Page 1 of 1

This is the Title Part IV

Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2022 10:01 pm
by drib
I don't like the really long threads, so I locked Part III. (As someone said recently, anything after page five of anything is crap.)

Let us pause briefly to remember two characters who were ruthlessly struck down by CFC this week:

Winthrop_Paroo and Captain Peacoat.

I can't really say that I'm a fan of Winthrop Paroo, the CFC character, not the character in the play and film. I will point out, though, that Ron Howard, who played Winthrop in the Music Man movie, and is used for that CFC profile, has something in common with Schnorrer of the Seas, who posted a parody of "High Hopes" on CFC to begin the weekend. The thing in common was that Eddie Hodges, who sang High Hopes with Frank Sinatra in the 1959 film "A Hole in the Head," played Winthrop on Broadway.

I should edit that last paragraph, but I'm not going to.

I was a fan of Captain Peacoat, though, who was banned a virgin. He was created inflight on the friendly skies, which I like about him. And his profile image is from a fashion ad. He may be resurrected, either the name or the avatar, by some future CFC character.

A & K

Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2022 10:16 pm
by drib
I'm not going to waste any new characters in the Crystal Forum on CFC ... not until I'm above 100 again, anyway. (So, soon!)

But I will point out here that I think many of the Crystal solo and no balcony cruisers are going to be disappointed by the A & K version of Crystal. A & K is tailored for travelers who don't mind spending a lot to get a little. (Their tours tend to be shorter than Tauck, for example, but more expensive.) They may appeal to the Crystal Penthouse cruisers, and they may appeal to A & K travelers who want to try an ocean ship. But I don't expect to find any bargains on A & K.

That said, I think they are an excellent product. My only experience was a land tour, in Israel, in 2014. I paid as much, for two people, as I would have paid for a two week Crystal cruise. But the land tour was only seven days. Everything was first class, though. But it needed an "at sea" day.

SCHEDULE 1.2(c) Intellectual Property

Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2022 4:02 pm
by drib
In re CRYSTAL CRUISES LLC

SCHEDULE 1.2(c)
Intellectual Property
1. Any Intellectual Property of the Seller that is included in the definition of Purchased
Assets.
2. All internet domains under control of Seller or, to the extent not under the control of
Seller, Seller will use commercially reasonable efforts to assist Buyer in effectuating the
transfer of such internet domains to Buyer (See list below).

Registered at GoDaddy
crystalcruisesinternational.com
crystalcruisesworldvoyage.com
crystalcruisesworldwide.com
crystalcruisesrussia.com
crystalcruisesmexico.com
crystalcruisessouthafrica.com
crystalcruisesuk.com
crystalcruiseoffers.com
luxurycrystalcruise.com
crystalcruisesale.com
crystalcruiseplanners.com
crystalcruiseresidence.com
crystalworldcruises.com
crystalcruisesagent.com
crystalriverscruise.com
crystalcruisereviews.com
crystalcruiseships.com
explorecrystalcruises.com
crystalcruisesaustralia.com
newyearcrystalcruises.com
crystalcruisesdeals.com
crystalluxury.co.uk
crystalcruiseshongkong.com

Registered at Network Solutions
beginanewstory.com
crystalendeavor.co.uk
crystalexpeditioncruises.co.uk
crystalcruiseadvisor.com
crystalcruisesadvisors.com
crystalexpeditions.co.uk
crystal-harmony.biz
crystal-serenity.biz
crystal-symphony.biz
crystalcruises.net
crystal-cruises.biz
crystal-cruises.org
crystal-cruises.us.com
crystal-harmony.info
crystal-harmony.org
crystal-harmony.us
crystal-harmony.us.com
crystal-symphony.co.uk
crystal-serenity.co.uk
crystal-serenity.de
crystal-serenity.info
crystal-serenity.org
crystal-serenity.us
crystal-serenity.us.com
crystal-symphony.info
crystal-symphony.org
crystal-symphony.us
crystal-symphony.us.com
crystalcruiseline.us
crystalcruises.us.com
crystalharmony.biz
crystalharmony.de
crystalharmony.info
crystalharmony.org
crystalharmony.us.com
crystalserenity.biz
crystalserenity.co.uk
crystalserenity.de
crystalserenity.info
crystalserenity.org
crystalserenity.us.com
crystalsymphony.biz
crystalsymphony.co.uk
crystalsymphony.de
crystalsymphony.info
crystalsymphony.us.com
cuatsea.biz
cuatsea.co.uk
cuatsea.de
cuatsea.info
cuatsea.org
cuatsea.us
cuatsea.us.com
crystalsociety.biz
crystalsociety.info
crystalsociety.net
crystalsociety.org
crystalsociety.us
crystalexperiences.com
exclusivelycrystal.com
crystalcruiseline.info
crystal-cruises.net
crystal-harmony.com
crystal-harmony.net
crystal-symphony.com
crystal-symphony.net
crystalcruiseline.net
crystalsymphony.net
thecrystalcove.net
crystalendurance.co.uk
crystalendurance.com
crystalendurancecruises.co.uk
crystalendurancecruises.com
crystalenduranceyacht.co.uk
crystalenduranceyacht.com
crystalsociety.com
cuatsea.com
crystalcruises.info
crystalwinecruises.com
crystalcruisesuniversity.com
crystal-serenity.com
crystal-serenity.net
crystal-symphony.site
crystalcruisesleadgeneration.com
crystalcruises.org
crystalexpedition.com
crystalcruises.be
crystal-cuatsea.com
crystalcares.com
computeruniversityatsea.com
crystal-computeruniversityatsea.com
crystalexpeditioncruises.com
crystalcruisesresidences.net
crystalcruisesacademy.com Network Solutions
crystal-cruises.info
crystalcruises.co.uk
crystalrivercruises.co.uk
crystalharmony.us
crystalserenity.us
crystalsymphony.us
crystalharmony.com
crystalsymphony.com
crystalcruises.com
crystalyachtcruises.com
crystalcruiseannouncement.com
crystalcruiseannouncements.com
crystalcruiseesprit.com
crystalcruiseexpedition.com
crystalcruiseexpeditions.com
crystalcruiseluxuryresidence.com
crystalcruiseresidences.com
crystalcruiseresort.com
crystalcruiseriver.com
crystalcruisesannouncement.com
crystalcruisesannouncements.com
crystalcruisesbrands.com
crystalcruisesesprit.com
crystalcruisesexpedition.com
crystalcruisesexpeditions.com
crystalcruisesluxuryresidence.com
crystalcruisesresidences.com
crystalcruisesresort.com
crystalcruisesresorts.com
crystalcruisesriver.com
crystalcruisesyachts.com
crystalcruiseyacht.com
crystalcruiseyachts.com
crystalesprit.com
crystalexpeditions.com
crystalluxuryresidence.com
crystalluxuryresidences.com
crystalnextchapter.com
crystalrivercruises.com
crystalthenextchapter.com
crystalyachtadventure.com
crystalyachtadventures.com
thecrystalnextchapter.com
thecrystalexperience.com
crystalthenextchapter.co.uk
crystalyachtcruises.co.uk
crystalexclusive.co.uk
crystalexclusive.com
crystalexperience.co.uk
crystalcruiseluxury.com
crystalluxurybrands.com
crystalrivercruisetrueluxury.com
crystalyachtcruisetrueluxury.com
truecrystalluxury.com
crystalendeavor.com
crystalendeavoryacht.com
crystalendeavour.com
crystalendeavouryacht.com
crystalendebor.com
crystalendevour.com
crystalinsider.com
crystallifespa.com
crystalluxurygroup.com
crystalluxuryholdings.com
crystalexperience.com

I count 182 domain names!

