Well maybe I was a brash in that statement. Just looking at their site and playing travel agent. It's 80 grand pp for the room. The room I had. Adding the single sup I'am going to guess that the fair might hit a 100. Add about 2-3 grand per segment for drinking, tips, tours and every thing under the sun. Plus airfare I'd set aside 140,000 for your Crystal Experiance. So you could get a Porsche Turbo instead.

It's the tipping and drinking that add up.

http://www.luxurycruisetalk.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=000101

This tread is going back when we where talking about the Serenity when I was on it. Bear in mind that was when the ship was around Shanghai in the middle of Feb. The weather was cold and there was no sitting by the pool or on the balcony.

I still can't see going on a larger ship, with more people, having traditional seating for dinner, paying for drinks, paying gratuities, and paying the same price or more than you would pay on RSSC, Seabourn, or Silversea.

Richard, we welcome your opinions.

Well I am sailing on Crystal on Wednesday. I have been booked about four times now and always cancelled but this time I am going. It is time that I experienced Crystal it is about the only cruise line I have not sailed. I must say my expectations are low and I will report when I get back. Of course I may post from onboard too.

Ngarie, What ship, where?

We, too, my BW and I, await the report....we've yet to hear any negatives from the many couples, probably over 15, that we've met on cruises, that have sailed Crystal.

Their food, and, presentation, and, service are superb......but, we still rate Seabourn #1!

I, too, am eager to hear Ngaire's report on Crystal. Like Richard, it is the pricing, fixed seating and nickel-diming that keep me from booking with the line. But back in cc days when I was on that board more often, I learned there is a very loyal bunch who sail this line and love it. What I gained is that the entertainment is better, and the lecturers superior to Radisson. Cabins at the low end much better on RSSC That's just my impression from reading a lot of threads over several years. Food, subjective and all over the place in comparing the two.

There were several car posts on this message that were off topic. I have removed them and placed them in an email. If you would like a copy, please drop me a note. I wish I could of transfered them to the off topic section but that isn't an option. I usually email you if I remove one of your posts but I don't think it's needed in this case.


Please, if you wish to continue the car discussion, I will bring the donuts and coffee to the off topic board :)

There are a couple of other good threads on this board on this subject. One is "I am on Crystal" started by Ngaire, who is posting from the ship! The other is "Have you cruised Crystal, Seabourn, or Silversea started by aaannnthony. NHCruisers has a very infomative post on the latter thread, and Ngaire's continuing posts are just great on the former thread.

Hope this helps,
Richard :) :) :)

Richard, I agree, there is no dearth of information on this board about Crystal. Can't wait each day to see what Ngaire is saying about her experience.

While driving in my G35 Sports Coupe today I started thinking about Crystal (sorry Karen I just had to do this).

What does Crystal have to offer that RSSC, Seabourn, and Silversea don't???

As far as I can tell based on comments on this board. It is more people, smaller cabins, same food, same service, gratuities not included, no wine with dinner, and....?

Ironically, we just had dinner with some Mercedes Driving Friends Who Love Crystal over RSSC. They are European and in life are just more formal than we are (although they have lived in So. Calif. for 25+ years). They like the formality and structure and do not mind paying for the tips, wine and extras. They have sailed both. I personally like RSSC and probably would not sail Crystal unless there was a special fare to make the cost equal to an RSSC or if the itinerary were more suitable.

cruisinsince75:

No car talk from me now, here on this thread! :) I think it got started because the ORIGINAL POSTER brought it up, so many of us thought it would be OK. Sorry

There is no accounting for the differences in tastes of cruisers. Right after 9/11 there were many complaints on the CC Crystal board about the "open seating" dinner on some cruises, because they were less than 50% full. These people actually LIKE two fixed time and seating dinners --- it's not a case of them merely tolerating this to get other perceived benefits. Ditto on any degree of beverage inclusion at no extra cost. Some cruisers actually DISLIKE any such inclusions. So, I've learned that some have entirely different preferences in cruise details than I. It's good that we have a choice, I suppose.

