DAY 10 - ST. THOMAS

Patricia...Many thanks for your nice wishes. Some of the common areas underwent renovations including the casino which was replaced by a lounge, Umi Uma and Osteria (used to be Prego) which got complete renovations, the salon, along with some new carpeting in selected areas.  Many guest rooms were replaced or went though some enhancements, pool and spa were redone and even the Paddle Tennis Court received new decking and Pickle Ball can also be played.

We wanted to begin with photos of the Fitness Center.  The fitness center is open 7x24 and has an excellent array of fitness equipment and also has space for group classes. Each day classes are offered including cardio and stretching.  Every couple of days indoor cycling is offered.

Last evening was the first of three formal nights on-board this cruise.

We began last evening by attending the Captain's Welcome Reception with Captain Vincent. We met the Captain on the second voyage of new Crystal.  Captain Vincent welcomed everyone to the reception. He described his background including where he and his family live in France and his time at sea.  He introduced the senior officers including Vice Captain Kaloyan, Chief Engineer Salvatore, Hotel Director Hubert, Cruise Director Raphael and Doctor Soto. We chatted with some guests including one couple we met sixteen years ago along with Food & Beverage Manager Svein and Front Office Manager Marco.

It was a very nice party.

We dined in Waterside last evening. It was Formal Night on-board Serenity.  These are the dinner menus. The menu was oriented to Christmas in the USA.  

We returned to Waterside for dinner.  We were taken great care of by the wonderful team of Senior Head Waiter Jacque, Senior Waiter Marcin, Waiter Enver and Sommelier Zane.  Restaurant Manager Paolo visited with us as well.  Also, Senior Waiter Ayhan who has taken care of us on several voyages including the first two starting on July 31 of this year came by to check on us.

We enjoy chatting with the waitstaff team and three was plenty of time to do this as it was not busy with people going to specialty restaurants and about seventy guests at the Supper Club.  It's enjoyable for us to hear about their families, life at home, and time with Crystal.  This is our first time having Macron take care of us but we have known him for many years.  

Since it was Christmas Day, the menu included many American items that one might have on Christmas.  We ended up ordering the same first three courses but our final course, dessert was not the same.  

​Service exceptional as was the Waterside dining venue.

We arrived at our first port of call Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas in the morning  After two sea days we know many were ready for a port stop and this was also very nice for the crew as they had two sea days with rough weather on the last voyage before turn-around day in Miami when we boarded and then two sea days to start this cruise.

​We went ashore and walked around.  On our first couple of visits, we toured the island and stopped off at some of its attractions. We visited the synagogue which is the second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere on an earlier visit.

Afterwards, we returned to Serenity.  We went to the cooking class presented by Chef Jon Ashton.  Chef Jon is clearly part of the Crystal Family and we enjoyed his cooking demo.

The demo covered Caribbean Spice Mahi-mahi with Coconut Rice and Pineapple Salsa. Yummy.

​

We made the rest of the day a sea day. This included chatting with guests and crew, lunch, paddle ball, walks and some leisurely time to each continue reading our respective books.

Today's Reflections follows.

Cheers,

​Anne Marie & Keith

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