Note that it doesn't include crystalcruises.club, which is parked at Godaddy. (Note that .club domain names are only $1.99!)

Re: SCHEDULE 1.2(c) Intellectual Property

Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2022 5:16 pm
by drib
drib wrote: Fri Jun 24, 2022 4:02 pmNote that it doesn't include crystalcruises.club, which is parked at Godaddy. (Note that .club domain names are only $1.99!)
But this one was free!

crystalcruises.shop

The Bistro- Off topic and fun posts!

Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2022 9:52 am
by drib
KenzSailing wrote:The following is not a criticism of any sort, just a note of genuine puzzlement.

Crystal appears to be recovering from a near death experience. It's still in ICU and will be there for a while.

So why are so many people who never or rarely posted to this board when Crystal was a going concern posting to this board now? I mean, is it a "can't look away from the accident on the highway" sort of phenomenon?

I'm sincerely curious.

PS: A&K bring back the trash can doilies!
Keith1010 wrote: Some people get pleasure from catastrophic events rather than when things are steady and going well.

By the way one of my favorites was the time there was some mention of animals and all of a sudden we had many posters with animal member names positing.

This made me wonder how do people find these threads for cruise lines they don't sail.

Do they check out each board every day? Or do a search on the entire site? Maybe the latter.

Maybe I should do a search on the glass is half full and see what comes up.
What the Fuck? You're discussing different things. Kenz is talking about the new posters who want to sail on Crystal but are now bringing up all the old, known, flaws of the ocean ships and the cruise line. Keith is talking about the Punky-era posters, who were uniformly pro-Crystal, and concurrently, were also pro-free speech. *

Two other points that I'll throw out there about the new A&K Crystal.
  1. Could the new Crystal have something in common with the resurrected pets from Stephen King's" Pet Sematary"? (That is, that there is something a little off about them.)
  2. Is there really such a thing as The Crystal Curse?
======

* I'm pretty sure that none of the new posters referenced here are drib. (But they do make a lot of drib-ish points!) Also, drib, was not anti-Crystal, and concurrently, he was pro-free speech. They are not mutually exclusive concepts.

Seabourn recognizes Crystal Society Milestone levels

Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2022 11:41 am
by drib
To all former Crystal Cruises guests who are now feeling adrift...

No, this doesn't belong in the dfc adrift lounge!

Page 3 ...
lincslady wrote:Just look at the Seabourn site to see the general reaction - and I am sure that loyal Crystal customers would feel the same.

Also spot the possible reasoning behind it which has been mentioned.
KenzSailing wrote:I disagree. When I first saw this raised as a question, I wondered why it could possibly be an issue. So I took your suggestion and checked out the Seabourn board.

First, as we know, CCers represent a handful of any line's cruisers.

Second, there's a handful (of a handful) of strong responders.

Third, their complaints seem to boil down to:
  • laundry turnaround times will increase and
  • "I thought I was your best friend"
As to your point about possible reasoning, yes it does seem an underlying factor (maybe the main one) is unease over the potential sale rumors.
Zele wrote:I submitted my information on the Thursday and had a reply on the Saturday with the good news that my wife and I were now Diamond Members of Seabourn.

Will the new Crystal Cruises company do the same and honour previous Crystal voyage credits?
Mr Luxury wrote:Will the new Crystal honour Seabourn guests loyalty status if we book a Crystal cruise.🤔
... to page 4
purpleally wrote:My observation was that Crystal people whined more than Seabourn. Could not let go of crystal And calling themselves “refugees “. May I suggest they spend a week in Ukraine rather than sail Seabourn
Well now - that last post by purpleally, and one other that I skipped over so that I could go back and get context, is now gone for eternity.
KenzSailing wrote:Look, I know this is virtually the oxygen of Cruise Critic, but this whole topic strikes me as especially "much ado..."

Laundry turnaround times? Really?
PaulMCO wrote:Yes and internet congestion??? If I need to do streaming will pay the $200 and purchase the package.

The perks are not worth crowing about.
The real perks are the free cruises.
For this everyone has to qualify the old fashion way.
Thane of Fife wrote:Much Ado About Nothing
Act 1, Scene 1
Benedick: I would my horse had the speed of your tongue and so good a continuer.
Cruise-y wrote:Ah yes… another favorite pastime of CC, bashing other people’s posts.
Did Bill Sheepspeare post bash? Was Benedick being a dick to Beatrice? You decide. Here's a more complete exchange between Benedick and Beatrice:

Benedick
Then is courtesy a turncoat. But it is certain I am loved of all ladies, only you excepted: and I would I could find in my heart that I had not a hard heart; for, truly, I love none.

Beatrice
A dear happiness to women: they would else have been troubled with a pernicious suitor. I thank God and my cold blood, I am of your humour for that: I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me.

Benedick
God keep your ladyship still in that mind! so some gentleman or other shall 'scape a predestinate scratched face.

Beatrice
Scratching could not make it worse, an 'twere such a face as yours were.

Benedick
Well, you are a rare parrot-teacher.

Beatrice
A bird of my tongue is better than a beast of yours.

Benedick
I would my horse had the speed of your tongue, and so good a continuer. But keep your way, i' God's name; I have done.

Beatrice
You always end with a jade's trick: I know you of old.
KenzSailing wrote:Beatrice: You always end with a jade's trick. I know you of old.

That was fun. Maybe now we can get back to cruising
Thane of Fife wrote:Sorry. I was just being a Benedick. 🙂

Whats with the Oceania roll calls?

Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2022 7:34 pm
by drib
Host Jazzbeau wrote:Anyone who is logged in to Cruise Critic can view all Roll Call threads, but you may only post on a Roll Call thread if you are booked on that cruise.
LHT28 wrote:not correct
Anyone logged in to CC as a member can post on any roll call
Host Jazzbeau wrote:‘Can’ in the sense that it is physically possible, but it is against the CC rules and your posts may be removed and a GR issued. I verified this with management the first time such a post was Reported and I have seen them removed and I has seen GRs given for repeated offenses.
LHT28 wrote:what is a GR?
Host Jazzbeau wrote:Guideline Reminder. Some comes with points, for egregious misbehavior. Collect enough points, get a time out!
So am I just on timeout?