Thanks,
Richard :) :) :)

I've read threads on the mass-market lines on CC that discuss the relative merits of price inclusion on cruise lines, and a lot of people said that they would prefer to "pay as you go", so they are only charged for what they use. The perception is that inclusive policies result in increased fares for all, even those who don't take advantage of the inclusions (i.e. those who don't drink alcohol). They say they would rather there be extra charges for drinks, for specialty restaurants, for special events such as Celebrity's Cirque du Soliel masquarade ball, etc. so that if they don't use them, they won't feel they paid to subsidize others who do.

However, it seems to me that cruise lines charge the fares that the market will bear, and these fares rise and fall based on many factors. In addition, it's highly possible, in fact probably common, that passengers have paid a wide variance in prices for the same cabins. This is driven by many other market factors such as discounts, sales, timing etc. Does inclusion really result in that much higher fares? Sure, the luxury lines ARE more expensive than the mass-market lines, but that is due to much more than just inclusion.

Then there is the big debate about tips, with so many saying that they feel that tip inclusion results in crews who don't feel they have to work to earn them, so service suffers. However, from all that I've read about service on the luxury lines, this clearly does not seem to be the case.

I personally disagree with the concept of pay-as-you-go on a cruise ship. One of the advantages of cruising is that you can board and then just enjoy, without having to pay for each item. When the cruise lines start tacking on extra charges, where does it stop? That's obviously already occuring on many of the mass-market lines, as they now charge for previously-included extras like coffee/cappacino, ice cream, water bottles, Johnny Rockets, parties, etc. I have read more complaints about the whole "nickel & diming" thing than anything else!

In my mind, inclusion means I don't have to think about it. Hey, maybe I'm paying a higher fare, but it's worth it to me. Just the underlying feeling of being a "guest" on board, rather than a wallet in open season, is going to make a huge difference in my enjoyment factor. Even if I've planned a budget for a cruise expecting to pay a certain amount for extras, every time I have to sign that chit, a little "ka-ching" goes off in my head. I am SO looking forward to not having to deal with that!

So there's my little diatribe about inclusion. :)

Leejnd:

There are indeed those who like the "ala carte", "pay as you go" concept for beverages, alternative dining, and the like. But they are generally talking about a cruise line in the mass market or budget category with fares I've seen as low as around $500 per week! Such fares are maybe 1/6th of Crystal's. Compared with Crystal's fare pricing, that gives them much fare savings to pay for any such extras they wish. I can understand their logic, but I don't like other things about the mass market and budget lines, and like to pay my money up front and not be hit by unpleasant surprises. But that is an honest difference in preferences, which I understand. What I don't understand (yet) is how Crystal is able to set their price point so high and objectively include so little. Hopefully Ngaire's report will help us all understand, one way or another.

Those who like a "tips extra" policy instead of tips included usually fear a lack of tip incentive will mean poor service. These folks tend to be ones who have never cruised on Radisson, Seabourn, or Silversea. They haven't seen how well the tips included program works, what good service results, and how happy the crew is with it.

Hopefully this will help you understand where certain attitudes originate, and how they really do not, and should not apply to the lux lines.

Thanks,
Richard :) :) :)

Richard,

Excellent points. I think it's a good thing that there are cruising options for people on a budget who are looking for ways to count their pennies, and the mass-market lines offer those opportunities. Hey, my first cruise was on an RCI ship, with all four of us in an inside cabin! Having never cruised before, we were quite happy just to be out there, and didn't mind too much the cramped quarters. (Although you couldn't pay me to do it now...especially since my kids are now so BIG!)

But I have to agree with you that a cruise line such as Crystal that markets itself as a 6-star luxury line should eliminate all vestiges of the nickel-&-dime mentality. Presumably, those who are choosing the 6-star lines are not looking to count pennies, but rather to have the best possible luxury-cruise experience at a good value. Evidently the other 6-star lines have determined that the luxury cruise experience entails price inclusion as one of the significant benefits. If Crystal is not going to provide that, then it seems to me they sort of fall into a different class altogether -- something in between the "premium mass market" and "luxury" designations. And their prices should be lower to reflect that, right? Maybe they are -- I haven't delved too deeply into their pricing. Anyway, just more ruminations!

