DAY 12 - DAY 6 SERENITY

I CAN SEE LAND - WELL NOT QUITE YET - DAY 4 AT SEA

We had mentioned that yesterday morning Santa Claus and his elves made an appearance at the Palm Court to give presents to the children and we have included a photo from that event.
​

​

---

We were asked about the weather at sea and if it is bathing suite weather.  Yesterday the highs were mid 60's to high 60's.  We saw people in the Hot Tub and others sitting out by the pool.  The weather will continue to warm up as we get closer to Hawaii which was the case today where it was perfect for a pool day.

We enjoyed a wonderful evening on Crystal Serenity last night.  The evening attire was Black Tie Optional (BTO)

​We began the night with a visit to the Avenue Saloon for a pre-dinner drink.  Everyone we met was in a festive spirit for Christmas.  

​

---

Dinner was at Waterside which included a Holiday Dinner menu in addition to the regular menus.

​

---

​

​

---

While Waterside was busy, it was far less busy than the night before when that evening felt like Black Tie Optional.  

We ordered two courses in Waterside.  We both started with salads.  

​For our entrée we each had turkey.  Our Senior Waiter, Kasa, told us he was happy about our choice because as he said he is from "Turkey".  

You could get white and dark meat, white only or dark only.  Keith had a mix of both while Anne Marie went with white only.  On the 2014 Holiday Cruise we had the turkey, and it was dry.  Last night it was perfect; hot and moist. Even at home, it is not always perfect.

​

---

We attended the Crystal Society Party.  The party recognizes all guests who are part of Crystal Society which means they have sailed on one or more Crystal Cruises.  They also recognize a few people who have a significant number of milestones.  The Crystal Society Host or Hostess (in this case Host) will speak about the person/couple and bring them up to the front with a presentation of a bouquet of flowers for the lady and boutonniere  for the gent.  

We chatted with several guests, crew members and enrichment personnel before the event began.  Whereas in the past before open seating there was a Welcome, Crystal Society and Farewell party (depending on the length of the cruise either three individual parties or two parties with the latter two combined).  When open dining rolled out on Symphony because people were dining at all different times attendance was low at the parties.  They tried all different times.  They have settled on one party.  This one was well attended.

For those of you who sailed Crystal Cruises before wine and spirits were included you may remember when each party was held twice.  There was one party for early seating followed by another party for those on late seating. The wine and spirits were included at the party whereas the rest of the time guests would pay a fee for them.  They were very popular back then because there was no fee for the drink.  As they say, times have changed.  LOL.

We knew all the people recognized.

The first recognition was for a woman who we have sailed with on some World Cruises and Holiday Cruises.  She enjoys bringing her grandson onto the Holiday Cruise and he escorted her to be recognized for her 50th Crystal Cruises Milestone.

Next up is a couple we have sailed with several times.  Keith me them through Paddle Tennis as he plays often when on-board.  She has gone on a few Crystal Cruises without him so her number was slightly above his.

Lastly, we were recognized for our 95th Crystal Society Milestone by Crystal Society Host Jacco.  Speaking of Jacco he has been terrific. When he arrived to Crystal Cruises he worked on the River Cruise Vessels.  Since those ships are smaller certain functions are combined.  His responsibility was both Crystal Society and Future Cruise Sales.  He moved to the Ocean Vessels earlier this year and right now is swinging between Serenity and Symphony.  We are celebrating a specific milestone during this cruise and he has been very consciensoius and organized in its planning.

From L-R: Crystal Society Host Jacco, Captain Birger, Anne Marie & Keith, Cruise Director Rick.

---

We thought it would be nice to include some photos of the Crystal Serenity Senior Officers courtesy Crystal Cruises.

​

---

---

​

---

As usual we slept well.  We benefited from the Christmas gift of turning the clocks back one hour.  Thank you so much Santa Claus.

Keith decided to walk inside the ship before breakfast. He saw that the Crystal Plaza was set up for this evening's White Night Extravaganza.  The extravaganza is held later in the evening and is essentially a mixer.  A band is on hand to play music in which guest can dance to.  The bar features some "white cocktails".  

We enjoyed breakfast in our room thanks to Butler Jaison. In addition to being a butler Jaison is one of three Head Butlers on-board Serenity.  At any given time two of the three Head Butlers are on the ship with the third on a well deserved Holiday Break.  Jaison is responsible for the butlers on Deck 10 and also takes care of one of the four CP (largest of the suites) on Deck 11.  The Butlers work together as a team helping one another out.  

We have known Jaison for several years, but this is the first time we have had him as a butler.  

---

There was a full area of programs on the schedule as we enjoyed our final sea day before we reach our first port of call in Hawaii.  There will be additional sea days when we make our way back to Los Angeles.

There were three lectures:

Jon Bailey spoke provided a close look at the Broadway Musical; Give My Regards To Broadway.

Jim Rowe spoke about sea life that can be found off Hawaii including Whales and Dolphins.

In the afternoon Jeff Greenberg gave a behind the scenes look at the casing associate with the series Modern Family.

Keith took his second Indoor Cycling Class.  Before the start of the class he went through a workout that he used for one of the classes he teaches at home and went through 40 of the 50 minutes of that workout.  

---

 A few minutes later the class began.  Once again it was surprising that six of the twelve people who signed up didn't attend given this is early in the voyage and we turned back the clock on hour.  One person on waitlist took one of the six spots.  It was a very challenging class.  The two instructors are alternating teaching the class.  The good news is that this is a different playlist from the three that they have used in the past which Keith has heard countless times in prior classes.

Anne Marie walked for an hour inside the ship.

We each want to take some personal training during the World Cruise so we prepared lists for that to submit to the Fitness Center.

We enjoyed lunch at Marketplace and our usual salad entrees.  While we were eating, we looked out at the very blue color of the ocean.  Absolutely beautiful.

Anne Marie walked outside in the afternoon on the wraparound Promenade Deck.  When she walks alone she listens to one of the many audio books she has on her iPhone.  Keith enjoyed Paddle Tennis for a few hours.  We spent the rest of the afternoon reading, writing and talking to fellow guests and members of the crew.

This evening we return to Waterside but over the coming days we have plans to dine at all other dining venues.  

Tomorrow we will see land when we arrive to Maui at Noon.

Anne Marie & Keith