As we mentioned yesterday, last evening was Black Tie Optional on-board Crystal Serenity and the last one of this World Cruise.
We began our evening as we often do having a pre-dinner drink at the Avenue Saloon with dear friends John & Linda.
Afterwards, we had dinner at the Prego Italian Specialty Restaurant.
As usual we were taken excellent care of by the entire Prego team including Specialty Restaurant Maitre d' Antonio, Head Waiter Slavko, Waiter Costa and Sommelier Jiri.
The meal was delicious and here are a few photos from our meal.
We were very fortunate that Prego was relatively quiet last evening allowing us to enjoy not only a very quiet dinner but also to have more time with the wait staff. The prior few nights had been very busy at Prego.
As they say in life, timing is everything.
This was an additional item that one could have as an entree but we chose to have it as an appetizer and we didn't eat all of this. It was delicious and included Lobster.
This was Keith's seafood entree.
Continuing with the evening was the Captain's Farewell Reception and for most guests on board Serenity it is that final farewell with the World Cruise shortly coming to a conclusion. We believe around 25 guests are continuing onto the next voyage.
A tradition of World Cruises is the Crystal Serenity Pops concert which is held on the last Black Tie Optional night of a World Cruise. Planning for this began months ago and this concert is Bandmaster Raphael's baby and brainchild. He collaborates with many of the singers, dancers, and musicians but in the end he puts it all together. It is a true team effort with one person guiding the final product. It is one of the most amazing events we attend on sea and on land.
This concert involves many members of the Crystal Entertainment team but it does not end there. The team is augmented with some of the land based entertainers who have been on board for a portion of this segment of the World Cruise and then several members of the Miami orchestra were flown in to augment the orchestra. Last year, some members of the London Symphony were brought on board. In addition to this, the Vice President of Crystal Cruises Entertainment, Bret Bullock, who is also an accomplished musician, joined the ship in Barbados and he was the conductor for the concert and also showed off his musical talents by playing several instruments. Two concerts were performed and we attend the first one at 8:30 PM.
We arrived early and we were able to get a front row seat directly in the center of the stage.
The performance was a celebration of the anniversary of POPs, and the Silver Anniversary of Crystal.
The program included Sabre Rock, Italian Opera Medley, Moring Noon & Night in Vienna, Fantasy for Violin, William Tell Overture, Csardas, Forrest Gump Suite, Tijuana Brass Medley, and James Bond Medley.
It was fantastic and featured dancing, song, music, dance and even comedy. There is no better team on land or at sea than the team we saw last night.
Each year the stage is extended for this event and each year it gets bigger and bigger. The show included 25 musicians comprising the orchestra, plus the conductor, 5 vocalists, 9 Dancers and 2 members of the dance team.
It was an absolutely amazing performance that featured outstanding dancing, song, music, and even comedy. There is no better team on land nor at sea than the team we saw perform last evening.
Vice President of Crystal Cruises Entertainment, Bret Bullock Conducting the Orchestra.
Vocalist Jonathan Hawkins.
Line Captain Dmitri Ilukhin in a Clown's outfit.
Sarah Hawkins and Curtis Collins - Forest Gump
Beverly & Curtis
Dave Ashley not only played with the Orchestra but also played solo for one song.
Band Leader Raphael Derkson got to conduct for one song.
Line Captain Dmitri Ilukhin leading the dancers.
From L-R, Land Based Entertainer Gary Guthman VP of Crystal Entertainment Bret Bullock and Galaxy Orchestra Bandleader Raphael Derkson performing.
Sara Story performing Goldfinger one of the James Bond Songs.
Vocalist Sarah Hawkins also performing Live & Let Die a song from James Bond.
From L to R, Jonathan Hawkins, James Fox who performs in the Bill Joel Concert, and Tom Lowe.
We fell asleep easily last evening as we continue to sail towards Miami. It sure didn't hurt that we went to sleep later than usual.
In spite of getting to sleep late Keith was up first and as usual he worked out and then had coffee at the Lido Cafe while he read and wrote.
Anne Marie was able to walk for an hour inside the ship. It was raining outside, but Anne Marie normally just walks inside in the morning. While she was walking, Keith went back to the Fitness Center for another workout and then he stopped by the Lido Cafe to speak with dear friend Elaine.
Afterwards, we had breakfast in our room.
This is the last sea day of the cruise. As such, there was still a lot on the program.
The morning featured Ocean Views and this time there was so much talent on the ship that it include five panelists plus Moderator Ken Rees. Keith attended this session and as usual the interactive electronic device was used so the audience could participate.
First three questions were asked to be sure that the audience knew how to use the devices.
First was are you from the USA, Europe or other and 81% of the audience responded they were from the USA.
Next question was do you consider your politics Left, Center or to the Right and the majority of respondents (46%) voted center with the remaining votes split between Left and Right.
Final question was to choose your favorite photo of Gary Hunter from the World Cruise and the choices were based on outfits he wore which were Tango, Regal and Buxom and the winner was Buxom.
First question was about Education and the majority of guests went with the answer to broaden education to make it more worthwhile students including to prepare them for obtaining jobs.
Second question was about Immigration and specifically how to deal with people crossing continents. The majority of respondents went with the answer which is to tighten the boarder.
Third question was about World Government and asked if the world is out of control. The majority of respondents said we must enhance education and rehabilitation.
Fourth question related to drugs and we were asked can the war on drugs be won? The majority would like to see some sort of world wide effort to address this issue.
Fifth question was whether people are optimistic or pessimistic about their children's future and 68% responded they are positive.
Anne Marie attended the final Gentle Yoga Class of the World Cruise.
As Captain Giske noted from his final talk from the bridge at 9:00 AM this morning, for guests leaving the ship tomorrow this was perfect packing weather. In other words, there were rain showers and it was quite windy outside so it was a good day to stay inside and pack. Unfortunately, for Keith this meant no morning Paddle Tennis with his tennis buddies who will be departing Serenity tomorrow.
Keith did chat with Bob from Atlanta who came on board in Rio and whom Keith plays Paddle Tennis from time to time and hopefully we will be on board with Bob and his wife along with Leon and his wife on another cruise.
We had our usual lunch of a salad entree at the Lido Cafe.
In the afternoon, the weather was improved so Keith played Paddle Tennis with several of his Paddle Tennis Friends. Later in the afternoon, he met up with dear friend Bob and Anne Marie walked for an hour and worked on knitting.
We will attend the showing of the World Cruise Video later this afternoon.
TODAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY......
"The journey not the arrival matters." - T.S. Eliot
Keith & Anne Marie
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