Last evening marked the final formal night of this voyage and also included the Captain's Farewell Party and the Captain's Gala Dinner. We had a very nice time at the Captain's Farewell Party. As we've done at the last few receptions, we sat at the bar. We spoke with some members of the crew including Crystal Society Hostess, Jaque Brown, Chief Housekeeper, Elena, and Activities Hostess Mari. During his talk, Captain Okland highlighted the ports of call we visited on this voyage. We were very fortunate to have very nice weather during this sailing. On our way from the reception over to dinner we chatted with Cruise Director Gary Hunter for a few minutes.
Just to change things up, Keith ordered a Martini for the first time in many years, but after a few sips he switched to a glass of Chardonnay
Anne Marie with Mari who is the Activities Hostess
Afterwards, we had dinner in the Crystal Dining Room. Often on formal nights we dine in the Specialty Restaurants as they are typically quieter and less crowded than on formal nights in the dining room. However, we wanted to dine in the dining room as this was the last night that Jijo, our Senior Waiter, will be on board as he is leaving the ship in India for a well deserved holiday until he returns in late April. The dinner menu had some very nice items to choose from.
These are the menus from last nights dinner.
We began our dinner with salads. Anne Marie selected The Captain's Salad which is one of those salads that tastes as well as it looks. It was delicious. Keith had his standing order of salad.
The Captain's Salad
Anne Marie's favorite entree on the first formal night is fresh lobster but the entree we selected this evening comes in a very close second. We each had the broiled rock lobster tail which is regularly served at the Captain's Farewell Dinner. If we didn't know better we would think that this lobster was fresh as often freezing lobster changes its consistency more than almost any other seafood item that is frozen but that is not the case with they way in which Crystal freezes this lobster. It was delicious. It was accompanied with a very tasty saffron-rice pilaf and fresh garden vegetables.
We also had our side order of steamed vegetables.
When Keith was talking with Maitre d' Mario Gallo, Anne Marie whispered to our Senior Waiter, Jijo that he should bring a Baked Alaska Dessert for Keith and she ordered a sugar free Vanilla Cream Swan for herself.
Keith's Baked Alaska.
Anne Maries' Sugar-Free Vanilla Cream Swan
Knowing that we were having lunch on Tuesday with Ashley and Kelly and that this day marks Kelly's 40th Birthday, we spoke with Maitre d' Mario Gallo and we ordered a Birthday Cake for the celebration and also Caviar since we know that Ashley and Kelly enjoy it will have some as well as will Keith.
Once again, we set the clocks back one hour before we went to sleep.
We slept very well last evening although with two consecutive days of turning the clocks back one hour Keith woke up quite early and enjoyed a nice long workout at the Fitness Center. When fellow passenger Brian arrived to the center he saw how many minutes Keith already had on the elliptical machine and said did you really arrive at zero hundred dark???
Anne Marie woke up regular time and also worked out. We then enjoyed breakfast in our room.
Keith had to miss spin class as he had an appointment for a haircut.
There were some very interesting lectures today. Richard Morgan spoke about the invasion of Panama by USA forces on December 19, 1989. David Davenport spoke about International Law of 2012 including the issue of can we stop piracy on the high seas.
While there was the American Buffet, we dined at the Crystal Dining Room with Ashley and Kelly. We celebrated Kelly turning the ripe old (young) age of forty. Oh, if we could only turn the clock back. Anne Marie had soup as an appetizer and Keith had caviar and for our entree Anne Marie had a Cobb Salad and Keith had a Chef's Salad. We each had some of Kelly's birthday cake for dessert. Ashley and Kelly shared a delicious bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet wine. Once again, we had a fabulous time with Ashley and Kelly and enjoyed a fantastic conversation.
Keith did not play Paddle Tennis today as the temperature was on the cooler side. He did meet Bob later in the afternoon. Anne Marie worked out on the treadmill this aftternnon.
This evening there will be a World Cruise Gala for all World Cruisers. We will post more about this tomorrow.
Tomorrow marks the end of this voyage, and the beginning of the World Cruise.
TODAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY.......
“If you want trust, trust others. If you want respect, respect others. If you want help, help others. If you want love and peace in your life, give them away. If you want great friends, be one. That’s how it works.” - Dan Zadra
Keith and Anne Marie
Hi Keith and Anne Marie - Looks like another fantastic day! You had mentioned being invited to a pre-World cruise night in LA or Beverly Hills - will you be staying on shore for that? Continue to have a wonderful time - sure enjoying it from here! Regards ~ Nancy
ReplyDeleteAnne Marie ordered the Baked Alaska but did Keith eat it? Your day sounds like such fun. I wish had your will power when it comes to cruise food. I'm better than I used to be but ... Enjoy your day in LA. I'm sure you will. I can't wait t hear about the Grand Cruise Gala Party.
ReplyDeleteNancy, we celebrated the World Cruise Gala on board the ship. We will post more about that later.
ReplyDeleteMary, Keith ate all of the Baked Alaska and enjoyed it.
Keith and Anne Marie
Keith & Anne Marie,
ReplyDeleteI want to compliment you on the excellent job you have done with your daily blog on the last two cruise segments. Jackie and I have been to all the places you visited and it was a pleasure to visit them again through your eyes. Congratulations and thank you for making the considerable time commitment necessary to produce your exceptional blog.
I don't recall if Crystal requests passengers to provide their medical insurance information (i.e. carrier, policy number, contact info, etc) on their passenger registration form. If they don't and if you think this is a good practice, please pass along the suggestion to the appropriate person. When someone has a medical emergency, sometimes this information is not at their fingertips. This is also a nice way for Crystal to encourage guests to carry adequate insurance.
Jim
"If you want great friends, be one". Your quote of the day could not have been more appropriate. Thank you for making the birthday lunch so special. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time with you both on board Serenity and now that we are home we are 'homesick' for the ship and your company. Tonight you sail out of LA on the world cruise and we send our love and best wishes for a safe journey filled with adventure and wonder. We will check in daily with the blog to follow along. Take care of one another and enjoy every minute as we know you will. Much love A&K xxx
ReplyDeleteDear Ashley and Kelly, we had a wonderful time with the two of you on the Holiday and the Panama Canal Voyages. We are sorry we didn't connect with you before you left the ship yesterday. We send you both our very best from the Crystal Serenity and look forward to seeing you again.
ReplyDeleteJim, Crystal does request that guests provide insurance information on the registration system. We agree that it is a good idea to capture this information. Best to you and to Nan. We enjoyed sailing with you two.
Keith and Anne Marie