DAY 5 - GUERNSEY

We were asked about whether or not the tops for the Sommelier's have changed since the World Cruise.  They have not.  At lunch the Sommelier's wear a more casual top.

Shortly after we posted, we attended the Mandatory Lifeboat Drill at the Casino as we normally do.  The only difference is that we were on the opposite side in Life Boat 5 rather than Life Boat 6.  This is one of the few times you will find us in the Casino other than walking through the Casino.  

Afterwards, we dropped off our Lifeboat Vests and we got ready to have our first dinner of this Cruise at the Crystal Dining Room.  We were back at our usual table in the Dining Room. 

Our Senior Waiter is Bransilav who we have known for so many years but this is the first time he has taken care of us.  John and Linda, we were thinking of you.  Our waiter is Fernando who we have met on prior sailings.

Branisilav is outstanding and while he has never taken care of us he knew so much about what we like.  In fact, we each ordered the Salmon.  It came with roasted potatoes but when they bought our Anne Marie's entree there were mashed potatoes for Anne Marie because Bransilav remembered that the other Senior Waiters would bring out mashed Potatoes for her.  

Our Sommelier is Javier who we have had the past couple of years. He is just wonderful.  

Elaine, we toasted not only the start of this voyage but we also said a toast for you.  

A few minutes after we sat down several members of the crew stopped by to say hi to us, including Nat.

Sommelier Mauritio (sp) came by to say hello.  He was our Sommelier on the 2008 World Cruise.

Sorry this is blurry but Max also stopped by to say Hi.

We both had the salads that were on the Menu.

We each had the Norwegian Salmon and this one was Keith's entree as Anne Marie's included mashed potatoes.

Keith had a simple dessert of strawberries and blueberries and Anne Marie had the sugar free Rhubarb.  Thinking of you, Linda.

We wanted to mention that we were scheduled to leave at 6:00 PM but we waited till around 7:00 PM to leave as there were 19 independent travelers who were not yet on-board.  That was very nice that Captain Birger waited for them to arrive.

The entertainment following dinner was a welcome aboard show featuring the Crystal Ensemble of Singers and Dancers who performed a selection from Chorus Line, followed by the wonderful Dance Team of Curtis and Beverly and then ending with the Singers and Dancers performing a selection from Grand Hotel.

We slept well as we normally do when we cruise.  It is likely the gentle rocking of the ship and and some wine too. 

Those of you who follow our blogs know our morning routine.  It started with Keith working out at the Fitness Center on the Elliptical Machine which he did for 90 minutes.  He then went to the Lido Cafe for Coffee and for awhile he was the only guest there with the Lido Cafe Stewards including Max, Michael, and Raymond.  Yes, he sat at his usual morning spot.

The seas continued to be relatively calm and you could barely feel that you were at sea.

We had breakfast early since Keith took the 8:00 AM indoor cycling class.  Two people including Keith had signed up for the class but the class first began with Fitness Director James and Keith.  Two ladies showed up about 10 minutes later and then with 10 minutes to go one other gent showed up.  All in all a great class. James changed it up and did a nice job leading the class.  He pushed the class which Keith enjoys.

The original plan was to be in Guernsey today and to be in Waterford tomorrow.  Both are tender ports.

We have been to Guernsey several times including on last years North Atlantic Crossing from Southampton to Boston.

Guernsey is only 25 square miles in size but does offer many attractions given its relative small size.  It is located closer to France but it has remained British.  The attractions include:  Castle Cornet which was a fortified case starting in 1206, Hauteville House which is the house where Victor Hugo who wrote Les Miserables lived during his exile from France, La Valette Underground Museum which illustrates Guernsey's military history and the Guernsey Museum.

However todays' and tomorrow's stop were not meant to be.

At around 8:00 AM, Captain Birger spoke to everyone from the bridge.  He said that the pilot and the local authorities recommended not tendering today as Gale force winds were expected and the prognosis for Waterford for tomorrow was equally bad.  As a result, we learned that we would skip today's port and enjoy a sea day on Serenity and that tomorrow's stop is to be replaced with a stop at the industrial port of Cork and that a shuttle will be run to the city centre and that the show excursion group would work with the local tour operator to put together an array of excursions for Cork.

So, we made today a day at sea which was great for us.

Anne Marie walked in the morning.  Keith met with Paula Jean the on board booking consultant to discuss some itineraries we are looking at.  We spent time speaking with fellow guests and Anne Marie worked on her needlepoint.  Keith also checked out the shops.

We enjoyed our second lunch and first lunch of this voyage at the Lido Cafe.  We ate our usual lunch of a nice Salad Entree.  

Unfortunately, the weather outside was not conducive to Paddle Tennis so Keith returned to the Fitness Center and worked out again.  He then watched the lecture that was added to the morning schedule about the Soviet Union.  Anne Marie walked for an hour inside the ship and then continued working on needlepoint.

We both also read and wrote.

This evening we are back in the Crystal Dining Room for dinner.  It is the first of two Black Tie Optional Evening's plus the Welcome Aboard Captain's Reception.

TODAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY.......

"The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time." - Abraham Lincoln

Keith & Anne Marie