Hi Debi:

Can't help as I have never had this experience but it sounds a nightmare to me. Can you change?

I don't know. We got airline tickets using frequent flyer mileage and made additional plans around the cruise - as well as worked our job schedules for this timeframe. I didn't see any other cruises around this timeframe - and we really did want to go on Crystal. We're trying to see what all our options are before we do anything.

Debi,

I've been on 5 Crystal cruises and the situation you describe sounds awful to me. One of the major advantages to a Crystal cruise is the peace & quiet, and extremely high level of service they offer to all passengers; I think ANY group of 600 is bad news. No matter how nice they are individually, as a group they will have a definite affect on your experience. Just the fact that you've already been told there will changes and restrictions to the normal services indicates the type of clout they carry, and what the line will do to accommodate them. I expect there will be a number of additional inconveniences for non-group passengers once on board. Also, Crystal typically does not have many children on board, but since this is a group of families, that also changes the ambience of the cruise. (Not that kids or groups are necessarily bad, it's just not what you expected when you booked your cruise.)

If it were me, I would cancel the cruise (check the refund schedule in the back of your brochure, but you should be OK since May is so far away.) I would write Crystal (and have your travel agent write also) explaining the tremendous inconvenience (and financial costs re: tickets) you have incurred and that you would like a credit, to be applied to a future Crystal cruise. Their home office is pretty tough and I haven't found them to be the least bit helpful (a total contrast to on-board ship personnel!)but it doesn't hurt to ask.

You can probably not use the frequent flyer miles for May and use them within a year for another trip (there will be some kind of penalty - check with the airline.)

Another thought would be to see if Holland America's Rotterdam has an appealing itinerary during that same time frame. They are in Europe/Med. during the spring/summer. I was on this ship in November (Venice to Rome) and was very impressed. Probably the closest to Crystal of all the other lines (I've been on Celebrity, Princess, NCL, RCCL and QE2.) Extremely nice decor/furnishings - understated, elegant w/very nice touches. Shows were so-so, but I never expect much on ships. Food was good - they have an "alternative" restaurant which was very good and lots of lounges.

So, it's an option to Crystal and really, I'd run as fast as I could away from the group cruise. I think you would be very disappointed and so turned off that you wouldn't try Crystal again, and that would be a shame, since they are wonderful ships.