2018 Crystal World Cruise as seen by a 4-Star Mariner

[rafinmd]

Krazy Kruizers, I hope you're back up and running fully soon.

 

Trivia for March 25:

 

 

For this trivia I’ll post all questions I missed:

 

4. What is the lowest possible dart score which requires 2 darts?

5. Who did Canadian Arthur Ray Brown take down?

12. Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman starred in a 1973 movie taking place on a prison island. Name the Island and the movie.

13. What movie had the quote “I like to drink wine more than I used to. It's good for you, pop”?

14. What is the world’s largest fish?

 

The cookie of the day was an Almond Chocolate Bar. I tried a bite and then took another oatmeal raisin.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/cookie21.jpg

Trivia answers:

4. The lowest score requiring 2 darts is 23.

5. Arthur Ray Brown took down the Red Baron.

12. The move is Papillon, set on Devil’s Island.

13.The Quote comes from The Godfather.

14. The largest fish is the Whale Shock.

 

Roy

[rafinmd]

I had goofed on my cookie for March 24 and forgot to load the photo. Here's the Merangue cookie:

 

...

 

Roy

[Krazy Kruizers]

New Computer is with the Geek Squad. Hope to get it back by the weekend.

Love the looks of both cookies.

We have certificates indicating that we were on Devil's Island. So that was an easy question.

[sppunk]

Roy, I’ve always followed your great blogs. They’re always fantastic! But this current trip seems different when it comes to dining, I can’t put my finger on it though. I almost get the sense the new restaurant setup isn’t great for you and you are opting to eat in the lido equivalent more often.

 

Am I reading into this wrongly? Crystal prides itself on its dining experience so just curious. :)

[rafinmd]

I had a tour of the Symphony’s bridge on my first Crystal Cruise in 1996 and had not been back since. There will be bridge tours on the sea days between Pitcairn and Easter Island, but for those on the full world cruise there were “Waffles on the Bridge” at 9AM. I was a bit surprised at how relatively small the Symphony’s bridge is compared to a number of other ships I’ve been on. Everything needed is there and I took a bit of extra interest in the doors to the wings which are my favorite sailaway spot. The doors are relatively narrow.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/lookout.jpg

 

We were cautioned by Captain Larsen not to put our drinks down on the panels due to the sensitive electronics there. The waffles themselves were delightful.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/waffles.jpg

 

Today’s trivia:

 

5. In the 1984 Olympics who equaled Jesse Owens record of 4 Gold Medals?

7. Which liquid will NOT help clear a drain (I) Boiling water, (2) Stout, (3) water from cooking potatoes, or (4) Coke?

8. What nickname was given to Franz Schubert due to his small stature?

9. What does the term “Aperitif” mean?

12. What sport can have 2 different sized goals?

 

The cookie of the day was a campfire brownie. I did not even sample it,

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/cookie22.jpg

 

Trivia Answers:

 

5. Carl Lewis won 4 Golds in the 1984 Olympics (missed it)

7. Stout will not clear a drain (guessed right)

8. Schubert was called the “little mushroom” (missed it)

9. Aperitif is literally “to open” (missed it)

12. Water polo can (the goal at the deep end is smaller than at the shallow end–missed it)

 

I named the tune for question 15 “The House of the Rising Sun” but missed the artist (The Animals, NOT Credence Clearwater Revival) The winners had 11 right.

 

Roy

[ski ww]

Love the bridge tours if they give them. Ever get a chance to see the engine room areas?

Allan

[Krazy Kruizers]

It has been a long time since we have been a bridge tour on HAL.

Love the food they serve you while you tour the bridge.

[rafinmd]

Love the bridge tours if they give them. Ever get a chance to see the engine room areas?

Allan

I've seen an actual engine room only on a freghter and an expedition ship. I've been in an engine CONTROL room several times including once on the Amsterdam courtesy Copper10-8.

It has been a long time since we have been a bridge tour on HAL.

Love the food they serve you while you tour the bridge.

 

I have mixed feelings about that I'm not really a fan of having different things for different people, the Crystal Culture is usually that everybody is royalty. They are at least on this cruise offering bridge tours (no food) to everybody on this segment.

 

Roy

[erewhon]

The Campfire cookies do not look appetizing.

