The fixed seating dining, no wine with dinner, the tipping thing, and the small cabins are just something that I just cant get past. Even after being on the ship I still have an issue with these things. The food is excellent as is the service but I am still eating early and had to rush out from dinner tonight for the next seating to have their dinner. The 8.30 pm is just too late for me. If Crystal had open seating dining, no tipping and wine with dinner I would be representing and selling them.

Dinner tonight was really outstanding. I did do the lobster and chateaubriad, I am very good at "both". I loved the cherries jubilee too. They put a small marshmellow in the plate so it was flaming when they sat it down. Pretty clever.

Tonight I searched all over the cabin for another hairdyer. I am heading back there right now to see if I can find that. Thanks for that tip. I have not seen our cabin stewardess since our first day and I was going to ask her if I could get a regular dryer. Hope it is there but even if it is not if they are normally there now I know I can get one.

Off to see the dancing girls. Post later.

Ngaire, what you are experiencing is so similar to what I experienced on Crystal, it's uncanny. Crystal has some wonderful aspects to it but it does feel more crowded. Those lines at the deck buffets are so discouraging, although it does save you from going back for seconds. :p
Also, those cafeteria style plastic trays have got to go!
This I know for sure, when you have been on ships that are more inclusive, the chits and the plastic menus selling drinks feel verrrry mass market. And ultimately that's what I didn't like about Crystal, I didn't feel like a 'guest' I felt like a customer.

Ngaire,
I do know where you are coming from. The first day I got on Crystal, I had to wait an hour to board, there was no welcome glass of champage, and the dining room closed right when I got there so I had to get in line on the lido deck, grab a plastic tray, order a hamburger, and then order a beer from the little plastic (a la Dennys) menu on the table. It was so disappointing. And from then on, I noticed everything that seemed downmarket. There were many things that happened that made me feel better about the line but I never lost that resignation that I was on a more mass market line the whole time I was on the ship. I realize that to some, writngs chits is not down market but that's how it feels to me. It's awkward and intrusive. If I saw an incredible deal on Crystal I would take it because they are not bad in the least, it's just a different kind of experience and personally, it didn't feel luxurious.

After taking 1/3 of Crystal's world cruise twice I did have my problems. However I agree with Ngaire in all respects. It sounds just like the cruise I was on.

Ngaire,

Thanks, again, for sharing your perceptions and experiences with us.


First and foremost, I do value Ngaire's expertise when it comes to cruising. I also feel she is being objective and unbiased in her reviews, based upon her experiences and expectations.

NGAIRE is stating HER impressions pertaining to the ship, crew, cuisine, entertainment, etc. SHE is entitled to HER opinions and in sharing those impressions and opinions with us. I think we can all agree, that NGAIRE'S impressions and opinions are just that - NGAIRE'S. Everything is subjective.

Reading NGAIRE'S posts in no way sways ME to avoid Crystal. I can make that decision for MYSELF and formulate MY OWN opinions if I ever choose to sail Crystal. I always weigh what works for me and what will not.

I have several friends who've cruised Crystal and swear by this cruise line. Who is right and who is wrong in their impressions? There is no right or wrong. Again, it comes down to what experiences and styles best fit the way in which we choose to cruise.

The only way anyone can made an educated decision is by weighing ALL opinions and options.

I do think that if Ngaire really loved 'em, she'd book 'em in a heartbeat!

Denise - you have said so eloquently exactly what I was thinking!

Masaki

I just read that thread on cc. One positive for Crystal is the computer in the room for the extra charge - $15 set up is all this cost but of course you still pay the daily rate. It is dial up but fairly fast at night. So here I am in my jammies posting.

Some of the comments are correct on the CC board if they were posted on LCT. I dont remember seeing these but they may have been on a thread I did not read. The only charge for the alternate dining is the tip of $6 per person. They give you a from to fill out to charge that to your shipboard account at the end of the meal. At least that makes it easy. YOU can also fill out a form to charge the tips to your shipboard account. Also it is open seating at breakfast and lunch it is only dinner that is fixed dining. Alternate dining is also open seating.

The food here is really really good that is a fact. ONly problem was at lunch today.

