We won’t sail anything but Crystal. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT ANYONE THINKING ABOUT BOOKING CRYSTAL AT THIS TIME DO SO ONLY AFTER SPEAKING WITH US AND REVIEWING THE FINANCIAL UPDATES WE WILL BE SENDING OUR CLIENTS. The suite is 4,443 square feet including a 1417 square foot balcony overlooking the bow. The Europa, with only sixty more guests than a Seabourn ship, has a truly excellent and comfortable Main Dining Room and four specialty restaurants. Prego was created by Piero Selvaggio, proprietor of Valentino’s in Santa Monica. Like each of the top three lines, Silverseas is trying to offer more casual dining options. WHY IS REGENT SEVEN SEAS STILL THE ONLY FIVE-STAR LINE TO INCLUDE SHORE EXCURSIONS AND FREE BUSINESS CLASS AIR. After all our disastrous ordering, we ate mostly in our cabin for dinner from a very small room service menu – actually having the same thing every night as we found things we liked. I will say that my husband explained how dangerous this was on the mid-cruise questionnaire and they do read it as they called us immediately and explained how sorry they were but there were no cabins to change us to – they too were concerned with it being dangerous. View Viking Cruises stock / share price, financials, funding rounds, investors and more at Craft. All evaluations originate from sources known to us. In fact, we fully expect that Viking will be rising in our ratings as they learn to handle some of the inevitable service problems faced by new cruise lines. 02 – Non-inclusive except for basics: Wine and beer is included with lunch and dinner. At 325 square feet, it’s also substantially larger than those on Deck 4. This is big ship excitement with elegant service and amenities. This is not the right cruise for those who like bingo, horse racing games, and a nightly talent show. Our agent had told us that this is the fastest-selling program Tauck offers anywhere in the world, and we believe him.”, “Our cruise went well but we wish we had known about the lack of a jogging track or a circular deck walking area on Le Soleal. The Category H is only 219 sq. Crystal Cruises boasts the highest ratio of space per passenger of any cruise line. This is a cruise line that will make country club members feel that they have arrived at a clubhouse that floats. Not only our cabin attendant (expected) but other crew (a captain in the Verandah restaurant and a manager at the pool grill regularly addressed us by name ) . Silversea is cruising’s current “benchmark brand”. All at a price point that is lower than that found on the Five Star lines. But, for many guests, the list of inclusions and the casual nature of the sailing experience, together with two truly spectacular new ships, the Explorer and the Splendor, will combine to make Regent the best possible option for those seeking quality, if not top-tier luxury, in a more casual shipboard atmosphere. Dress aboard Europa 2 is, shall we say, Euro-chic, but not in a necessarily Italian way. The hotel manager ate with the same lady every meal on the first leg of the trip so she must have been somebody. We loved it. Silversea has signed a memorandum of understanding for the two “Evolution-class” ships with shipbuilder Meyer Werft, with the first expected for delivery in 2022. All rights reserved. DID STAFF RECOGNIZE YOU BY NAME AND PROVIDE TRULY UNIQUE AND PERSONALIZED SERVICES? Suitcases fit easily under all beds. It starts with comfort and informality. The occasional cocktail dress is OK, but tuxedos or gowns are out of place on Europa 2. Not only does it have an obstructed view (1/3 obstruction by a huge steel hull) but it is directly under one of the ships main A/C ventilation, exhaust units that is loud and rattles the room. Crystal should not, on paper, rank as high as they do in these ratings. When in port, the ship is mostly at anchor (rather than tied up at a pier), which means tricky transfers on and off Zodiacs and other transfer boats. The food is outstanding, although Portraits, the “Gourmet” restaurant did not meet our expectations in terms of the quality of the menu, preparation, or the skill of the staff. The library is well stocked and staffed by a gentlewoman who has, seemingly, read every volume in her care. We are aware of the cruise industry “trash talk” popping up on the self-appointed “Critic” sites. Hapag-Lloyd has also dedicated Europa 2 as its “bilingual” ship, reaching a more international passenger base with enhanced materials and activities particularly geared to English-speaking passengers. They, like the smaller siblings, are considered all-suite, although that can be misleading as a cabin under 300 square feet may be called a suite by marketing folks but in accurate cruise vernacular it hardly qualifies. Pool Grill: Featuring delectable regional barbeque and gourmet burgers. THE COMPANY HAS SUSPENDED PAYMENTS OF ALMOST $4.3 BILLION USD CITING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON ITS FINANCIAL OUTLOOK. And in Miami, we heard equally horrible stories about getting on the ship. The parent company of Crystal Cruises, one of the world’s best-known luxury lines, is in financial trouble. Gratuities are not expected and all of the ships linens have been upgraded. Choose from nine pillow selections, including firm, down-alternative, body pillow, and buckwheat. We had been “spoiled” by being addressed by name by many Seabourn crew, but likely that was more a function of the smaller (200 passenger) “white ships” Seabourn had a few years ago. From the champagne chilled to perfection or the caviar served with hand-carved