Keith1010

I am including some photos courtesy of a dear friend who went ashore yesterday. Last evening was very enjoyable. It began with the Crystal Society Party and the turnout was spectacular. The room was vibrant. We hosted a Vintage Room Dinner. All of our Vintage Room experiences have been very positive and this one was truly remarkable. We selected each course and Head Sommelier Jiri took it from there carefully selecting the wine. The combination was amazing. Jiri began his Crystal Career in the lounges and we first knew Jiri as he was our Sommelier for most of the time on a world cruise in what was the Crystal Dining Room. Eventually, he was Prego Sommellier, in-time he would swing up to Head Sommelier before becoming the permanent Head Sommelier. He is passionate about wine and it shows whether he is opening up a bottle for two people or doing a Vintage Room presentation. He also has a great sense of humor. The food we had last evening might have been the best yet. The Sea Bass melted in our mouth. The Risotto was delicious. We have had the mushroom Risotto previous times but this one was a first. The Wagyu was amazing. The dessert was the equivalent of hitting a grand slam home run in a baseball game. The wine was a hit and paired perfectly with the meal. This was made even more special with our extended Crystal Family which was the theme of the night. Cheers, Keith

I don't see what the disconnect is. We always have to remember as a tourist we do not always know places which are not as safe as other places. I can point to many places in the USA where most of an area is safe and some is not so safe. We also have to remember the demographics of many of the guests and that as tourists we stand out. In some ports the neighboring area is not so safe. Today we will be in St. Lucia. Beautiful island. I've been there many times. But I have also walked up some side streets a few blocks from the port and didn't feel safe and quickly headed out of there. Regardless I shared some observations that people had. Better to error on the caution of safety.

Yesterday I heard from a friend about the passing away of a World Cruiser. We haven't sailed with them since 2015 but I keep up with them and they keep up with things through my posts and travel log. Another couple we know can't make the 2024 WC due to unexpected surgery. And another person I know just learned he can't go on the World Cruise either. He was going solo having lost his wife who we have sailed with so many times starting with WC 2007. All of this reaffirms my view to not sweat the little things, to travel while you can, and to stay positive. This is why we are positive and have traveled while we could having lost a sister-in-law way way way too young. Keith

Rob, this is based on what people told me but I am not sure how far they got way from port. Just like in the USA there are some ports where you need to travel further to see some very nice sites. Keith

You are very welcome. 😄🤣 On the first two cruises I saw the gluten free menus so think they still have them. Keith

Thank you David. Staying on board today because it's a fairly long tender and I didn't want to wear a mask the entire time. We will get off at some of the upcoming ports. Keith

Thank you Bill. Since I was out early morning I have found it a bit windy to walk the Promenade deck but today I did the pool area and the Promenade after that and when we anchored Anne Marie and I walked the Promenade deck. I still get a good walk by the pool since no one is out there other than myself an one or two crew members from time to time. We have done some walking inside but because of Anne Marie's situation we wear masks inside so when we can be outside all the better. Happy Holidays. Keith

Thanks Nancy. Usually they put dinner menu as the third menu on the App but today made it the first one. Hopefully, this one is the dinner one. DF4A4189-B395-4963-85F2-1D5F84B01247.pdf Happy Holidays. Keith

Colin, in general the ship doesn't feel crowded. I remember when the ship could carry around 1,100. I did hear the first night at Waterside when they opened the line was all the way out to the Crystal Cove. We dined at Osteria and when it opened there were six of us here until around 7:30 PM but overall not many people. When we went to Waterside the second night and got there a few minutes after it opened around 20 people ahead of us and then after that less. I do remember on Holiday Cruise 2018 out of Los Angeles the first several nights a line out to the shore excursion desk. We dined at Umi Uma the other night and got there around 6t:15 PM. It was busy but waiters had lots of time to talk. I did read that when people arrived at 8:00 PM there was a line to get in and it was busy. On this cruise you can go twice to each speciality restaurant (if available) so that will increase some demand. I do not believe it will be possible to accommodate everyone twice to each restaurant. But back to your question overall it is not very crowded. There are also a good amount of children on board since I know there are four Junior Activity Directors but I don't have the feeling of too many children either. It's been a great cruise. Keith