The show tonight was to me on the same level as RSSC EXCEPT they do definitely have better costuming and sets which of course adds to the overall performance. I dont go to the shows much on RSSC I am just not a singer and dance show type of person. So I am not the best to review which is better.

No cruise line is perfect. RSSC has it faults too and I have had some bad lunches on RSSC. I do think that every cruise is different even on the same line. I also think this is a very different mix of people so can not be considered a normal cruise. There are around 450 on board and 250 of those are the travel agents. I do feel though that the age group that Crystal attracts is an older crowd. That is fine too nothing wrong with that and of course they gear the entertainment accordingly.

I think the reason we usually meet people easier on RSSC and Silversea is with open seating each night if we are not travelling with others we know we sit at a different table. This way each night you meet new people. We are not participating in the seminars for the TA's either as we have done all these courses and passed the Master Level so we dont need all the credits these people are working for. So we are not meeting that many of the TA's either. Plus we are working up a storm and living on the comptuer and getting work done for next year so we are not out much. You can blame any of that on Crystal.

This is a lovely ship, the food and service is good, with a few changes with the major ones of open seating and wine with dinner and a little more contemporary music, I would sell this line. Unfortunately they cannot solve the open seating dining as their dining room is not large enough. (YOu have to do away with tipping if you have open seating as you have different waiters every night) They cant do much about the regular cabins but then the Diamond has small cabins too. Larger than these but still small you go on that ship knowing that and accept this, same with Crystal.

I just wont sell anything that I dont really believe in and want to do myself. Fixed seating is a good option for many just not for me. In fact one very nice man we have met has been on RSSC and liked it but he travels alone and is more comfortable with fixed seating. There needs to be both types of cruise out there to please everyone.

By the way I do not have another hairdryer in my cabin but at least I now know I can get one thanks for letting me know that I will talk to my stewardess tomorrow.

Ngaire - Thanks for the Antarctica insights - I didn't realize they didn't land with zodiacs - I haven't yet delved into the specifics since this is not the year we'd be going. It would be great to be on a luxury ship with space rather than a smaller expedition ship. I will keep an eye on Residensea.

200 sq ft is small - I think I would need close to 300 for to be comfortable. It does look like the penthouses would be the way to go, but certainly those fares are much higher.

Thanks, Ngaire, for once again posting what, I personnally feel, is a well balanced review.

There are wonderful cruises to pick and choose from - Crystal and Radisson to name just a few - for everyone. As with everything, it's best to weigh in all the options and make an educated decision on what suits your travel style best. There is no right or wrong. It all boils down to personal preferences.

Though all can make up their own minds, I will take Ngaire's report on Crystal very seriously. That is because of her expertise and professional status. It is also because of all luxury lines, Crystal is most controversial. By that, I mean there is a big divergance in comments of past guests about whether it is the greatest thing on the seas or whether it is really not that great and overpriced. I can't personally find out without booking an expensive cruise and taking my chances. So to me, Ngaire's report is the next best thing!

Thanks,
Richard :) :) :)

So true Richard!! I've found Ngaire's opinion of things right on the money...

Ngaire, thanks for taking the time to post and
speak frankly & sincerely of your and ken's cruise experience on cystal..it helps all of us as we make future cruise decisions..pls keep it up.

r/wes

Denise, as always, I really appreciate your thoughtful and very well-written responses.

Ngaire, thanks for much for this review. I think many of us wonder about the other lines and think about trying them. It's a pleasure to see such a fair and balanced review of the ship and the line.

Kathy

I think whether or not you sell a product has no bearing on your opinion of a product, actually, what it has bearing on is how well you know your customers and what they want!

I work with people who understand my needs and I respect their professionalism to help me decide what the correct choice would be for me. Since Ngaire understands the product of cruising, and she knows what I prefer out of the experience, then if I choose to work with her as my TA, then she can explain the pros and cons of my choice so I can make my own decision. Her experience of having cruised RSSC and Crystal and Silversea all play into her product knowledge. So as a professional of the highest caliber, even though she is most familiar with RSSC over Crystal, does not mean that she might not say, yes for this itinerary you might prefer Crystal because.....Actually, on another thread someone was thinking of crusing Crystal for Antartica but they do not land which is the best part of the experience which in Ngaire's comment and the customer may have saved a $10,000 experience from being a disappointment.

