This was an amazing cruise and adventure and it exceed our expectations.  We are very glad we chose to cruise and as we have mentioned several times we felt very safe.

Before we address all of the lovely comments we received, be sure to check back to our Blog sometime next week as a new adventure unfolds.  When we update the Blog next week we will move this Blog over to the previous blog section and the new Blog will be under current Blog.  Thank you everyone for following along. 

Our apologies for not acknowledging the many comments we received.  When the internet was poor we were challenged to get the daily posts up and didn't focus on the comments.  This all improved for much of the second cruise but we were playing catch up.  We have read them all and we appreciate each and everyone of them.

Bob and Jeannie...Thank you for following along and for your very nice comments.

Gill....Yes there were some stressful moments including some changing testing requirements prior to the cruise but in spite of this we are very thankful we traveled and we had a lovely time.  Thank you for your nice comments and for following along.  Gill we also wanted to thank you for your other comments which are very much appreciated.  

Gary...You are very right.  We wish you a wonderful cruise and we look forward to hearing all about it.  Travel safely and have a great time.

Becky....Thank you for following along and like you we had such nice feelings seeing the crew.

Jonathan....Thank you so much.  Usually we can juggle all of this.  The challenge was the first cruise when the internet slowed but we made it through this plus the many questions on CC.  The good news is we had a wonderful time.  Jonathan... We had around 600 guests on each of the two segments.

Carol...Thank you so much for following along and for your lovely travels.  We really appreciate them.

Alison....Like you there were many first time Crystal Cruisers who loved the cruise and we hope you feel the same way when you board on October 2.  Travel safely and all our best.

Susan....You certainly have a lot of cruises with Crystal which is wonderful.  Good things happen in time and hopefully that next cruise will come soon for you.

Mary... Thank you for your comments and we hope we will sail with you on a future cruise.  Thank you again.

Carole...So sorry we didn't get to your comment earlier but am glad we were able to address it for you via e-mail.  We wish you the very best.

Karen....We loved your comment about licking the plate.  I am sure Crystal won't mind.  LOL.  We wish you all the beset on the October 9 cruise.  We hope you have as good a time as we have had.

Elaine....Thank you so much for your comments. We also miss sailing with you.  

Gary....We would love to blame the spelling of the Golf Pros last name on spell check and the internet.  What we can say is when we put all of this together if we took the time to proof-read everything we would have no time to take photos or experience the cruise so the blog would be pretty boring.  LOL.

Patricia....We normally take the PH when we sail Serenity  and a few times the PS and a couple of times the CP.  This time we did take one of the four CP's (Crystal Penthouses) because we knew Anne Marie would spend more time in the room than on any prior cruise.  It worked out great.  It is amazing.  The ship was filled at around 60%.  Thank you again for following along and for your comments.

Tina...Thank you for your very thoughtful comments and for following along.

Bette and Donne....Thank you for your comments.  Other than the need to wear masks at time when off ship in the Bahamas (depends were you are and what you are doing) there was no mask mandate for guests and very few wore masks indoors.  

Gary...Thank you for your comments and your observations are spot-on.  We ate in the room a lot because of Anne Marie's situation having all breakfasts and lunches in the room. Normally we do have breakfast in the room and for lunch would go to Market Place but not on this cruise.  We had half the dinners in the room and the other half at the dining venues.  Yes, Keith enjoyed the creamy tuna with his tasty salad. We were in a Crystal Penthouse as you noted.

Bill....Thank you for your comments and we wish you all the best on your May, 2022 cruise.

Susan....You are correct.  The Reflections program truly shows that nothing has changed and we thought the amount of enrichment and entertainment on the schedule was truly amazing.  Thank you for following along.

Dick...We passed along your greetings to Ricardo.

Joan....You are so right that it was emotional boarding the ship.  Lots of emotions on embarkation day.  Very special. Thank you for following along.

Nicole...We hope you enjoyed the cruise as much as we did.  Thank you for your comments.

