DAY 16

DAY 12 CRYSTAL SYMPHONY  -SEA DAY

Our evening began with a pre-dinner drink at the Avenue Saloon.  This was the second Black Tie Optional night of the cruise.  We were joined by two people who we have gotten to know well on this cruise.

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We had dinner for the second consecutive evening at Waterside.  These are the menus

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We sent down a bottle of Champagne to Waterside that was in our suite from embarkation day and a bottle of Caymus Cabernet that we received as a gift.  This was a special night to enjoy them at Waterside given that it was black tie optional.  Of course every night on a cruise is special.

Sommelier Jorge opened up each bottle. 

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Photos of the Senior Waiter, Head Waiter and Waiter.

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Dinner was wonderful.  We began with Fresh Oven-Baked Lobster, Scallops and Mushroom Strudel for Anne Marie and Big Island Goat Cheese Cream for Keith.  Our Senior Waiter recommended both of these items and they were both unique and very tasty.  We each were happy with our selections.  The appetizer Keith had was very unique and the combination of the ingredients made this appetizer very tasty.

We each had the Mixed Green Salad that was on the menu.  

We had an amazing entree. We saw Fresh South Pacific Opah on the menu and we said "sold".  Opah is a Hawaiian Fish and we last had it a few years ago in Prego while sailing Hawaii and it was wonderful.  It was offered back then for a couple of nights as an additional entree to the menu.

Fast forward to last evening and it is one of the most amazing entrees we have ever had.  Delicious.  It was cooked to perfection, arrive to the table hot and overall was very tasty and was a good size.

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Following the meal we attended the Crystal Society Party and after that the Production Show called Speakeasy which was performed two times.  We thoroughly enjoy the production show.

After a busy evening it was easy to fall asleep.  

When Keith woke up he went for an early workout at the Fitness Center and then he and Anne Marie enjoyed coffee in the room.  We watched Cruise Director Paul's morning show.  Ironically he mentioned Keith and his early morning workouts and noted that he learned something from Keith and that was that the Fitness Center is open 7x24.  He said in all his years working on the ship he had no idea. 

Normally Keith would have attended an indoor cycling class taught by one of the two Fitness Directors.  Instead we enjoyed Anne Marie's birthday breakfast in our room.  This is a special breakfast that Crystal prepares for those celebrating birthdays on the cruise and it can be served any morning you choose.  Since we had the Vintage Room dinner on Anne Marie's actual birthday we decided to have the breakfast a few days later.  

One can have it at the Waterside Restaurant or in their room and we chose our room.  We had a similar breakfast in our room in May of 2015 while on-board Serenity.​

The breakfast included donuts, chocolate mousse with mixed berries, waffle cone with strawberries and caviar with egg whites, egg yolks and sour cream and chives and bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese.

The hot items included filet mignon, rolled omelet, ham and cheese sandwich and creamed spinach.

If you are wondering we didn't eat all of this.  Tried most items but a portion of each.

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After breakfast we both took a very long walk inside the ship.  While walking we ran into several people we know either from previous cruises or from this voyage.  We also saw the Crystal Ensemble of Singers, Dancers and the Show Band doing their rehearsal for this evening's performance.  

Lots of activities were on the program as we enjoyed our second of five sea days.

There were three lectures:

Michael Bishay covered a unique topic which had to do with dog owners should go to prison if their dog bites.  This actual case came up in California.  The next lectures was given by Retired Brig general Joe Schaefer who spoke about China and what their economy is expected to be like throughout this century.  The final talk was given by Dr. Herb Keyser who spoke about the Life and Music of Gene Kelly.  We watched all three talks in our room and learned a lot from each of them.  

We enjoyed lunch in the Waterside Restaurant for only the second time of the cruise as we dined with another couple.

These are the luncheon restaurant menus.
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The afternoon included a nice long walk for both of us, conversation with guests and crew, reading, writing and watching all of the lectures from today.

​Anne Marie & Keith