DAY 6 - LONG ISLAND

Betsy...Leo was the restaurant manager when we were on in July.  Right now he is on holiday so Paolo is the restaurant manager until Leo returns and Paolo goes on holiday.

We wanted to begin with a shout out to Team Serenity.  When Serenity was out of commission like any ship in this situation there were many challenges keeping it looking pristine as they always do.  Challenges included minimal staffing, indoor and outdoor temperature, water temperature and the fact it was pretty much anchored most of the time.  Prior to the restart crew joined the ship in various places including Cyprus and Cadiz and lots of work occurred.  When we boarded for the first two restart cruises, we saw crew working diligently and meticulously on the Promenade Deck.  This included floor decking, wooden handrails, removing whatever rust was on the walls outside and when we returned the Promenade Deck looked better than ever including fresh coats of white paint.  To be successful always takes a team and we believe the sum of the team is far greater than the sum of people working individually and this shows day in and day out on the ship and the other Crystal Vessels we have sailed.

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These are the menus from Waterside for last evening.

We dined at the Prego Italian Specialty Restaurant for the first time of this voyage.

For us Prego has the charm and feel of a neighborhood restaurant in a small town or village.  Part of this is our familiarity with the Prego waitstaff and the members of the kitchen.

The wait- staff is very welcoming and the work as a cohesive team.  If one is busy the other one steps in.

Everything was great.  We had mentioned until Endeavor Keith never tried the Carpaccio of Black Angus Beef and he loved it so much he had it again last night.  Guess what?  He loved it. 

We enjoyed appetizers, dinner salad, an entrée (half portion for Anne Marie) and dessert.
 
Let us not forget the wine.  This was our only deviation from Italian with a California wine for Keith and Nobu California wine for Anne Marie.

​We had visits from Specialty Restaurant Maitre d', Mario; Restaurant Manger, Paolo; Head Sommelier, Jiri; and Umi Uma Head Waiter, Sigi was kind enough to take a moment to stop by to say hello to Anne Marie.  He had seen Keith earlier in the day and we hadn't seen him prior to this as we enjoyed Umi Uma cuisine in our room the night before and we don't go to Market Place due to social distancing.

Now we know the ship is at around 25% occupancy but don't be fooled by the first few photos.  Keith took them in the morning. LOL

Following is today's daily Reflection Program.

Today we wanted to highlight some of the items offered at Market Place for breakfast.  These were taken as they were still setting up for the cold and hot buffets.

Today was another enjoyable day on Serenity.  We are anchored off Long Island.  The irony is Keith's childhood was spent on Long Island.  However, not this Long Island but the one in New York.  LOL.
 
It was another sea day for the two of us including a visit to the Fitness Center for Keith, the two of us walking outside on the wrap-around Promenade Deck in the morning and another afternoon walk for Anne Marie while Keith enjoyed Paddle Tennis.  We also enjoyed speaking with the wonderful members of team Serenity, and of course the food.  Life is good.  It truly is.
 
Speaking of the outdoor Tennis Court.  On the voyage after we departed Serenity in July recognizing how popular Pickle Ball has become Pickle Ball Paddles and balls were brought on-board the ship.  This will provide opportunities for those who enjoy this sport to play.  Although the kitchen is not lined on the decking, I have seen people either put down some tape to mark the placement of the Kitchen or to just stay out of a section of the tennis court.

Cheers,

​Anne Marie & Keith