Jeff...You are most welcome and thank you so much for your comments and for following along.


Again, please check back next week as we start a new adventure.

Cheers,

​Anne Marie & Keith





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We are home safe and sound.

We left the ship early yesterday knowing we would have to wait several hours for our flight home but wanted to avoid all of the craziness at the Airport we had heard about from those returning back home after the first cruise.  While we had Business Class the lines at the airport didn't sound good recognizing that Saturday's are their busy day.

We were supposed to meet the Concierge at 6:45 AM but got down to the area at 6:20 AM and shortly we saw Concierge Arialla who asked if we wanted to leave early and we said yes and she confirmed driver was there. She escorted us off the ship where we were also met by Head Concierge Marco and the two of them took us to wear our luggage was, where the coordinator for the locals was and they all walked us to the vehicle Crystal booked for us where we met driver Roosevelt.  After saying our goodbyes and thanking them for all their help we were on our way to the airport.

The drive to the airport is about half the length of Nassau.  Nassau is not the largest of the Bahama Islands but has the largest economy, more jobs, and more people.  Roosevelt mentioned that with very few cruise ships transiting Nassau but only starting and ending the high end shops in downtown Nassau are still closed.  He pointed out somethings along the way and was a hoot. The three of us laughed the entire way.  He would make a joke or just say something funny and Keith would too.  We mentioned to him that we really have enjoyed the friendliness of the locals and how welcoming they made us feel.  

When we got to the airport we waited 15 minutes for the airline to being check in and checked in.  The luggage conveyer belt was not working so we had to walk a short distance to drop off our two checked bags and then head back to where we started and walk a bit further to stand on line for security. Two lines and we were first on one of them and they were to open 30 minutes later which turned out to be 40 minutes but we were not in a rush. Went though security and how we love TSA Pre Check which was not an option since this is not a USA airport so we had to pretty much strip down. LOL.  We did have to remove all electronics and place in binds such as iPhones, iPad, Kindle, and Computers.  Keith normally likes to go first so he can time getting items on conveyer and get through his screen so no one accidentally or intentionally walks off with any valuables.  Unfortunately, they held up the person in front of Keith so stuff got through before Keith.  For some reason someone who was from the airport and helping someone put his ID badge in Keith's bin with electronics and started to take that bin over to nearby chairs but Keith noticed it and let him know (nicely and politely) that he had our bin. All good.  After getting through security since USA customs does immigration and customs at the airport as they do with a number of places we went through Immigration first.  With Global Entry no wait.  After that we went through customs.  

From there we decided to eat and Keith spotted a cafe with sit down service and they were kind enough to place us in one of a few booths which was far away from others.  It was still breakfast time so we had a second breakfast each having pancakes and coffee.  All good.  Food was tasty and it killed time and we were not in a rush so all good.

By the time we got to the gate we had three hours to board.  Not a big deal.  We talked, read and walked.  The good news is for July they added on Saturdays' a direct flight home and Keith booked it.  Incoming flight on time.  We boarded on time.  Arrive to our home airport early.  Flight was fine. At one point Flight Attendant came on the system to say Pilot had asked food service be discontinued for a bit as we might encounter strong turbulence and the good news is we didn't and food service continued.  We were in one of two rows of business class.  A snack or light lunch came in a box and it was perfect. We chose the turkey sandwich which was accompanied by a small salad, fruit and a cookie.  Guess who didn't eat the cookie.  LOL.

After landing and being met by the driver our wait for bags was not long and we made good time to the house.  All good and happy everything worked out well.

We loved the cruise as you all could tell.  We were nervous before we began the journey, when we go to the hotel, when we got to the ship because of Anne Marie's situation but everything turned out well.  Our thank to everyone and particularly the hotel and Crystal for keeping us safe.

We have three photos to post; Pancakes from the Airport cafe and our smiling photos at the cafe. LOL but we were smiling.  We promise.

