This is a newer version of the Crystal Serenity review video. The previous version had a technical glitch at 4:20 so we had to replace it with a new version.
@@CruiseReport Which cruise line would you recommend for Alaska? Looking between Oceania, Crystal, Seabourn and Silver Sea. I know they all offer differences but which one would you recommend. Thanks
@@Matt.Jernigan Honestly, we have never done any of those in Alaska, but they are all great cruise lines. We are most familiar with Crystal and Silversea so we would lean toward either of those.
I wonder whatevery happened to Mama Lee (Lee Wachtstetter) who used to live on the Crystal Serenity before the coronavirus pandemic? I just got done reading her book "I May Be Homeless, But You Should See My Yacht".
Chris / Ricky-We sailed on Crystal in 2019 and it was simply amazing and fabulous. We have stayed away from booking Crystal since its abrupt bankruptcy and horrific handling of its passengers during that time. This review by you is excellent. Content, narrative, photos, etc. Thanks for the great work and giving us confidence in rethinking a future Crystal cruise.
I think you can be confident in the new ownership. We met several past Crystal guests on this sailing that are going through the bankruptcy process to recover some of their losses. Remember, this is a completely different company/ownership seeking to restore the Crystal legacy.
Receiving free accommodations and services from a cruise line is a payment-in-kind from a cruise line. The fact that you did not pay for your accommodations probably should be noted upfront so the listener can ascertain the degree of unbiased reporting in the video.
The video was actually sponsored by GenVisa.com, which was mentioned near the beginning of the video. Also, there is a full disclaimer in the video description.
Appreciate the review. Haven’t sailed on the Serenity since 2011. Was on inaugural Symphony segments and thoroughly enjoyed returning to my Crystal family. Looking forward to Serenity Holiday coming up soon. Thanks for sharing.
Having just enjoyed my first cruise since I was 18 years old, Symphony's trip from Istanbul to Monaco was 'faultless' .. a most fantastic trip .. i can't wait to return ..
Many thanks for your wonderful in-depth review. I'm so excited to be back on Serenity over the Christmas-New Year's holidays. Please note the following (can't help it, I'm a language teacher): Osteria is pronounced "Os-ter-EE-ya." Gaspe peninsula is "gas-PAY" (there should be an accent over the e). Keep up the good work and keep cruising! Thanks again!
I, too, will be back on Serenity over the Christmas-New Year segment. I was on the Inaugural Symphony segments (nothing like being in-transit) and look forward to returning to the Serenity, which I last sailed on in 2011 Lisbon to Miami. I trust you will have a fantastic time. Kudos on the language lesson. I’ve been wondering how to pronounce it!
Good review - some inaccuracies on what was done in the 2018 refurb when as an example Palm Court was significantly refurbished. You say Crystal did not pay you to make the video and that you are not receiving anything from them - does that mean you paid for this cruise - or was it provided at no cost to you by Crystal?
We had not been on the ship since 2015 and we tried to determine what things had been refurbished in 2018 and which in 2023. Crystal did not pay us to make the video and we have received no money from them. The cruise accommodations were provided by Crystal, which is common practice with travel journalists. We covered the cost of air, hotel, transfers and incidentals. Those additional costs are why we have a sponsor, in this case, GenVisa.com.
Looks incredibly dated in every way possible. The actors in their promo videos look nothing like their actual passengers. Floating retirement home covered in velvet and bad carpets.
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This is a newer version of the Crystal Serenity review video. The previous version had a technical glitch at 4:20 so we had to replace it with a new version.
@@CruiseReport Which cruise line would you recommend for Alaska? Looking between Oceania, Crystal, Seabourn and Silver Sea. I know they all offer differences but which one would you recommend. Thanks
@@Matt.Jernigan Honestly, we have never done any of those in Alaska, but they are all great cruise lines. We are most familiar with Crystal and Silversea so we would lean toward either of those.
