DAY 22 - MIAMI - DEBARK

Dinner Menus From last night at Waterside.

We spent another night in our room.

It began in the afternoon with Canapés with outstanding champagne followed by dinner. 

We only took one photo at dinner.  Maybe it was the champagne.  LOL.  

Today's Daily Reflections for those continuing with the cruise or joining today.  If you join today your Reflections will also include the embarkation version.

We had our final meal of the cruise with breakfast in our room this morning.

Last evening, Butler Aleksandar said he would be happy to help us out with our luggage when we debarked the ship which was very kind of him.  He returned to our room about 15 minutes  before we were to meet the Chief Concierge near their desk front desk.    It was very nice of him and he assisted with our carry-on luggage.  When we arrived downstairs the ship was just a few minutes from getting cleared.

We chatted with Head Waiter Carmelo, Restaurant Manager Paolo, Senior Sommelier Jiri and Chief Concierge Ariella.  We also chatted quite a bit with Aleksandar.  Everyone is so kind and we will miss each of them.  

When it was time to debark the ship Ariella escorted us to the security area along with Aleksandar.  We said our goodbyes to others including Chief of Security Bhaskar and Front Office Manger Ervin.  Due to USA port regulations Ariella could not escort us further.  Aleksandar took our luggage to the gangway and handed it to two Crystal Representatives who walked with us to the area to claim our checked pieces of luggage where we went through Immigration (easy peasy) and technically customs and we proceeded to the area outside where another Crystal representative was there and a few minutes later were in a private SUV arranged by Crystal Cruises which took us to the Four Seasons Hotel where we will stay until tomorrow.

Once the concierge confirmed our SUV had arrived we were escorted off the ship where we went through passport control, claimed luggage and went through customs and returned back to the real world as we left the terminal area.

A few hours later we had lunch in the room.

After lunch we took a nice walk over to Brickell Key Island and guess who we ran into?  We saw the lovely Crystal Serenity where we have made many memories which will last a lifetime.

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Words cannot fully describe how much adore the members of team Crystal Serenity and those from other other Crystal Vessels we sail.  They are truly our extended family.  They have our admiration and respect for all they do.  
 
One of the major reasons we sail Crystal is the crew.  When we are home, we miss them very much.  When we return, we enjoy our conversations with them whether brief or lengthily.  When we are home we wonder which familiar members of the crew will be on-board for our next cruise.  
 
There was a point in time not too long ago when we wondered would we see them again given the Pandemic. 

Something we find amazing is whether we are returning to a ship we sailed last month, a few years back, or one we are sailing for the first time, the crew makes us feel right at home.

 
For guests who have been sailing for a while it has been wonderful to see many members of team Crystal grow and overtime increase their responsibilities as they have moved up to higher positions and increased their overall responsibilities.  
 
This has been a trying time for most people around the world and something not experienced in our generation.  While We realize how challenging it has been members of the crew and those working on land. Cruising is one of those industries where it was uncertain when it would restart.  Many could not find work in their home countries.

In spite of all the challenges since the restart the crew we have sailed with in July and now on Serenity and in August on Crystal Endeavor remain warm, friendly, personable, professional and caring.
 
They are truly amazing, 
 
We wanted to close with a couple of thoughts.
 
First -  TEAMWORK 
 
We often refer to the members of the ships and land-based personnel as “team”.  We use the term teamwork because this is a core value and an integral part of the Crystal Cruises culture.

Second - EXTENDED FAMILY 
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The other term we use frequently is family because of that feeling of family that so many of us have when it comes to Crystal.  
 
It is because of the feeling of family that many of us can’t wait to see the crew and often ask about them, while some keep in contact with certain members of the crew present and past.
 
For those sailing or who will be sailing soon once on-board there are certainly things we can do because IMHO this is what families do.  We will leave it at that.

​Third - PEOPLE MAKING THE DIFFERENCE
 
We see similarities between computers and cruising.  We know some of you are wondering what are they thinking?

In short, it is the software which differentiates computers from one another.  

Likewise, it is the people who make the difference when it comes to cruising.  You can take the most modern ship afloat and with the wrong crew it won't to the top.

Although the two Crystal Ocean Vessels have been around they still shine bright.  While some of this comes from makeovers each vessel has received in various dry docks, it is the crew who brightens everyone's day and keeps those ships looking beautiful.  They are truly amazing.

FINAL THOUGHT

Because of the Pandemic keeping guest counts lower than normal, the number of on-board crew has been adjusted accordingly.  What can't be adjusted is the size of the ship.  The vessels must still be well-maintained including thoroughly cleaned each day. With COVID-19 protocols even more cleaning has to be done.  Yet, the team pitches in and does what it takes to keep to the high standards of Crystal while doing what is necessary to keep us safe and sound.  

We see this day and night and day in and day out.  The crew is truly amazing.

We will post again tomorrow as we are staying over in Miami today.

We did want to say check back in a few weeks as we go on another adventure.  

We must seize the moment.

Cheers,

​Anne Marie & Keith