mother-of-pearl and delicately buttered blinis, Crystal has an unspoken desire to make your every wish come true. THE EVALUATIONS OF CRYSTAL SHIPS STAND. The line is fully committed to expanding both the luxury cruise and luxury Expedition Cruising sectors. Diners can either sit at the counter, with a view of the chefs in action, or in the surrounding dining area. We saw the Captain a lot and he never spoke to us – but to be fair we don’t go to the Captain’s cocktail parties either. Frank Del Rio had worked for Renaissance, the line headed by Ed Rudner, and dedicated to the proposition that it didn’t make sense to use the distribution system that accounted for about 93% of all cruise sales at the time. Outstanding food and service though lacking dining options found on some competitors. The decor is similar throughout — cream carpets, chairs and sofas in brighter colors with retro curves, extensive use of cream leather and beds with throws in rich shades. Now we’re going back on this lovely small ship for their Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, Rome program. The company said the ships will be 67,000 tons with capacity for 800 guests at double occupancy. OVERALL IMPRESSIONS OF THIS LINE COMPARED TO OTHERS YOU HAVE SAILED: This was our third Regent voyage. This luxury line has one clear vulnerability – it is the true top of the crown in the Carnival Cruise Line Collection. If our travel consultant stops recommending Crystal, we’ll be changing consultants.”, “Some of the Crystal old-timers and they number more than a few, seem to think there is some magic way that Crystal can enlarge their standard cabins and make them all suites. YEARS LATER, WHY IS REGENT STILL THE ONLY LUX LINE OFFERING INCLUDED BUSINESS CLASS AIR AND SHORE EXCURSIONS IN FARE? A refined late evening menu perfectly showcases the panache and style of Silver Spirit’s plentiful dining options. The ingredients used aboard ship are absolutely top drawer and Hapag-Lloyd is clearly at the top of the list in terms of per diem guest food “spend”. Dress is casual, gratuities, soft drinks, and water are included in the fare. But let’s break that down a bit. We are finding more and more that if you have a favorite cruise line you like it and should stick with it. Kaiseki – Rated A – Reservations required and $60 per person charge for dinner. The staff to guest ratios are the highest at sea as is public space. Available on Seven Seas Splendor, Explorer, Voyager and Mariner. WHAT AREAS OF OPERATION NEED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION FROM MANAGEMENT? Two Crystal Penthouse Suites (985 to 1,130 square feet) will make an appearance on Crystal Endeavor. Seabourn will be operating the newest fleet in the luxury category with only cosmetic changes between the three ships and the same deck plans/design. A note for tea aficionados: Seabourn serves loose-leaf tea in a pot and provides a strainer for you to pour through into your tea cup. This is not an issue of financial weakness and it is not Covid related. Veggie burgers are not officially on the menu, but are available on request. Three full-time sushi chefs and some of the finest sushi we’ve ever had in our lives. That said, the Compass Rose is a great dining experience. Genting Hong Kong is a separate company to Genting Berhad, which owns Resorts World Las Vegas and other Resorts World properties in the U.S., Malaysia, Singapore, the UK and the Bahamas. Apollo clearly feels that the cruise industry has legs. The second point of the triangle involves itinerary design that maximizes time in port. Because it is larger, it has the huge atrium with the glorious stairs descending in the middle. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Some guests, however, feel the dining room entrees are a bit tame for the crowd. A 2017 refurbishment added modern touches to the ship — open-seating dining in the main restaurant, new casual eateries, enhanced Wi-Fi, more up-to-date suites — and a commitment to sprinkling shorter itineraries among the world cruises and longer voyages. In much the same way that former smokers become the most aggressive anti-smoking proponents, Del Rio and his band of brothers, became agent advocates. Some guests feel it is overpriced. It allows Azamara to come in at a lower price point than the five-star all-inclusives. Finally, our Editors have seen a sea change in the manner in which the larger cruise lines and their small, deluxe distant cousins, handle passenger complaints and problems during the cruise. Sea Dream is one of the only cruise lines to embrace transparent pricing policies. There is an English Language “Ambassador” who is extremely helpful with any possible language issues, although reports from the ship say that is rare. “There was this Frenchman. Every suite, from the least expensive to the top Owner’s Suites, receive attention from a personal butler. But this is America, land of myriad opportunities, and I could not escape the symbolism of the setting. Guests have come to expect 6-star service, complimentary fine wines, premium spirits, and all gratuities as just part of the all-inclusive experience provided by Crystal Cruises. Smoking could be an issue for some. They were stretched way too thin and had too many rooms. (Standard pillows are 25 to 30 percent down and 70 to 75 percent feather. One night there was even a waiting list for the general restaurant – not what we are used to (and they don’t take reservations.) A fruit basket is replenished daily. No one does the Greek Islands and Turkey better. Silversea’s management is now on firm ground and highly respected in the industry. Crystal just offers more of what most guests value most. They are among the most beautiful small ships in the industry. There’s no dress code, but passengers are usually smartly attired. Crystal Endeavor – CURRENTLY RATED THE # 1 SHIP IN THE WORLD (PROVISIONAL). Papeete is about an eight and a half hour flight from LA. With its 2018 renovation, Silver Spirit flaunts a modern Italian design with Art Deco accents, feeling more like a high-priced boutique Milano hotel than a staid cruise ship. You will feel as though you’ve been invited to sail on a private yacht. “Until Crystal expands its fleet, I think we are going to continue to see inventive World Cruises surrounded by itineraries that are often more pedestrian than some of Crystal’s competitors.”