Debi

We just returned from the Crystal Mediterranean cruise. This was a cruise that the Ford dealers from Mexico had bought 550 of the slots (only 950 passengers on Symphony). We had considered cancelling - but since we had booked alot of stuff around it - we went, with alot of concern. But I cannot tell you how wonderful that cruise was! Crystal made sure that there was no negative impact to everyone else. The group booked all their own excursions - so there was absolutely no problem getting any excursion from Crystal - a very unusual situation so I'm told. Everything was outstanding - except maybe some of the entertainment. To be honest, though, there was so much to do - we didn't make going to the entertainment a very high priority, so it might have been better than we thought. The food was fabulous, the room was great (we had a balcony), the service was the most amazing thing I have experienced, the services at the spa/salon were outstanding, the casino was great, etc, etc. Also, the age group on this cruise was not all people above 60. There were people of all ages - even when you discount the Ford group. There were honeymooners, some children (not a huge group - but there were some), 30/40/50/60/70 year-olds - the whole gamut. Linda Ellerbe was the guest speaker - and she was amazing. I just can't say enough wonderful things about this ship. If you have any questions - please feel free to email me. It was an amazing experience.

Tom

Wondering if you have/can compare with Radison Cruise Line? They both sound great.

Debi

I have not been on Radisson and really can't compare. We decided based on itinerary and activities available - and alot of input from our travel agent and some friends. For the places we wanted to go - Radisson was not an option. Sorry!

Bob

Sounds wonderful! Can you share some of your experiences in the ports and what shore excursions you took. Thank you.

Debi

We took alot of excursions through Crystal. I would say the best part of them was that they had terrific tour guides. In Rome, we took the pre-cruise excursion that took you through the Rome countryside and to a couple of charming little towns - plus a FABULOUS lunch at some restaurant in the middle of nowhere. The neat thing was that a truck picked up your luggage before you even got on your bus (we had stayed at a different hotel and arrived with our luggage that morning) so when you arrived in your room after your 3 minute checkin - your luggage was already there. In Taormina - we took the Taormina and Mt Etna tour. That was pretty interesting - there was actually a lot more in Taormina that we had thought - and Mt Etna had been spitting ash all morning, really strange environment.. In Venice we took the tour of significant historical places and the guide was an Art/History professor in Venice - absolutely amazing - plus, a sense of humor! That was great. We didn't take the Murano tours since we'd already spent a fortune on glass and didn't need any help..... In Bari we took a tour that took us outside Bari to 2 other small towns. It was excellent - this was the weakest guide (but only because she was trying to get in as much as possible and we had to push for things like bathroom breaks...) This was Crystal's first stop in Bari - our tour was great, but the people that just went to Bari said it was pretty bad (which is what I'd read on the Fodor's Europe forum - got guidance there to take the tour we took). In Kusadasi we took the Epheseus tour - absolutely the most amazing tour we had! Awesome place. We didn't take the cruise tour in Santorini - we started walking around but ending up going to a local tour office and booked a 4 hour private tour (just the 2 of us) to go to the places we wanted. Oia was a highpoint and we spent more time there than the ship tour did. We didn't take tours in Mykonos (there were none) or Athens. Any other questions - let me know.

ann speakman

Debi, browsing through the forum and found your message. Do you rememeber we <BR>were in touch about the Symphony and what clothes you may need for formals? <BR>it sounds like you had a great time. I knew you would. Crystal is superb. I have only been with Cunard and Saga but nothing I have read about compares with Crystal cruises. The only downside is that the prices are high. I will have <BR>to look for a late offer!

Debi

Ann - you were a life saver!! I had all the right clothes, was very comfortable and reused about everything several times - thank you Crystal for those laundry rooms!! Also, their dry cleaning was so quick! We had the most amazing time - I can't even imagine anything be that nice! We had an incredible time - and I got engaged in Venice!! (yes, on a sunset gondola ride, no less) Thanks again for all the help.