Colin and Roy, I often forget about the menus. Here is this evenings from Waterside. Keith Waterside12:28.pdf

From earlier today on Serenity. Keith

We made yesterday a sea day. We didn't want to walk into town and then return to say it didn't feel safe. Better for us to enjoy the ship. Seriously better to take an excursion over just walking around the port area. We made Serenity our destination yesterday. Others did too as I had a lot of paddle tennis partners to play with and we enjoyed nice walks on the promenade deck. Also a great opportunity for me to get my hair (or what is left of it) cut. I've changed up my morning routine a little bit. Instead of just the Fitness Center I've found myself walking the pool deck rather than the promenade deck early as it was less windy by the pool. Later in the morning I make use of the Promenade Deck. These are some photos from my walk yesterday AM. Dinner last night at Waterside superb. I've mentioned from the first two cruises that the food is even better than before at Waterside. Someone said that Waterside feels like a specialty restaurant and I second those comments. Food is presented very well. Tastes great. And the menu diverse. White Night Party last evening. And todays' daily Reflections. I am hoping you can read it. I hear from someone when they can't read it or when I've made some minor mistake but not when things are readable. Welcome to CC. LOL. Reflectoins12:28.pdf Cheers, Keith

For all the reasons mentioned this is why as I said in first response I would not book a flight until 2:00 PM or after. I have gone between Dover and LHR many times over the years. You have four things to deal with. Ship arriving late. Luggage coming off late. The drive. And that includes wet roads and/or an accident. And let us not forget the airport at LHR including getting checked in and getting through security. If I can't find the flight I want, we stay over at the airport. Did this on our last Crystal Cruise (got off in Southampton in August). Given where our flight leaves from we stay at the Sofitel LHR Hotel. We've done this at least five or six times. From there we can walk through the pedestrian tunnel the next day and check in for our flight back to the states. There is also the LHR Hilton Hotel but although we've visited the hotel never needed to use it and do prefer the Sofitel. Keith

Four ships in port today including two NCL ships. We could see the basketball court as we were playing Paddle Tennis. We are making today a sea day. Keith

A couple of photos I took this morning while walking the Lido Deck near the Pool Area. Keith

Met a couple in the late afternoon yesterday at the Lounge. I know people say it doesn't get used much. It is being used for bridge. Also, when we arrived five different couples playing board games. Keith

First meal of this cruise in Umi Uma. I know I was asked if the lighting changed here and now I am unsure. For me it is fine but I think it was fine for me last night. All familiar members of the waitstaff team were there. There is one new waiter as only one former waiter didn't return. A couple of new waiters from the current crew will be stepping in as some of the waiters return home. The Nobu Chardonnay came on board I believe in October so we enjoyed that last evening. We always enjoy this at Umi Uma. Food was delicious. Busy last night but very calm. Waiters had time to speak with us and several came by. Richie took good care of us. Ross served the wine. Ruel would help Richie from time-to-time as part of waitstaff teamwork. The recipe for success which Umi Uma has is outstanding cuisine, superb food and a beautiful venue. Keith

Today's Reflections. Keith Reflections12:27.pdf

There are activities for sure. In addition the class Tracie mentioned Chef John will have two other classes there today. This evening there are two perofmrnaues of Rock & Pop Mania at 7:45 pm and 9:45 pm in Stardust as well. Keith

Julia, no place. You do this at check in. Keith

I wouldn't book a flight before 2:00 PM. Keith

Thank you so much David. Keith

Roy, sadly Rabbi Morrie passed away a few months ago. As it stands now, the Protestant Clergy will be on board for the segment of the World Cruise over Easter. Keith

Today's Reflections. I am assuming everyone can read this if you can open the PDF. Keith Refelctons.pdf

He's on that cruise. Happy Holidays. Keith