Live From Miami & Then Crystal Serenity - A New Crystal Adventure Begins

[ctjon]

Keith - thanks for keeping me hungry.

 

Do you know if they have Gluten Free menus or just items if you need/request gluten free.

 

Thanks

[RTP2914]

8 hours ago, Keith1010 said:

We made yesterday a sea day.  We didn't want to walk into town and then return to say it didn't feel safe. Better for us to enjoy the ship. Seriously better to take an excursion over just walking around the port area.

Good Day!  First, thanks so much for taking the time and effort to share with us your experiences and opinions of the NC.  We're scheduled to be on the holiday B2B cruise next year and can't wait.

 

The above quote caught my eye.  Was this statement in reference to a stop in St. Johns, Antiqua?  If so, much has changed since the 2xs we strolled around the port, up the hill to St John's Cathedral and other areas. I apologize if I'm confusing your reference.  Thank you again, -Rob-

[Keith1010]

4 hours ago, ctjon said:

Keith - thanks for keeping me hungry.

 

Do you know if they have Gluten Free menus or just items if you need/request gluten free.

 

Thanks

You are very welcome. 😄🤣

 

On the first two cruises I saw the gluten free menus so think they still have them.

 

Keith

[Keith1010]

1 hour ago, RTP2914 said:

Good Day!  First, thanks so much for taking the time and effort to share with us your experiences and opinions of the NC.  We're scheduled to be on the holiday B2B cruise next year and can't wait.

 

The above quote caught my eye.  Was this statement in reference to a stop in St. Johns, Antiqua?  If so, much has changed since the 2xs we strolled around the port, up the hill to St John's Cathedral and other areas. I apologize if I'm confusing your reference.  Thank you again, -Rob-

Rob, this is based on what people told me but I am not sure how far they got way from port. Just like in the USA there are some ports where you need to travel further to see some very nice sites.

 

Keith

[Keith1010]

Yesterday I heard from a friend about the passing away of a World Cruiser. We haven't sailed with them since 2015 but I keep up with them and they keep up with things through my posts and travel log. Another couple we know can't make the 2024 WC  due to unexpected surgery. And another person I know just learned he can't go on the World Cruise either. He was going solo having lost his wife who we have sailed with so many times starting with WC 2007.

 

All of this reaffirms my view to not sweat the little things, to travel while you can, and to stay positive.  This is why we are positive and have traveled while we could having lost a sister-in-law way way way too young.

 

Keith

[Cruise-y]

20 hours ago, Keith1010 said:

We made yesterday a sea day.  We didn't want to walk into town and then return to say it didn't feel safe. Better for us to enjoy the ship. Seriously better to take an excursion over just walking around the port area.

 

We made Serenity our destination yesterday.  

 

 

 

 

Certainly, everyone should enjoy the ship as they wish and stay onboard if they wish. That is an individual choice and I totally respect that opinion. I know many choose to never get off of a Crystal cruise.

 

And yes, I totally agree that a Crystal excursion is better (and probably safer) than walking around in a port. But the locals need tourist dollars too.

 

 I've spent many weeks living in the Caribe, and I don't want people to feel that it isn't safe. These ports have the most wonderful and interesting people, and fabulous local cuisines. I've had some of my most memorable experiences and delicious meals in St. Martin, Jamaica, and the like.  Like any city in the U.S. (New York, Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, Chicago, etc.), one should always be cautious with their belongings and aware of their surroundings. But please feel free to enjoy these fascinating cultures too. I can't wait to get off in these spots. We often rent a car and drive around.

 

Thanks for your posts, Keith. No disrespect intended of course. Just my personal bias. 

 

 

[Keith1010]

3 hours ago, Cruise-y said:

Certainly, everyone should enjoy the ship as they wish and stay onboard if they wish. That is an individual choice and I totally respect that opinion. I know many choose to never get off of a Crystal cruise.

 

And yes, I totally agree that a Crystal excursion is better (and probably safer) than walking around in a port. But the locals need tourist dollars too.