Jack Anderson will resume his leadership role at Crystal Cruises

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2022 1:03 pm
by drib
I don't know if I can keep up with this thread, but I am dutybound to try.

Page 1 (22 hours to 5 hours ago).
(7 likes)
Killin Time wrote:Interesting. I attended a neighborhood holiday bbq last night and was talking with 2 former Crystal customers. They had lost a lot of money when Crystal went under and the husband was adamant that he wouldn’t cruise Crystal again unless he was made whole. His wife seemed a little more understanding which surprised me since he was the diehard Crystal fan.
I’m wondering how people like them will feel about someone coming back as a manager who (fairly or not) could be considered as part of the problem.
(4 likes)
TER777 wrote:Great news!
(liked by TRIPACIAN, Keith1010, travelberlin and Mr Luxury)
bdwyer wrote:This is wonderful news for all of us who hope to see Crystal return as it’s wonderful (and even better) self!
(liked by TRIPACIAN, travelberlin and Mr Luxury)
krb1000 wrote:I hope they re- hire Bernie Leypold too. Does anyone know if he has taken another position with a different line?
(3 likes)
Golfer71 wrote:Of the opinion he was at fault for continuing to take deposits which, including mine, were lost
(liked by TUCKERTOOTS, lprp, PaulMCO, travelberlin and bitob)
skybluewaters wrote:To me, this announcement seems to indicate that the new Crystal will be attempting to replicate the good old Crystal that I remember, or at least will be heading in that direction. Of course, so many things go into building a cruise line, but bringing back the most recent CEO is a solid step in the direction of reclaiming Crystal's prominence as a luxury cruise line. And with experienced and stable leadership from Manfredi Lefebvre and A & K, something that Crystal has really never had, I'm more hopeful than ever!
(11 likes)
BWIVince wrote: That makes a lot of sense in terms of transition -- he's pretty key to knowing everything that's happened the past couple of years (and in general a lot of the Genting history since he was key to that original sale).

I think this confirms our earlier comments projecting that there are not only former Crystal employees and execs that want to return, but that A&K sees value in returning.

The fact that his role will be a bit different this time is probably an important detail.
(4 likes)
Coral wrote: I think this is great news.

IMO - he can't be blamed for Genting HK's issues.
(2 likes)
PaulMCO wrote: Time to bring back the old. Including Edie.
IMO he CAN be blamed for the scamming of cruisers.
unfortunately Bernie Madoff has passed.

I want to 🤮
(5 likes)
TER777 wrote:{replying to krb1000The rumor mill says they have rehired him.
(2 likes)
TwoBadKnees wrote: I have to assume he knew what was going on towards the end.

What's the chance he might decide there is value in trying to make some kind of amends with those (staff, customers, vendors, etc) owed money.

Stealing bitob's line, What would make me "Happy" ...
(no likes)
Texas Tillie wrote: My theory is that his hands were tied by Genting. He had two choices - walk and leave many in the lurch or stay and try to make the best of a bad situation. Of course, everyone (but the powers that be at Genting) ended up in the lurch anyway.

Everyone gets to feel however they feel about Jack Anderson.
(3 likes)
TwoBadKnees wrote:I didn't say I felt he was guilty. I said he knew what was going on, and as such I hope he understands the value in making amends. I will be disappointed if he doesn't make some kind of gesture towards the injured parties.
(3 likes)
Coral wrote:He seems committed recently to helping Crystal crew find jobs. For that, I give him credit.
(3 likes)
Cruise-y wrote:So I’m curious. Some people had independent insurance that covered their losses. Some people were reimbursed by their credit card companies. How will the new Crystal know if you were not?
(no likes)
Coral wrote:I think the cruise lines are struggling so much now - I don't think there is much room towards injured parties. Unless they are willing to lose $$$ up front.
(no likes)
travelberlin wrote: I find it unbelievable. The management who was supposed to know nothing? Since the new owners have bought the ships, name and data base from a Crystal that left so many people unpaid, and named it again „Crystal „, I feel that no one really cares there about the 30.000 people who were deceived. Or is the new company going to pay us in one form or the other?

I am trying to take it with humor the reaction of people jumping with happiness at the „return „ of Crystal. But do you realize that this „debt free return“ is hard to cope for the creditors? No empathy nowadays…

Maybe the new company would also like to consider appointing some of the Genting executives as advisers?
(5 likes)
travelberlin wrote:{responding to Cruise-y)How about asking us on the basis of the data bought from the Assignees? There is the list of the 30.000 creditors. And as a difference from the Crystal who left in insolvency doing who knows what kind of moves, we are not deceiving anyone. Not everyone is a mafiosi 😉
(no likes)
Host Jazzbeau wrote:Customer service was a big part of my job responsibilities for over 30 years, and I always taught my reports that our attitude should be "how can we get to 'yes' on this issue?" But when it became obvious that nothing was going to be acceptable, I wrote them off and reverted to our legal rights. I see that happening for a minority here. The 'new' Crystal will likely make a small goodwill gesture that will attract the vast majority of past Crystal customers, and these few will be left on the shore nursing their grievances.
(5 likes)
bitob wrote:Nursing grievances? On regent On silversea. Oh how we will suffer

For some of us returning to crystal under any circumstances is not critical to our travel joy. right now I am having breakfast in gordes Provence overlooking the luberon valley. Nursing grievances? No way. Living my best life with or without crystal
(4 likes)
bitob wrote:{replying to Cruise-y) If they care they can figure it out
(no likes)
travelberlin wrote:A „minority „? 30.000? I guess the minority are those, who were lucky enough or had insider knowledge…
(1 like)
peribit wrote:It will take a lot of manpower to find out if the 30,000 claims have gotten money from different credit cards and insurance.
(no likes)
ctjon wrote:As strange as some may feel this is many times management of a subsidiary doesn't know about the finances and problems with their parent company. They may has suspicions but telling customers not to come or be wary isn't the way to hopefully recover a company that may be in trouble.

Would he be suspicious - yes but what should he have done?
(no likes)

Jack Anderson will resume his leadership role at Crystal Cruises (continued)

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2022 1:57 pm
by drib
Page 2 (5 hours to 8 minutes ago).

I'm going to stop tracking the likes because they were only accurate at the time I froze the page.)
bitob wrote:{replying to peribit} It will. Whether the effort is made will depend on how much the new company values the loyal passengers and travel agent partners who were royally screwed.

time will tell 😁
shrkdive1 wrote: Wasn't it the other way around? The subsidiary "Crystal" was having financial troubles and had not been profitable in many years. They were offering low fares to get passengers coupled with high costs. In addition they were using future cruise bookings to keep afloat and stay ahead of creditors like the fuel company and I'm sure many others.

