Crystal anyone?

[Pushka]

Emerging from the health issues from the last few weeks, my plan for 2017 is Alaska of course. But differently.

Assuming I am sorted blood wise in the next 12 months I have spotted a nice 10 night Vancouver return trip on Serenity that covers the usual ports plus Sitka, Prince Rupert and Victoria. Now Crystal seems very different to other cruise lines so if anyone has any experience I would love to hear.

(Alaska 2015 is all cancelled now and going to Hamilton Island for my big birthday. Not the same but).

 

[love_the_life]

We were booked on Crystal in the Med but that was the cruise we had to cancel

I see that their Share the Experience program is ending which is a pity as you could link with a Crystal past passenger on your cruise and both receive some OBC.

We really liked the look of the line and would still like to sail on it sometime.

 

[ftm]

We have cruised with Crystal a number of times and found it be a good fit for us. It isn't a big ship, but it isn't a small ship, so you don't get overrun by people but it has enough pax to have a greater selection of dining options, more public spaces and far better entertainment than the smaller ships in that category of cruise lines.

The Silk Road specialty dining is a Nobu restaurant and is exceptional.

The cabins are standard sized and you are forking out big $$ to go up to the suites. On Serenity, none of the oceanview cabins are obstructed (which is different to Symphony), so they are a good option. Deck 7 on both ships has a fabulous teak wrap around deck for walking off all the food and drink. Best deck I have seen on any ship.

You pay for shore excursions, but alcohol on board is included.

We are on the new Crystal yacht in July, so are looking forward to testing out that new addition to the family

 

[Pushka]

Thankyou - agree they are $$$ just for the usual verandah. The 10 day Alaska return itinerary is very appealing. Usually just a 7 day one way from Vancouver/Anchorage or 7 day return Vancouver which doesn't go far enough.

MrP loves Japanese inspired food so he will be in heaven. Hoping the Aussie $ stays high.

Have you found the included drinks good? Is it limitless? Champagne not sparkling? coughtails?

On CC it seems some have limitless money and do multiple world trips. I can only imagine.

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

............................
On CC it seems some have limitless money and do multiple world trips. I can only imagine.

We have met an American couple several times on Silverseas who just go from ship to ship. They are currently on the World cruise. It is funny you ask any of the regular staff have you cruised with the B.....s and they all say yes many times ! They are a lovely couple but even so I don't think I could cruise THAT much !!

 

[Pushka]

We have met an American couple several times on Silverseas who just go from ship to ship. They are currently on the World cruise. It is funny you ask any of the regular staff have you cruised with the B.....s and they all say yes many times ! They are a lovely couple but even so I don't think I could cruise THAT much !!

Oh. I could. Must be my Dad's influence. 12 years in the Navy - but on an aircraft carrier! I just love everything cruising.

 

[ftm]

The included alcohol is more than fine, and it is limitless. The champagne is Jacquart and the bar staff are very talented for coughtails, So I don't think you'd have any issues with the beverage side of things. The wines have never been bad, but never amazing - they do a lot of Californian wines. The coffee is not a strong point and they use a US blend that is a bit average and the people making it haven't really be trained properly in how to make a good espresso. But is it still better than most.

The way the passengers use the ships, we've found the oceanview cabins adequate. Sure, a balcony is nice, but the Crystal ships have more public space than most ships, so finding your own area outside is easy. And there is always a waiter there asking if you'd like a coughtail or similar!