Cheers,

​Anne Marie and Keith

Waterside Dinner Menus from last evening.

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We enjoyed our last cruise in the room last night.   We began  with  a nice assortment of appetizers  and we  had  some credits which we  used for caviar for Keith.  We also enjoyed Don Perignon Champagne (2008) to celebrate the end of an amazing adventure  and toasted  our love for one another.

Having had lots  of appetizers we didn't have an appetizer  for dinner.  We enjoyed salads, swordfish  for Anne  Marie and  butterfly swordfish for Keith.  Dinner was delicious. 

We have had an amazing time from start to finish of this adventure.  We enjoyed a wonderful stay at Rosewood Baha Mar as the excitement built to join Serenity.

We will never forget our arrival to the ship.  We were assisted with our luggage by the Chief Security Officer Sanjev and welcomed home by other members of his team.  Adjacent to security was Head Waiter Augusto who we have known for years and he gave us encouragement to dine at Waterside that evening.  As soon as we walked a few more steps into the interior of the ship there were several members of the crew and they cheered and applauded as we entered.  We cannot explain the emotions we felt.  We were home with the people we adore.  We felt the excitement at the Reception Desk and as we walked the stairwells many of the stateroom and penthouse attendants were present and so many familiar  people we know.

Due to Anne Marie's health situation a prerequisite for us to sail was getting one of the four Crystal Penthouse Suites for both voyages.  We knew she would spend a lot more time in our room and having the space of the CP including lots of space for dinner was very important to us.  We stayed in a CP in 2017  when we brought our family including children, spouses and three of the five grandchildren at the time as the other two were not yet born.  We renewed our vows in the CP and had some dinners there and it was a great room for the grandchildren to stay in when we arranged for two Crystal crew members to babysit for them while the adults went to the Vintage Room.  In 2019 we had the CP for two cruises as a large portion of those days was inclusive after we reached our 100th Crystal Society Milestone.  These are photos of the Crystal  Penthouse.

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We depart Crystal Serenity in a couple of hours so we will post now.

In a few days after we get settled at home we will post a summary of the cruise.

We hope you have enjoyed our Blog.   Thank you for following along.

Please stay  tuned for our next Crystal Cruises adventure coming soon.

Cheers,

Anne Marie & Keith

Today's Daily Reflection Program followed by last evening's Waterside Dinner Menu, Vegetarian Menu and Connoisseur wine lists which are those available for purchase. 

Before dinner we enjoyed a pre-dinner drink in our room followed  by a lovely dinner  which Frederick organized for us.  Dinner  came from three venues; Waterside, Umi Uma &  Silk

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We enjoyed lovely views of the ocean and the sky as  we had dinner.

We slept well last evening between the rocking of the ship  and the wine.  LOL.

Today's Reflections.

Today is our final  full day on-board Serenity and a sea day.   It began as any normal day with just one minor change.  When Keith arrived to the Fitness Center someone was already working out on one of the elliptical machines and Keith wants to avoid working out indoors while others are also working out.  Instead he warmed up by walking up and down the indoors steps of the ship from Deck 12 to Deck 5 and after doing this for awhile he went out and ran outside on the Promenade Deck.  With the ships lights off at the Bow of the ship each time we got near the bow he turned around and ran the other way and got in close to an hour run.  He didn't have his Apple AirPods with him but time went by fast as he thought about all of the fun we have had on this adventure.

Afterwards, we enjoyed breakfast in our room.   The two  of us walked on the Promenade Deck. The other difference to our regular morning routine is we had Rapid  Antigen Test which is required by the USA for entry.  The highlight of our day.  LOL. We tested negative and printed out the results to show for check in with the airline.

Photos taken 30 minutes before breakfast from our verandah.   

Keith played Paddle tennis with several people and after  a few of them left Keith played with friends Ashley and Kelly along with fellow guest Ivan who has played with us along with the other regulars.

The afternoon included Paddle Tennis for Keith after we had lunch and a walk for Anne Marie.   It's been a great cruise.  More tomorrow.