We all forget that Gentling is still a financially viable company and a ongoing concern. They just got tired of bankrolling the losses at Crystal and finally pulled the plug. The executives at Crystal for sure knew how bad the situation financially was within the subsidiary. As an executive you watch the financial balance sheet on a daily basis.
ctjon wrote: I thought that 2019 was a very good year - passenger load and financially for Crystal. We can't really count the COVID years as to how they were doing since they couldn't do anything. This stoppage started with the fact that Gentling stopped paying the fuel bills for all their ships not just Crystal.

Crystal may not have been helping the financial situation but there was no Gentling cash reserve or ? to keep the ships sailing. Other cruise lines suffered similar financial issues but the parent companies had enough cash to avoid bankruptcy.
Keith1010 wrote:{replying to shrkdive1} Low fares as all lines did were last year due to COVID-19.

It was not long before than that some were saying fares were high and people didn't like the administrative fee.

As Jonathan said 2019 was a very good year and 2020 before COVID-19 hit was their highest booking year.

We will never know for sure but this is my take. The executives at Crystal didn't know Genting Hong Kong's situation until it was way too late and the rug was pulled out of them. If you think that Genting had meetings with them to share this type of stuff you are way off the mark. Genting was the problem and the downfall.

Now we can spend years dwelling on this but we now have a new owner of Crystal who brings to the table many strong traits that the former parent didn't happen so I believe the future is bright. I will post about this in a few days.

Some will blame Crystal. Some will not. I blame Genting HK and that includes business deals that made Crystal on paper look bad.

We will never agree on this nor does it matter.

If you want to blame Crystal go ahead and blame them.

I don't and look forward to returning to Crystal.
BWIVince wrote: Since I've been back I've seen references to what Crystal's management was supposed to "know" (?!?), but I'm completely lost on what that means in the context of what actually happened. We all watched it unfold live in real time -- Jack Anderson knew what we knew exactly when we all knew it, as it happened. There wasn't anything to know before it happened.

Quick 30,000 foot recap:

1) Genting and the German Government got into a standoff over subsidies for MV Werften.

2) Genting put GHK into [the Bermudian version of] bankruptcy by shutting off funding to MV Werften, forcing the division into default, as a means to protect the parent company from any liability over the shipyard.

3) All GHK divisions got funding frozen by the liquidation -- including cost centers and international (not incorporated in the same country) subsidiaries like Crystal. That's just the way the law works. If Crystal wanted to continue operating, it would need Genting to allow it to seek its own funding to continue -- usually by putting Crystal into its own bankruptcy reorganization with debtor-in-possession financing. For whatever reason, Genting didn't do that and opted to let Crystal liquidate instead.

All of that played out step by step LIVE for us to see at the exact same moment Jack Anderson did. What was Jack Anderson supposed to know that we didn't?
vistaman wrote:{replying to bitob} enjoy the rosé wine !
bitob wrote:Amazing
so is the bread and the tarte tatin

and someone put a scale in our hotel suite. Lol
Roland4 wrote:When that happens, we generally move it somewhere out of site, like under the bed!!??
ctjon wrote:To another part of this topic. Now that a president is in place I wonder when Crystal will start announcing plans even if vague. Will they start a regular cruise schedule or will the ships also be used a lot for special private journeys? Are there sources where we could check to see if they are making port reservations for 2023, etc?
Looking to move forward and put the past in the rear view mirror
AtA wrote:{replying to shrkdive1} Genting is but the subsidiary Genting Hong Kong which was what Crystal was under, was not financially viable.
ijkh wrote: Ivi and others,

I am not an accountant nor a lawyer. All I know is that not everyone lost their money.

Some people intentionally took cruise insurance that covered default. Some people used credit cards that cost more to own but cover such losses. Some people didn't book during a pandemic. It isn't just luck or chance in many cases. Some people gamble. Some penny pinch. Some cover every worst case scenario.

I do not consider every person who lost money a hapless victim. I consider it a world wide pandemic plus a greedy unscrupulous evil cruise line owner and executive. In this case his first two names define him and his colleagues. I am too polite to use it.

https://wallmine.com/hkse/0678/officer/ ... ook-yew-au
bitob wrote: Unfortunately crystal assured us our funds were segregated and protected. Crystal not genting. I am an attorney. Fits the elements of fraud. Promise. Untruthfulness. Justifiable reliance etc

They lied to us pure and simple. there was no reason to take insurance vs a bankruptcy if funds were protected.

I am not a hapless anything. But those who want to believe that past crystal management has no fault are deceiving themselves

and now those same folks are back in charge. Laughable.
Removed, but travelberlin quoted it, and that quote is still there:
Joywrk wrote:Many of us lost money as did many other people and businesses. We all know how angry you are. There is no need to keep repeating it. I get it and I feel sympathy for you. Just stop!

BWIVince wrote:{replying to bitob} Ok, NOW we're going a little overboard... They never LIED. Let's not exaggerate. They did EVERY word of what was outlined in the "promise", and went beyond that. Sure, it was insufficient in the end because no one expected the shipyard scenario, but that was NOT part of the promise.

You may personally feel like you were lied to, and you're entitled to your feelings, but them actually lying is a DIFFERENT thing, which they didn't do. I'm happy to repost their text again if we need to revisit that.
For the fans in the cheap seats:



BWIVince wrote:{replying to ctjon} I haven't heard any reports of them having any actual staff (other than potential heads) in any of the departments that actually source the itineraries (Marketing, Sales, Planning and verification with Ops). I would think we're still a good ways off from knowing where the ships will sail, especially since won't know how long the refits will take until they hire the staff to define the scope of the refits, and those teams actually set that work in stone. They might be planning 2024 first, and then work backwards from there with contingency plans that go into place in case the ships are ready.

Just speculating...
travelberlin wrote:{replying to Joywrk} Many things are being repeated and repeated on this boards. We have also got it. For example how happy some are about Crystal being resuscitated free of debt. I am happy for them. I did not ask them to stop. Cruise Critic is an open forum which, as long we respect the rules, allows for an exchange of opinions. As long as we have real interest on the subject and we are not just talking theoretically, we are entitled to express our opinions. Let’s respect each other.
Removed:
bitob wrote:{replying to Joywrk} I responded to a post that I believe is inaccurate. I don’t want or need sympathy. I am not angry. I have moved on. Losing the money doesn’t change my life one iota

I will not stop as long as others keep posting that crystal management is blameless. That is as inaccurate as it gets

bitob wrote:{replying to travelberlin} You are correct Ivi. ButSome people cannot handle it if your opinion is different from theirs and they want to silence people. Just ignore them.
bitob wrote:{replying to BWIVince} I just disagree and I am not alone. We will never get agreement on this issue. It is what it is.
meg1021 wrote:{replying to ctjon} Apparently there are sources to determine port reservations. I know this because we booked an Australia circumnavigation cruise on RCL for Feb/March 2021, which was canceled due to Covid. A poster on the RC message board knew that a circumnavigation cruise was planned for Feb/March 2024, and he was able to determine this by the port reservations that RC had made. He was aware of the cruise at least 6-8 months before RCL opened it for booking. Sorry to say that I don't know what sources he used, but perhaps someone who is tech savvy, patient, or both could research it. The other alternative is to scour the RC message boards for his posts from 2021, and message him. I'm sure that information would be of interest to many of us who are anxiously awaiting what future plans may be, including possible itineraries and dates. Apparently the ship that makes the reservation is less important, since RC made the reservation for Rhapsody, and is instead using Enchantment
bitob wrote:Cruise timetables site shows you which ships are scheduled to be in each port. Not sure how far out it goes. Maybe at some point you will see serenity or symphony on the list
iancal wrote:He was part of an executive team that misled customers and TA's into believing that their prepaid monies and their commissions were secured in a trust account.