I too am waiting to hear from Ngaire if she finds that Crystal has anything over RSSC that would negate the lack of inclusive pricing.

If I am wrong correct me. Now the price difference between Crystal and RSSC is that you have to pay tips and dinner wine costs on Crystal, and you don't on RSSC. Only difference if we are talking $$$'s?

jhp:

Additional RSSC included items not included on Crystal include no additional charge for alternative dining, in suite mini bar, included soft drinks and bottled water all over the ship, cocktails or beer (as well as wine) in the dining rooms at dinner, and lower internet use cost. In addition, Crystal reportedly has higher drink prices (when they are not included on Radisson). And, my checks have shown that Crystal has a bit higher fares than Radisson ---- and this is more than a bit when suites are made comparable.

Hope this helps,
Richard :) :) :)

Just found this board today....

We left (for the most part) the mass market lines this past year when we sailed Crystal for the first time. We've yet to sail RSSC, Silversea or Seabourn, but are on the lookout for something on these lines that catches our eyes.

Although just a one time Crystal cruiser, we do have our second voyage booked in March 2005. I would like to make some observations about all inclusiveness that will hopefully separate Crystal from the mass market lines.

First, we had the lowest shipboard tab at the end of the voyage compared to any previous cruise of equal length on the mass market lines. True, it would have been lower yet if we had sailed RSSC, Silversea or Seabourn. But there were many pre-dinner events where cocktails (whatever you desire) were served complimentary. In addition to both the Captain's Welcome AND Farewell parties, there was also a party held for first time Crystal cruisers.

Second, all stateroom minibars are supplied with sodas, bottled waters and juices, which are replenished throughout the voyage. All complimentary.

Third, all specialty coffees are complimentary in Crystal's wonderful bistro, as well as in any of the lounges or dining room.

Fourth, as to gratuities, we learned after our first voyage that there are several Travel Agents which offer prepaid gratuities for their Crystal clients. For our next sailing, we have confirmed prepaid gratuities, a generous shipboard credit, as well as a $400 gift card because we're paying w/Mastercard. The shipboard credit and Mastercard kickback will sufficiently cover the cost of a moderately priced bottle of wine each evening in the dining room.

There is no denying RSSC, Silversea & Seabourn are all-inclusive compared to Crystal. But I think classifying Crystal as a 'nickel and dime' experience is quite a stretch, at least from our personal experience.

Really enjoying exploring this board. Keep up the great work!

Beav: I would feel the same way about Crystal if I had your wonderful experience with gratuities, shipboard credit, and gift card!!! Good for you! Please, someday, give Radisson a try - again, I have only cruised Radisson (5 times in 20 months??? not sure) but it is wonderful and the people make Radisson a great DEAL!! Joanna

Welcome Beav!! And thanks for your perspective - we value all opinions here! Glad you had such a great experience on Crystal. Honestly, the specialty restaurants on Crystal are very appealing ...

Masaki

BEAV, it is nice to hear of your good experience with Crystal! You have to remember that most of us on this board are avid RSSC and Silversea(me) fans, having cruised on those lines. I'm sure Crystal is a great product, just some things I can't get past, like the assigned dining and the smaller standard cabin size. To each his own, however, and maybe one of these days I will have the opportunity to cruise with Crystal. I'm certainly not ruling it out, given the great following it has among past passengers. Hope you won't rule out RSSC and Silversea as well.

Hi Beav,
We are also Crystal ( and Radisson) cruisers and have been reading with great interest the comments on this thread as well as Ngaire's comments regarding her present Fam trip on Crystal. I am awaiting her overall review before I weigh in with my comments. Agree with your comments completely.

