DAY 30 - DAY TWENTY-TWO ON THE CRYSTAL SERENITY

We just wanted to begin by saying, once again, how much we enjoyed yesterday’s tour.  This is why when we select our tours we look at all that are available and we do not rule in or rule out any of the private, ship or any other tour.  We look at them all.   We were thrilled when we first saw this tour listed in the tours offered by Crystal Cruises and this tour even exceeded our expectations.  

The tour was both informative, fun, and very moving.   We have so much to be thankful and appreciative for, and we are so very thankful to the brave men and women who were part of what many including us consider to be “Our Greatest Generation".  They fought bravely for our continued freedom and many who were civilians also did their part in the war effort.  

All of this is also a reminder how different countries can go to war and then eventually become good allies and good friends.  It was a very moving day for us and likely for each person on our tour.

While we were visiting the USS Arizona Memorial, we were speaking for a while with a gent from Sweden who Keith met the other day.  One of the things we like about traveling and specifically cruising is it does provide a nice opportunity to share and also get other opinions and perspectives on a wide range of items.  When we cruise with Crystal and on the World Cruises guests usually come from 15 to 20 different countries.

One of the remarks that our fellow guest made was when he said some like, you Americans have it right when it comes to your tribute to others such as the memorial we had just visited, or other areas such as Arlington Cemetery, JFK’s grave, the Vietnam Memorial along with several others the three of us identified.  He said you keep it simple.    That was a very simple but accurate observation. 

There seemed to be something for everyone the past two days in Honolulu whether you were on an organized tour or touring on your own or going to a favorite hotel, restaurant or shopping or a combination of one or more of these activities.  The overnight was also great for the crew as most of them were able to spend some time on land which is important for them and between the sea days between Los Angels and Hilo and the upcoming sea days it is good to have some time on land.

Before dinner, we sat at the Crystal Cove and John and Linda joined us.  We each caught up on what we did in Honolulu and also about family.

Afterwards, we dined at the Crystal Dining Room.

As we entered the dining room, Ana, one of the waiters who we have known from previous cruises escorted Anne Marie into the dining room as she has done from time to time on this cruise.

The dinner menu was appropriately titled Dinner with Hawaiian Specialties as there was indeed an array of Hawaiian dishes.

We began with a Caesar Salad which we had pre-ordered with  Head Waiter Bojan who prepared it for us table side.  This also gave us a lot of time to speak with Bojan.

We enjoyed the Caesar Salad that Bojan made.  It was not overpowering as sometimes the dressing can be.  As they say, it was just right.

For the entree, we each had the Seared Fresh Ahi Tuna which was delicious.  We had it prepared medium rare as the Chef recommends and when it comes to seafood we always go with the recommendation of the Chef in terms of how long to cook it.

It was accompanied with a Sesame Cruise, Moloka'i Sweet Potatoes, Baby Bok Choy, & Apple-Cider Soy Vinaigrette which added to the overall flavor of the Tuna.  We had side orders of asparagus, peas and Keith also ordered some of the Roast Maui Onions.

As we were finishing the entree, Maitre d' Leo Asmair came by and we chatted for awhile.  He is a great Maitre d' with a terrific disposition.  We always like to learn about the live of the crew on land so we spoke awhile about home life.  

For dessert Anne Marie tried the Sugar-Free Coconut Chocolate Flan and also had a cup of decaffeinated cappuccino coffee. Keith tried a small portion of the dessert that Anne Marie gave him to taste.  We both agreed that it was very rich tasting.

To no surprise, Keith had berries.  Last night since Keith was talking with someone our Senior Waiter didn't even hand him the dessert menu since Ayan knows that it will be a rare day that Keith would order dessert.  But, stay tuned because Keith will have some dessert from time to time.  The operative phrase is time to time.

Our Sommelier prepared two wines for us to try.  The white was a Chardonnay which is one of the wines served and recommended by Nobu for Silk Road.  We both had some and enjoyed the taste and aroma.  Keith also had a red wine from Portugal that Javier decanted for him.  It is from the same grape that is used for Port wine but this wine does not go through all of the processes that would be used for a Port Wine.  Keith enjoyed it.

As we have mentioned, we just look to the Sommelier to select wines for us so that we can often try wines that we would probably not select on our own just because often it is easy to fall-back on what you know you like and not try new wines.

After dinner, we ran into friends Jim and Judy who we first met on the 2007 World Cruise in all places, the Laundry Room.  That one encounter led to dining with them on one of the segments of World Cruise 2007 and then dinners on that and every voyage we have sailed with them (2008 and 2013 World Cruises) at specialty restaurants from time to time.  We caught up with them at the area 
of all places near the elevators on our floor and chatted for quite awhile.  Jim is a former Admiral in the Navy so Keith and Jim spoke about our tour of the USS Missouri and we spoke about lots of other items and Anne Marie and Judy agreed to make a dinner date for the four of us along with one other couple who we all mutually know.