 

No food was served on the bridge tour of Noordam.

[rafinmd]

Roy, I’ve always followed your great blogs. They’re always fantastic! But this current trip seems different when it comes to dining, I can’t put my finger on it though. I almost get the sense the new restaurant setup isn’t great for you and you are opting to eat in the lido equivalent more often.

 

Am I reading into this wrongly? Crystal prides itself on its dining experience so just curious. :)

 

You've touched a nerve there and it created quite a disturbance on the Crystal forum but there are several factors at work. I've never really been a fan of open dining but it's worked about as well on Crystal as anywhere else except for this segment. The primary thing that is changed for the moment is that we have fewer passengers on board and it feels like all the adjustments are falling on my shoulders.

 

6PM was pretty close to my choice of the right dining room. HAL is a bit early for me but not enough to be a bother. 6:30 in itself is not a big deal but that's on top of the change to open dining where it sometimes can take up to a half hour to fill up the table and get orders taken. The dining is enough in itself but that's also combined with just one running of the show, now 9:15 or later. Add that to losing something like 7 hours in 19 days and that means little time after the show before my bedtime or even getting out after I want the day to end.

This is still somewhat better for me than the open dining I've seen on Seabourn and much better than Silversea but that doesn't mean I like it. That part of my quality assurance survey for this segment will definitely be "Far below expectations".

There's one other factor here. We should be returning to a more normal schedule after Valparaiso so when that happens I'll dine almost exclusively in the dining room and am concentrating my time with other arrangements, including the Brazilian Steak house, in this segment.

 

Roy

[sppunk]

You've touched a nerve there and it created quite a disturbance on the Crystal forum but there are several factors at work. I've never really been a fan of open dining but it's worked about as well on Crystal as anywhere else except for this segment. The primary thing that is changed for the moment is that we have fewer passengers on board and it feels like all the adjustments are falling on my shoulders.

 

6PM was pretty close to my choice of the right dining room. HAL is a bit early for me but not enough to be a bother. 6:30 in itself is not a big deal but that's on top of the change to open dining where it sometimes can take up to a half hour to fill up the table and get orders taken. The dining is enough in itself but that's also combined with just one running of the show, now 9:15 or later. Add that to losing something like 7 hours in 19 days and that means little time after the show before my bedtime or even getting out after I want the day to end.

This is still somewhat better for me than the open dining I've seen on Seabourn and much better than Silversea but that doesn't mean I like it. That part of my quality assurance survey for this segment will definitely be "Far below expectations".

There's one other factor here. We should be returning to a more normal schedule after Valparaiso so when that happens I'll dine almost exclusively in the dining room and am concentrating my time with other arrangements, including the Brazilian Steak house, in this segment.

 

Roy

Thanks for taking the time for such a detailed answer. That frustration makes complete sense to me, especially given the price you are paying and the service standard Crystal vows.

 

Here is hoping the next segment does indeed settle Ken and make your dinner much more pleasant!

[rafinmd]

Day Symphony40, Tuesday, March 27, 2018, Pitcairn Island

 

The Crystal Serenity is in Singapore, 7382 miles away. The sun rose at 6:47AM and set at 6:44PM. The moon set at 2:57AM and rose again at 4:26PM. The weather was mostly sunny and 27/79.

 

This was a day that was something of a cross between a port call and a sea day. It was still quite windy when I went out on deck but gradually calmed down and I did walk the full 5 miles. The sun actually appeared about 7AM and just before that I could see Pitcairn’s outline ahead of us.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/alhoypitcairn.jpg

 

We approached Pitcairn about 9:15, getting a look at the main boat landing, with a road leading up the Hill of Difficulty to Adamstown. Pitcairn has a current population just under 50, mostly descendants of the mutineers on the Bounty and Polynesians that were with them. It’s one of the most isolated places in the world; the only physical connection is the Claymoor II which has a bit of an odd schedule. It makes quarterly trips to Tauranga in New Zealand and in the course of each quarterly shuttle it makes 3 weekly round trips from Pitcairn to Mangareva in French Polynesia. It is possible but difficult for tourists to stay on the island. A visit requires flying from Papeete to Mangareva (one flight per week) and then a 32-hour ride on the Claymoor II. They can then stay for 4 or 11 days, leaving on the Claymoor’s next or following return.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/mainramp.jpg