BTW, how do you obtain your $400 Mastercard "gift card"? We pay with Mastercard for all of our cruises.

On our last Crystal cruise this past Sept. we did obtain "prepaid gratuities" from our TA but not on previous Crystal cruises. When I asked my TA about this wonderful bonus for future Crystal cruises she commented that this was a Crystal special for this cruise only. Does your TA offer the "prepaid gratuities" on all Crystal cruises?

thanks

Hi BEAV,

Welcome to LCT. What part of California are you from? I am in Westlake Village, just outside Los Angeles County.

I am enjoying this thread having just had this conversation live with friends who love Crystal and were greatly disappointed in RSSC, but, they are more formal than we are and we detest fixed seating and they prefer it. To each his own.

Thanks for all the great welcome greetings from everyone!

With just one completed and one advance booking w/Crystal, we are not 100% loyal to the line. At least not yet! I'm sure our day will come to sail RSSC, Silversea or Seabourn (if it would just hurry up a little!). But Crystal being our first cruise away from the mass market lines, we were certainly 'blown away' with their product.

Med4bike, to answer your question, we booked our next Crystal cruise through a large Internet agency. I normally steer clear of such agencies for lack of personal service. But since they were offering prepaid gratuities, shipboard credit AND the $400 Mastercard kickback, I thought I would give them a try. Luckily, I discovered they have a small staff that handles only the luxury cruise lines, which means I'm able to deal with the same agent throughout the entire process. And she has been just great. I'm not sure if the agency prepays gratuities for ALL Crystal sailings, but they do at least for all the ones I've seen on their website.

Kathy, we are in beautiful Walnut Creek!

Beav: So glad you responded and happy you are happy with Crystal - I think that is wonderful - I am a newbie cruiser only Radisson but certainly no problem with other lines - Ngaire is my TA and has done an outstanding job for us, we have loved the folks we have met - BUT not to say you don't find that on other cruise lines and isn't it great when you do???- Joanna

Beav,

Welcome to this board, and, howdy neighbor!!

Karen, I'm still waiting for the coffee and donuts. I willl have a Cafe Du Monde Chickory Coffee and for the doughnuts, how about some beignets???

Richard, I was just trying to be funny.

Actually, I have some friends that only drive FORDS. They call our cruises, Grey Poupon Cruises, even though they have more money than we do. They prefer to spend the money to sail in the Owners Suite on RCCL than to sail on Luxury cruise lines, even though it probably costs them more money after tips, drinks, etc.

cruisinsince75:

Would you believe that one of our vehicles is a Ford (pickup, all American)? Another is a Honda S 2000 (all Japanese), while another is a Mercedes C 320 (all German). If we acquire an English car, we can have WWII right in our garage!

Seriously now, about cruising, we use AMEX platinum to book our RSSC cruises, and due to the credits often times end up with a ship's bill that is NEGATIVE, that forces to go the the shops onboard and buy stuff to use it all up!

And, I guess we may be a little claustrophobic, but cruising (or any form of travel) other than Radisson makes me feel more than a little crowded. We both have an aversion to crowds and lines. At home, we avoid Wal-Mart! So Radisson's big "base level" suites and uncrowded public areas appeal to us.

As "young retirees" we dislike schedules (having had them for so long.) So we do like the option of going to dinner "whenever." And, we like the closest we can come to an "all inclusive" situation when we are a "captive market" as on a ship at sea. In this area, Radisson could do better, but they do pretty well!

Someday, "when I grow up", we are going to give Silversea a try. Bet we'll like that line also.

Thanks,
Richard :) :) :)

Beav-
Thanks for the info. Which Travel Agency do you use which offers all these "goodies" on Crystal. Might have to try them for our next Crystal cruise. If you'd rather, my email is med4bike@yahoo.com
Thanks

Richard, WWII in your garage? That's funny. Where abouts is Yukon? Our friends live in Edmond. They are the ones that won't go with us on Silversea or Radisson. He also took early retirement, but prefers tradional seating and larger ships, i.e. mass humanity!!!