At 10:00 PM there was a special show on the open deck near the outdoor pool. The theme of the show was Luwow  Deck Party (yes that is how they spelled Luwow to be funny) and it included about eight minutes of entertainment from Crystal Serenity's own entertainers followed by a Local Show.

We both slept very well with the ship leaving Honolulu at around Midnight.  We now have seven sea days as we sail to our next port of call.  This will also include losing a day as we sail across the International Dateline.

Keith was up first and back to the Fitness Center for his early morning workout.  Afterwards, he read and wrote and then wen to the Lido Cafe for coffee.  He spoke with several of the Lido Deck Stewards.

Shortly after enjoying a cup of coffee which Keith brought back to the room, Anne Marie went on her one hour morning walk until it was time for breakfast which we enjoyed in our room thanks to Rao.  We enjoyed several good laughs with Rao.  We mentioned that we had seven sea days in a row and then Rao reminded us it would have been eight if not for the International Dateline.

As we had breakfast we watched the morning show with Stacey Huston and Rick Spath.  Stacey mentioned that she ate in the dining room last evening with some guests.  Guiseppe was their Head Waiter.  They arrived at 9:00 PM and she said that the guests understood that she had to be done by 10:00 PM for the special event last night.  She mentioned to Guiseppe that she would only order two courses and could he be sure they were served quickly.  He smiled and showing his great sense of humor he brought her three very large serving utensils; large carving knife, large salad serving spoon and large serving fork.  She showed them on the show and we just burst out laughing.   This is just one good example as why we enjoy the crew and the wait staff as we laugh often with so many of them.  

Today included 50+ activities since this was a sea day.  As we mentioned on the World Cruise several more activities are included which is always nice.  Essentially, there is something for everyone to do.

We thought you might want to see the listing of activities that is included in today's Reflections (daily) Program.

Keith returned to the Fitness Center for another Spin Class.  Fitness Director, Michael, was back at the helm teaching another challenging Spin Class. We only had three people in class.

Mid-way through the class Anne Marie was taking her one on one personal training with Fitness Director Scott.  She is enjoying this training as she does at home.

After changing Keith met Anne Marie in the Crystal Cove which we find a nice place to talk with fellow guests and crew.  Hotel Director Josef and Captain Birger stopped by and chatted with us for a little while.

Keith enjoyed two lectures.

First one was given by Evelyn Evans about What Makes Japan & The Japanese Unique.  She provided a lot of interesting information and some little tidbits.

Next up was a lecture given by Celebrity Lecturer General Anthony Zinni whose topic for today was the comparison of WWII to today's conflicts.  We have seen General Zinni lecture on other cruises such as the 2013 World Cruise and have learned a great deal from him.  

He spoke about how the United States role changed from what the first President envisioned when it came to conflict around the world.  Whereas the focus had been on our country only overtime that shifted back and forth with conflicts such as World War I. However, after World War I he noted that the United States significantly downsized its military and that on the day Pearl Harbor was attacked the size of our military was 17th world-wide right behind Romania and a one star General by the name of Dwight D. Eisenhower who was going to shortly retire.  Obviously, a lot changed since that time.

Later in the morning, Anne Marie attended the get-together for Knitting as she continues to work on her first project.  She also continues to work on her Needle Point Kit.

Team Trivia was also on the schedule and Anne Marie attended. As we've mentioned we plan to alternate but Anne Marie has been attending all of them so far for us.  As it turned out there was a sports question that the team didn't know but Keith did so the team might have tied for first place.  But, as they say, it's only a game.

For lunch, we both enjoyed a chicken salad entree before it was time for some afternoon activities.

Anne Marie took the Yoga with Yoga instructor Maria Kita.  Maria and her husband Joe teach the morning Yoga Class together which is attended by anywhere between 30 and 50 guests.  The afternoon class is usually attended by around 5 to 10 guests.  It's nice that on the World Cruise that this is offered twice a day on sea days since not everyones schedule allows for one specific time.

Keith returned to the Paddle Tennis Courts to play Paddle Tennis.  Unlike the days preceding our arrival to Hawaii, it was far less windy on the open deck which made it easier to play the game.

Keith also met up with dear friend Bob later in the afternoon and they both caught up on what Bob and Glo and the two of us had done the past couple of days in Honolulu and also in Hilo.

This evening we will dine with World Cruise Hostess Stacey Huston at Prego and also attend the Crystal Society Party.

TODAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY.........…

"All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney

Keith & Anne Marie