Three Cheers for Crystal's All-Inclusive Sailings

Crystal Cruises recently announced that beginning in April 2012, their "all-inclusive" service will be further enhanced.  According to a recent e-mail: "Our all inclusive means that Crystal will offer complimentary fine wines and premium spirits throughout the ship and open bar in all lounges. There will be prepaid gratuities for dining staff, penthouse butler service, specialty restaurants, etc. Gratuities in Silk Road and Prego will be eliminated."

The currently offered 2-for-1 fares will include:

• Free air
• Fine wines, premium spirits and beers throughout the ship
• Open bar service in all lounges
• Pre-paid gratuities for bar, dining, and housekeeping staff as well as Butler service in our Penthouses
• Complimentary specialty restaurants; enjoy Nobu Matsuhisa’s Silk Road and Sushi Bar, and Piero Selvaggio’s Prego, for free
• Non-alcoholic beverages including bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and more!

What a welcome relief from the current trend towards "un-bundling" (the practice whereby you now pay an additional fee for the "good" ice cream vs. the self serve variety, there is now a charge for room service in some categories on one line, in-cabin movies have gone to pay-per-view, new "serenity" areas on certain lines carry an additional admission fee, participation in fitness classes is added to your shipboard account and there is even a charge to reserve the "better" seats in the theater).  Not to mention the multitude of "specialty" (read: additional cost) dining venues!

My hat is off to Crystal for charging an honest price and giving the type of service on which the industry built its reputation.
   
*Exceptions are for rare wines in the Vintage Room [though there will be no tipping] and shore excursions. Air will be complimentary from most gateways.


** Opinions are like belly buttons; everyone has one.  This is mine.