Cheers,

Anne Marie and Keith

Today's Daily Refections Program.

We had a nice visit by the Executive Housekeeper Maria and the 1st Assistant Housekeeper Nivalda and caught up on life  on land and sea.  We spoke about time at home, family and housekeeping.  There are a number of new protocols in-place performed  daily and also on turn-around day to as  part of the COVID-19 protocols in addition to all of the other routine activities.  The ship continues to look beautiful  and  clean and Housekeeping is key  to all of this.

Afterwards Dinner at Waterside and this is the dinner menu.

We had an amazing dinner.  Food was great.  Service  was great.  Elegant dining venue.  And before we  forget the wine as great.  

You can tell why we get along  so well.  Same roll.  Same salad.  Same appetizer which was a Grilled Vegetable &  Buffalo Mozzarella.  Same  entree  which was Wiener Schnitzel.  

We  had our first authentic Wiener schnitzel before we sailed the Crystal Mozart River Cruise Vessel in Vienna twice at two different restaurants in Vienna, Austria.  We had it for the third time on Mozart.  In  all of our  Crystal Ocean  Vessel voyages we never had it until last evening.  It was delicious.  It came out hot and was accompanied by warm potato salad and berries.  We loved it.

The dining venue was not busy which gave us extra time to converse with many of the wait staff and it also  provides more time for items  to  be cooked to order although we realize  some items  are prepped.

One of the many things we love at sea is the beauty  of our surroundings.

While  we  were on the ship several guests  were visiting  Long Island.   Long Island  marks the final stop of Serenity for the this cruise prior to arrival to Nassau  this Saturday.   Other than Keith taking a walk in Nassau on turn-around  day  we have remained on the ship for the rest of the time.  This is  a first for us making Crystal Serenity  the the destination for us  for this trip.

Early  this morning Keith took additional photos of the ship with emphasis on outside and inside areas he didn't photo on Wednesday.   One of the areas is found on the aft (back) of Passenger decks 8,9,10 &11.  These locations include chairs and tables so guest can sit outside and enjoy the views of the ship.  At times you feel you are sitting on your own private yacht.  On deck 7 you will find Shuffleboard.  On many ships  these areas are verandah's for guest suites.  On the bow (front) of several of the passenger decks you can stand and take in the views such as transiting the Panama and Suez Canals or arrivals to many places around the world.  

As part of the Covid protocols some changes can be seen inside the ship.  This includes hand sanitizers at all elevators and outside all the venues and in a few other locations.  In addition, all faucets are now automatic so no need to raise and lower faucet handles.

The afternoon included lunch  followed by  walking and packing for Anne Marie and Paddle Tennis for Keith.  Head Butler Engin brought lunch today as Frederick was on break.

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Cheers, 

​Anne Marie and Keith

Today's Daily Reflections Program.

Waterside dinner menus from last night.

We enjoyed an amazing meal with friends Ashley and Kelly which Frederick organized.  Appetizers with Champagne, Salad, Beef Wellington (yes twice in two weeks), wine and absolutely wonderful conversation.  It is so nice to be with friends who like us appreciate and love to be cruising.
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Today has  been another terrific day on-board Crystal Serenity.  

Keith was up early and while doing the laundry worked on the Blog and looked at some of the photos we have taken while enjoying coffee using the espresso coffee machine in our room.  He made his morning visit to the Fitness Center and before he knew it was time for breakfast.

We both walked together on the Promenade Deck.  Afterwards, Keith played Paddle Tennis with four other guests;  friends Ashley and Kelly and a nice married couple who we met on the second day of this voyage and whom we have been playing  Paddle Tennis with.  Anne Marie started to do some packing.  Ugh!!  The good news is we have a few days to go and we prefer to do very little packing the day before we leave the ship.

We enjoyed another great lunch and Anne Marie walked again on the Promenade Deck and for Keith it was back to playing Paddle Tennis.