. All passengers can order room service off the Waterside menu of the day, while passengers in Penthouse-category suites can also order from the menus of Prego and Umi Uma if they wish, and butlers will serve meals course by course. It appears that it just can’t be fixed, which is a shame given that it is a lovely ship. Regent is the perfect blending of casual sophistication, lots of options, and the largest cabins in its class. But if you go to Italy seeking the “Man from Verona” you will find that he has moved – to the Marina, where he plies his trade with the same equipment. Children and North Americans are being encouraged to sail this uber-luxe product and Americans are being enticed by Hapag-Lloyd’s promise of a truly bilingual crew. On two Crystal Cruises sailings on the Serenity and one on the Esprit, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Explorer, Environmentalist, Educator, and Film Producer will be onboard, sharing his vast experience and his love and concern for our water planet. This is a point worth repeating and emphasizing – Seabourn has never been afraid to schedule longer voyages than their competitors in order to include ports not always included on itineraries. We’ve also experienced three Seabourn voyages and two with Crystal. This one-of-a-kind ship sails the world, stopping in interesting ports for extended stays. This report will appear (using pen name only) on Cruisetruth or River Boat Ratings under the appropriate line. There is intense pressure to purchase gifts from the gift shops, artworks of dubious pedigree, and overpriced shore excursion offerings. Expense isn’t spared. I’m home now, but hardly a day goes by that I don’t think about that Frenchman as he travels the world, working, on that gorgeous ship.”, “I’ve seen them all and this is the ultimate. On all ships, don’t forget the cruise ship engine. The company’s Dream Cruises brand has recently resumed short sailings out of Taiwan with a single vessel, the 1,856-passenger Explorer Dream. Seabourn is the fastest-rising cruise line in the luxury sector, improving its Cruisetruth rankings in each of the past three years, The pride of the Carnival Cruise line stable, these sleek ships are elegant and clearly among the best at sea. It wasn’t just the plants, the Balinese lounges, what was it? However, other public areas are more intimate than grand, and Europa 2 doesn’t feel crowded. The pretentious dress-up nights, the average age of seventy or so, the ballroom dancing. The reality is that many are attired in sport coats, with or without tie, on “formal nights.” Regent should conform their materials to this reality so that those of us wearing a dark blazer don’t feel like we’re stretching “the rules.”, WAS THE SOPHISTICATION LEVEL OF YOUR FELLOW GUESTS ABOUT WHAT YOU EXPECTED? So, while the bellman went to change our room, we sat on a mattress. Here’s how long it will take, Some of the year’s hottest new ships could be delayed, Stream these 13 movies, television shows to get your cruise ship fix, A switcheroo at Palm Beach Airport means new lounge access for Amex Platinum, Centurion members, 5 things to know about America’s newest national park, Emirates unveils ritzy new premium economy cabin and more aboard the A380, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Our review team has emphasized that, while not leading in several specific areas of service, the overall value combined with casual style and industry-leading inclusions, makes Regent an easy first choice option for consumers. Each night La Veranda transforms into a dinner venue serving authentic Italian specialties. These are heady times for Silversea after its sale to Royal Caribbean. And lastly on cabin attendants. However, lower-level categories can feel cramped for a luxury ship at this price tag. On the third night of the Inaugural, I dined with the Captain and his wife at Privet, the $1,000 per night, wines not included, ten seat restaurant. Crystal uniquely offers a handful of PURE staterooms that feature hypoallergenic environments. FINALLY – WHAT ARE THREE THINGS YOU FEEL ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO COMMUNICATE TO THOSE GUESTS CONTEMPLATING SAILING THIS LINE AND SHIP IN THE FUTURE? It is surprising to us that not one of their competitors can match Regent’s Free Business Class Air Offer. Each accommodation is privately owned and custom designed so no two cabins are alike. And those were our cabin staff, the one consistent server in the bar, and one hostess at the Compass Rose (as I had gotten irritated one evening that we waited so long and I guess she remembered me after that.) Suite guests receive additional amenities that often include a pre-night hotel and complimentary Business Class air. 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