DAY 8 - SAN SALVADOR

The other day we were unable to post the July 5 version of Reflections.  Here it is.

In the weeks leading up to the cruise our plan was to dine in our suite most nights due to concerns of Covid as Anne Marie has to be more careful than most and Keith has to be careful for her.  Our plan was maybe dine at Waterside one time and Prego two times over two cruises.

We still are very careful wearing masks as we go around the ship but we do feel very safe on board so we returned to Waterside for the second time of the cruise.

We had an amazing time with a wonderful waitstaff, lovely and intimate venue and great service and outstanding cuisine.

It was quiet as it was the other night.  On this cruise some are coming later for dinner.   As those of you who know us or followed our blog know we usually sit inside the ring which is located towards the middle of Waterside.  It's a fun area to see the goings and comings.  We were concerned with the amount of traffic and spacing of tables over there so we are sitting in a more quiet and remote area.

Since it was quiet last night many of the waitstaff from various stations in Waterside came over to our table before and after dinner and in between courses.  Some we had spoken with on previous days and some for the first time.  We asked for those who were on Serenity for its last voyage of 2020 how it was to get home and when they left and how their families are doing and how they coped with Covid.  

Like us they  are all thrilled to be here.  They are all amazing.

This included Senior Waiters who we have had in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and last year.

A waiter Ana who we had on Symphony in 2018.  We had such a great time with her, the Senior Waiter and the late Head Waiter. We hoped to see them later in the year having added a cruise while we were on board but that didn't happen due to surgery for Anne Marie and we hopped to see them in 2020 but that didn't happen due to COVID-19 canceling that and all the other cruises.

Ricardo a Sommelier who we have known for several years came by.

Restaurant Manager Leo and Head Waiter Vlada came by and we have known both of them for years; warm individuals, and consummate professionals.  Consummate describes so many of the team and all they do as does warm and caring and the love for what they do.  

Some members of the team we have known before they married and when they had young children who are young adults.  Time goes by fast when you are having fun.

Spoke to Head Waiter Augusto before and after dinner and he did the temperature checks when we arrived. Thankfully, we passed.  LOL.  He's taken good care of us for years.

After dinner spoke with some other members of Team Serenity.

Wonderful meal; salads which we pre-ordered, tasty appetizers; Asparagus En Fete for Anne Marie and Bbq Tiger Shrimp for Anne Marie, and entrees we're Prime Rib for Anne Marie (she gave some to Keith) and Striped Bass with a plain potato on the side for Keith.  Wine was our dessert.  LOL.

We were there for a couple of hours which is part of what makes the dining experience wonderful.

Before we went back to the room we noticed the stores were open.   Evidently, the issue was resolved with the local authorities.  We saw Jeweler Hubert and Manager Karen who are both charming and lovely.  Went into the other two shops just to say hi.

One very small piece of trivia.  We are trying to avoid the public bathrooms but mother nature was calling so Keith had to use one.  It is off the Crystal Cove and he saw the hand sink faucets have been replaced with automatic activated ones.

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While we feel safe on the ship we just have to be careful for Anne Marie so just as we didn't have a pre-dinner drink in one of the lounges and instead in our room we didn't go to the shows.  

Stayed up for awhile and slept great.

Enjoyed a health breakfast in our room before getting out and about on the Promenade Deck.  Keith had already worked out on his own.

​Today's Daily Reflections Program follows.

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Enjoyed a health breakfast in our room before getting out and about on the Promenade Deck.  Keith had already worked out on his own.

​Keith got creative during the Pandemic. An early riser Anne Marie didn't want him running outside in the wee hours of the morning when no one was up other than the Deer, Coyotes, and a few other Animals.   So he developed a course inside our house to run.  Not easy but when there is a will there is away.  LOL.

After his elliptical workout since it was very early he ran the length of the fitness center for 30 minutes.  He did say it was easier than at home.  Less turns.  LOL.

Signs were out on the equipment for social distancing so you use every other cardio workout machine.

Photos from getting  coffee two different times at Market Place; first time for Keith who also made coffee in the room and second time for Anne Marie.

A few photos of the beauty of being at sea.

During the morning we both walked on the Promenade Deck and afterwards Keith played Paddle Tennis with the very nice group he played with yesterday plus a few more guests.   

While they  were playing Captain Birger spoke from the Bridge to remind guests when going ashore they need to bring masks.  Evidently some forgot.

A few of you who are booked on the cruise have asked for any feedback from guests who did the excursion swimming with the Pigs.  Keith spoke with four guests who went together and loved it.  It included Pigs and some viewing later of more sharks than they have ever seen at once.  A few people got pushed by the some pigs which can happen and had a few scratches. One of the guests who Keith knows very well said he was bit by an Iguana when he was feeding the wildlife.  In spite of this he would do it again.  

This afternoon  we will enjoy the rest of the day on board.

Cheers,

Anne Marie & Keith