Following are unedited photos  from around the ship with Keith took between 5:45 and 6:05 AM.  He went around quickly and please keep in mind lights in some venues  were  not on and he also worked around some of the night crew who we adore.  

Sometimes people ask if you can get non-alcohol wine and beer which  you can and today we learned you could get  a  non-alcohol gin.  

We are having a blast being back home on  Crystal Serenity.

Cheers,

Anne Marie & Keith

Reflections from the past few days.  Thank you internet.  LOL.

We wanted to begin on a serious note.  Yesterday afternoon  we made  our way back to Nassau due to  a medical emergency.  By early evening we were anchored and a tender was deployed  to take the person over to shore.  Medical  emergencies like this  do not happen on every voyage  but they  are a reality  of daily life whether on land  or at sea.   Ironically, on the second segment of the 2020 World Cruise after we were sailing from Los Angeles West we had to turn back to take a guest to the closest area where the guest could get the medical attention required.  In this case, it was someone we knew very  well.  We wish for a  full recovery of the guest taken off the ship last evening.

We then headed towards todays port of call of Exuma at a higher speed than we had been sailing.  

Yesterday was a great day between Keith enjoying Paddle Tennis in the morning and afternoon, walks and a visit to the salon for Anne Marie, wonderful food and drink and enjoying being at sea.  We so missed the views of the Ocean and Land from sea and all of the enjoyment we have when cruising.

Photos are from this cruise since we haven't been able to post.  Butler Frederick, Penthouse Stewardess Puii, a few items from dinner, views from the ship including Bimini, The MSC ship, Keith playing Paddle Tennis with friend Ashley, and Embarkation Day for this second voyage.

This  is a listing of drinks (inclusive with no up charge and connoisseur with a charge from thee Crystal Cove Lounge Bar.

A couple of photos from the last cruise.  

We are enjoying another great day on Serenity.  Some exercise before breakfast, and after breakfast Anne Marie walked, Keith had his hair cut by the same  person who did Anne Marie's yesterday.   Keith was the only person in the main area.    When Anne  Marie had her hair done there was one person getting a manicure/pedicure.   They are trying to start off very slow with a limited number of people in the salon.

Afterwards, Keith played Paddle Tennis with friend Ashley and two other very nice guests on their first Crystal Cruise.   One of them, Ivon, just turned 83 yesterday and he does well.  Before Ivon arrived Keith play  one one side against two.  It's not easy  but it's all good.

We enjoyed a nice lunch and Keith returned to Paddle Tennis and Anne Marie walked on the Promenade Deck and we enjoyed a lecture and the rest of the afternoon on the ship.


​Cheers,

Anne  Marie and Keith

Great evening last night.  

Dinner from the Waterside menu and the item we wanted to highlight was the Corvina Seabass from the modern menu.  Fish prepared superbly and the items which accompanied it including Purple Potato & Butternut  Squash and Pernod  were not only delicious but made for a beautiful presentation on the dinner  plate.  If only we  could post a photo of it but the Internet is acting up.  We will try along with the Cobb Salad from Saturday.  

Once again this cruise included two of the White Night Extravaganza's mixers promoting social distancing.   It also provides more choice for people who dine at different hours.  As Crystal has been doing recently  they also  had two performance of Comedian and Musical Entertainer Steve Stevens perform.  We wanted to add that at 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM Magician Rich Bloch performs his magic and does this a total of 12 times on the cruise.  He is the fonder and creator of Crystal Magicians at sea.

Overall great night and relatively calm seas add to that some wonderful wine and we slept like babies.

Alway  look forward to starting each day  on Crystal with some exercise which Keith did with a visit to the Fitness Center.   We have been keeping breakfast simple and light with Cereal, Banana and Coffee and Water (hydrate, hydrate, hydrate) before we walk on the Promenade Deck.  For the morning walkers they  are out but not in large numbers as we have seen on World Cruises.  On somedays we go all the away  around but depending on the wind and the strength of the sun sometimes we walk one side.  

