considerably, the ability to offer at a fee additional internet packages and iPads.  

 

All new systems have been implemented but with each passing day a lot of progress is taking place. For example, they were unable to make more than one open booking for the same one or two guests.  This was resolved yesterday so we could make several of them.  

 

The crew has been a delight.  The crew includes many who worked previously on Serenity, some from Symphony and other Crystal vessels along with others from other cruise lines or at sea for the first time.  Whether they are first time or have been with Crystal for years it is clearly a wonderful team and Crystal all the way.  They have adapted very well to having butlers for all rooms, and to allocating restaurant staff to the various venues and making adjustments as needed.  There is less crew than before as the overall occupancy of guests is lower wit the conversion to more suites.

 

Some of the guests leaving today will be on the inaugural for Symphony.

 

Many guests say what we do which is we are so happy and appreciative that Crystal is back.  

 

If you loved Crystal before you should love it again. It is Crystal for sure.

 

Keith

[Keith1010]

The Paddle/Pickle Ball courts were redone and better than ever. You don't slide as the decking is terrific. A few of my friends started playing Pickleball at home but most of us played Paddle Tennis. I believe pickle ball will work better in port when it is less windy from what they said.

 

Keith

[Keith1010]

On 8/11/2023 at 3:53 PM, doglover214 said:

For those onboard- does Crystal still supply a bag? It used to be white with the Crystal logo imprinted on it. 
I found it to be so useful. It was great to use when going to the laundry! 

Yes at the present time they do plus both kinds of robes.

Keith

[Keith1010]

On board embarkation.

 

This is done on either deck or five depending on where the gangway is located.

 

Yesterday on Deck 6. Before the casino was removed that would not be the case but with the furniture for the lounge it can be moved as it was yesterday.

 

Keith

 

 

 

[Keith1010]

I believe someone asked if Bill Miller who speaks about the history of cruise ships and cruising will be still lecturing with Crystal. I just wanted to say he is still part of the program and understand he'll be lecturing sometime soon.

 

Keith

[happy cruising]

Thanks Keith , great news about Bill Miller! Any word on whether Dr Jay Wolff will be returning? Thanks again !

[Keith1010]

21 minutes ago, happy cruising said:

Thanks Keith , great news about Bill Miller! Any word on whether Dr Jay Wolff will be returning? Thanks again !

I do not believe so.

Keith

[Keith1010]

On the first cruise the announcement that all rooms were ready for embarking guests came at around 3:00 PM and yesterday it came around 2:30 PM.

 

Keith