 

The Island’s long boat came out to meet us about 9:45.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/boatarrives.jpg

 

Unfortunately, the sea was quite choppy and they quickly waved off the rendezvous. A quick decision was made that we would try a different area about a half mile away and conditions were better there so boarding commenced; not just the people and their wares but also a number of boxes of produce, especially bananas.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/boarding.jpg

 

Once the party was on board there was a 10:30 presentation by the island’s tourism manager, Melba Evans. The community is holding it’s own with 3 youth currently in the school. Education is offered on the island through age 15, students must go to New Zealand for their final years of schooling. There is a clinic with a doctor and a nurse but currently no dentist. Unfortunately, the island is beyond the range of helicopters so an urgent medical cases must wait until the Claymoor’s next visit.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/evans.jpg

 

While she was talking the rest of the residents were setting up stands on the pool deck offering carvings and other locally produced items. I ended up buying some post cards and a t-shirt.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/wares.jpg

 

There was trivia:

 

4. Who was Elvis’ Manager?

7: From what Caribbean country did the Daiquiri come?

8. Spats Colombo is the bad guy in which Black and White film?

11. What is the only country Gulliver visited that still exists?\

14. The crown of which New York landmark was originally built as an airship dock?

 

The cookie of the day was Cinnamon and cardamom spice. It was pretty good.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/cookie23.jpg

 

Before leaving the visitors came to the Crystal Plaza and serenaded us with 2 farewell songs.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/farewell1.jpg

The seas had come up during the day and reloading the long boat was a bit tricky but it was accomplished. Quite a few supplies from the ship (I believe some toilet paper rand many cases of soda among other things) were loaded as well as the unsold inventory.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/departure.jpg

 

 

The longboat left about 3:20 and Louis sang at 3:35. As we left Captain Larsen pointed out a secondary dock that is now available; it appears to be kind of a mix and match as we anchored in the secondary bay but the longboat used the primary slip.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/landing2.jpg

 

We circled the island in a counter clockwise direction and got several good views of sides of the island.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/pitcairnsouth.jpg

 

We turned and headed towards Easter Island as we completed the circle for a final look at Adamstown.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/lastlook.jpg

 

Captain Larsen guided our eyes to the cave where Fletcher Christian had taken refuge when he expected authorities would come looking for him.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/fletcher.jpg

 

Dinner was in Prego with World Cruise Hostess Sarah Hayes, Crystal Society Hostess Jacqui Brown and 2 other guests, I believe in recognition of my 40th cruise credit. I went for the salad, rack of lamb, and vanilla gelato, all delicious.

 

The featured entertainment was Imagine with the Ensemble dressed in the LED covered suits. I skipped it as we lost an hour for the first of 3 consecutive nights on our way to Easter Island.

 

Answers:

4. Colonel Tom Parker (got it)

7. Daiquiris came from Cuba.(no clue)

8. Some Like it Hot (no clue)

11. Gulliver visited Japan (missed it)

14. The Empire State Building (got it)

 

I got both the musical number (Downtown) and artist (Petula Clark). The winners had 10 correct.

 

Today’s parting shot has sort of both a Crystal and Holland America connection. The Cruise Director on Crystal Serenity’s portion of the World Cruise is Rick Spath. I have a long broken but long history with Rick; the first time I sailed with him was in Alaska on the SS Rotterdam in 1997. Our Captain at that time was Pieter Bos. I’ve had the good fortune to sail with Captain Bos one more time, in 2013. I will sail with him no more. On March 28 he will guide the Noordam into Sydney one last time and head off to a well earned retirement. May it be a great one, Captain Bos.

 

Roy

[bennybear]

Wow! Pitcairn Island was so Cool! Thanks for sharing the details!

Now I want a cardamom cookie! At Christmas I make Swedish star cookies that are lemon and cardamom and other spices.

 

I look forward to Easter island, what great timing.

[Krazy Kruizers]

You've touched a nerve there and it created quite a disturbance on the Crystal forum but there are several factors at work. I've never really been a fan of open dining but it's worked about as well on Crystal as anywhere else except for this segment. The primary thing that is changed for the moment is that we have fewer passengers on board and it feels like all the adjustments are falling on my shoulders.

