I tried posting this information on a cruise only WEB site but the posts were removed more than once. They don't want to hurt travel agents' feelings!

So here goes: Crystal is offering substantially discounted cruises for sale via a big box food warehouse store chain's WEB site. As there are basically 2 of these giant companies, you should be able to find the information easily. The company is not a man's name.

The prices on selected Crystal cruises are substantially less than usual and include onboard credits.

If you can manage traveling with the elderly Crystal crowds, check in to these offerings.

I'm thinking Costco and BJ's, neither of those is a man's name, then all of a sudden I realized there must be another one (then I remembered Sam's).

I found that funny.

Funny, yes but I didn't want this thread to vanish as did the ones on that big cruise WEB site. Well the retailer does begin with a 'c'. The prices are good enough that a new group of (one hopes) younger and healthier folks may be attracted to Crystal.

If the cruise only website that deleted your posts goes by the letters "CC", that will always happen. They allow no mention of specific travel agencies. That's also why so many members of CC have resorted to posting about the various ecruisestore disasters, on tripadvisor instead.

I am active on CC, but really wish they would allow the good and bad about various ta's to be mentioned by name!

Tenerife, CC also moves any negative posts about Crystal! Also the same deal for most cruise lines. Makes the site far less useful.

On CC you never know if the person who is posting works for a cruise company, is a travel agent or even an employee of another WEB site.

Many of the discounts being offered by those big box warehouse stores are also available elsewhere, through major agencies where you can also work with an individual agent who has actually seen a cruise ship (and even been on a Crystal ship ).

I know I'm missing something here!

I just did some cross-check pricing on Costco Travel's website vs those on Crystal's website, and I actually found Costco's prices higher. (Example Nov 28, 2010 on Symphony. Costco Travel - $2759 vs Crystal at $2165). So are these so-called discounted prices through Costco a result of contacting them directly vs viewing fares on their website?

I prefer to use a TA to book a cruise. Lucky to have one who is connected with a busy agency in San Jose, CA which can also offer extras. Her experience is invaluable with choosing the right cabin. == Costco is just starting to market Crystal. I would be curious to check out their prices and amenities.

I got the announcement from COSTCO via email. The difference in the quoted prices may be on board credits and airfare.

Perhaps the cheaper prices will bring a younger crowd and a happier atmosphere. Perhaps it is our age, but we are often given an assigned table with elderly folks who have health issues that are the primary topic of conversation.

To compensate for the CC ban on naming individual agents, I cross post on FT and refer to it in a similar fashion as the OP did with Sam's and Costco. Another reason I love FT so much!

Crystal always has at least 50% off sales or two for one sales (same thing) and typically there are always some on board credits to throw in too. Disingenuous marketing, which is a theme on over-rated Crystal. Save your money and find other lines that give you twice the cruises for what Crystal charges for one, even at their "discounts".

You can only eat so much food. The novelty of over-indulgence wears off quickly and there you are stuck paying an arm and a leg for amenities you never end up using. A more basic cruise line like Holland America gives you a lot better value for the money than any "discount" on Crystal. And better itineraries and choices of ships as well.

The CC Crystal thread has had discussions re marketing of the cruises ..and of course the pricing.---Other luxury lines are also clamoring for the cruising crowd's attention: 60% off. 2 for 1, all inclusive, all tours....---Crystal is factoring in air and a hefty "As you wish" SBC per person for their 2010 sailings.

I have been cruising primarily with Crystal since 2008. My 2009 cruises hooked me up with a 20% off my 2010 cruises. My late October cruise included $1,000/person SBC. My TA covered my basic tips and additional SBC was thrown on. ---Yes the Crystal cruise is a LUXURY brand and it is wonderful. Bottom line: I was planning on cruising on Crystal in 2010. The current incentives nudged me into booking 3 rather than 2 cruises. I feel it is a win-win situation.

I recently cruised with friends who are still hanging on to the Princess brass ring of "most traveled" (I, too, qualify for Elite), and it is a major step from mid-sized ship, luxury level to large, mass market cruising public. I am very lucky to be able to indulge myself... and have choices as to what type of ship to cruise on. Happy and debt-free.

Be sure you really want or care about the differences between "luxury" and premium cruise lines when you factor your costs.

Hold any cruise line to the premium cruise line costs first, before you pay extra for "luxury" because for the life of me I can't figure out besides the label, what the difference is from my own experiences on the two different types. If you get "luxury" for the same price and similar amenities as a premium line, then you might want to make a reasoned decision to go one way or the other.

But on the other hand, even all things being equal you might find you like travelling with travellers, rather than status-conscious tourists.

One "luxury" line actually has smaller rooms than the premium line, so strict price comparisons may still not be apples to apples. All cabins have pretty much the same layouts, and the difference will be in the quality of the finishings which may or may not matter all that much in the grand scheme of things depending how much time you might spend in your cabin.

Or, even outside on the balcony - which can be very, very different on similar cruise lines. Some are shallow and exposed. Some are deep and spacious. Some are in direct view of outside elevators.

With all the minute variables, it is best to just stick to price and itinerary first. Then start nit-picking "luxury" vs. premium stuff. it gets a lot less substantial down at that level so the price and itinerary differences have to really be significant to chose "luxury" over premium classes for similarly sized ships. It is just a few days out of one's life after all. "Luxury" actually even matters less on the longer cruises, if it doesn't compete in price and itinerary.

I have only cruised once on Holland America--the Westerdam back in 1980/90...and could only afford an inside cabin U/L! --The brand has a long passenger ship history. And many ships. Crystal will be 20 years old in 2010 and the line had had 3 and now only 2 ships.--I missed out on sailing with Royal Viking lines and caught a Sitmar cruise that was morphing into a Princess brand. -- They are history. Folks who have sailed on those fine lines, speak highly about the service and food...like what current Crystal cruisers speak about Crystal. --I want Crystal to be successful and continue to please its passengers.

After I have decided upon my trip/destination, I do look into the pricing. Once the trip commences, I refuse to talk about cost of trip with shipmates. I am not interested in ruining THEIR trip nor OURS with $$ comparisons. Bargain shopping should be done beforehand.

I do agree about discussing prices once you are on the ship. I've traveled with many cruise companies over the years and pick destination first and then the cruise line.

I've asked a couple different company to give me prices for cruises in 2010. I don't have much brand loyalty any more. I would very much like to cruise with a younger crowd than what we've been with on Crystal.

My money is worth more to more than a company's reputation. I'm shopping.