 

 I've spent many weeks living in the Caribe, and I don't want people to feel that it isn't safe. These ports have the most wonderful and interesting people, and fabulous local cuisines. I've had some of my most memorable experiences and delicious meals in St. Martin, Jamaica, and the like.  Like any city in the U.S. (New York, Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, Chicago, etc.), one should always be cautious with their belongings and aware of their surroundings. But please feel free to enjoy these fascinating cultures too. I can't wait to get off in these spots. We often rent a car and drive around.

 

Thanks for your posts, Keith. No disrespect intended of course. Just my personal bias. 

 

 

I don't see what the disconnect is.

 

We always have to remember as a tourist we do not always know places which are not as safe as other places.  I can point to many places in the USA where most of an area is safe and some is not so safe.  We also have to remember the demographics of many of the guests and that as tourists we stand out.

 

In some ports the neighboring area is not so safe.  Today we will be in St. Lucia. Beautiful island. I've been there many times. But I have also walked up some side streets a few blocks from the port and didn't feel safe and quickly headed out of there.

 

Regardless I shared some observations that people had.  Better to error on the caution of safety.

 

 

[Keith1010]

I am including some photos courtesy of a dear friend who went ashore yesterday.

 

Last evening was very enjoyable. It began with the Crystal Society Party and the turnout was spectacular. The room was vibrant.

 

We hosted a Vintage Room Dinner. All of our Vintage Room experiences have been very positive and this one was truly remarkable. We selected each course and Head Sommelier Jiri took it from there carefully selecting the wine. The combination was amazing.

Jiri began his Crystal Career in the lounges and we first knew Jiri as he was our Sommelier for most of the time on a world cruise in what was the Crystal Dining Room. Eventually, he was Prego Sommellier, in-time he would swing up to Head Sommelier before becoming the permanent Head Sommelier. He is passionate about wine and it shows whether he is opening up a bottle for two people or doing a Vintage Room presentation. He also has a great sense of humor.

 

The food we had last evening might have been the best yet. The Sea Bass melted in our mouth. The Risotto was delicious. We have had the mushroom Risotto previous times but this one was a first. The Wagyu was amazing. The dessert was the equivalent of hitting a grand slam home run in a baseball game. The wine was a hit and paired perfectly with the meal.

 

This was made even more special with our extended Crystal Family which was the theme of the night.

 

Cheers,

Keith

[Keith1010]

Todays' Daily Reflections and Waterside Dinner Menu.

 

Cheers,

Keith

 

ReflectionsDec29.pdf

 

DinnerMenus12:29.pdf

[Keith1010]

It's in the Reflections but I wanted to note that today at 5:00 PM there is a get together with Cruise Director Raphael for the solo cruisers.

 

On this cruise on many evenings there are two performances of each show and sometimes two different shows for a total of four performances.

 

This is going to vary based on itinerary and based on overall occupancy.  

 

Keith

[DaisyUK]

I do enjoy reading your reports each morning, and am glad you are having such a great time. If the food in Waterside lives up to the menu descriptions, we'll be very happy next week! The Vintage Room dinner menu also looks very appealing, as do the wines. 

[Keith1010]

7 minutes ago, DaisyUK said:

I do enjoy reading your reports each morning, and am glad you are having such a great time. If the food in Waterside lives up to the menu descriptions, we'll be very happy next week! The Vintage Room dinner menu also looks very appealing, as do the wines. 

Thank you for following along and for the nice wishes.

 

We were so impressed with Waterside on those first two cruises but I wondered could they keep it going with a full ship. And the answer is a big Yes. We've also enjoyed Osteria and Umi Uma. And the food we selected for last evening was the best we've had in the Vintage Room. I normally don't eat dessert and at the VR just a little bit but last night I ate the entire dessert.

 

Happy Holidays,

 

Keith

[History&Wine]

18 hours ago, Keith1010 said:

Yesterday I heard from a friend about the passing away of a World Cruiser. We haven't sailed with them since 2015 but I keep up with them and they keep up with things through my posts and travel log. Another couple we know can't make the 2024 WC  due to unexpected surgery. And another person I know just learned he can't go on the World Cruise either. He was going solo having lost his wife who we have sailed with so many times starting with WC 2007.