Anne Marie  went  to the Salon as  she had an appointment to have her haircut.  

Keith had  made plans to play Paddle Tennis  with  Ashley  and Kelly  which they did along  with some other guests.

The morning went  by quickly and before we knew it was time for lunch.  As many of you who follow our blog know our routine is to have lunch at Marketplace and make those salad entrees which we enjoy very much.  Because of Anne Marie's situation we have been avoiding Marketplace and having lunch in our room.  We still  have a large salad, just with not as many  items as we typically have when we dine  at Marketplace.

Butler Frederick (he also goes  by Freddy) organized the breakfast and lunch.

We also want to give a shoutout to the Penthouse Attendant and their assistant.  Everything is kept perfect and they are always cheerful and have been terrific.

Afternoon included Paddle Tennis for Keith and walking for Anne Marie.  Keith took in the morning lecture given by World Affairs Lecture Michael Bishay  which looked at various courtroom dramas between the prosecution and defense teams. Anne Marie continued reading books on her kindle.  At the same time we took time to enjoy the beauty  of the ocean as we sail to our first port of call on this itinerary; Grand Exuma.

We are having a great time.  Internet doesn't allow for us to provide photos, reflections and menus.   When it  does we will.

Cheers,

Anne Marie and Keith

We will begin with yesterday.  Right now the Internet is not cooperating so we will either not be posting photos or very few.

We both enjoyed Cobb Salad for lunch yesterday.  This is a traditional embarkation for us and also often on turn around day when we have the salad and toast to a wonderful cruise and our love of one another.  Great Cobb Salad.

We haven't been to Marketplace for lunch since boarding. Our typical routine is after the first day of the cruise to go there for salads but with Anne Marie's situation we are having lunch in our room.   We did go before guests arrived to see some of the members of the waitstaff we haven't seen since boarding.  As they say, mission accomplished.  

Yesterday afternoon fellow guests joined the ship got settled including a couple of our friends Ashley and Kelly.

Everything seemed to go smoothly as it did the week before.   

Many  first time Crystal Cruisers as you could tell as they  were making their way around the ship.

There  are about 580 guests on board.  Would have been around 630 of thee 60 or  so guests scheduled to board in Bimini around  8 of them joined Serenity in Nassau after Bimini was cancelled due to an outbreak of Covid on the island.

The Band who played at the pier for us last Saturday did the same.  

This was followed by Cruise Director Rick gave the shipboard wide announcement which is given at the Muster Station Drills.  Guest had gone there earlier for an abbreviated explanation of how to put on the life vest in the event of an emergency.  

After this Captain Birger spoke from the bridge.  He noted we would depart  around 8:00 PM (and hour later than schedule) as there were unsubstantiated reports of flights not taking off at Fort Lauderdale due to a Bomb Threat.

The Captain also noted about 9:00 AM we would sail off Bimini the stop we are missing and also we would sail off an Island either owned or used by  MSC Cruise Line.

Before dinner we enjoyed some wine in our room and from there we went to Prego.  Prego was less crowded than last week and the difference is we dined on turn around day.  

As usual, amazing service, lovely dining venue and the food was wonderful.  We were joined by  one other person as was the case on last weeks cruise when someone else had joined us for dinner.

Marco was our waiter and we talked about last year and what a 16 months it had been.  He, his wife and mother live in Serbia and he shared with us how things have been there. Sommelier Marcello has moved from Waterside over to Prego for this voyage.   We think they will rotate Sommeliers for awhile.  We had sent down a wine (well Butler Frederick took care of this) and it had been decanted for us.  Wine was Duckhorn Merlot and quite nice.  

Great dinner and conversation and a wonderful way to start off the next leg of the cruise.  

When we departed Nassau What A Wonderful World played.  We realize this is a wonderful world with its beauty  and the diversity of its inhabitants and how blessed we are to be seeing it by Crystal which we love.  

