Keith1010

I thought I would change things up today from my usual posts. As we've been walking around Miami a few restaurants are providing delivery services like this. We saw this in another city a few months ago. Keith IMG_3669.mov

If you look at post numberr 7 I had posted a PDF of the Crystal Society Program which will show you the current benefits as milestones are achieved. Keith

An option is to make it a back to back or even a back to back to back cruise. https://www.crystalcruises.com/cruises/none-csy-s06-240402?fbclid=IwAR0QU4ps4umabPtdYh7lkgDOxc3-Hw-9ErIvtYxcrqd8BSwTsx_ubIhuE4o Keith

Thank you so much for the kind wishes. I am glad you have had a great time. Safe travels to you and Happy Holidays. Keith

Muriel, Yes the MCI I know. We still see them when works is getting ready to be done or has done in certain cities so that contractor knows to call and have someone on site before work commences. This is where the fiber runs as part of local services MCI provided and now are provided by Verizon. Even though Version has their own extensive local services they still record these facilities as being MCI. Keith

Another view of Crystal Serenity from January of 2017. Keith

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we went out for another walk. After one quick stop, we headed over to Bayside Marketplace. Unlike Brickell Centre, which we visited yesterday, with its high-end stores, Bayside has many stores and restaurants oriented to the many tourists that visit Miami each year. In fact, from end of October 2022 thru end of September 2023 the port welcomed 7 million plus guests. On past visits we usually spend part of a day in South Beach but decided not to visit this week. Also, we normally go to one or two Miami Heat games during our stay, but the home schedule was limited, and we didn't want to go to a game tomorrow evening the night before we board Serenity. We would have made an exception for the Dallas Mavericks or the Boston Celtics though. LOL. Continuing with yesterday's weather patterns, it was windy for portions of the walk but still a delight to be outside and to take in everything around us. We even had a few minutes of rain. In the afternoon, I took another walk to take some photos for Roy and then I stopped by to take a photo at the JFK memorial. A little later, we both enjoyed one final walk for the day. It's been another great day in Miami. And I took two photos of another area marked with the name of my former company; MCI. Cheers, Keith

All of the posts is a reminder that the devil is in the details. Initially, some were disappointed when this promotion came out saying it wasn't fair if you already booked. As it turned out the promotion has turned out well for many people. Maybe not everyone but it is rare when a promotion works for each and every person. Keith

Roy, I took a run over there and took these photos. Keith

Roy if we go in that direction tomorrow I will take a photo. We would have been there earlier today but I just saw your post. Keith

For me it's easy. But I love to walk so not a big deal. From our hotel about 3 miles each way. From say Bayside I believe around 1.2 miles each way. Keith

I hear you. This is a complaint I've heard as long as I've sailed with Crystal. With that said, I can say the same thing about pretty much every customer service center I call such as stores, hotels, airlines, and a range of service providers. Some have complete information and on occasion some provide incorrect information. Even at hotels or on ships once in awhile information is also wrong. I realize the goal should always be 100% accurate and complete information though. Keith

Ivi, another nice walk is to walk on Brickell and go over the bridge that takes you to the man-made Island where the Mandarin Oriental is located. You can walk around the island and view Biscayne Bay and read the signage and see the port from the distance. There is a slight detour as you are towards the back of the Mandarin for about a few minutes of your walk. From there clear sailing. I can't remember if you are staying downtown or in South Beach. South Beach is always fun to walk around. In our case we have them drop us off by the Art Deco hotels on Ocean Drive and walk with the beach/ocean on our right continuing on the board walk and then go as far as we want before heading back. We were discussing Miami with some people yesterday and how much we enjoy it. It's vibrant and we like the diversity of the locals and the visitors. Just fun for us to walk around. Only issue is watching the sidewalks closely as the locals are not always good about their dog droppings. Ouch. Keith

Thank you so much. We're getting closer to launch day. Keith

Ivi, I arranged transfers for Anne Marie and myself rather than taxis. While there are many at the airports, I prefer to use a private transfer even though I pay more than a taxi. You will not have a problem with a taxi at the airport. By the way the same goes at the port. There are tons of taxis at the port. For those who do take taxis they are metered. They used to have some rates that were flat rates such as between port and airport but that was eliminated. Be sure when you get into the taxi to that it is metered so that someone doesn't try to make up the rate. Keith

Early January 2017. Keith

You are correct. That is your Crystal Society Number. If there are multiple people on the booking and each one is a Crystal Society Member it will show one for each respective person. Keith

At the present time, there are no cruises as this is planned for a charter. Keith

Thank you Bill. We had another fun day in Miami. Three days till we board Serenity. We took another nice walk-in downtown Miami in the morning. It was a little windy, but the temperature started off in the low 60's versus 50's on Tuesday. One of the places we stopped off at is the Brickell Centre. It has lots of stores, restaurants, and a hotel. We had lunch at a restaurant in the Mary Brickell area called North Italia. It was a bit windy today but nevertheless another wonderful day in Miami. Happy Holidays. Keith

Ivi, for seafood I recommend Truluck's,. We have dined there several times. They excel in Seafood. You can make reservations there. https://trulucks.com/locations/miami-florida/ Just walking on Brickell is fine. You can stop off at Brickell Centre (shopping area) and Mary Brickell Village. May lunch at one of the restaurants at Mary Brickell Village would be nice. Keith

I want to add that if you would like to know your Crystal Society number you can call Crystal reservations and they can provide that to you. Keith

A very nice writeup/review about Crystal Serenity. https://splashmags.com/index.php/2023/12/18/10-things-to-love-about-crystal-serenity/#gsc.tab=0 Keith

Now I understand and an excellent recommendation. I have used them before on Embarkation Day. Keith

I haven't asked so it will be a surprise for me too. I do know that Chef Jon will be on board which will be super. Keith

So true and this is why so many have returned even though many worked on other cruise lines during the shutdown of Crystal. This is what sets Crystal apart from other cruise lines. Keith