My reviews have stirred the pot a little, did not mean to do that. I am trying to be fair and balanced.

I think we must understand the loyalty that people have to certain cruise lines. Crystal lovers will jump to defend Crystal if the see a negative JUST AS Radisson lovers will jump to defend RSSC. The truth is both lines have their pros and cons and which line is right for a person depends on that person and what they are looking for.

It is interesting to talk to people. We have met one lady that is on her 59th Crystal cruise would never try anything else. We have met a lovely lady and her son who have done about 21 Crystal cruises. One cruise on the new Serentity said she will never go back to that ship it is terrible. Another man who loves the Serenity and does not want to sail the Harmony or Symphony again. Different strokes for different folks. No one is right or wrong just different opinions based on individual experiences.

The mother and her son we really liked a lot. We would like to eat together so we were thinking of doing a lunch. Then we figured out that they have reservations at the Jade Garden same night as we do BUT at different times. The son is trying to arrange to change the times so we can dine together. Dinner is just more special than lunch of that there is no doubt. I just find it frustrating not to be able to go to dinner when and with whom I want. I am so used to that system. I think if you like that open seating arrangement fixed seating is a MAJOR drawback. The Mother said she would never leave Crystal but she would really like open seating. She pointed out if not open at least a one seating option so that you dont eat so early or so late. The Captains welcome aboard party started at 5.30 pm last night that is so early. The problem with fixed for me is two fold. Too early or too late and no choice or variation in dining companions.

The dining room can hold 500 and I know they have done open seating before I wonder why they are not doing it this time. I have asked an officer and the lady with the 59 cruises she also said 450.

If Crystal would just serve wine at dinner that would help a lot. Ken and I ordered a bottle of wine in Prego and did not drink it all. Last night at dinner the bottle was on the table waiting for us.Very nice service we did not have to ask. Ken and I did feel uncomfortable drinking our wine when on one else had wine at the table. I know that is my problem but it is so nice when it is included if people want it. Maybe eventually Crystal will go this route.

I read on one thread NHcruisers opinion and comparisions of the two lines. I would agree with what he said 100% I think he is spot on. I dont think I will compare the lines in the same way at the end. I think I will just point out the benefits of Crystals and what I see as the drawbacks. That may be less controversial.

That was very kind of you, Kathleen. Thanks!

Ngaire,

While a pot has been stirred, not of your making, please continue on with your candor. It would be a pity to hold back anything - pro or con - for fear that it will incense someone into posting untrue and insensitive remarks.

You know how 99.9% of us feel about you and trust in your honesty. PLEASE call things as you see them and allow us to make the determination as to what our likes and dislikes are, based upon your assessments and others who have posted of their experiences on Crystal (or any other cruise line, for that matter).

Ngaire...here is another message I'm posting from Judith:

Another message to Ngaire. What we have found works in a situation where we have ordered wine for ourselves and the other people at our table are not drinking or prefer something else, we have the sommelier just pour a glass and bring that to the table rather than the whole bottle. The sommelier puts our name on the bottle and does this each night until it is finished. During dinner, he will ask if we want another glass.

By the way, ask your head waiter to fix you (our favorite) dessert one evening -- Sulzburger Nockln. It is heavenly

Hi Ngaire and all here on the Luxury cruise talk. My name is Ernie and yes I do hang out at the Crystal board on CC. I could just wring that waiters neck for saying, "that's how we do it" that was wrong on many levels. Your waiter knew immediately and that's why he was so sorry. If there's two seatings like I've heard then there should be lots of room at either seating for a table with whomever you want. Talk to the Maitre D' that is his job and I'll bet his answer is," it will be my pleasure." The easy requests such as yours should be handled with no effort by Crystal. I heard a Crystal Hotel Director say on tv that no request is considered outrageous. I ask you to just ask for what you want. Do you have a decent hairdryer yet? Don't work so hard that you miss out on meeting some of the nicest people I've ever met. Everyone I've ever talked too were very laid back, relaxed and just looking for that lap:) Enjoy, Ernie

Hello Ernie,
Hey LCT gang, I have read alot of Crystal message boards in the past ( when planning our Crystal Cruises) and can say without a doubt that
Ernie has written lots and lots of great posts.. We welcome you here Ernie.
I am sure if one wants to arrange a private table when there are only 500 ish people on the ship that can be done - but when ship is full ( usually) when we took our last cruise on them ( it wasn't full had about 800 people) we still couldn't so that.. so wouldn't suggest it is always possible..

