The area by the cruise terminal is somewhat like those private islands that some cruise lines utilize. It just provides a nice opportunity for guests and crew to sit out and enjoy the beach or take a dip in the water or do some kind of water adventure. We also had the perfect day for that as well. Sometimes it's those little things that make a difference and make for a memorable day.
Speaking of weather as we often say weather is weather and as we know weather can be quite different not only year over year but day to day. Often this time of year you may encounter rain in port and some of it can be torrential. We have enjoyed terrific weather on this voyage in each port of call and also at sea, other than a few sprinkles.
We left Grand Turk a few minutes ahead of schedule at around 3:50 PM. Captain Birger noted that on Sunday morning the pilot would join the ship at around 3:45 AM and that we should dock at Miami by 5:00 AM.
As we have done most nights, before dinner last evening, we sat at the Crystal Cove where we listened to Pianist Scott Mitchel perform. On the next cruise Scott will also be the pianist and then during the World Cruise he will shift roles and assume the position of Assistant Cruise Director.
Afterwards, we had an absolutely wonderful time at dinner in the Crystal Dining Room. We dined with Activities Hostess Urara and her husband Taka. We have sailed with Urara several times over the years and also met Taka a few years ago and this is our third or fourth sailing with Taka. Keith first met Taka playing paddle tennis before he realized that Taka is Urara's husband. They are truly an amazing couple and are very kind and considerate.
We had pre-ordered a couple of items with Head Waiter Giuseppe the night before.
We began with Tuna Tartare which was one of the items we had, in fact, pre-ordered ahead of time for Keith, Taka and Urara and Giuseppe made this for us. Once he had it prepared, he brought over to the table on a small plate three individual spoons so that Keith, Taka and Urara could do a food taste. The unanimous decision was that it was perfectly prepared. Anne Marie had jumbo shrimp cocktail in lieu of the Tuna. The Tuna Tartare was very tasty and Anne Marie enjoyed the shrimp as well.
For our second course we both had salad. Keith had his standing order salad and Anne Marie had the Mixed Garden Greens Salad.
For our main course, we all had Veal Scaloppine al Limone which we had also pre-ordered with Giuseppe. Everyone, but Keith also had angel hair pasta which was served on the side by Ayhan.
We also had the side order of three different types of vegetables that we have each night and this one was larger than usual since there were four of us dining.
For dessert, it was mixed berries for Keith and Anne Marie had a sugar-free dessert.
Urara has many responsibilities and one of them is to teach napkin folding so Keith asked Urara if she could show us how to fold the napkin. She did exactly that and we each made a Bird Of Paradise.
Shortly after we left the Dining Room there was the Captain's Farewell Reception. This reception is held at 7:45 PM to accommodate as many guests who are interesting in attending as the scheduled time is around the time that most guests in main (early) seating have finished their meal and before those in late seating have dined.
Last night's entertainment featured Across The Pond. This production show was performed twice at 8:30 and 10:30 and includes many songs from the 1960's associate with the British Invasion (music) including songs of The Beatles.
We slept quite well as we are now sailing towards Miami, Florida where this voyage began and this voyage will end. Seas continued to be relatively calm.
Our morning began as most morning's do for us on Serenity. It started with a workout for Keith in the Fitness Center, and then Keith went to the Lido Cafe for coffee and to read and write. After Anne Marie enjoyed some coffee which Keith brought back to the room for her, Anne Marie walked for one hour. We then enjoyed breakfast in our room. We had breakfast a little earlier than usual for a sea day as Keith had an 8:00 AM appointment at the salon for a haircut. Darko who first cut our hair during the 2014 World Cruise is, once again, on board through the upcoming World Cruise.
Shortly after getting his haircut, Keith met up with dear friend Dave so they could chat for awhile as Dave will be getting off on Sunday. Friend Gary also came by and joined in on the conversation.
Today marks the final sea day of this 14 day Round Trip Miami Holiday Cruise. As mentioned, we are scheduled to arrive back to Miami tomorrow morning at 5:00 AM marking the end of this voyage and the start of a new voyage.
Many of the guests getting off the ship tomorrow will use a portion of the day to pack. Some guests such as ourselves are staying. A few guests had inquired about remaining on board, but the next cruise just like this cruise is fully booked.
This sea day had lots of daytime enrichment activities as you find on any sea day when sailing Crystal Cruises, and this included two morning and one afternoon lecture. The lectures were diverse and very interesting. Dr. Jay Wolff spoke about the Mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle. Although we are not sailing Bermuda on this voyage, this is a very interesting talk. Fifteen minutes after Jay Wolff's talk was over, Ambassador Mac Ginsberg spoke about the Middle East on Fire and Israel's March Elections. Lots could happen in the Middle East in 2015 between the elections in Israel and all of the other issues surrounding the Middle East. In the afternoon, Dr Simon Spooner spoke about the shipwreck of Le Casmir which was scary lead crystal perfume bottles which took place in the year 1829.
On top of this were many classes including fitness, golf, bridge, computer and iMovie, Needlepoint, and Knitting.
For those who enjoy various games there was bingo, team trivia and the casino was open.
We enjoyed our usual lunch in the Lido Cafe as we do on most days on the ship and then after lunch Keith played more paddle tennis. Some of the regulars played while some didn't play as they were either already packed or didn't want to have to deal with packing clothes from tennis that they didn't have time to wash. The weather was warm and humid. Keith played with several friends including the last game of the voyage with Lieve. Lieve and her husband and organist Hector will return later in the World Cruise.
Anne Marie got in her one hour walk staying on the shady side of the Promenade Deck as the other side was quite warm. She also sat out on the Verandah and continued to work on her knitting and also read and wrote.
We are posting earlier today before Keith goes to Spin Class.
This evening we will dine in the Crystal Dining Room for the third consecutive time and will be posting about that tomorrow.
After dinner, there will be a farewell show which is a variety show featuring the dance team of Ryno & Elena, Ventriloquist Comedian Mark Merchant and Vocalist Toni Warne.
TODAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY........
“The power of imagination makes us infinite.” – John Muir
Keith & Anne Marie
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