DAY 110 - DAY 104 CRYSTAL SERENITY

ON THE ROAD AGAIN TO BARCELONA, SPAIN

Barb thank you very much for your comments.  We  are glad you  are enjoying  our Blog and appreciate your feedback and your comments about World Cruise 2015.

We had mentioned at yesterday's viewing of the World Cruise Video, World Cruise Hostess Stacey Huston read a poem that she wrote to describe the World Cruise and we thought  we would post it here.  It is based on the title of the World Cruise; GRAND CONTINENTAL ODYSSEY

It goes like this:

Gis for Globetrotting and Gallivanting around the Globe

Ris for Roughing it, Reading and Relaxing in your Robes

Ais for the Awesome Atlantic and All the oceans and seas

Nis Never worrying about our path and a Nice feeling of peace

Dis for the Deserts and Dunes in West Africa we explored 

Cis for Cruising from California with stops in Cape Town, Cape Verde, & oh so much more

Ois for Our Captain, Our Outstanding leader.  He’s the BEST!

Nis for Nudging him just a bit to talk a little less

Tis for Travel, Tours and excursions in all the ports

Iis for the many Islands we spent time on…well AscensionIsland was a little short

Nis for NEVER being bored and the NON Stop activities galore

Eis for Exciting Entertainment, Enrichment, Events and so much more

N is for the Naps you Needed to keep up with the Never ending spree
 
Tis for noontime Trivia which seems like Torture to you…and especially me!

Ais for ALL the food And drinks.  We may go home Alittle fatter.

Lis for what your Legs felt Like after attempting Jacob’s Ladder

Ois for Open hearts and minds as we experienced each place along the sea

Dis for Dakar, your Donations and your generosity

Yis for this Year 2019 we’ve begun with a fabulous World Cruise…

Sis for the Shows, Supper Club, Bistro Snacks, Specialty Restaurants…and let’s not forget the booz!

Sis for our Spectacular crew who kept us Safe, looked after, entertained and fed

E is for Each and Every day we didn’t have to make our bed

Yis for Your family and friends who miss You and who You miss when you roam

But, certainly, Sif for our Stunning Serenity, your Crystal family and our home-away-from-home
 
Before we went for a drink Keith stopped by the reception desk and then went by to speak with Future Cruise Consultant Paula Jean.  A minute later former Future Cruise Sales Consultant Nikki Andrew came to the desk as she will be here the next few days to assist Paul Jean with bookings.  It was so nice to see Nikki who we have known for many years.  Two wonderful people.

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We enjoyed a pre-dinner drink at Palm Court.  Mel took excellent care of us.

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These are the  dinner menus from Waterside.

We dined at Umi Uma for the second time of this long segment.  We enjoy the cuisine at Umi Uma very much, however, we try not to dine there too often.  This is because we consider the food to be very special and we want to look forward to the overall experience including the cuisine.

The food served at Umi Uma is  based on the partnership  that Crystal Cruises has with Nobuyuk "Nobu" Matsushisa. The cuisine is known for its innovative blend of classic Japanese Cuisine foods with its Peruvian and European influences.  The  Crystal Ships are the  only  vessels that serve Nobu cuisine.  Nobu has forty-six restaurants on land  located around the world.   

We enjoyed wonderful cuisine, in  a beautiful dining venue with the superb service provided by  the wonderful Umi Uma waitstaff  team.

We were welcomed to Umi Umi by Head Waiter Sigi and by Ruel who will be the relief Head Waiter when Sigi goes on Holiday which starts at the end of the World Cruise.  Congratulations Ruel.

Waiter Anthony took good care of us.

Since Serenity was in Malaga until midnight and with the 1:00 PM arrival Umi Uma was fairly quiet last evening.  It had reservations for about half the usual number.  It meant more time to talk with the waitstaff between courses.  

We began the meal with an array of Nobu appetizers including sashimi, sushi and various special items.  We both had salad; Anne Marie had a Scallop Salad for the very first time and Keith tried the additional item which was a Salmon Skin Salad.  Our entrees were Hot Soba Noodles with some Scallops for Keith and Wagyu Steak for Anne Marie.

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We slept well last evening.  Crystal Serenity departed Malaga at midnight and sailing to our  next port of call of Barcelona, Spain.  

We  began the day as we normally  do with an early morning workout for Keith followed by  coffee and breakfast at our room.  

Our exercise continued  with personal training for Anne Marie.  Keith came up to the Fitness Center for most of Anne Marie's workout and began indoor cycling on his own before the cycling class began.  Charlotte taught the class.   Only five bikes were in use with some of the regulars not attending the final spin class of the World Cruise.  Keith ended getting in 100 minutes of spinning between his workout before and during class.

Anne Marie walked inside the ship while Keith was taking the indoor cycling class.
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Today is our last full day at sea of the World Cruise although we will have another partial sea day  with a 4:00 PM arrival to Monte Carlo on Saturday.  

There was lots on the daily  program  with 50+ enrichment and other related programs available.

There were three lectures:

Ken Rees spoke about Barcelona including  its history and things to do and see.  Ambassador Marc Ginsberg spoke about the situation in Venezuela and the struggle for power between Maduro and Guaido.  In the afternoon David Drewry spoke about the challenge with all of the trash in the ocean and the issues that it causes.

In the morning Keith also played Paddle Tennis.  It was windy and a bit chilly.  First Keith played with one fellow guest and was wondering if others would come up.  About 30 minutes later two people came up and a few minutes after that three more people so we  have both courts in use.  Keith has met a  lot of people by playing Paddle Tennis.  

We enjoyed   lunch  at  Waterside.  After lunch Keith played more Paddle Tennis while Anne Marie walked.  We also read and wrote and got organized for our next port of call in Barcelona.

​We continue to have an amazing time on Crystal Serenity.  The days go by quickly and words  cannot always describe  how much we are enjoying the experience.  

Following is todays' daily Reflections Program.

Cheers,

​Anne Marie  & Keith

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