Wonderful New Years Eve Dinner ✔ Excellent Production Show✔
Very Special New Years Eve Celebration ✔ A Terrific Day At Sea On-Board The Crystal Serenity ✔ Happy New Year and Welcome to 2012 ✔
Happy New Year from on-board the Crystal Serenity.
Celebrating New Years Eve on board the Crystal Serenity was very special. There was so much excitement and good will throughout the evening. On top of this we could celebrate ringing in the new year, and afterwards walk right to our room without having to worry about driving.
When we went to sleep on the evening of December 30 there were no New Years Eve Decorations in place. When we awoke on December 31, the Crystal Cove was thoroughly decorated for the New Years Eve Party. We were told that the cove was decorated with the most balloons ever as an additional net had been ordered for this event to have even more balloons than ever before.
Our challenge last evening was to make sure we could stay up for the New Years Eve Celebration and the good news is we succeeded.
We began last evening by dining in the Crystal Main Dining Room. The menu featured a New Year's Eve Dinner.
We had pre-ordered Tuna Tartare for Keith's appetizer and Anne Marie ordered her appetizer from the menu which was Poached Lobster on Truffled Green Bean and Asparagus Salad. Once again, Headwaiter Giussepe, outdid himself by making very tasty and delicious Tuna Tartare for Keith and Anne Marie had a very small taste. Anne Marie also enjoyed her lobster. She loves lobster.
We followed our appetizers with salads.
Anne Marie has the salad featured on the menu.
Keith had a salad that he has on most evenings.
We each had he Fresh Canadian Salmon and Keith also had half a portion of the Sun-Dried Tomato Crusted Grouper Fillet.
For dessert, Anne Marie had the sugar-free Chocolate and Raspberry Tartlet and Keith had berries and also a one Petits Fours and one Chocolate Truffle. After all, it was New Years Eve.
We both had regular cappuccino to get some caffeine to help us stay up.
We stopped by our room before going to the evening production show and on our coffee table were two boxes of chocolate truffles and on our bed was a 2012 Crystal Cruises Calendar.
The production show was fabulous with so many nice renditions of songs from some of our favorite broadway plays. It is called Standing Room Only. The cast featured some performers who we know from prior cruises along with a few that we had not seen perform on any of our previous cruises.
Afterwards, we went to the Crystal Cove and to celebrate the ringing in the of New Year. We arrived there about two hours before the event and we danced to several songs and then celebrated with fellow guests and crew members. The band that we dance to is called Hook'D which was a four piece rock band with a woman vocalist who played mainly music from the 1970's and 1980's. This is an additional band that was brought on board for the Holiday Cruise. When they took a break the Galaxy Orchestra performed and later on Hook'D was back on to perform. At the same time the Crystal Sextet performed in the Stardust Lounge while there was a DJ at the Pulse Disco. There was also entertainment in the Avenue Saloon. This provides lots of choices for music to listen and to dance to.
At about 11:00 PM, hats, blowers, noisemakers, and streamers were handed out. It wasn't too long before many were making use of the streamers.
The crew had brought down several tables and chairs from other venues so that guests could sit if they would like. We just walked from area to area so that we could speak with as many fellow guests and crew members as possible. When midnight arrived all you could see was balloons and confetti dropping from the ceiling. We toasted to the New Year with the complimentary champagne which was served.
We spoke with many fellow guests and members of the Crystal Crew and several of the entertainers who were on hand helping with the festivities.
About 15 minutes before Midnight, Cruise Director Gary Hunter began the countdown. When Midnight arrived there the balloons dropped and the confetti was blown from at least two machines and it was quite the celebration. There was hugging and kissing and cheers for the new year.
It was a spectacular way to end 2011 and bring in 2012.
Wrong hat!
The Right Hat!
The Right Hat.
When we arrived back to the room, we realized that there had been a party in our room.
We went to sleep around 12:30 AM.
We set our alarm for 8:00 AM and rather than having breakfast at 8:00 AM as we often do unless we have an early shore excursion we asked for breakfast at 9:00 AM. Although Keith woke up later than usual he still managed to get up well before 8:00 AM so he had time to workout in the Fitness Center and did a slightly shorter workout.
Afterwards, he stopped by the Lido Cafe two different times to sit to have coffee. The first time he was there there were some fellow guests already having breakfast and when he returned around 7:00 AM there were many more guests and lots of crew assisting the passengers. Keith exchanged New Year greetings with many of the Lido Deck Stewards as well as others he knows who work up there from other dining venues. He also managed to get some laundry done.
We enjoyed breakfast in our room as we do each morning. Afterwards, Keith picked up our passports as we will need them for our arrival to Miami for the immigration agents.
At 10:00 AM, Keith took another spin class while Anne Marie walked on the Promenade Deck for an hour.
Although it is New Years Day there was still lots of activities on the calendar including morning lectures at 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
From 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM there was also a fabulous New Year's Day Brunch offering foods that are not only tasty but a work of art in their display.
We wanted to note that the buffet was set up in the same area where only last evening we attended the New Years Eve Celebration. We understand that by around 2:30 AM last evening that the area was spotless as the entire area was cleaned up following the celebration. Then less than nine hours later this wonderful buffet was all set up for the guest. To us, it is truly amazing.
