DAY 44 DAY 33 SERENITY

WELCOME TO RAROTONGA, Cook Islands

Last evening was Black Tie Optional (BTO) night.

We enjoyed another pre-dinner drink at the  Crystal Cove.

Once again we enjoyed the wonderful music of Pianist  Richard Pucci.

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These are the dinner menus from Waterside where we dined for the third consecutive evening.

We began the meal with appetizers; caviar for Keith and soup for Anne Marie.  Keith also tried the Tartar of Pacific Salmon Appetizer.  The second course was dinner salads for each of us.  Our entree was the fresh Maine lobster.

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The evening just got started after dinner.  There was the Captain's Reception at Palm Court with Captain Birger and following the reception was the Crystal Production Show called Crystal On Broadway The Show featuring lots of memorable songs.

Captain Birger updated everyone about Crystal Symphony which has been denied docking in various ports and is on its way to Singapore, our arrival at Rarotonga and he introduced the Senior Officers of Serenity.

After a lovely evening we slept well as we sailed to our next port-of-call of Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

We began the day as you all are accustomed to which included a visit to the Fitness Center by Keith, breakfast in our  room and a walk for Anne Marie and an indoor cycling class for Keith.

We first  visited Rarotonga in 2011.

Rarotonga is is the main island of the Cook group of Islands. This chain of islands was named after celebrated explorer Captain James Cook.
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Rarotonga’s mountains rise 2,000 feet above it beautiful white-sand beaches.

Major attractions include:

The Takitumu Rainforest.  Yes, they get lots of rain on this island.

Cook Islands Christian Church built in 1853.

Cook Islands Cultural Center which is a private property reflecting the traditions and culture of this island.

Muri Beach one of the most popular beaches of the Cook Islands.  It features stunning lagoons and white sandy beach.

Punanga Nui Market located near the waterfront and is popular on Saturday mornings.  It includes fruit, vegetables, fish, pastries and other Island treats along with art works, souvenirs and handcrafts.

Before Keith went to Cycling Class he looked out our verandah and he could tell if the sea swells were similar on the other side of the ship we would not go into Rarotonga.  When he walked up to Deck 12 he looked at the starboard side of Marketplace and the sea swells looked similar so he thought the port stop would be cancelled.  Sure enough a short while later Captain Birger spoke from the bridge and said due to the sea swells  it would be unsafe to run the tenders.

We are reminded what happened in 2011.  We went over to Rarotonga in the morning for a Crystal Tour of the Rainforest.  The sea swells were calm.  After the tour we went back to the ship and the swells had picked up and an hour later they were very bad.  In fact, they were so bad that some people got sick in the tender.  Not a pleasant thought.

A view from our Verandah at sunrise. 

Some photos from the Rainforest.

Today became a sea day with several lectures and other activities.

We did what we often do which was additional walks for Anne Marie and Paddle Tennis for Keith and Lunch at Marketplace.  Also enjoyed conversations with fellow guests and member of Team Serenity.

All in all a nice unplanned sea day.

Following is the daily Reflections Program.

Cheers,

​Anne Marie & Keith