They were not.

From my perspective, this speaks volumes.
Removed, but was quoted by bitob on the next page:
AtA wrote:{replying to bitob} You are sounding like a broken record.

Psoque wrote: This is purely my observation when Jack Anderson was recently re-hired to lead (the previous incarnation of) Crystal Cruises. Some of you kept saying that Mr. Anderson will somehow save the brand from going under, and that in no uncertain terms he will be a “straight shooter” (whatever that really could mean in the situation Crystal experienced). I thought some of you have very high hopes for Mr. Anderson to somehow make everything better. I don’t think he alone was not capable of such a miracle.

As far as I can see, what Mr. Anderson did during the last days of old Crystal was to just to be loyal to his employer and do his job until his position was eliminated. He did what he was paid to do. Nothing more. Nothing less.

I am assuming that he will operate in the same way as an employee of the new Crystal Cruises. He was never your best friend/savior, and he will not be such a being, even if, something goes terrible wrong with the revived Crystal
Removed:
AtA wrote:{replying to bitob} If you truly moved on you'd have no need to keep repeating yourself.

Jack Anderson will resume his leadership role at Crystal Cruises (continued)

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2022 2:37 pm
by drib
Removed:
Keith1010 wrote:{replying to Psoque} With all due respect you are wrong.

Jack Anderson returned to Crystal in late 2021 on an interim basis. He stayed longer to try to right the ship. He worked up until the last minute to try to save Crystal. Do you know why he left at the end. Very simple. Everyone!!! Everyone!!! was let go when Genting threw Crystal under the bus.

You are completely wrong. He gave it everything he had.

By the way others did too.

So say what you want but you are completely wrong on this.


Removed:
Keith1010 wrote:{replying to Ata} As we say in Synagogue, Amen.

bitob wrote:{replying to ggo85 and Ata} Apparently I do.

I will not sit by and let others state that crystal management knew nothing and was blameless.
I think the ggo85 quote was in error, maybe from another thread.
bitob wrote:{replying to AtA} Then don’t listen

there are plenty of broken records on the crystal board. I don’t have to name them
Removed:
bitob wrote:{replying to Keith1010} In my synagogue we state the truth


Removed:
Keith1010 wrote:
Did you lose new money that you charge to your credit card since March of 2021.

I am owed money but all old money and I was wise enough on new money to go with what many recommended and got all money back. I am talking about new. Old no.

I m g lad I took the advice of others including my TA.

For my money that I am owed I blame one and that is Genting HK

For those who say it is tome to move on I agree. Please just move on.


Removed:
Keith1010 wrote:{replying to bitob about the synagogue} We do too

iancal wrote: Sure they were blameless.

Best cruise management team in the business. That is why they went bust.

It was some other guy(s). And they went thataway. Dark hats, swarthy.

Plane? What plane?

Trust account? Oh sorry. Just a mistake. No one on the executive team was smart enough to know the difference between an escrow account and a trust account. But....they were smart enough to go out to the market and sell the dickens out of it in order to mislead customers, potential customers, and travel agency partners. That long, long list of creditors...it was really their fault for extending credit terms.

Bankrupt? Crystal was in tip top financial shape for years until the day Genting pulled the plug. Definitely all their fault. Blame them. No doubt they were part of the problem. But all of it? Really...well perhaps IF the moon is really made from blue cheese.

In my experience bankruptcies happen over a period of quarters, years.

One thing is common to them all. Poor executive management, poor decisions, undercapitalization , and serious cash flow challenges for at least two years. Sound familiar?
Removed:
Psoque wrote:{replyinging to Keith1010} Sorry if my writing was not clear enough for you.

I’m not sure what you are disagreeing with me. I did not say Mr. Anderson left the brand prematurely, or that he did not do his job. He was loyal to his employer until the very end when his employment evaporated under him. That is admirable.

What I was saying that he was never a savior/miracle worker that some of you thought he was, and we will be very disappointed if we operate on that delusional assumption going forward.


Removed:
Keith1010 wrote:{replying to Posque} I do know how to read. I fully understand your points. Maybe you do not comprehend mine.

As to Hack Anderson he worked as hard as he could to save Crystal with no help from the parent who was the employer. Several other people did too.

No one is a miracle worker.

With that said he is one of the top Crystal executives and I am glad that Manfredi has brought him back.


Removed:
AtA wrote:{replying to bitob} Then maybe instead of just making accusations based on your "feelings", it's time for you to try and learn the truth.


Removed:
bitob wrote:{replying to AtA} I know the truth. I am confident about that.

I have no reason to continue to engage further on this point. I have my truth. You apparently have your own truth. So be it


I guess it's true that some people can't handle the truth.

Removed:
Keith1010 wrote:Time to move on. Please.


Time will tell. -ed

New guy:
gojirra wrote:As a Crystal cruiser since 2005, I am looking forward to cruising with them again, any previous Crystal management/staff returning to the new Crystal would be good news to me.

I am lucky Crystal didn't owe me money since my credit card returned my Crystal Endeavor deposit for Greenland this September. I won't blame Crystal staff for the parent company's bankruptcy, whether they are aware of what was going on, I don't believe there is anything they can do, they have to try keep Crystal going since it's their job. I think vast majority who lose money are those who chose FCC rather than refund

We were on the very last Crystal River cruise ever for Christmas/New Year 2019/20, they ceased operation for the European winter, and never resumed, wonder what will happen to the river boats.

Anyway, I look forward to returning and also hope I would be cruising the Crystal Endeavor instead of the Silver Endeavor.
BWIVince wrote:{responding to iancal}] ...But they WERE.

Crystal's promise specifically outlined that REFUNDABLE booking revenues would be held in reserve, which is the US accounting standard for most kinds of travel suppliers here currently, and not any special step Crystal was taking. As I've been pointing out since the pandemic started, that doesn't take into account what happens when all reservations need to suddenly become refundable for over a year, which hadn't happened in my decades in the industry until Covid, but here we are now.

