DAY 6 CORK IRELAND

Before dinner last evening, we returned to the Crystal Cove for a pre-dinner drink.  We listened to Pianist Scott Mitchel perform.  Scott has performed on the former Crystal Harmony and also no Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.  He has performed in the Galaxy Orchestra and at one point was the  Band Leader and over the last few years starting in 2010 Scott has been the Assistant Cruise Director for each of the World Cruises. 

Anne Marie with Sommelier Jiri who for a couple of years was our Sommelier in the Crystal Dining Room and a couple of years ago became Sommelier of the Prego Italian Specialty Restaurant.

A photo of us at the Crystal Cove before Scott Mitchel performed.

Anne Marie with new Head Sommelier Tilmar Pfefferkorn who joined Crystal Cruises and Serenity last month.

Afterwards, we were back in the Crystal Dining Room for the first Formal of this voyage as the evening was Black Tie Optional Evening on board Crystal Serenity.

We typically have dinner in the Crystal Dining Room on the first formal night as Anne Marie loves the fresh Lobster.  Lobster brings back fond memories for Anne Marie because it was on Christmas that her Nana would prepare a Lobster for each family member.

We began our meal with Caviar for Keith and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail for Anne Marie.  It is not often that we have an appetizer but Keith couldn't pass up the Caviar.

We each had the same salads that were one of two salads featured on the menu.

For our entree, we both had Lobster and our usual side orders of vegetables that are not shown in this or other photos.

Anne Marie had a sugar free dessert and Keith had mixed berries.  The fruit has been very tasty and many the tastiest fruit we've had on land and at sea these past few years.  Most likely it is from the Mediterranean.  

All in all we had a wonderful time at the Dining Room and it was quieter than it usually is for a first Formal Night.

After dinner we attended the Captain's Welcome Reception and we went through the receiving line where we were greeted by Crystal Society Hostess Isabel, Captain Birger, Hotel Director Hubert and Cruise Director Gary.

Anne Marie with so many of our favorites from the Crystal Crew.

Anne Marie with Vice Captain Nenad on the left and to the right Chief Engineer Giovanni and Doctor Ralph to his right.  During the Captain's talk, when he introduced Vice Captain Nenad, Captairn Birger announced that the Vice Captain will be Captain of the new Yacht.  This is very exciting and congratulations to Vice Captain Nenad.

After the reception, the performance was the Billy Joel Concert which we love.

We slept well last evening and began our day as we normally do on Crystal Serenity.

Keith was up early and was back at the Fitness Center for another 90 minute workout on the Elliptical Machine and as he does each and everyday made his way over to the Lido Cafe for coffee and to read and write following his workout.

A short while later we had breakfast in our room.

He then went to the Spin (indoor cycling class) and it was taught by Fitness Director, Claire, who just joined Serenity they day we boarded to take Leanne's place.  Leanne had been on board since last December.  Keith enjoyed the class and three other guests attended as well, all different from those attending yesterday.

Keith had a haircut this morning.  Normally he would have had this done at home just prior to the start of this trip, but our hair stylist was on vacation last week so Keith made a reservation from home to have it cut today.  Since we were in Waterford, Ireland which is another stop that we have visited several times in the past, most recently last September, and this is a very port intensive cruise with many first time stops for us, we decided this would be the best day for the haircut.  Darko who we both have used as our hair stylist these past two years cut Keith's hair.  Darko actually goes home at the end of this voyage and he will be starting a new career on land.  

While Keith was getting his haircut, Anne Marie walked for an hour inside the ship.

However, plans change.  As we mentioned Waterford was canceled because of the weather and was replaced with Cork, Ireland and a visit to Cobb.

Cork has a population of almost 120,000 people.

It is Ireland's third larges city and is first in many ways.  It is known for its restaurants and has interesting waterways.  

Photos as we passed the downtown area and were making our way to the Industrial Port.  Used two different cameras.

After Keith's haircut, we both took the shuttle into town.  Thankfully although it was still overcast and windy and cool it was not raining as it did earlier this morning.  This was our first visit to the Island of Cork and town of obb.   The shuttle ride was close to 14 miles each way and the drive was about twenty five minutes.  Once in town we walked for awhile and took a few photos.  The town is colorful and pretty.

A statue outside City Hall.

Once we arrived back to the ship, we enjoyed our normal Salad Entree at the Lido Cafe.

We enjoyed the ship in the afternoon.  Anne Marie walked for an hour outside on the Promenade Deck and Keith got to play Paddle Tennis for the first time since boarding.  The weather changed from time to time, sometimes becoming rather windy but mainly overcast other than for a minute when the sun actually came out from behind the clouds.  He enjoyed playing and played with two members of the crew and one fellow guest.

Anne Marie worked on her needlepoint project and we both read and wrote as well

This evening we will be dining at Silk Road with a special guest and we will post all about that tomorrow.

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

At first dreams seem impossible, then improbable, then inevitable." - Christopher Reeve

Keith & Anne Marie