These are some additional photos from the second segment of the World Cruise of us taken by the ship's photographers.
From L-R Claudia, Keith, Anne Marie & Brigitte.
While Brigitte just went on a well deserved Vacation, Claudia is taking her spot on board Serenity which is responsible for all of the accounting on board Serenity.
We also wanted to note that a few of you have written to us about an article that we were interviewed for which appeared in the Los Angeles Times Travel Section on Sunday, February 22. We were fortunate that the writer had mentioned the date that the article would run, but also appreciate those of you who wrote to us to let us know as well.
Last evening was the first of two exclusive shoreside events for all full World Cruisers. In all previous years we have attended each and everyone. After a good deal of careful thought, we decided not to attend last evening's event. This was simply because the type of medication Anne Marie is on reduces her immune system, putting her at much higher risk of getting ill from others who might be sick with say upper respiratory illnesses. Since Anne Marie has already gotten sick once, and some illness is still going around and we knew we would be on a bus for 60+ minutes we just didn't want to put Anne Marie at risk.
The shoreside event was held at the Hobbiton Movie Set and here are a few photos.
We spoke with several guests who had a great time. It does help if you have seen the movie. Many raved about the area, also the food which evidently included locals who specialized in different types of food so there might be a food station of cheeses, one for sandwiches, and so forth and another highlight was not only the fireworks but the laser show.
We are having such a wonderful time on the World Cruise and are so happy to be here that we know that missing one event is not the end of the world.
So, instead of going we stayed on board Serenity and had dinner in our room in lieu of going to one of the dining venues while we enjoyed a movie that we had gotten from the on-board Library.
Some photos as the sun was setting over Crystal Serenity.
We slept very well last evening even though the ship remained docked in Tauranga. Keith was up first and enjoyed a wonderful workout at the Fitness Center and then went to the Lido Cafe as he read and wrote and had some coffee. A couple of minutes after arriving to the Cafe, Serenity set sail for our next port of call in New Zealand, Napier.
Shortly after Anne Marie woke she walked for part of her morning workout. We had breakfast earlier than normal in our room since Keith was taking an early morning Spin Class. After breakfast, Anne Marie finished her walk.
The early part of this segment is mainly port days but today was mainly a sea day as we sail to Napier. As such, there was a lot on the program.
This included three lectures;
Ken Rees spoke about the rising of the rubble and how Christchurch is fighting back since the major earthquake of 2011 which has also included other earthquakes since then. We were in Christchurch on board Serenity in 2011 two days prior to the devastating earthquake and has what we consider to be one of our most special visits to many cities from around the world. The day was picture perfect with such wonderful weather in contrast to our visit in 2008 when it was cold, rainy and windy. Yes, weather can make a difference when it comes to your experience when traveling. In his presentation, Ken showed photos from that beautiful day we had at Christchurch two days before the earthquake. He also showed photos of what has been done to replace some of the buildings that were destroyed in the earthquake and also in the subsequent earthquakes.
Robin Oakley followed Ken's talk with a presentation about who rules the world including politicians or journalists and she spoke about the impact that journalists had on Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair and John Major.
In the afternoon, Susie Elelman who is an Australian Television and Radio personality spoke about her forty year journey during her media career.
Keith saw the first lecture in person and then we saw the second one when it was rebroadcast on the television and we will catch Susie's tomorrow morning on the Television as well.
As to other morning activities;
Keith enjoyed the indoor spin class which this time around was taught by Fitness Director Chase. With the recent popularity of indoor cycling another class was also offered in the afternoon.
Anne Marie took the Yoga Class in the morning and also attended the Odyssey Art at Sea Knitting Class laster in the morning. She is having a great time in both classes and continues to do a lot of knitting as time permits each day.
We had lunch at the Lido Cafe and each had salad entrees.
In the afternoon, Keith played Paddle Tennis for a couple of hours while Anne Marie walked for an hour outside on the Promenade Deck.
Later in the afternoon, Keith met up with dear friend Bob and a few others friends and Anne Marie worked on her needlepoint.
We also wanted to mention that the Oscars were shown on the Television in each guests stateroom plus it was also shown on the big screen at the Hollywood Theatre. Tonight's entertainment will feature a special show titled Hooray For Hollywood which will feature many members of the entertainment team.
This evening is Black Tie Optional and includes a Captain's Reception.
TODAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY....
"There
are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign." -
Robert
Louis Stevenson
Keith & Anne Marie
No comments:
Post a Comment