 

6PM was pretty close to my choice of the right dining room. HAL is a bit early for me but not enough to be a bother. 6:30 in itself is not a big deal but that's on top of the change to open dining where it sometimes can take up to a half hour to fill up the table and get orders taken. The dining is enough in itself but that's also combined with just one running of the show, now 9:15 or later. Add that to losing something like 7 hours in 19 days and that means little time after the show before my bedtime or even getting out after I want the day to end.

This is still somewhat better for me than the open dining I've seen on Seabourn and much better than Silversea but that doesn't mean I like it. That part of my quality assurance survey for this segment will definitely be "Far below expectations".

There's one other factor here. We should be returning to a more normal schedule after Valparaiso so when that happens I'll dine almost exclusively in the dining room and am concentrating my time with other arrangements, including the Brazilian Steak house, in this segment.

 

Roy

 

 

Thank you for explaining about the dining times on this part of your cruise. Very interesting.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Great report. Great pictures.

 

The seas do look rough -- waves breaking high.

[ski ww]

Loved the pictures. Pitcairn & Easter Island are a couple of the places still on our bucket list. Oh well some day.

Allan

[rafinmd]

Loved the pictures. Pitcairn & Easter Island are a couple of the places still on our bucket list. Oh well some day.

Allan

Any chance you can swing the Maasdam in September. Looks like a great cruise. I feel lucky that I have those now and also Robinson Crusoe Island both this voyage and again on the Prinsendam next year.

 

Trivia for March 28:

 

Trivia must have moved very quickly because the answers had started by the time I got down to the Starlite Club. Some of the Questions:

 

4. What was called the food of the Gods?

8. What is a rhino horn composed of?

9. What 1959 Oscar winning film was rated X?

10. What gas smells like rotten eggs?

11. Which two of the Beegees were twins?

 

The cookie of the day was “Coconut and lime”. I really enjoyed that one.

 

 

Trivia answers:

4. Ambrosia was called the food of the Gods (missed it)

8. A rhino horn is made of hair or carotin (missed it)

9. Midnight Cowboy won an Oscar but was rated X (missed it)

10. Hydrogen Sulfide smells like rotten eggs (got ti)

11. Beegee twins were Robin and Maurice (missed it)

 

I knew the mystery song was “Unchained Melody” but did not know there was an “Unchained” film. 3 teams tied for the win with 13 out of 17 points.

 

Roy

[Krazy Kruizers]

Another cookie winner.

Thanks for the trivia questions.

[rafinmd]

Thank you Krazy Kruizers. I can't believe how late I am posting here:

 

Trivia for March 39:

 

1. What Olympic host city’s name means “Northern Capitol”?

4. What is the second hardest natural substance (after diamonds)

7. Which river has the largest delta?

10. Operation Barbarossa was the code name for the invasion of which country?

11: How Many men have walked on the moon?

 

 

The cookie of the day was Chocolate and cashew nut, not a favorite of mine.

 

 

Answers:

 

1. Beijing means “Northern Capitol”

4. Sapphire is second hardest.

7. Largest delta is Ganges River

10, Barbarossa was Germany’s WW2 invasion of Russia.

11. Twelve men have walked on the moon.

 

The winner today only had 11.

 

Roy

[Krazy Kruizers]

Don't worry about how late you are posting here. Enjoy your cruise and get rest.

Love that cookie and the trivia questions.

[rafinmd]

Thank you Krazy Kruizers.

 

Day Symphony43, Friday, March 30, 2018, Arrive Easter Island

 

The Crystal Serenity is in Kuala Lumpur, 8520 miles away. The sun rose at 8:25 and set at 8:19. The moon set at 7:31AM and rose at 8:10PM. The weather was 78/26 and mostly sunny.