What Crystal was doing in practice when they restarted was holding most of the booking revenue in their credit card reserves, which was far in excess of their commitment (and requirement) to isolate refundable revenues and far in excess of their reserve requirements for their merchant service processors.

That said, it doesn't overcome what happens when everything shuts down -- hence the reason for insurance, FMC bonds, etc.. But that's why there is still money in those accounts, awaiting administration.
Golfer71 wrote:To ctjon.....he should have stopped taking deposits and tell the parent company....he put his integrity on the line
SusieQft wrote:540 days before today was Jan 12, 2021. Crystal was not accepting payments at that time or for (I think) more than 2 months after that. They promised that NEW refundable payments would be held in reserve. If I am recalling correctly, they did not promise to have a reserve fund for prior payments. For anything paid less than 540 days ago, we should still be in the window for credit card disputes, and the money was held there in reserve.

There are probably not many who made payments in 2021-2 either not on a credit card or with a credit card not complying with the dispute rules, and those would be the only ones who missed out on the opportunity to recover their 2021-2 payments.

I do not understand the huge issue of Crystal allegedly not keeping the promise of holding NEW funds in reserve, trust, escrow, whatever.
cruisr wrote:[responding to Joywrk} Really? And we all know how hopeful others are. I get it. No need to keep repeating how hopeful a poster is.

I think your retort was uncalled for. If you don’t like a post just move on. I do.
BWIVince wrote:{responding to Golfer71} In fairness, they did stop taking payments (but not reservations) when they were notified that Genting/administrators wouldn't allow them to pursue restructuring.

The bigger point is, everyone that booked at that point with a card payment (which is virtually everyone in 2022) can STILL get a refund on that charge that was made at that point in time, even today.
cruisr wrote:To correct a post upthread Jack became interim president in October 2020 not 2021
Jimmycruiser wrote:Unfortunately this thread has become a battle of egos and those that can not let go and must have the last word even if they are misinformed. IMHO.
cruisr wrote:Wow, this is a really tough crowd. I guess if you are not a hopeful favorite your opinions are not welcomed here. I hate seeing posters being #cancelled and i hope people’s opinions, that are perceived as negative by other posters are respected.

I had no bookings with Crystal and as such lost no money but I do feel empathy for those that did and I respect their right to voice (or type) their opinion.
BWIVince wrote: If this is directed at me, I want want to clarify something...

I LOVE it when people share their opinions and feelings -- I do the same all the time. It's ENTIRELY logical that people would FEEL cheated or lied to. That's entirely fine. However, to state as fact that someone actually lied to them -- when the ACTUAL printed policy says the opposite -- is something I have no problem publicly disagreeing with.

There is a WORLD of difference between how you feel as the result of a circumstance, and effectively accusing someone (especially an individual) of deceptively defrauding you.

I'm also happy to recap history when "alternative facts" (for whatever reason or motivation) get thrown out... And sometimes I do it on the silliest subjects or points. It's a completely random habit and compulsion. I think the truth and facts are priceless. That doesn't mean I don't also value opinions -- they're just separate.
dncmead wrote:Whooo, Having sailed on Crystal since November 1980 I can't wait to get back on the Symphony. Yep, I did lose some money but that is water under the bridge. Hope to see some of the crew that I have made friends with over the years. Maybe Joseph Mott will still be there along with the best waiter in the fleet - Muso and Librarian Marge with her morning smile. I know Edwin in the bistro won't be coming back as he said so but hope to see a lot of the crew in the future.
edgee wrote:It is a tough crowd, but lots of passion about the tough events of the past six months, and also about the future which has recently begun to sound more and more promising. If I were new to this board I would think some beclown themselves with their level of passion and repetitiveness on multiple threads making essentially the same points. But, hey, I get it. I have received excellent advice from these leading voices over the years for which I am grateful, so I am more than willing to respect the intense feelings being expressed in yes, a repetitive and sometimes very intense way.

So 14 posts were removed from the original three pages. The thread goes on well after the original three, but I stopped tracking it.

Jack Anderson will resume his leadership role at Crystal Cruises (continued 2)

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2022 1:38 pm
by drib
This dead horse was finally locked. I don't know how much more was deleted ... but I'll just save the last post which I'm surprised is still there.

PaulMCO wrote:
May B wrote:This reminds me of the kids’ game, either called Telephone or Gossip.

I evidently missed anybody using the phrase “squeaky clean” about Jack Anderson.
Maybe you all should reread the posts from the beginning, and maybe you replay the quotes some of the so-called cheerleaders..

"Hands tied by GHK" -- my comment -- yes but he knew
"Can't be blamed for GHK issues" -- yes but he knew
"what could he have done" -- yes but he did know and did nothing
"I don't blame Crystal" -- who do you blame GHK? But GHK was Crystal


Who owes 30K creditors?? GHK or Crystal.

Congratulations PaulMCO, my hero, for getting the last word, albeit "Crystal"!

The Evolution Of Crystal Cruises

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 11:15 pm
by drib
AtA wrote:How many more threads and how many times in each of those threads will you bring up the same thing? Yes the OLD Crystal left you and way too many others high and dry but this is not the old Crystal because honestly, that ship has sailed. These are new owners of the two ships, and the name.
travelberlin wrote:Excuse me, are you being paid by the new owners? Or are you a throll? I do not remember seeing posts of you before Crystal went bankrupt 🧐.

Is it clear to you that you criticize everyone who says something negative about Crystal, specially if they refer to Crystals debt and defaulting thousands of creditors? You tell people to stop being a broken record. Is it clear to you that you are a broken record yourself?

As long as the process of doing good to us creditors (who really have a business on this issue and are not throlls) is not finished, we are entitled to give our opinions even if it means repeating it. This process, specially in relation to the assignees will take sometime.

We have got your point of whose fault it is because you repeat it, and repeat it even if no one knows what your interest is on this subject. You not seem to be a creditor, not even a loyal Crystal cruiser.

Now, my post you are referring to (or other posts from me on this board previous to the current one), is not directed to you so please just ignore my posts if you do not like them.

Have a good day and happy travels 😎
This will be gone in the morning, but I like that lvi chose a smilie with a monocle.

=======

Not gone yet. Kind of stupid, but that's all I have to work with today.
Rafinmd wrote:Sounds like a plan. This gets really tiresome.
travelberlin wrote:I am surprised about this Roy, but no problem. It will be reciprocal and I will just ignore the sunsets and sunrises because of the same reason 😄

Where Jack Anderson Plans To Take The New Crystal Cruises.

Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2022 9:07 pm
by drib
Is this a spontaneous uprising, or just the same old shit?
Keith1010 wrote:FYI.

SnoBirdCruiser wrote:Yes I read this several hours ago and found it quite informative. Happy to hear that they are adding some more "Butler" suites. In the regular suites it would be nice to see a curtain between the bed and the sofa if it was doable. With the new dimensions/density of materials, could be a possibility.