While we had lunch up at the Lido Cafe guests could take photos of the various culinary displays from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM. We did exactly that as we took in all of the beautiful displays and also with crew and guests alike a Happy New Year.
This is an example of a culinary work of art as well as other displays you will see in some of the photos which follow. There were literally dozens and dozens of food items that we cannot possibly post to the blog ranging from breakfast items such as Eggs Benedict to Brunch items such as Filet Mignon.
One of several Ice Sculptures
From L-R, Crystal Dining Room Maitre d' Mario Galo and Executive Chef Werner Brenner
Complimentary Bloddy Marys were available
From time to time we mention the Crystal Society Host Eduardo Molina
We also have mentioned the Cruise Sales Consultant Paula Jean Pfitzer
After viewing the buffet we went up to the Lido Cafe to enjoy our lunch. With the vast majority of guests enjoying the New Years Brunch Buffet, the Lido Cafe was fairly quiet. We ate outside and it was as if that area was our very own private lot as we were the only guests eating outside.
After lunch we went back to the room to change. On our coffee table was a very thoughtful gift and New Years card from Butler, Rao, Stewardess Sneha, Trainee Stewardess Cindy, and Stewardess Viktoria who is the person who called down to the Medical Center for Keith early on in the cruise and who stayed close by that entire time. We were very touched by there very thoughtful card and gift.
After we changed, Anne Marie walked for another hour on the Promenade Deck and then sat our for a while on our balcony. Afterwards, she got some gifts ready that we will be giving out to some members of the cruise on the next voyage. Keith play paddle tennis for a couple of hours and then enjoyed a nice conversationwith Bob and Chris.
This evening we will dine at the Silk Road Japanese Specialty Restaurant with friends Ashley and Kelly for the second time this voyage.
The good news is we get to set the clock back one hour when we go to sleep this evening.
Very Special New Years Eve Celebration ✔ A Terrific Day At Sea On-Board The Crystal Serenity ✔ Happy New Year and Welcome to 2012 ✔
Happy New Year from on-board the Crystal Serenity.
Celebrating New Years Eve on board the Crystal Serenity was very special. There was so much excitement and good will throughout the evening. On top of this we could celebrate ringing in the new year, and afterwards walk right to our room without having to worry about driving.
When we went to sleep on the evening of December 30 there were no New Years Eve Decorations in place. When we awoke on December 31, the Crystal Cove was thoroughly decorated for the New Years Eve Party. We were told that the cove was decorated with the most balloons ever as an additional net had been ordered for this event to have even more balloons than ever before.
Our challenge last evening was to make sure we could stay up for the New Years Eve Celebration and the good news is we succeeded.
We began last evening by dining in the Crystal Main Dining Room. The menu featured a New Year's Eve Dinner.
We had pre-ordered Tuna Tartare for Keith's appetizer and Anne Marie ordered her appetizer from the menu which was Poached Lobster on Truffled Green Bean and Asparagus Salad. Once again, Headwaiter Giussepe, outdid himself by making very tasty and delicious Tuna Tartare for Keith and Anne Marie had a very small taste. Anne Marie also enjoyed her lobster. She loves lobster.
We followed our appetizers with salads.
Anne Marie has the salad featured on the menu.
We each had he Fresh Canadian Salmon and Keith also had half a portion of the Sun-Dried Tomato Crusted Grouper Fillet.
For dessert, Anne Marie had the sugar-free Chocolate and Raspberry Tartlet and Keith had berries and also a one Petits Fours and one Chocolate Truffle. After all, it was New Years Eve.
We both had regular cappuccino to get some caffeine to help us stay up.
We stopped by our room before going to the evening production show and on our coffee table were two boxes of chocolate truffles and on our bed was a 2012 Crystal Cruises Calendar.
The production show was fabulous with so many nice renditions of songs from some of our favorite broadway plays. It is called Standing Room Only. The cast featured some performers who we know from prior cruises along with a few that we had not seen perform on any of our previous cruises.
Afterwards, we went to the Crystal Cove and to celebrate the ringing in the of New Year. We arrived there about two hours before the event and we danced to several songs and then celebrated with fellow guests and crew members. The band that we dance to is called Hook'D which was a four piece rock band with a woman vocalist who played mainly music from the 1970's and 1980's. This is an additional band that was brought on board for the Holiday Cruise. When they took a break the Galaxy Orchestra performed and later on Hook'D was back on to perform. At the same time the Crystal Sextet performed in the Stardust Lounge while there was a DJ at the Pulse Disco. There was also entertainment in the Avenue Saloon. This provides lots of choices for music to listen and to dance to.
At about 11:00 PM, hats, blowers, noisemakers, and streamers were handed out. It wasn't too long before many were making use of the streamers.
The crew had brought down several tables and chairs from other venues so that guests could sit if they would like. We just walked from area to area so that we could speak with as many fellow guests and crew members as possible. When midnight arrived all you could see was balloons and confetti dropping from the ceiling. We toasted to the New Year with the complimentary champagne which was served.