 

With all the hours we had lost it was extremely dark for most of my 3-mile (11 lap) morning walk but the moon was out quite prominently.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/moon0330.jpg

 

We were due to arrive at Easter Island at noon but were several hours early due to a medical emergency. By 7:45 the very first light was highlighting the outline of Easter Island just ahead of us. We dropped anchor about 8 near the National Geographic Orion.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/easterdawn.jpg

 

The day’s program had been built around our noon arrival and began with dual 9AM Good Friday services, Catholic Mass in the Bridge Lounge and a Protestant service in the Hollywood Theater. Ed Sobey had a talk at 10 on Sea Oddities. The Cookie of the Day was French Lavender and White Chocolate. It was quite good.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/cookie26.jpg

 

We were cleared probably 10:30 and I went ashore after Dr. Sobey’s lecture, largely in the hope of finding wifi. I didn’t have to go far to find a Moai, there was one right at the tender landing.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/moaiatdock.jpg

 

 

The infrastructure of the town is not great but I think I did find a place to try after Saturday’s tour. The town center was a little over a half mile walk from the tender landing. I was back on the ship for lunch about 1.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/hangaroa.jpg

 

My “tour” was actually a shoreside event for those on the full World Cruise. We tendered ashore about 2:15 and had one short photo stop before our destination.

 

It was about a 10 minute drive to Tahai, a collection of about 6 Moais(more on Saturday’s post)

 

Our destination was Toko Rapa Nui. The center was developed with several goals, demonstrating care for the environment, preserving culture, and promoting musical education for children.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/tokirapanui.jpg

 

There are many environmental initiatives, solar panels, wastewater processing, and especially recycling garbage including using discarded cardboard as insulation, old tires for retaining walls, and discarded bottles for walls that allow sunlight to enter.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/bottles.jpg

 

As we were gathering several musicians dressed as warriors were performing and eventually we were sent out to a waiting pavilion.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/openers.jpg

 

We were welcomed by the center’s director, Mahani Teave Williams, also one of Chile’s most gifted pianists. She briefly explained the program of the center.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/williams.jpg

 

The entertainment started with a few songs by the children’s chorus.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/chorus.jpg

 

It continued with several selections by the youth orchestra, including especially some very young and gifted pianists as well as brass and string standouts.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/orchestra.jpg

 

We then had a recital of several pieces by Williams herself.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/recital.jpg

 

The finale was a performance by a group of war dancers. We left the complex about 5:45. As we drove through town we could see the Orion setting off on her adventure.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/wardance.jpg

 

I was back on board about 6:30. While we were at the event, people back at the ship had the opportunity to hear Panos Karan performing the first half of Chopin’s Etudes. He will do the second half at a later date and I hope to be around for that.

 

Dinner was at Churrascaria. There have been questions about the venues and I hope some photos will help, although the settings are a bit large to be captured in a photo.

 

There are 3 buffet areas, starting with the salads.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/salads.jpg

 

There are 2 vanities of bread, some sticks and some cheese rolls. I prefer the sticks.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/breads.jpg

 

The second of the buffet areas is the sides with several varieties of vegetarian dishes and potatoes. I skip that section and get the delivery option which is fried potato slices.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/sides.jpg

 

The final buffet section is the deserts. I skip that section as well and go for the spiced baked pineapple which is delicious.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/deserts.jpg

 

I left Churrascaria about 7:45, about a half hour before sunset. The sun did not quite reach the horizon, falling below low lying clouds. The featured entertainment was the encore performance of Karen Grainger. Unfortunately, I fell asleep at my desk and completely missed the show. There was also a star gazing session held by golf pro Joe Herbert and I slept through that as well.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/dusk0330.jpg

 

As a parting shot, Toko Rapa Nui has a local counterpart that I’m more familiar with. Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids program has been active for a number of years. I expect that few if any of the kids in either program will go on to careers in classical music. A failure? Hardly! The focus and discipline they will develop through their commitment to these programs will stay with them and become a lifelong source of strength.

 

Roy

[Skipper's Mom]

Thank you Krazy Kruizers.

 

Day Symphony43, Friday, March 30, 2018, Arrive Easter Island

 

The Crystal Serenity is in Kuala Lumpur, 8520 miles away. The sun rose at 8:25 and set at 8:19. The moon set at 7:31AM and rose at 8:10PM. The weather was 78/26 and mostly sunny.