Hi Ernie, nice to "meet" you!

First yes I have a great hairdryer now and very pleased with that.

The Maitre of the Jade Garden moved some things around so we are eating with the delightful mother and son we met tomorrow night at 7.30 pm I am looking forward to that. I though about asking the Maitre D if we could arrange a table one night just as you suggest. Since we worked out the Jade Garden there is no need for that now. The staff are truly accommodating so I am sure you are correct and it would not be an issue.

When I first sailed on Silversea I was not selling them either. However, I found that to be a great cruise line, wonderful service and a good product so I added it to what I sell. I wont sell a product I dont really like personally or a product that I dont know.

So if I had really liked Crystal I would start selling it. It is not that I dont like it this cruise line is very good. With a few things different I would start selling it but these are things that the cruise line cannot change. I just feel fixed seating dining and other aspects of the line cannot compare to lines with open seating dining, better cabins and no tipping. Namely RSSC, Silversea and Residensea all of which I sell.

Just like South Africa. The group wanted me to book them, I did and went to South Africa and feel in love so now I am planning on sellling South Africa and am planning more trips to learn more.

I have to try something before I can decide if I want to represent a product and this is exactly what I am doing here.

Welcome to LCT, Ernie! I am looking forward to reading lots and lots of posts from you!

So well put, Richard!

No justification of why you choose to sell one cruise line and why you don't choose to sell another is needed in addressing venomous posts, Ngaire.

If I were overseeing LCT, I would not be providing a platform, any further, to those who wish to ignore your board's rules. It's the equivalent of being a very gracious hostess to a very rude guest who does not follow house rules in your home.

Ernie - welcome to the board! Hope to hear much more from you!

Masaki

It is sooooooo cold here in Prague...About 10 degrees. Tomorrow snow.

I think what we are seeing on rssc vs Crystal is that while Crystal is very good, it doesn't offer the "value" of the other lines. At least that is how I am reading the comments.

Chippy here:
I really find Ngaire's reports quite similar to my own. If she were to sell a cruise on Crystal I bet a lot of LCT people would go and enjoy. I would consider it. That's up to her. But my next cruise is with RSSC. I'm sure I won't find it be perfect but is any vacation perfect? I know one thing I'll miss the sushi but I will sure enjoy the larger suite.

Okay next report. I am going to compare RSSC and Crystal I guess it makes it easier to report.

Lecturers - one average one not so good. Sorry for all the Crystal lovers but this is the case. We have met and spent a lot of time with one nice man who has sailed Crystal a lot. He said these are the worst two lecturers he has even seen on Crystal. He always goes to the lectures but he is bypassing these from now on. Personally I thought one was okay. As always it is hit and miss. He saw Terry Breen on his one RSSC cruise and so he was telling me how good the RSSC lecturers were. It is all dependent I think on who you happen to hit on your particular cruise.

Food: Well the first few days I would have given a heads up to Crystal. The formal night with the lobster and Chateuabriand was as good as it could ever get. The last few meals have been good but not as outstanding. Today though they did a Sunday Brunch. It was excellent and as good as you can get from a brunch. The way they laid it out in foyer and the lovely light classical music that was not too loud made it extra special. Amazingly there were not the lines here one might expect with everyone having lunch at the same time at the same place. Cant understand why the lines were so bad on deck for lunch the other day. Maybe it was just the way it was laid out. They had multiple stations today. Tonight the Jade Garden.