Thrilled to hear that the itineraries should be out in forth quarter of 2022.

I would love to have an "input"on where to place a couple of new restaurants. Having said this I realize it is only a wish LOL.....You can bet they will have retained the best designers out there.

Happy days are on the horizon!!!!!
hypercafe wrote:Saw this a few hours ago on the other thread.
Stickman1990 wrote:I read it earlier on the post that had the link -
emdee wrote:So excited…..!
cruisr wrote:Great news
travelberlin wrote:There is another thread on this, where we have already put our comments. This new thread motivates to repeat the comments already given about how he comes across.

Not all reactions are positive about his answers or his appointment as president of Crystal due to his rol on the last years of Crystal’s bankruptcy. I hope he, and his new employers are aware of this.

It is annoying to see repeating comments (positive or negative) in different threads. And it is tiring to have to post the same content just to give the comments visibility.
======

Blow me down! This was merged into the other thread.

Updated/ New Crystal News

Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2022 9:10 am
by drib
This is the merged thread referenced above.

It just got interesting again with references to Hogan's Heroes and that old Yankee Doodle Dandy, General George Washington!
PaulMCO wrote: Totally not a fan. To play the Sargent Shultz roll of “I know nothing”. Insults my intelligence. and many who are owed money.

We all knew the issues GHK was having. I can vividly remember one cc member posting the Hong Kong stock exchange filed reports of GHK. I know nothing.

The issues of shipbuilder Mv were fully documented in news papers and media in the US and more extensively in Germany. I know nothing.

issues of refunds not being paid or taking a year or longer. I know nothing.

checks bouncing in early December to vendors and travel agents. I know nothing.

thousands of customers and vendors not being paid and having to resort to the ABC process. I know nothing.

I am an US executive in a subsidiary of a European mid cap company. I have made it the upmost priority in my 20+ year association to Know everything about the operational and financial issues that effect my environment.

Mr Anderson failed to do so because he knew nothing.
Stickman1990 wrote:I used to love that series
So I wonder who is playing the role of Colonel Klink in this scenario?
PaulMCO wrote:Maybe LIM at GHK.
shrkdive1 wrote: Isn't the problem around Jack Anderson the fact that Crystal was not profitable under his leadership? Even in the few years just before COVID Crystal was losing lots of money while all other cruise lines were making money. Why would A& K want him back? Apparently what ever he was doing wasn't working to increase revenue and turn a profit. Had they been profitable perhaps the end result may have been different earlier this year when Genting pulled the plug on continuing to fund their losses.

demise of crystal cruises leaves customers out 100 million or more
hypercafe wrote:Lots of ongoing talk about Anderson. I listened to his interview and he didn't sound like an excited leader of a new company, in fact I thought he might fall asleep. He just sounded like a PR person reciting the corporate line. The past is the past and apparently A&K have some trust in him but a lot can happen in a year. I enjoyed my time on Crystal as much as I have on any line I have taken and would go again depending on what, where and when. I really do have a hard time believing he knew nothing until he read about the bankruptcy in the paper however I wish him success.
BWIVince wrote:{replying to shrkdive1]I don’t think that ever would have made a difference given the shipyard scenario and the sheer size of that vortex.

Also, Crystal wasn’t consistently profitable under ANY of its leadership, especially since both owners tasked the brand with other functions that challenged profitability (they weren’t there to make money inside just that one silo, essentially).

Besides, NO US-based cruise line turned a profit during any of Anderson’s tenure as CEO— that’s not really a fair bar to measure him by.

[replying to hypercafe}The part that no one says (or rarely says) out loud is that he’s only there to transition the company. If he’s in that role much longer than 2 years (if that), I’ll be shocked. He’s there for a reason and has a job to do, which I do think he is uniquely suited for, but I’m not bothered that he’s the most dynamic or operationally-minded leader because his time is limited and that’s not his function right now. Just my read…
Keith1010 wrote:{replying to shrkdive1} Please note Jack Anderson was only in charge of Crystal Cruises when he was asked to come in on a temporary basis after Tom Wolber left and for the entire time during the Pandemic. I seriously doubt any cruise line made money during this time frame and do not believe he deserves the blame. It is like guilt because of association.

During the time he led the Sales and Marketing team Crystal passenger count increased significantly.

He brings a lot to his position IMHO.

Genting pulled the plug because of Genting and their mismanagement and outlandish spending.

Jack Anderson tried to save Crystal up until the minute when Genting said they are done. In fact, if they gave him time the line could have been sold.
Keith1010 wrote:{replying to hypercafe} It didn't take a rocket science at the end to know Genting was in trouble.

So exactly what was he to do.

Give up. Close shop. Run away.

He worked very hard up until the last minute trying to save the company.

Now as to how one comes off on camera doesn't is not related to their ability to lead a company into the future.

There are some who look the part and are ineffective and others who do not look the part who are effective.

I wonder in today's world if George Washington, or Abraham Lincoln would make the cut in terms of their style or even Walter Cronkite.
ctjon wrote:
Ritz- Carleton is also starting a luxury cruise line - a little different but..

Competition is getting stronger which will not help anyone. Crystal's strength was its crew and the way it treated its passengers - those are the challenges for the future
hypercafe wrote:{replying to Keith1010} I have my opinion and impression and you have yours. Because either of us says things it doesn't make them facts. I do think Washington and Lincoln were more enthusiastic about their position than Jack seemed to be but that's just my opinion.
Stickman1990 wrote:So just how do you know what he actually did, or didn’t do?

Similarly how do you know what the loadings were and let’s remember they were offering heavily discounted short cruises - they may have filled cabins but was it profitable or sustainable?
Texas Tillie wrote:Just wondering if you'd be happier with Edie and all her flamboyance?!? I've never known that there was necessarily a correlation between personality and competence.
Keith1010 wrote:{replying to Stickman Sorry but I was not talking about landings during the pandemic.

I was speaking about them when he led the Sales and Marketing teams and yes at the time I knew what they were.

He was extremely well regarded for both itinerary planning and his roles in sales and marketing not only with Crystal cruises but in the industry.
Keith1010 wrote:{replying to hypercafe} Yep we all have our opinions and the only one that matters is our own.

With that said when people post they do know that someone might come along with a different opinion.

As to George Washington all we have is writings not his voice so to make it Apples to Apples maybe if we had a transcript of the interview that would be better than an audio and video. There were some by the way who said he never should have been a General. He did make some bad mistakes. Then again I am not aware of any leader of a company who has not made their fair share of mistakes.
ctjon wrote:
Among the things I found interesting - said they'd like to get into expedition cruising again and he had no idea what was going on with river vessels. I can see the new Crystal having no interest in the very crowded river vessels but I could definitely see A&K wanting to do expedition.

