Before dinner, we sat at the Crystal Cove with friends John
and Linda. We also had our formal photos
taken at each of three stations that were set up for photographs.
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.
We began dinner with salads.
Anne Marie had the Captain’s Salad, which is always a terrific salad.
Keith went with his standing order salad.
For the entrée, Anne Marie had lobster, which is always her
favorite. It was Broiled Fresh Lobster.
Augusto was not sure if Keith would like the seafood entrée so
he pre-ordered Keith Sea Bass, which Keith did have and it was very tasty and
moist and it was a thick piece. Keith
also tried the Line Caught, Fresh Barramundi. It is thin and two slices were
served. Keith thought it was very tasty.
We also shared side orders of Peas and Fresh Asparagus.
For dessert, Anne Marie had the sugar free Chocolate Cream
Swan and Keith had the Fresh Berries.
Each night the waiters come around with some type of small
cookie or petites fours and, we always say
another time but tonight they really looked great so Anne Marie selected one
for Keith and a smaller cookie for herself.
We had sent down a bottle of wine, which was a French Chardonnay
(Burgundy) called Puligny-Montrachet, Etienne Sauzet, 2010. It was quite good an unlike a California
Chardonnay it was not buttery and there was nor was it oaky.
All in all it was another wonderful evening at the Dining
Room.
Keith woke early in the morning and enjoyed a nice workout on the Elliptical Machine. He watched the lecture given by a former POW who served in the USA military during Vietnam. He has taken that experience to enhance not only himself but to work with others as a coach. He took what was a grueling experience and used it to have a positive impact. There are a lot of good lessons from his experience. This will be his first time in Vietnam since he was released.
Afterwards, he went to the Lido Cafe for some coffee and then when he got ready to return to the room he also got Anne Marie some coffee.
We walked for about 30 minutes outside on the Promenade Deck and we enjoyed the views as we walked. Two security guards were on each side of the deck watching very closely for any small vessels. Anne Marie saw this yesterday as well. The skies were overcast and there was a little fog which actually adds to the aura of this area. A couple of photos from 6:30 AM local time.k
We had Rao bring breakfast earlier than normal so we could get ready for our private tour.
We arrived to Hongai/Halong Bay on time and we took the tender over to the tender pier with dear friends Bob and Glo. Keith had arranged a private tour for the four of us. We had taken a Junk Boat two years ago and decided to return again, but this time on a private tour. Unlike in 2012 when we wore clothes to keep us warm such as our North Face Jackets, Fleece, and Hat, this time the weather was much The weather was quite a bit warmer than our visit in 2012. It was foggy but we still enjoyed the scenery.
The tour was great. It was just the four of us in a Junk Boat which could have held 30 or more people. We had the tour guide, a captain, and two other assistants. The tour took us to several areas of Halong Bay, and included a stop at a cave which was amazing and even an amazing lunch. Halong Bay is a Unesco Site and most recently was selected as one of the Seven New Wonders of the world.
Keith with Bob. Keith does not do rap. He had his hat on backwards as he was taking photos.
We then arrived to the Junk Boat and we didn't get a photo of the exterior of the boat but have a photo of a similar Boat that you will see shortly. The interior could easily hold 30 people plus people on top. We first sat on top.
After cruising for a while and seeing lots of areas around Halong Bay we were taken to one of the caves. Very few people get the opportunity to see a cave. We were taken from the Junk Boat and then we boarded the smaller boat and were taken over to the Cave. The Cave was first discovered in 1998 and is amazing. The photos do not do it justice. We spent close over 45 minutes touring the cave. We had to walk up a lot (and we mean a lot of steps) and you needed to walk very carefully.
Two of the men who navigated each boat we went on.
One of the Fish Markets we visited.
The men had Tiger Beer and the Ladies had a Local Beer.
After we returned from the tour we walked about ten minutes over to a market where there were lots of goods were being sold. We spent about thirty minutes there and then we walked back to the tender pier to take the tender back to the ship
Later in the afternoon, Keith met up with Bob and Anne Marie read and wrote.
It was an absolutely wonderful day.