Keith still stopped by  Marketplace to see the waitstaff who serve coffee and who were setting up there early  risers breakfast.  Before that he also managed to get a workout in at the Fitness Center.  This included not only the  Elliptical Machine but 45 minutes running back and forth the length of the Center.

Keith returned to the Fitness Center for one more run.  However with a few people there he did something he's not done before which was to run on the top deck and loved it.  He saw a beautiful sunrise  as well.  


We enjoyed coffee in the room. The espresso coffee pods arrived yesterday this time being delivered by air so this made it convenient for us.   The other good news is the Power Ade Zero  which we had special ordered arrived.  Yes.  LOL.  

Breakfast in our room thanks to Frederick and before wee knew it was time for a nice walk on the Promenade Deck.
It was breezy and we walked for quite awhile.   Ran into two couples who we chatted with.   One posts on Cruise Critic and another one on the Face Book Crystal Society Page.   All very nice people and another reason we love cruising.   

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We wanted to begin with some items from the first of our two voyages.

Things you wanted to know but were afraid to ask.
 
A summary of people on board and a few little tidbits.
 
Who’s on Board?
 
Captain Birger Vorland, Cruise Director Rick Spath, Vice Captain Miho Radulic, Chief Engineer Robert Bayfield, Hotel Director Scott Peterson, Ship’s Doctor Andrii Shvets,  Crystal Society Host Andrew, Cruise Sales Consultant Paula Jean, Chief Concierge Marco, Concierge Ariella, Restaurant Manager Leo, Food & Beverage Manager Svein, Specialty Restaurant Maitre d’ Paolo, Executive Housekeeper  Maria, and hundred more of an amazing crew we have sailed with many times.
 
Golf Pro Joe Hubert
Pilates & Yoga Instructor Tammy Gibson
Bridge Instructors Bill Young & Debbie Hoveland
CY @ Sea Instructor Tim  Grey
Odyssey Art at Sea Instructor Maureen Schmidt
Fitness Director Dragan Milovancevic (he was on last years World Cruise)
 
Avenue Saloon Pianist Joel Spire
DJ Viviano
Guitarist Carlos
Richard & Irina 
Duo Julie & Andy
Crystal Cove Pianist Steepheen Roberts
Irina Guskova
 
There is a new Crystal Society Hostess who is presently in training Sara from Spain.  In a couple of weeks, she will be on her own and Crystal Society Host Andrew will be on Symphony when sailing restart.  Previously Sara was Crystal Society Hostess on two of the Crystal River Cruise Vessels. 
 
Lots  of  enrichment and  entertainment:
 
Crystal Magicians at Sea Christopher Tracy (10 shows twice a day 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM)
 
Shows/Entertainment so far
 
Rock & Pop-A-Mania Show featuring Tom Lowe & Elizabeth  Combs  with Serena,  Holly, Rachael, Natasha, Gabor, Bohdan, Dmitri, & Breett
 
Crystal Showband under the direction of Raphaeel.
 
My Life – James Fox
 
70’s and 80’s Tribute Dance Hour
 
The Great American Songbook with Bruce Hammond, Tom Lowe & Sarah Combs with the Crystal Showband.
 
Crystal White Extravaganza (two shows for the first time)
 
Crystal on Broadway Thee Show
 
The Crystal Showband & Friends
 
Bahama Nights Deck Party
 
Icons In Concert 
 
Lecturers
 
Dr. Jay Wolff (destination lecturer)
Dr. Jeffrey  Hoffman (former astronaut)
General Nick Halleey
 
Comedian John Joseph
Vocalist Karin Kovacova
Comedian Steve Stevens
 
Good news is the stores were opened on July 6.
 
A tidbit.  There are two women butlers and that is a first.  Sometimes, there have been one.   Congratulation’s ladies.
 
We have avoided most public bathrooms but did see in the one on Deck 5 no longer sink faucets but hand activated.  We think that  is new.
 