As to all the blame on him - personally I think Eddie started the downhill slide buying things not needed or wanted and no one stopping her, Obviously, the parent company wasn't interested or had the ability to fix things at the end
PaulMCO wrote: Your are forgetting that A&K already have an expedition group and have doing this for years. So this is already in the group. They currently lease a Ponant vessel. Silversea/Royal made a more attractive offer that was less risky for the banks. It was obviously not the highest offer but least risk.

I made my piece about Mr. Anderson. But I do have to give kudos on staff relationship. All of the staff I have talked since the bankruptcy love him and his "caring" management style to the crew and employees. These are the people that Crystal needs to have return/retain.
Ethereal Cruiser wrote: I may have made this point earlier, but Edie Rodriguez kept Crystal Cruises in the luxury conversation. And I have to wonder if her gender, in the otherwise all male -dominated arena, had a lot to do with all the animosity about her.

General George Washington, to my knowledge, is not available to help stabilize Crystal Cruises. In baseball terms, he only had a 500 winning percentage, maybe slightly less, and yes, there were many times his job (as General) was on the line. But he was the right man at the right time, and aided greatly by France, let's not forget.

I would also note that the General and President was well known as a fashionista in his day, although not by that term. (He was a Yankee Doodle Dandy!) And when he went riding into town, resplendent in blue and buff, and a scabbard, it was important that the citizenry see him like that.
Texas Tillie wrote: Did Edie keep Crystal in the conversation or was the conversation just about Edie?

And, what kind of executive job has Edie had since she was canned by Genting? Think the rest of the industry had her figured out. And, it had nothing to do with gender.
ctjon wrote:She had ideas for airplane cruises that no one was interested but bought airplanes anyway. Spending money was her thiung even if it was on stuff that no one else thought they should. Mention Crystal she had to be in the photo,

I don't think it had anything to do with gender - only her actions.
hypercafe wrote:Much has been said in defense of Anderson as just following orders, maybe Edie was doing the same. At this point none of that matters. Going forward if I was making a video that many TA will see as stated by the host I would try to spell excitement and try to stay awake.
AtA wrote:{replying to ctjon} It's crew was number one but it also had the food, the entertainment compared to the other high end line, the lectures and the number of lecturers compared to the other high end line, the classes including golf, knitting, art, computer, etc compared to the other high end lines. And everything else they included.
BWIVince wrote:{replying to ctjon} This seems to be a common misconception around here…. Edie didn’t order the planes, and they weren’t her idea or product. They were Genting’s, and they served (and most of them continue to serve) Genting’s group and incentive business. Some of them were branded as Crystal as part of their strategy to make Crystal their luxury brand, kind of like Crockfords is now, but AirCruises were Genting’s way of filling in idle time (and earn additional land commissions) for the planes on certain dates. The AirCruises started with them, and continued with them when Crystal dropped its dates, and of course the planes remained remained through all the subsequent leaders because they weren’t Crystal’s to change/dispose of.

I’ll just say one thing about Edie’s gender…. I sure heard a lot of complaints about Edie’s picture appearing in the same promotional material that Gregg Michel’s did. The telling part is, when shown that Gregg’s picture was in the same place, the response was generally, “oh, I never noticed when it was his photo. Mmhmm.

In fairness, Edie did do a lot more press, but she was brought in to do marketing when the leadership was split 3 ways (with Thomas doing operations and Jack doing sales). Her job was literally to do press.

Anyway, Edie has her flaws like everyone, but I cringe every time I see the planes falsely dumped on her when they had (and still have) nothing to do with her.
CryptOkicker5 wrote: A&K likes those shiny flying things!

private jet
seaknots wrote:{agreeing with hypercafe} to maybe time to retire and go cruising not try to resurrect a failed brand
And now it's drifted into a bunch of thesis papers about business, so I'm going to close this post to new quotes. Too bad because there's a lot more relevant stuff worth saying about General George Washington.

*** CLOSED ***

Too funny not to share

Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2022 9:04 am
by drib
One of the most obnoxious things ever posted on Cruise Fucking Critic, it was taken down, but I'm saving it as a reminder.
Lonedaddy wrote:Not to be snobby (for there but for the grace of god go I) but what are they thinking targeting Amex centurion cards with this:

Offer merchant {Carnival} logo
Spend $500 or more, get $150 back
Carnival Cruise Line
Expires
11/07/2022
It was in the Regent forum, by the way.

======

Image

Cruise Critic Interview With Jack Anderson

Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2022 9:09 pm
by drib
backofficecruising wrote:
Do you think you will be getting the same freebies as before for writing here?
Been there 4 hours already, the over/under is 8.

======

Hour 6: Buh-bye!

And coincidentally, Keith1010 just posted about the new head of consumer sales.

======

Also, maybe buh-bye to backofficecruising, who had two other posts removed yesterday. The others were critical of "old" Crystal, but had no specific reference to other CFC members.

crystal job hiring

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2022 8:01 am
by drib
I noticed a minor skirmish between Keith1010 and Stickman this morning, which was removed. I didn't save the actual text because I didn't think it was worth any moderator's trouble to remove it. But I will describe the gist of it.

Keith1010 posted a link to a new hire at Crystal A&K. The link had already been posted in some other general Crystal A&K thread - which Keith pointed out, but then decided that his rationale for needing to repost it needed to be posted as well. Stickman still called him out for posting the duplicate link.

And I just kind of wonder about the processing required to remove the topic. How many people were involved, and what was the depth of their thinking in making that decision?

======

I also read a post that pointed out that there was a lot of new information on the Crystal home page. They noted that the office address was in Chicago, coincidentally also the home office of Abe Froman, the Sausage King.

There was a link on the new page that solicited for people interested in new Crystal. I signed up for it - I am interested and hopeful. It made phone number a required field, for which I entered 800-555-1212. In hindsight, I should have entered the number for the Sausage King.

bags are packed

Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2023 12:44 pm
by drib
I haven't been doing much of this lately ... let's see ... not since last August. But I did notice this post this morning and saved it because I thought it was bound to disappear.

Image

I liked it because it works on two, maybe three *, levels.

I don't know who this CryptoKicker guys is, but I admire his posts.

======
  • that K1010 had just posted he was the only guy who says "bags are packed" ... and therefore any use of that expression is a personal afront
  • that 218 is nearly 300, akin to Crystal claiming the guest to crew ratio is nearly one to one
  • that K1010 is likened to a crazy cat lady

dog gone it

Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2023 3:31 pm
by drib
These two, bitob and Mr Luxury, are going to give some already exasperated moderator cause to remove theirs and Cheddar Biscuit's posts.

Image

I don't know who this Cheddar Biscuit bitch is, but I admire her posts.

drib impersonator

Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2023 3:29 pm
by drib
https://boards.cruisecritic.com/profile ... pacalady1/

First post on an innocuous topic.

You know, I'm guessing Leejnd4 has joined the game.

And for the record, although adding 1 at the end would have been a nice touch, there was already an Alpacalady. In fact, there are 34 members with alpaca somewhere in their names.