 

All of this reaffirms my view to not sweat the little things, to travel while you can, and to stay positive.  This is why we are positive and have traveled while we could having lost a sister-in-law way way way too young.

 

Keith

Great post Keith..  and a reminder that life is short and unpredictable. 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

Dwight

[SnoBirdCruiser]

21 hours ago, Keith1010 said:

Yesterday I heard from a friend about the passing away of a World Cruiser. We haven't sailed with them since 2015 but I keep up with them and they keep up with things through my posts and travel log. Another couple we know can't make the 2024 WC  due to unexpected surgery. And another person I know just learned he can't go on the World Cruise either. He was going solo having lost his wife who we have sailed with so many times starting with WC 2007.

 

All of this reaffirms my view to not sweat the little things, to travel while you can, and to stay positive.  This is why we are positive and have traveled while we could having lost a sister-in-law way way way too young.

 

Keith

Keith, this is so true. After loosing our dearest friends,who introduced us to cruising in 1991, I felt it was time to "stop and smell the roses"every day... to try and think only positive thoughts, not negative ones.

This coming year we will be celebrating our 60th anniversary and we are so thankful( like you and AnneMarie) that we have been able to travel around the globe, meeting such wonderful people and seeing the wonders of the world.

I am no longer able to do whole W.C. but, thinking positive thoughts, have booked the 2025 Grand Cruise from South Africa to Barcelona and hopefully will be able to do even more.

So, like you, to "reaffirm my view to not sweat the little things,"

Cheers, Pat and Ray

[May B]

11 hours ago, Cruise-y said:

Certainly, everyone should enjoy the ship as they wish and stay onboard if they wish. That is an individual choice and I totally respect that opinion. I know many choose to never get off of a Crystal cruise.

 

And yes, I totally agree that a Crystal excursion is better (and probably safer) than walking around in a port. But the locals need tourist dollars too.

 

 I've spent many weeks living in the Caribe, and I don't want people to feel that it isn't safe. These ports have the most wonderful and interesting people, and fabulous local cuisines. I've had some of my most memorable experiences and delicious meals in St. Martin, Jamaica, and the like.  Like any city in the U.S. (New York, Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, Chicago, etc.), one should always be cautious with their belongings and aware of their surroundings. But please feel free to enjoy these fascinating cultures too. I can't wait to get off in these spots. We often rent a car and drive around.

 

Thanks for your posts, Keith. No disrespect intended of course. Just my personal bias. 

 

 

Crystal tours certainly put money in the locals’ pockets. Locals are the tour operators, guides, bus drivers, boat drivers, and there might be a shop or restaurant involved, as well.

 

I actually think the most dangerous thing when I go off ship is the uneven pavement I walk on! That was true recently in New Orleans, as well.

 

Actually, I knew somebody who was mugged in New Orleans on a Sunday a.m., walking to or from church, about 40 years ago.

 

I live in the city with the most pedestrians hit by cars of any city in the US, or something like that. I still go for walks. We all have our own standard of being careful. Let’s try not to relax those standards!

[Keith1010]

Some photos from around Serenity including the Promenade Deck, Paddle/Pickle Ball Court, Palm Court & Children's Area.

 

Dinner was in Waterside.

 

Anne Marie and I each had Wiener Schnitzel for our entree, but mine is the one with an egg on top although you might not know with the spots which are pepper.  LOL.

 

Cheers,

 

Keith

 

 

 

 

[Keith1010]

 

 

Today's Reflections and Waterside Dinner Menus.

 

 

7479D596-625C-4AA2-9C14-5B5638274BB3.pdf

 

A25BD638-F1B8-4130-B3FB-08E14276153E.pdf

 

 

 

 

[Keith1010]

Can you believe this is the last day of 2023? 

 

It's been a very memorable year, including the restart of Crystal.

 

The first walk I take around the ship the past couple of days is walking the pool deck and the wrap-around promenade deck.  

