Great review thanks for posting. You were indeed fortunate to have your cruise "open seating". I was surprised with Crystals newer ship that they did not adopt this style of dining. Most people as Olivia pointed out find the set seating and two seatings an issue with Crystal. You had neither of those to contend with.

Your experiences with pre-arranged guides was interesting. I did that for a few years and have now backed off with the requirement of upfront money and also the problems that arise if the person is not where they say they will be. That has happened to me also. We are now into SPONTANEOUS tours - either taxis or guides we find on arrival. Probably go full swing at some point and go back to pre-arranged. Certain places you need to pre-arrange, St. Petersburg being one of those.