 

With all the hours we had lost it was extremely dark for most of my 3-mile (11 lap) morning walk but the moon was out quite prominently.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/moon0330.jpg

 

We were due to arrive at Easter Island at noon but were several hours early due to a medical emergency. By 7:45 the very first light was highlighting the outline of Easter Island just ahead of us. We dropped anchor about 8 near the National Geographic Orion.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/easterdawn.jpg

 

The day’s program had been built around our noon arrival and began with dual 9AM Good Friday services, Catholic Mass in the Bridge Lounge and a Protestant service in the Hollywood Theater. Ed Sobey had a talk at 10 on Sea Oddities. The Cookie of the Day was French Lavender and White Chocolate. It was quite good.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/cookie26.jpg

 

We were cleared probably 10:30 and I went ashore after Dr. Sobey’s lecture, largely in the hope of finding wifi. I didn’t have to go far to find a Moai, there was one right at the tender landing.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/moaiatdock.jpg

 

 

The infrastructure of the town is not great but I think I did find a place to try after Saturday’s tour. The town center was a little over a half mile walk from the tender landing. I was back on the ship for lunch about 1.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/hangaroa.jpg

 

My “tour” was actually a shoreside event for those on the full World Cruise. We tendered ashore about 2:15 and had one short photo stop before our destination.

 

It was about a 10 minute drive to Tahai, a collection of about 6 Moais(more on Saturday’s post)

 

Our destination was Toko Rapa Nui. The center was developed with several goals, demonstrating care for the environment, preserving culture, and promoting musical education for children.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/tokirapanui.jpg

 

There are many environmental initiatives, solar panels, wastewater processing, and especially recycling garbage including using discarded cardboard as insulation, old tires for retaining walls, and discarded bottles for walls that allow sunlight to enter.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/bottles.jpg

 

As we were gathering several musicians dressed as warriors were performing and eventually we were sent out to a waiting pavilion.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/openers.jpg

 

We were welcomed by the center’s director, Mahani Teave Williams, also one of Chile’s most gifted pianists. She briefly explained the program of the center.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/williams.jpg

 

The entertainment started with a few songs by the children’s chorus.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/chorus.jpg

 

It continued with several selections by the youth orchestra, including especially some very young and gifted pianists as well as brass and string standouts.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/orchestra.jpg

 

We then had a recital of several pieces by Williams herself.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/recital.jpg

 

The finale was a performance by a group of war dancers. We left the complex about 5:45. As we drove through town we could see the Orion setting off on her adventure.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/wardance.jpg

 

I was back on board about 6:30. While we were at the event, people back at the ship had the opportunity to hear Panos Karan performing the first half of Chopin’s Etudes. He will do the second half at a later date and I hope to be around for that.

 

Dinner was at Churrascaria. There have been questions about the venues and I hope some photos will help, although the settings are a bit large to be captured in a photo.

 

There are 3 buffet areas, starting with the salads.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/salads.jpg

 

There are 2 vanities of bread, some sticks and some cheese rolls. I prefer the sticks.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/breads.jpg

 

The second of the buffet areas is the sides with several varieties of vegetarian dishes and potatoes. I skip that section and get the delivery option which is fried potato slices.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/sides.jpg

 

The final buffet section is the deserts. I skip that section as well and go for the spiced baked pineapple which is delicious.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/deserts.jpg

 

I left Churrascaria about 7:45, about a half hour before sunset. The sun did not quite reach the horizon, falling below low lying clouds. The featured entertainment was the encore performance of Karen Grainger. Unfortunately, I fell asleep at my desk and completely missed the show. There was also a star gazing session held by golf pro Joe Herbert and I slept through that as well.

 

http://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/dusk0330.jpg

 

As a parting shot, Toko Rapa Nui has a local counterpart that I’m more familiar with. Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids program has been active for a number of years. I expect that few if any of the kids in either program will go on to careers in classical music. A failure? Hardly! The focus and discipline they will develop through their commitment to these programs will stay with them and become a lifelong source of strength.

 

Roy

I have been known to fall asleep at my desk, lol!

 

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[Skipper's Mom]

I have been known to fall asleep at my desk' date=' lol!

 

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My husband confirms this fact, LOL!

 

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[Krazy Kruizers]

I'll pass on this cookie -- do not like white chocolate -- not healthy for you.

You had a full day between touring on your own and then the WC tour which looked really great.

[erewhon]

Thank you for your interesting reports and photos.

 

Made some chocolate chip cookies with chopped tiny Easter Eggs on top.