Within minutes of boarding the ship, we had met many of the crew members, we had been given a quick overview of the boat and our private butler had introduced us to the details of daily life on the Crystal. (Two pieces of ironing can be done gratis each day, the mini bar is restocked daily, there’s a “Do Not disturb” light to engage when you want to be left alone, etc. )
We unpacked – the cupboards are very generous, and disappear behind large sliding doors – and surveyed our room for the next week. The decor is slightly Scandinavian in feel, with lots of pale wood, gleaming white tile in the bathroom, and puffy white duvets and fat square pillows on the bed. Amenities are L’Occitane.
The balcony adds a sense of spaciousness, though it is chilly weather and we will probably not be sitting out there, much less opening the window wall. It just feels much roomier with that added balcony space.
There’s an Apple flat screen, bottles of water, and a plate of fresh fruit. It’s an attractive and restful space.Later we met with the cruise director and the captain for a pre dinner drink. Two other couples, one from Wales and the other from Canada, have joined the cruise here in Nuremberg as well, and we decided to dine together in the Crystal dining room. They are such good company that we stay up talking in the main lounge with them until eleven pm, when jet lag kicks in. There has also been a presentation on German beers that involved sampling four different types of beer.
An itinerary for the next day lies on our bed, and there are chocolates on the pillow.
The room is quiet and dark- perfect.
Heidi, Editor-In-Chief
