DAY 110 - DAY ONE HUNDRED THREE ON THE CRYSTAL SERENITY

This is a photo taken of us with Executive Vice President, Thomas Mazloum after we had lunch which him yesterday.  We really appreciate that Thomas took the time to meet with us.

Last evening was Black Tie Optional and a terrific night for entertainment on the ship.

Before dinner, we went to the Crystal Plaza.  We had some photos taken and then we spoke with some of our fellow guests.

We then dined at the Crystal Dining Room with Ken and Lynn Rees.  Ken is the destination lecturer on board the World Cruise and we have known Ken and Lynn for many years.  It was great to have dinner with the two of them.

We enjoyed a wonderful meal with great conversation, cuisine, service and the beautiful ambience of the dining room. 

After dinner we went to the Captain’s Farewell Reception, which was the last reception of this extraordinary World Cruise.  As we went through the reception line we congratulated Captain Birger, Hotel Director Josef, Cruise Director Rick and Crystal Society Hostess for all that they did to make this a fantastic experience for us. 

The highlight for the evening was the Serenity Pops concert, which has become a tradition of the World Cruise.  The planning for this event starts early on during the World Cruise and continues throughout the cruise.  Several performers were in the show including the entire Galaxy Orchestra, the String Quartet and their replacements who will take their spot shortly after the World Cruise ends so that they can go on vacation, along with several other performers including the Singers and Dancers, Beverly and Curtis, Assistant Cruise Director and Pianist Scott Mitchel, Avenue Saloon Pianist Collin Salter and some of the entertainers who were on for this segment of the World Cruise or who were also brought on board for this concert.  In addition, some performers from the London Symphony Orchestra were also brought on board for this concert.  We had great seats in the front row and it was a wow performance. 

We slept very well last evening as we are sailing to Southampton, the final destination of the World Cruise.  Many guests have been packing, as they will be disembarking tomorrow. We do not have to pack as we are staying for two additional voyages but our time will come.

Keith was up early and he read, wrote and worked out and made his morning stop at the Lido Café.  After he brought coffee back to the room for Anne Marie, we took a nice walk until it was time for breakfast.  On our walk we saw that the Crystal Cove was set up for this evening's festivities.  Over 5,000 balloons are were put up.

A map was hung that depicted the route that we took during the 2014 World Cruise.

We watched the final Daily Morning Show of the 2014 World Cruise while we had our breakfast.  The show included a talk with Captain Birger and a talk with John Holly who was the Special Event Coordinator.  They also showed highlights from the previous shows.  The were beginning to ask a Trivia Question when Keith called in and said he had no clue what the question would be nor the answer but he wanted to call to let Rick and Stacey know how much we both have enjoyed the show and how well they have hosted the show.  He also said that as he mentioned in the Q&A this has been the best World Cruise for us and that all areas have been outstanding from cuisine to service to the entertainment and that the crew is the best.  

Afterwards, Keith took his final Spin Class with Michael.  Michael is going on Holiday and will not return as he has plans on land.  Michael has been terrific and Keith has enjoyed all of the classes he has taught.  We had three people in Spin including Rosalinda who is on the bike closest to the window who has been on the Full 2014 World Cruise.

While today was the final day of the World Cruise there was the usual array of enrichment programs offered during the day, including three lectures.  During the course of the day we ran into many friends and acquaintances and spent time with many of them. 

One of the three shops that had closed for the change to new ownership opened at 10:00 AM and the other one opened two hours later.    They had all new merchandise.  One shop features Crystal Cruises logo items as in the past but we thought the selection was much better. We were amazed at how much of the clothing sold.  They had a nice section of formal gowns by the same designer that Anne Marie often buys.

Anne Marie also went to the Knitting Get Together to see those who will be leaving tomorrow.

There was no Team Trivia today to allow for packing.  We had our lunch in the Lido Café and had salad entrees as we do most days.

Late this afternoon was the showing of the 2014 World Cruise Video, which features highlights of the World Cruise including each port of call, and the various special events held on and off the ship, and also includes something on each on board entertainer and lecturer.  When we arrived back to our room there was a copy of the DVD on our bed for us to take home.  At the conclusion of the showing many of the crew entered the Galaxy Theatre and we stood up to cheer for them.  They are simply the best.

This evening we will dine alone at Prego and we will also attend the 2014 World Cruise Countdown and Balloon Drop.

TODAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY….

“This has been an incredible World Cruise which has exceeded our expectations.” – Keith & Anne Marie

Keith & Anne Marie