DAY 16- CRUISING TO GRAND CAYMAN

We wanted to begin with a few items:

We thank our friends Ricki and David for driving down to Miami to visit us on the Crystal Serenity yesterday.  We had a wonderful time and enjoyed every minute together with the two of you.

While sitting in the Crystal Dining Room with Ricki and David two fellow guests who sailed with the four of us in November of 2010, Jim and Nan, stopped by the table and sat with us.  They are on this sailing.  They were also booked on an Alaska cruise that we took on the Crystal Symphony this past August but less than two months prior to the voyage Jim suffered a catastrophic medical event that almost took his life.  They had to cancel the August cruise while Jim rehabilitated from.  With strong determination on Jim's part and strong support from Nan he has made tremendous strides in his recovery.  All of this is a reminder to us to not put off until tomorrow those things that can be done today, that none of us knows what is in store for them, and that we should focus on the important things in life and to put the important items relative to the small items in perspective.   It was wonderful to see the two of them and we look forward to seeing them throughout this cruise.

John and Linda.  We look forward to seeing you both when you board the Crystal Serenity in Los Angeles and look forward to sharing the enjoyment of the Los Angeles to Sydney voyage with you.  John, it felt like olds times in the Fitness Center today.  About 30 minutes into Keith's workout on the Elliptical Machine he was joined by Brian and it brought back fond memories of the 2010 World Cruise when in the early morning Keith, John and Brian would be working out each and every morning on the Elliptical Machines before most guests were up at the center.

To our son Eric we loved talking with you yesterday and we miss you, Kara and your two dogs; Tobey and Kylie.  Dad watched the fourth quarter of the basketball game you went to last evening as it was repeated on ESPN this morning and it looked like a great game to have been to with the home team pulling out the victory.

To our daughter Jennifer we loved talking with you yesterday and we miss you, Gui and Grand Baby Andre.  We loved the beautiful photos you sent us yesterday.

Yesterday was a wonderful day as we got to spend a good portion of the day with friends Ricki and David and we also saw many familiar passengers who boarded the ship in Miami.  We have thoroughly enjoyed each and everyday of this cruise.

We mention from time to time the Crystal Hollywood Theatre where movies are shown, some lectures are given and the room used for religious services.  Those who were continuing onto this voyage from the last voyage were asked to meet in this room yesterday and Keith was able to capture a few photos before anyone arrived so we thought we would share them with you to give you a sense of this room.

While we enjoyed dinner at Silk Road last evening, this is the menu from last evenings Bon Voyage Dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.

As mentioned, we had a wonderful time with Ricki and David.

Before dinner, we enjoyed snacks and wine in our room thanks to Rao. 

Butler Rao with Ricki,Anne Marie and David

The wonderful rainbow cookies that Ricki and David brought to the ship for Keith.  We had Rao put them in the butler freezer for us so that Keith can enjoy them throughout our adventure.

We then had a lovely dinner at the Silk Road Japanese Specialty Restaurant.  Our waiter for the evening was Anthony.

A Nobu special that we began the meal with

We shared a large platter of sashimi and sushi and it was delicious.

Anne Marie had the Nobu box as her entree which is a sampler of Beef, Black Cod, and Rock Shrimp

Keith enjoyed lobster for his entree.

Keith also had a side order of steamed vegetables

Thank you Ricki and David for spending yesterday afternoon into early evening with us on board the Crystal Serenity.

We walked Ricki and David down the gangway at around 8:00 PM.  We can't  thank them enough for driving several hours to visit us and for their thoughtful gifts including the rainbow cookies.

We left Miami pretty much on schedule at around 9:00 PM and the gentle rocking of the ship made it very easy for us to fall asleep.

Keith was up first and enjoyed a nice workout at the Fitness Center and a little while later Anne Marie worked out.  As mentioned he was joined by Brian a short while after his workout began.
While having some coffee in the Lido Cafe on this cruise there were some other "early bird guests" doing likewise.  As mentioned he was joined by Brian a short while after his workout began.

He also managed to do a laundry and with this cruise being fairly full there were others doing the laundry fairly early and Keith met a  couple of very nice people.  Often the laundry room can be a social place to meet new people and we have actually become friends with some guests over the years from first meeting in the laundry room.  The two people who Keith spoke with also said they are early birds as well.

The lifeboat drill was at 10:00 AM and we didn't need to attend since it was for embarking guests only.

There were several activities at 11:00 AM but we needed to pass on them to attend the Cruise Critic Meet and Mingle Party.  This included a talk by special interest lecturer David Davenport whop spoke about the 2012 Presidential Campaign and offered his predictions and an indoor Spin Class.  We will catch the lecture on the television.

The cruise critic party was very well attended.  Over 40 of the 52 people who signed up attended which was excellent given the time of the day.  Several senior officers also attended including the Hotel Director.

After the Cruise Critic Party we had lunch at the Lido Cafe.

In the afternoon, Keith played Paddle Tennis with fellow passengers and senior crew members while Anne Marie walked on the Promenade Deck.  She also sat out for a little while to get some sun.  Keith also sat with friend Bob.

This evening is the Captains Welcome Aboard Reception and the first Formal Dinner (yes the menu includes the Fresh Lobster which Anne Marie adores) of this Voyage.  We will post all about this tomorrow.

Keith's favorite all-time rock group is The Beatles and his favorite Beatle was always Paul McCartney. This is from a song that Paul wrote that we believe in.

TODAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY....

“I've got to admit it's getting better. It's a little better all the time.” – Paul McCartney


Keith and Anne Marie