I wonder whatevery happened to Mama Lee (Lee Wachtstetter) who used to live on the Crystal Serenity before the coronavirus pandemic? I just got done reading her book "I May Be Homeless, But You Should See My Yacht".
Happy to hear that Crystal is back with its amazing service and details!
Chris / Ricky-We sailed on Crystal in 2019 and it was simply amazing and fabulous. We have stayed away from booking Crystal since its abrupt bankruptcy and horrific handling of its passengers during that time. This review by you is excellent. Content, narrative, photos, etc. Thanks for the great work and giving us confidence in rethinking a future Crystal cruise.
I think you can be confident in the new ownership. We met several past Crystal guests on this sailing that are going through the bankruptcy process to recover some of their losses. Remember, this is a completely different company/ownership seeking to restore the Crystal legacy.
Receiving free accommodations and services from a cruise line is a payment-in-kind from a cruise line. The fact that you did not pay for your accommodations probably should be noted upfront so the listener can ascertain the degree of unbiased reporting in the video.
Yup. That is actually required by law from the FTC.
The video was actually sponsored by GenVisa.com, which was mentioned near the beginning of the video. Also, there is a full disclaimer in the video description.
Appreciate the review. Haven’t sailed on the Serenity since 2011. Was on inaugural Symphony segments and thoroughly enjoyed returning to my Crystal family. Looking forward to Serenity Holiday coming up soon. Thanks for sharing.
Having just enjoyed my first cruise since I was 18 years old, Symphony's trip from Istanbul to Monaco was 'faultless' .. a most fantastic trip .. i can't wait to return ..
Many thanks for your wonderful in-depth review. I'm so excited to be back on Serenity over the Christmas-New Year's holidays.
Please note the following (can't help it, I'm a language teacher): Osteria is pronounced "Os-ter-EE-ya." Gaspe peninsula is "gas-PAY" (there should be an accent over the e).
Keep up the good work and keep cruising! Thanks again!
I, too, will be back on Serenity over the Christmas-New Year segment. I was on the Inaugural Symphony segments (nothing like being in-transit) and look forward to returning to the Serenity, which I last sailed on in 2011 Lisbon to Miami. I trust you will have a fantastic time. Kudos on the language lesson. I’ve been wondering how to pronounce it!
Thanks for a fine video. We will soon rejoin Serenity.
Great review, thank you for the wonderful details and insight.
Good review CriseMan. We miss our crises, gotta start checking them out. As an old Korean war destroyer sailor. love the sea. Regards.
Can you please add chapters? Great reviews. Thank you.
Good idea
Great review thank you so much.
One of our friends is going to run a show on a Crystal cruise. Sherri Mocheit.
Good review - some inaccuracies on what was done in the 2018 refurb when as an example Palm Court was significantly refurbished. You say Crystal did not pay you to make the video and that you are not receiving anything from them - does that mean you paid for this cruise - or was it provided at no cost to you by Crystal?
We had not been on the ship since 2015 and we tried to determine what things had been refurbished in 2018 and which in 2023.
Crystal did not pay us to make the video and we have received no money from them. The cruise accommodations were provided by Crystal, which is common practice with travel journalists. We covered the cost of air, hotel, transfers and incidentals. Those additional costs are why we have a sponsor, in this case, GenVisa.com.
Regent vs Crystal. Which is better in your opinion for an Alaska cruise?
I think either one would be great.
was the aftrnoon tea every day or just sea days?
Every day.
I was wondering if Crystal had ballroom dancing. They mention it in their brochure but I haven’t seen any proof of it.
They do, we are just not into ballroom dancing. They offer dance lessons as well.
I am surprised
No new ship from this cruise line
They have recently announced a new build is on the way.
Does the Crystal Serenity have a casino?
No casino.
I think nothing can top original Crystal
Looks incredibly dated in every way possible. The actors in their promo videos look nothing like their actual passengers. Floating retirement home covered in velvet and bad carpets.
I can't remember ever going on a cruise and seeing actual guests that look like what the cruise lines put in their brochures.