If your flight is before 3:00 PM shared transfer to the airport is $50.00 per person.
 
After 3:00 PM Nassau Highlights and Airport Transfer $59.00 per person
 

We wanted to mention that those who were getting off today had their COVID-19 test required to return to the USA.   It was very well organized with assigned times  and results available within 15 minutes.  For those who are  continuing to the next cruise we also were given a COVID-19 test as they  want each guest tested weekly.   We tested negative.  Even  our results were sent from Crystal Cruises to  the Bahama Travel  Heath Visa site and a few hours later we received an e-mail with a Happy  Face.

Our Bunker stop at Freeport  was longer than planned as there was a delay in thee start of fueling.  The Captain informed the guests of this before  our arrival to Freeport.

Dinner last night was wonderful and we dined at Waterside.

With  only 600 guests on-board and four other dining venues  in addition to room service and open dining people spread out and Waterside has been quiet.   On a 7 day cruise and people  wanting to try most if not all the dining  venues this also adds to less people in Waterside at  once.

The benefits are it makes Waterside  quieter and provides more time for the waitstaff  to attend to and converse with guests and provides more time  to the galley for the prepping and cooking of the items.

Food, ambience and service was flawless.

Appetizers continue to be delicious with a nice presentation such as the seafood asparagus salad we had  last  evening with white asparagus.  Salads  were fresh and the  entree wonderful. We  both had  swordfish for the first time in  17+  months.  Keith had asked earlier  in the day   if his could be prepared butterfly style and Anne Marie had hers prepared as is.  We both loved it.   Had a real dessert  as Anne Marie had ice cream and Keith  had cheese and crackers.  The Senior Waiter helped Keith select  three different slices of cheese from the cheese menu.  Great wine and we were there for 2+ hours which has been our norm on the cruise.

Most importantly we feel very safe dining. Some  photos   from the  last two days.  It's  been hard posting  them with the Internet so Keith had to be creative getting them on the blog which is why they are  different sizes and not in order.

We  are unable to upload Reflections  and  Menus. We'll  try again  tomorrow.

We arrived  to  Nassau  early.  Keith was working  out at the Fitness  Center as  we approached the pier and could  see the Royal Caribbean  Ship from afar.   We docked around 5:30  AM.   Once docked we see we are right next to the ship.  

Today is  turn  around  day.  It will  be  a  busy day for the crew  with the  extra protocols for Covid  including more detailed cleaning of rooms.   We believe  around 100  guests  are  staying  on board.

After breakfast, we walked the Promenade Deck.   As we were heading back to our room, we saw Sneha in the stairwell.   She is assistant to the Head Housekeeper and she took wonderful care of us several years ago as our penthouse attendant.  It has been wonderful seeing her responsibilities  increase of the years.  She goes home today for Holiday.

Keith went out to walk around the port area.  The good news for those embarking and disembarking today is Crystal is docked at a more convenient location  than last week as it allows for vehicles to part near the ship.  All of Crystal's Buses and Private Vehicles were near the ship and Keith understands those who made private arrangements their drivers could get near the ship.   On the other hand those from Royal Caribbean had to walk about 10 minutes to exit the pier for their transport.

However, next week Serenity will more thank likely turn around where we embarked last week and there is no room for vehicles to meet near the ship.

Keith walked for about an hour and walked some of those streets with stores  you see in the Caribbean and these days Alaska.  People on  the street were friendly as were those at the pier.  He asked about the Straw Market where we visited 30 years ago and it is still closed due to COVID-19 social distancing.  Everyone was wearing masks and they  can keep you feeling hotter so by the time Keith got back to the ship he was hot, hot, hot.  

We enjoyed a nice lunch.  Waterside isn't open for lunch today so we  ordered  our traditional lunch of Cobb  Salad and enjoyed it in our suite.   Afterwards,  a nice walk  on the Promenade Deck and enjoying a nice afternoon  on Serenity.  

Cheers,

Anne Marie &  Keith