For food I would say at this point in time I would call RSSC and Crystal and Silversea basically even with only a very slight edge to Crystal. Crystal offers lots of low carb items along with no sugar items. Low carb is different from no sugar and I give them points for that and for the bistro. Ken said the cookies are better here - he is an expert on that.

The lido I just dont like. It is tables without table cloths, and plastic trays. I did not think having a table cloth was a big deal but call me a snob if you like it is just a lot nicer to eat at table that has a tablecloth and a place setting. I was thinking about the Diamond with the outside wooden tables but they put placemats there and that works. If they would just do that here it would help. Both RSSC and Silversea are better for this area of casual lunch dining in my opinion.

I love the Bistro, the little coffee shop with service and snacks from 9.00 to 6.00 pm. Neither RSSC or Silversea has this and it is a really nice touch.

Activities; Today there are more activities offered than on a traditional RSSC day at sea cruise. They dont have the token action. So for those that love competition for tokens they will be disappointed here. In fact I have not noticed a "daily quiz" not saying they dont have it I have just not been aware of it. I will check that out. They are also having a theatre today at 5.00 pm with scences from some famous plays. I am really looking forward to that. I have often wondered why they dont do that and here it is on Crystal. The song and dancers are really the RSSC group with better costumes. That is how I see it but as I have said before I am not a Song and Dance person. Been faithfully going to every show. Tonight a comedian and the dance teachers again doing a few turns on the stage.

The trivia (we won today by the way) is held at 11.00am a morning at sea. Was done at afternoon tea one day and if they had trivia yesterday I missed it, I dont think they did it. By the way I won a Crystal diary for my win in Trivia.

The casino for casino lovers definite edge to Crystal. It is much larger with more space. I am not a casino person but this is a much nicer facitilty. Run by Ceasars Palace.

Shops - more of them but still not that much to buy. The jewelry store offers some very expensive items that are nice to look at. The need a Chicos on a ship now wouldnt that be a hit. Edge to Crystal, just a nicer area to have shops in the middle of foyer.

Silly thing I do like. They have dimmers on the bed lights. That is great.

I still find RSSC crew a little more friendly. I cant put my finger on it as there are some standouts among the Crystal crew. To be fair it is possible that I am on RSSC so much I just know all the crew there. There are slips up in service, could not get a second cup of tea today even though I asked several times. However, that can happen on RSSC and Silversea too. Nothing is perfect. It was the buffet lunch that caused this problem I think, they were running around like crazy. These are not big things.

Officers you never see. I wonder if this is normal. I have only seen the Captain once at the welcome aboard.

Palm court vs the Observation lounge. I just cant see why people are over the moon about the Palm court. Nice room for sure but I dont see the difference. They dont use it at night. Ken and I do love quiet time at night and often go to the observation lounge at night for quiet music and watching the ocean. Cant do that here. I remember some really neat nights up in the Observation lounge with the harp or light piano music. I wonder if they ever have any light entertainment up there in the evenings. They must use that when they are in a "white nights" area. We will check it again tonight.

I can see the allure of Crystal for those that have no problems with fixed seating and dont mind the smaller basic cabins. It is a well run cruise line, with nice entertainment (cant give them the edge yet till I see the rest of the week out) excellent food and a very nice staff.

Karen if there are any more negative posts just take them off. Denise is right we should not allow them period. When directed at me I dont seem to mind as much I just dont want them directed at other members. Thought I would just post that right here so everyone knows the program. No posts that are negative towards another person.

I edited this but have to go now to play in a slots tournament. May come back and edit more later.

Chicos on a cruise ship. Why haven't I thought of that? I can't even imagine what such a franchise would cost, but I would definitely work a few hours each day for FREE.
I love reading your reports. Keep up the good work.

Oh boy Chicos on a cruise ship - I would really be broke - your posts are fun to read Ngaire - Joanna

Ngaire,

I love reading your posts. I believe they are objective, honest and fair. I do enjoy RSSC and value is important to me. A silly thing we like is as you said about Lido - tableclothes. Such a little thing adds a lot of class.

oh my - imagine combining two of my favorite things...shopping at Chicos and an RSSC cruise!
I'm with your ladies on this one!