We spoke with many fellow guests and members of the Crystal Crew and several of the entertainers who were on hand helping with the festivities.
About 15 minutes before Midnight, Cruise Director Gary Hunter began the countdown. When Midnight arrived there the balloons dropped and the confetti was blown from at least two machines and it was quite the celebration. There was hugging and kissing and cheers for the new year.
It was a spectacular way to end 2011 and bring in 2012.
Wrong hat!
The Right Hat!
The Right Hat.
When we arrived back to the room, we realized that there had been a party in our room.
We went to sleep around 12:30 AM.
We set our alarm for 8:00 AM and rather than having breakfast at 8:00 AM as we often do unless we have an early shore excursion we asked for breakfast at 9:00 AM. Although Keith woke up later than usual he still managed to get up well before 8:00 AM so he had time to workout in the Fitness Center and did a slightly shorter workout.
Afterwards, he stopped by the Lido Cafe two different times to sit to have coffee. The first time he was there there were some fellow guests already having breakfast and when he returned around 7:00 AM there were many more guests and lots of crew assisting the passengers. Keith exchanged New Year greetings with many of the Lido Deck Stewards as well as others he knows who work up there from other dining venues. He also managed to get some laundry done.
We enjoyed breakfast in our room as we do each morning. Afterwards, Keith picked up our passports as we will need them for our arrival to Miami for the immigration agents.
At 10:00 AM, Keith took another spin class while Anne Marie walked on the Promenade Deck for an hour.
Although it is New Years Day there was still lots of activities on the calendar including morning lectures at 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
From 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM there was also a fabulous New Year's Day Brunch offering foods that are not only tasty but a work of art in their display.
We wanted to note that the buffet was set up in the same area where only last evening we attended the New Years Eve Celebration. We understand that by around 2:30 AM last evening that the area was spotless as the entire area was cleaned up following the celebration. Then less than nine hours later this wonderful buffet was all set up for the guest. To us, it is truly amazing.
While we had lunch up at the Lido Cafe guests could take photos of the various culinary displays from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM. We did exactly that as we took in all of the beautiful displays and also with crew and guests alike a Happy New Year.
This is an example of a culinary work of art as well as other displays you will see in some of the photos which follow. There were literally dozens and dozens of food items that we cannot possibly post to the blog ranging from breakfast items such as Eggs Benedict to Brunch items such as Filet Mignon.
One of several Ice Sculptures
From L-R, Crystal Dining Room Maitre d' Mario Galo and Executive Chef Werner Brenner
Complimentary Bloddy Marys were available
From time to time we mention the Crystal Society Host Eduardo Molina
We also have mentioned the Cruise Sales Consultant Paula Jean Pfitzer
After viewing the buffet we went up to the Lido Cafe to enjoy our lunch. With the vast majority of guests enjoying the New Years Brunch Buffet, the Lido Cafe was fairly quiet. We ate outside and it was as if that area was our very own private lot as we were the only guests eating outside.
After lunch we went back to the room to change. On our coffee table was a very thoughtful gift and New Years card from Butler, Rao, Stewardess Sneha, Trainee Stewardess Cindy, and Stewardess Viktoria who is the person who called down to the Medical Center for Keith early on in the cruise and who stayed close by that entire time. We were very touched by there very thoughtful card and gift.
After we changed, Anne Marie walked for another hour on the Promenade Deck and then sat our for a while on our balcony. Afterwards, she got some gifts ready that we will be giving out to some members of the cruise on the next voyage. Keith play paddle tennis for a couple of hours and then enjoyed a nice conversationwith Bob and Chris.
This evening we will dine at the Silk Road Japanese Specialty Restaurant with friends Ashley and Kelly for the second time this voyage.
The good news is we get to set the clock back one hour when we go to sleep this evening.
TODAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY.....
“Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.” Helen Keller
Keith and Anne Marie
What a beautiful New Year's celebration - and the buffet looked fabulous! How will Crystal top that one?
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year~
I've seen watermelon boats before; but the catelope rind sails take the cake. And I must say I'm so proud of you for having a petit four & a truffle. Man, you really know how to party! Happy New Year y'all!!!
ReplyDeleteThat looked like a great way to bring in the new year. My mouth dropped when I saw all those lobsters.
ReplyDeleteI think that you've convinced me that I must book a holiday cruise! Just wow!!! I had an exciting New Year's Eve visiting friends in Georgia. We watched the ball drop from NYC (with the Peach from Atlanta in the upper left corner of the tv), sitting in our jammies and went to bed at 12:15. Didn't even wait for midnight in Texas to come around.
ReplyDeleteTexas Tillie (Patty)
Dear Anne Marie and Keith,
ReplyDeleteHow very thoughtful and gracious you two are for sending your friends who follow your daily blog, a Happy New Years greeting.
We know that you are taking the World Cruise. How many passengers will do the same thing?
The food looks so scrumptious as always.
Chuck and Bud (San Diego, Ca)
Chuck and Bud, they will be announcing the number of full world cruisers at the World Cruise Gala and once they do we will post it here.
ReplyDeleteKeith and Anne Marie