DAY 18 - DAY 10 ON BOARD THE CRYSTAL SERENITY

A LOOK AT WHAT IS HAPPENING TODAY:


ENJOYING A FUN DAY ON THE SHIP AS WE SAIL TO PUERTO VALLARTA✔ DINNER WITH CRYSTAL SOCIETY HOSTESS JAQUE BROWN THIS EVENING✔ 

We wanted to begin today's Blog with a couple of general comments.

We already have had over 21,000 visitors to our Blog.  This includes those visiting one or more times in different sessions.  This is an amazing number of visitors in just a short amount of time and significantly more visitors than for the same period for any previous Blog we have undertaken.  We thank each of you for visiting our Blog and we hope that you will continue to enjoy it.

There are times when we are reminded that it is a small world and one of those times was yesterday and that technology can make the world feel even smaller.  Keith received an e-mail from someone he has kept up with from time to time after playing Paddle Tennis with him last year on this same cruise.  He and his wife were actually was hoping to be on this cruise but they were wait listed and did not clear the wait list. Anyway, Keith neither of us go in the Computer University very often since we each have many communication devices with us.  The last time we were both in the computer university together was likely a few years ago.  However, last night Keith needed to use the computer for something shortly before dinner, so there we were together sitting at a computer and sure enough our friend sees on the webcam that provides live views from the computer university on board the ship.

After we posted yesterday afternoon, we along with all of the other World Cruisers already on board the Crystal Serenity received an invitation to meet new President of Crystal Cruises, Edie Bornstein on January 18 at 10:45 AM since we would not have the opportunity to meet her on land at the World Cruise Gala on the evening of January 17.  We look forward to meeting her and think it is wonderful that she is taking time to meet with all of us.

Last evening was magical and words to not adequately how honored we felt.

We had a terrific time last evening as we enjoyed a wonderful Crystal Society Milestone Dinner.  Everything was just perfect.

The 50th Milestone dinner is held either at Prego or sometimes at the Captain's Quarters.  We were very fortunate that our dinner was, in fact, held at the Captain's Quarters.  It just made for a very quiet and intimate dinner.

The evening was organized by Crystal Society Hostess Jaque Brown and many people are involved in the details including the Executive Chef of the Crystal Dining Room and the Food &Beverage Manager.

In addition to  Captain Giske and Crystal Society Hostess Jaque Brown we could select six additional people to attend.  All whom we selected were available except for Cruise Director Gary Hunter who was performing in two evening shows.  

Our dear friends Bob and Glo attended, as did the Vice Captain Nenad Willheim,  Hotel Director Josef Lumetsberger, Food & Beverage Manager Victor Conceicao, and On Board Booking Consultant Nikki Andrew.    We were talking with Nikki Andrew just the other night after the Crystal Society Reception how we had booked the first of our World Cruises with her which was the 2007 World Cruise while we were sailing on the Crystal Serenity for the very first time in 2005.

After arriving to the Captain's Quarters, everyone was given a flute of champagne and we all talked with one another.  We were both presented with Platinum Society Pins for our fiftieth milestone and the Captain gave a toast to us.  The Manager from the Photo Shop was there and took some photos of us receiving the pins and all of us at the Captain's Dining Table.

The Dining Table was absolutely beautiful and had rose petals spread in the middle of it.  

The food was delicious and the wine that was selected for the evening was exceptional and the conversation continued for two and one half hours.  

Around three butlers were there for the entire evening and a few other butlers assisted them at different times as the meal was being served.  JiJo was there for the entire time.  JiJo had been our Senior Waiter on several cruises and last year was promoted to Butler.

The menu included:

Marinated Salmon with Mango & Fennel Salad

Mr & Mrs. Steiner's Special Salad (our favorite salad)

A choice of Pan Seared Chilean Seabass, Surf & Turf, or Turf and Turf

Frosted Chocolate Mousse

These are some photos from last evening.

Marinated Salmon

Forgot to get a photo of the next course; our Special Salad which we had changed up for last evening to make for a nicer presentation.

Surf and Turf

Turf and Turf

The Dessert was absolutely yummy.

The Beautiful Table

The most important part of the evening was being with wonderful people.  In the end, the people is a major reason why we cruise with Crystal Cruises.

Unfortunately none of the photos that were taken with Keith's camera show everyone at the table.  We will post the ones that the Photo Manager took when we get them on the thumb drive in a few days.

Shortly after the recognition dinner concluded, we went for a drink at the Crystal Cove with dear friends Bob and Glo and we had a fun time with them.

We didn't get to sleep until fairly late, at least for us.  We both slept well and Keith was up first.

He had an abbreviated workout on the Elliptical Machine, and then he went to the Lido Cafe for some coffee.  He was ready for some caffeine.  Many other guests were still sleeping and enjoying a nice sea day.

Keith did bring coffee back to the room for Anne Marie and she was able to get in her daily morning walk before breakfast arrived.

We had our usual breakfast of cereal (Anne Marie) and oatmeal (Keith) and some fruit.

Shortly after breakfast Keith was back to the Fitness Center for another spin class.  It was good to have a one day break from spin and that will also be the case for tomorrow and then there will be one spin class on each of the two sea days.  The class was another great one with Michael setting an excellent example for all of us to follow.  Today was all about speed and getting the heart rate up and down.

Get On Your Mark.  Get Set.

After class, Keith showered and then went to the salon for his first haircut of the cruise.  

Afterwards, we both had lunch at the Lido Cafe.  We have found a nice spot in the cafe and with the new design it now is in a quiet area of the cafe.  In the next few days we hope to begin to eat outside from time to time as well.

This photo is one that Keith took this morning.  It is not at the location that we have been sitting at for lunch but it is quite similar in that with the redesign of the Lido Cafe they have added these partitions which just provide a more private dining experience.  In our opinion this was a very smart approach.

After lunch, Keith was back to the Paddle Tennis Courts for more games.  He is having a wonderful time playing the tennis.

Anne Marie walked for an hour as she does each and every afternoon and then she enjoyed time outside while she read one of the many books she will read on this voyage.

Keith met up with good friend shortly after he played his last Tennis Match.

We were able to see two lectures on the television. The first one was given by former Olympian Peter Vidmar and was mainly a question and answer session.  He had lots to share about his experiences.

The second lecture was given by Dr. Robert Freedman whose topic was about understanding the contemporary Middle East.  This is certainly no easy task.

One of the areas that we truly enjoy when we sail are the lectures.

This evening we are back at the Crystal Dining Room and Crystal Society Hostess Jaque Brown will join us for dinner.  We will post about this tomorrow.

TODAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY............

“The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer somebody else up.” - Mark Twain 

Keith & Anne Marie