I read that about Chicos and wondered why everybody would care so much about having an average mexican restaurant onboard a luxury ship. LOL

My wife set me straight, as usual!!!

Thanks for the laugh, Don! I can see how you might think that. But trust me - the clothes look a lot better on us than the tacos!!!!

Thanks Ngaire for all your unbiassed comments.

The girl at Wiltrans Australia said she thought Crystal was superior to Radisson, but luckily I found this site and thanks to everyone's input, am now sure I have made the right decision. I'll bore everyone's socks off after my cruise.

Ngaire - Although I realised I repeated myself several times and left out half of what I meant to say, the third attempt to post my comments on our meeting all those years ago worked thanks - don't know if you've had a chance to read them. Don't let me waste any more of your precious cruising time! Lee

Ngaire has always said "different strokes for different folks" This is certainly not a "Crystal" centered board, as we are loyal Radisson fans for the most part, who are always interested in expanding our travel choices when the right mix of itinerary, price, and amenities come along. I have cruised Ngaire and Ken I think on 3 now, and we have talked a lot, so I know what is important to her on a ship, and those things just happen to gel with mine. Whether those very subjective requirements mean anything to the loyal Crystal cruisers is another matter. We all choose lines based on our own personal requirements. Her comments about Crystal are personal to her requirements and those she perceives to be her clients' preferences. I think she has given the pro's and con's very well, as did NHCruiser, who has sailed the line several times. Not many of us here have sailed on Crystal! Therefore extra interest on this thread. Lee, I hope you and Ngaire have connected on the circumstances of your initial meeting years ago!

Okay chalk one up for Crystal. I just went to the theatre at sea. It was fantastic. This alone would rank Cyrstal above RSSC in entertainment. I am going to send a note to RSSC when I get home and suggest this option. The place was packed, the three skits were riots it was really fantastic. Everyone was coming out of that show saying how great it was. What a wonderful relief from the song and dance groups.

I also came second in the slot tournament today and won $150 and I get to eat dinner at the reasonable hour of 7.30 pm tonight.

No Lee I will see if I can find that thread and read your comments.

Oliva and Marcie I am proud to tell you I have written up all my N.Z. reports for you and will email those to you when I return.

Great reporting, Ngaire!

Congrats on your slots win. Now, if only a Chico's was onboard, you could go shopping!

Take care and continue to enjoy yourselves and send us those great reports! Your assessments are very informative and well-balanced. I think choosing Radisson or Crystal would be a win-win situation, as both have so much to offer!

Karen, I don't know what I did, but I'm back. The system let me log in. It will show as my initials -- JAM -- but it is me, Judith!!

Ngaire, your reporting from the Symphony has been very much in line with our feelings -- except we like the arranged seatings and don't mind paying gratuities and for wine. By the way, Crystal will now be bringing on board their own line of wines from California. We rarely if ever eat in the Lido, preferring the bistro or dining room or one of the alternative restaurants. I've found your review positive and informative. I only wish you would book Crystal, but understand why you cannot.

We enjoy the Theater at Sea. They change the shows on the three ships fairly regularly so that we don't get bored seeing the same group or show over and over. It is one of our favorite things. We also enjoy the classical performances they have at that hour on longer cruises. There are certain things that occur on 12+ day cruises that they just can't fit into a 7-day cruise.

Congratulations on your casino win. I've never walked out of there with any money, let alone being a winner in one of the tournaments.

I hope you enjoy the Jade Garden tonight. Thank you for your even-handed reporting.
Judith

Welcome back Judith! I am glad you are finally able to post.

At our lovely Ngaire's request, I deleted some posts this evening and edited a few posts (removed names) so if you wonder where your post went or if it says "edited by Karen", don't worry, you didn't do anything wrong! I was just doing a litte housecleaning :)

Ngaire,

I have been reading your reports from Crystal with high interest. I think you are being very clear and concise in your comparisons of Crystal and RSSC.

It's extremely helpful to cruisers to be able to read the impressions of someone who knows the ins and outs of cruising as well as you do. Especially someone like me, who has only cruised twice, both times on RSSC.

Enjoy the remainder of your cruise. Congratulations on your win!!

Chico's onboard would be great!

Ginny