DAY 4- SAN SALAVADOR

We got settled onto Serenity.  Keith unpacked some items and got our electronics all set up and Anne Marie unpacked the large suit cases.  It's easy to unpack on these cruises as we bring so much less than we normally would for longer cruises.

For the first time on an embarkation day Keith managed t play Paddle Tennis with three other people for ninety minutes.  It was hot and humid but lots of fun.

About 85 people boarded in Miami and 240 guests are on this voyage.

We attended the muster drill with all those who embarked in Miami at 4:00 PM.  The drill was done nicely.  They showed a video narrated by Cruise Director Rick Spath.  It included video of some crew members both current and former ones so it was sentimental for us.  

We dined at Waterside.  Start times for all dining venues have been moved from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM which is similar to Endeavor.  

​Following is the daily embarkation daily program.

Waterside Dinner Menus.

Dinner was terrific and it was so nice to be back at Waterside.  Keith must be a little rusty as he didn't get photos of Anne Marie's Onion Soup and the Spinach Salads.  He'll get better next time.  LOL.  

We enjoyed a Scallop and Kingfish Appetizer for Keith and Onion Soup appetizer for Anne Marie, Spinach Salad for each of us, the Covina Fillet for each of us and some cheese for Keith and one scoop of ice cream for Anne Marie.  Let us not forget the wine.  

With only 240 guests on-board and four dining venues plus room service Waterside was very quiet.

We had visits from Restaurant Manager Paolo, Head Waiter Carmelo who has our section and Head Waiter Vlada who has another area of Waterside and who was our Head Waiter in July and someone we have known for years.  The Wait Staff team was superb.  

We wanted to give a shout out to the entertainment.  As was the case in July the amount and diversity of the entertainment was terrific.   There were four different performances before dinner at the Crystal Cove including some performers, we are familiar with plus the duo of Julie and Andy and the music was very upbeat.  In addition, there was the showing of My Life- The Music of Billy Joel which is a regular production show and always enjoyable.  In addition, there were two showings of A Night of Sinatra performed by Stephen Roberts on the Piano
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As we did last time, we will post photos of various areas on Serenity.  These photos are from the Casino and also include the High Rollers Room.

We slept well as we always do when we cruise.  We always say it is the gentle rocking of the ship plus the wine always helps.  LOL.  

An intersting sunrise

We began the day as we always do with an early morning workout for Keith followed by breakfast in our room. He also managed to do laundry and at the time of day not a problem getting a machine.  LOL.  

Since the Pandemic began Keith works out at home either inside our house where he has his own Indoor Cycling Bike or outside the home going on runs of various lengths and taking long walks.  For one month in 2020 he taught some outdoor fitness classes since there was plenty of social distancing and they were outdoors but has refrained from teaching indoors or taking classes.  One of the many nice things about sailing on Crystal Cruises is the fitness centers are open 7x24.  This way he can workout before others arrive which works out perfectly for him.  

Some photos of our home for the next 21 days.

Today's daily Reflections Program.

With an arrival time at our first port of call at 1:00 PM the morning was a sea day.  This means there were lots of activities.  We won't cover them all but two lectures were offered along with lots of classes.  You can view Reflections to see precisely what was offered.

Someone familiar to us and one who can lecture year over year and we would never get tired of because he changes up his lectures and keeps them current is Ambassador Marc Ginsberg.  We enjoyed his presentation which we watched from our room which was on a current day issue on domestic terrorism and the challenges it poses.  

Before his talk we both walked together on the wrap-around Promenade Deck.  Whereas yesterday was hot and humid and no breeze, when we got out on the Promenade Deck it was wet and a light rain but the rain stopped in a matter of minutes.  What didn't stop were the strong winds but better for the wind so it didn't feel hot.  

We enjoyed lunch in our room.  As we did on the July cruises we plan to have most if not all lunches in our room.

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The afternoon brought another walk for Anne Marie and Paddle Tennis for Keith.  As we mentioned, the ship for these cruises is our destination so we spend most port days on-board.  This meant Paddle Tennis for Keith which he enjoys very much.  For him it is great exercise, getting outside for fresh air and having some very good laughs with senior officers and staff who can play along with fellow guests.  

Cheers,

Anne Marie & Keith