This evening we will be dining at Prego
Keith woke early in the morning and enjoyed a nice workout on the Elliptical Machine. He watched the lecture given by a former POW who served in the USA military during Vietnam. He has taken that experience to enhance not only himself but to work with others as a coach. He took what was a grueling experience and used it to have a positive impact. There are a lot of good lessons from his experience. This will be his first time in Vietnam since he was released.
Afterwards, he went to the Lido Cafe for some coffee and then when he got ready to return to the room he also got Anne Marie some coffee.
We walked for about 30 minutes outside on the Promenade Deck and we enjoyed the views as we walked. Two security guards were on each side of the deck watching very closely for any small vessels. Anne Marie saw this yesterday as well. The skies were overcast and there was a little fog which actually adds to the aura of this area. A couple of photos from 6:30 AM local time.k
We had Rao bring breakfast earlier than normal so we could get ready for our private tour.
We arrived to Hongai/Halong Bay on time and we took the tender over to the tender pier with dear friends Bob and Glo. Keith had arranged a private tour for the four of us. We had taken a Junk Boat two years ago and decided to return again, but this time on a private tour. Unlike in 2012 when we wore clothes to keep us warm such as our North Face Jackets, Fleece, and Hat, this time the weather was much The weather was quite a bit warmer than our visit in 2012. It was foggy but we still enjoyed the scenery.
The tour was great. It was just the four of us in a Junk Boat which could have held 30 or more people. We had the tour guide, a captain, and two other assistants. The tour took us to several areas of Halong Bay, and included a stop at a cave which was amazing and even an amazing lunch. Halong Bay is a Unesco Site and most recently was selected as one of the Seven New Wonders of the world.
We were able to see
various grottoes, caves, huge rock arches, limestone outcroppings and secluded
coves. It is a magical area to cruise
with all of the spectacular scenery and offers those who visit this site a very
unique and pleasurable experience.
Many of the formations are limestone and schlist and most
have been names. Names include Pelican,
Man’s Head and Pair of Roosters.
Halong Bay is not only a Unesco Site but also was recently selected as one of the New Wonders Of The World.
Halong Bay is not only a Unesco Site but also was recently selected as one of the New Wonders Of The World.
We first took the tender from the Serenity over to the tender pier. From the pier we met up with our tour guide and driver and were driven about 10 minutes to where we picked up the first of two boats. We were taken on the boat that you see in this photo and then we put life vests on. From there we were taken over to the Junk Boat that awaited us.
Our tour guide had a good sense of humor. When we first got in the van which could hold ten people he said we were going to make a stop to pick up other people. When there was silence, he said just kidding.
Before we arrived to the small boat he showed us an even smaller boat that if we were lucky could hold four people and said that was for us. Then he said just kidding.
When we got in this smaller boat he said this was the Junk Boat and this time we said "not". We laughed and he did too.
Anne Marie with Glo
Keith with Bob. Keith does not do rap. He had his hat on backwards as he was taking photos.
We then arrived to the Junk Boat and we didn't get a photo of the exterior of the boat but have a photo of a similar Boat that you will see shortly. The interior could easily hold 30 people plus people on top. We first sat on top.
After cruising for a while and seeing lots of areas around Halong Bay we were taken to one of the caves. Very few people get the opportunity to see a cave. We were taken from the Junk Boat and then we boarded the smaller boat and were taken over to the Cave. The Cave was first discovered in 1998 and is amazing. The photos do not do it justice. We spent close over 45 minutes touring the cave. We had to walk up a lot (and we mean a lot of steps) and you needed to walk very carefully.
Two of the men who navigated each boat we went on.
One of the Fish Markets we visited.
The men had Tiger Beer and the Ladies had a Local Beer.
After we returned from the tour we walked about ten minutes over to a market where there were lots of goods were being sold. We spent about thirty minutes there and then we walked back to the tender pier to take the tender back to the ship
Later in the afternoon, Keith met up with Bob and Anne Marie read and wrote.
It was an absolutely wonderful day.
This evening we will be dining at Prego
"Good Morning Vietnam". - Robin Williams
Keith & Anne Marie
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