Some people ask if there are lounge chairs and tables with shade. A few of these photos show this. There is shade on both sides of the pool.  One side smoking is permitted and the other side it is not.

 

We arrived to Barbados at 8:00 AM yesterday morning.

I went ashore.  We have visited Barbados many times and enjoy this island.  In years past we have visited the Nidhe Israel Synagogue, formed by a Jewish Community in the 1620's. One time we were welcomed inside.  We have also visited St. Michael's Cathedral built in 1628. St. Nicholas Abbey and viewed from outside the Parliament Building.

We were docked much further from the terminal, and this involved along walk just to get to the terminal building with shops. From there I made his way out and where there were lots of taxis inside and outside the terminal area. He headed to the walkway to walk and run with the sea and beach on his right and made his way into town.  On his left were many familiar buildings. Once in town I strolled around.  

A shuttle was offered by Crystal for those who didn't want to walk from the ship over to the terminal.  It was a hot and humid day In the morning but later in the afternoon there was cloud cover with some wind and it cooled off.

 

Dinner last evening was at Tastes. I enjoyed the food so much that I forgot to take photos of most of the courses.

 

Cheers,

 

Keith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Keith1010]

Today's Daily Reflections.  

Tastes Menu.

 

Waterside Menu for this evening. Second of three formal nights this cruise. Menu looks fantastic.

 

Keith

 

Reflections.pdf

 

DEF528FB-2FD2-436C-9B4A-7EE5E2B93340.pdf

 

DinnerMenu12:31.pdf

 

 

[Ibis]

Keith, thanks so much for your live reports! We appreciate the time you spend posting during your travels to share the experience with the rest of us. It seems all is still going very well on board; as it was during our November cruise 😊 Anxiously awaiting our return to Serenity in Toulon in May!

Looking forward to hearing more about the rest of your trip. 

[History&Wine]

Thanks again for the reports Keith!

Barbados...my impression has always been that of meh....

I walked quite a bit on my last visit there, a beautiful day.    I came upon a business with a line running 15 feet into the street.  I discovered what was so popular:  it was a line of people waiting to buy lottery tickets. 

[Amber14]

Thanks Keith for taking us along on your cruise. It really sounds like you both are having a fabulous time as you always seem to do. I love your positivity and outlook on life. 

I noticed the Promenade walking deck is often wet in your pictures. Does it stay wet all day or is it mostly morning that it is wet?

Also, surprised that you are having 3 formal nights. We will be on for 13 days also when you get off and were thinking there would just be 1 formal night. My husband was only taking 1 sports jacket. 

Thanks and continue to enjoy!

[USCAdventurer]

thanks for your wonderful commentary and photos, keith.  you really do go out of your way to keep us all informed of the voyage and the sights that your viewing. the menus and reflections are also great to read and they really are very clear to view online.  glad you and anne marie are enjoying yourselves and you still have five more days on serentiy so enjoy every minute.  and happy new year to you both!

[USCAdventurer]

by the way, the waterside menu looks absolutely fabulous!  i'd just sit there all night and have a little taste of everything!  can you do that?

[Keith1010]

2 hours ago, Amber14 said:

Thanks Keith for taking us along on your cruise. It really sounds like you both are having a fabulous time as you always seem to do. I love your positivity and outlook on life. 

I noticed the Promenade walking deck is often wet in your pictures. Does it stay wet all day or is it mostly morning that it is wet?

Also, surprised that you are having 3 formal nights. We will be on for 13 days also when you get off and were thinking there would just be 1 formal night. My husband was only taking 1 sports jacket. 

Thanks and continue to enjoy!

Thank you so much.

 

Most times the deck is dry but early in the wee hours of the morning it can be wet as they are hosing off the upper decks and there are times they hose off the promenade.  Pool area deck will get wet early too when they are hosing off the deck above it.

 

The reason for the three formal nights is because it is a Holiday Cruise including having formals on Christmas Day (some years eve) and New Years Eve. Normally for this length of cruise there I would expect two formals.

 

Happy Holidays.

 

Keith