Keith1010

Thank you Ivi and Happy New Year. If I am remembering correctly I believe someone said around 550 but I might have that confused with the cruise after that. It might be less than I am thinking but not more. Keith

Ray and Ann. Not sure who Crystal uses. TA could ask Crystal. We haven't stayed there for many years. In the past we would recommend King George Hotel and Intercontinental (Club Floor) but like I said it's been a long time and I haven't looked at reviews. Keith

You could have two appetizers and some people ask for two entrees having it all or asking for half portions. They will accommodate most requests so I am sure you could taste more. Keith

Thank you so much. Most times the deck is dry but early in the wee hours of the morning it can be wet as they are hosing off the upper decks and there are times they hose off the promenade. Pool area deck will get wet early too when they are hosing off the deck above it. The reason for the three formal nights is because it is a Holiday Cruise including having formals on Christmas Day (some years eve) and New Years Eve. Normally for this length of cruise there I would expect two formals. Happy Holidays. Keith

Today's Daily Reflections. Tastes Menu. Waterside Menu for this evening. Second of three formal nights this cruise. Menu looks fantastic. Keith Reflections.pdf DEF528FB-2FD2-436C-9B4A-7EE5E2B93340.pdf DinnerMenu12:31.pdf

Can you believe this is the last day of 2023? It's been a very memorable year, including the restart of Crystal. The first walk I take around the ship the past couple of days is walking the pool deck and the wrap-around promenade deck. Some people ask if there are lounge chairs and tables with shade. A few of these photos show this. There is shade on both sides of the pool. One side smoking is permitted and the other side it is not. We arrived to Barbados at 8:00 AM yesterday morning. I went ashore. We have visited Barbados many times and enjoy this island. In years past we have visited the Nidhe Israel Synagogue, formed by a Jewish Community in the 1620's. One time we were welcomed inside. We have also visited St. Michael's Cathedral built in 1628. St. Nicholas Abbey and viewed from outside the Parliament Building. We were docked much further from the terminal, and this involved along walk just to get to the terminal building with shops. From there I made his way out and where there were lots of taxis inside and outside the terminal area. He headed to the walkway to walk and run with the sea and beach on his right and made his way into town. On his left were many familiar buildings. Once in town I strolled around. A shuttle was offered by Crystal for those who didn't want to walk from the ship over to the terminal. It was a hot and humid day In the morning but later in the afternoon there was cloud cover with some wind and it cooled off. Dinner last evening was at Tastes. I enjoyed the food so much that I forgot to take photos of most of the courses. Cheers, Keith

Photo of Crystal Serenity while we were docked in Barbados yesterday. Keith

When you are right you are right. You know me well. 🤣 Keith

Today's Reflections and Waterside Dinner Menus. 7479D596-625C-4AA2-9C14-5B5638274BB3.pdf A25BD638-F1B8-4130-B3FB-08E14276153E.pdf

Some photos from around Serenity including the Promenade Deck, Paddle/Pickle Ball Court, Palm Court & Children's Area. Dinner was in Waterside. Anne Marie and I each had Wiener Schnitzel for our entree, but mine is the one with an egg on top although you might not know with the spots which are pepper. LOL. Cheers, Keith

Love the Promenade Deck. Keith

Thank you for following along and for the nice wishes. We were so impressed with Waterside on those first two cruises but I wondered could they keep it going with a full ship. And the answer is a big Yes. We've also enjoyed Osteria and Umi Uma. And the food we selected for last evening was the best we've had in the Vintage Room. I normally don't eat dessert and at the VR just a little bit but last night I ate the entire dessert. Happy Holidays, Keith

It's in the Reflections but I wanted to note that today at 5:00 PM there is a get together with Cruise Director Raphael for the solo cruisers. On this cruise on many evenings there are two performances of each show and sometimes two different shows for a total of four performances. This is going to vary based on itinerary and based on overall occupancy. Keith

Crystal Serenity from yesterday. Keith

As we learned this year things can change. More than likely you will dock in Manhattan but as you select the time of your flight consider if there is a change in terminals and you dock in Brooklyn or Bayonne, New Jersey. Keith

Todays' Daily Reflections and Waterside Dinner Menu. Cheers, Keith ReflectionsDec29.pdf DinnerMenus12:29.pdf

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