A Look At What Is Happening Today:
Visit To The Town Of La Serena ✔
Dinner At The Crystal Dining Room ✔
After we posted late yesterday afternoon, we attended a Quality Assurance Program in the Galaxy Showroom. As we entered the room, we were each given hand held electronic devices which we would use during the program. When the session began, Cruise Director Gary Hunter explained why the program was being conducted as well as how the voting would work.
In short, we would be asked a series of questions. For the more general questions after each question was asked and time allotted for voting, we would see the results. For questions that were specific to people such as the various lecturers and entertainers we would not see the results since this should be kept confidential.
As background, at the end of each voyage during the course of the year Crystal provides an on-line survey that can be completed by each passenger shortly after they disembark the ship.
On long voyages such as a World Cruise if they waited till we arrived home to complete all of these survey questions the reality is that it would be very challenging to remember each and every entertainer and lecturer given the overall length of this voyage.
Initially, we were asked some general questions such as what age group we fell into, as well as question asking us to select a range of World Cruises we had previously taken. For those who stayed at the pre-cruise Hotels and/or attended the World Cruise Gala there were several questions specific to that. Since these questions did not involve personnel, we saw the results about a minute after the question was asked after the results were tabulated electronically. It is interesting to see how our answer compared to others.
In addition to also answering questions related to both the lecturers and the entertainers, we also were asked a question about each port of call that was part of the first segment of the World Cruise including the embarkation port of Miami.
This is the first time this has been done and all-in-all we thought this session was excellent and greatly appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback in this manner.
These hand held devices were first used last year as part of Ocean Views. Ocean Views is offered on selected cruises and involves a panel of three to four people with a moderator. The panel comments on various questions asked by the moderator and then periodically throughout the panel discussion questions are asked of the audience who then responds with their answers using the hand held devices.
These devices have also been used as part of Liar's Club to select the person that each team believes had provided the correct definition of a particular word.
This session took about one hour. It was very well attended.
Afterwards, we got ready for dinner.
Although we didn't dine at the Crystal Dining Room last evening, these are the dinner menus.
We had an absolutely wonderful dinner and evening with friends Allan and Helen at Prego last evening. We first met Helen and Allan on a Trans-Atlantic voyage on the Crystal Symphony from Dover, England to New York City, New York in September, 2004. They were table mates of friends Joan and Mac who we met earlier on that voyage during a pre-cruise tour of the Dover Cliffs. We have sailed with Allan and Helen on several voyages. Since they have late dining and we have early dining our paths do not always cross during the course of the day as often as we are on different schedules. Last year, we had lunch together on the last full day of the World Cruise so we decided during that lunch that we would be sure to get together for a lunch or a dinner sooner rather then later on this cruise.
We had a great time with them and we enjoyed the inviting and warmth atmosphere of Prego. We made reservations for 7:00 PM and we didn't leave until close to 10:00 PM. We could have talked for hours and hours.
Before dinner, the two of us enjoyed a drink in the Avenue Saloon.
We always say no thank you when canapés are offered, but it is always nice to see what is being served each evening. Last night, there were several choices including these shrimp canapés.
After we posted late yesterday afternoon, we attended a Quality Assurance Program in the Galaxy Showroom. As we entered the room, we were each given hand held electronic devices which we would use during the program. When the session began, Cruise Director Gary Hunter explained why the program was being conducted as well as how the voting would work.
In short, we would be asked a series of questions. For the more general questions after each question was asked and time allotted for voting, we would see the results. For questions that were specific to people such as the various lecturers and entertainers we would not see the results since this should be kept confidential.
As background, at the end of each voyage during the course of the year Crystal provides an on-line survey that can be completed by each passenger shortly after they disembark the ship.
On long voyages such as a World Cruise if they waited till we arrived home to complete all of these survey questions the reality is that it would be very challenging to remember each and every entertainer and lecturer given the overall length of this voyage.
Initially, we were asked some general questions such as what age group we fell into, as well as question asking us to select a range of World Cruises we had previously taken. For those who stayed at the pre-cruise Hotels and/or attended the World Cruise Gala there were several questions specific to that. Since these questions did not involve personnel, we saw the results about a minute after the question was asked after the results were tabulated electronically. It is interesting to see how our answer compared to others.
In addition to also answering questions related to both the lecturers and the entertainers, we also were asked a question about each port of call that was part of the first segment of the World Cruise including the embarkation port of Miami.
This is the first time this has been done and all-in-all we thought this session was excellent and greatly appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback in this manner.
These hand held devices were first used last year as part of Ocean Views. Ocean Views is offered on selected cruises and involves a panel of three to four people with a moderator. The panel comments on various questions asked by the moderator and then periodically throughout the panel discussion questions are asked of the audience who then responds with their answers using the hand held devices.
These devices have also been used as part of Liar's Club to select the person that each team believes had provided the correct definition of a particular word.
This session took about one hour. It was very well attended.
Afterwards, we got ready for dinner.
Although we didn't dine at the Crystal Dining Room last evening, these are the dinner menus.
We had an absolutely wonderful dinner and evening with friends Allan and Helen at Prego last evening. We first met Helen and Allan on a Trans-Atlantic voyage on the Crystal Symphony from Dover, England to New York City, New York in September, 2004. They were table mates of friends Joan and Mac who we met earlier on that voyage during a pre-cruise tour of the Dover Cliffs. We have sailed with Allan and Helen on several voyages. Since they have late dining and we have early dining our paths do not always cross during the course of the day as often as we are on different schedules. Last year, we had lunch together on the last full day of the World Cruise so we decided during that lunch that we would be sure to get together for a lunch or a dinner sooner rather then later on this cruise.
We had a great time with them and we enjoyed the inviting and warmth atmosphere of Prego. We made reservations for 7:00 PM and we didn't leave until close to 10:00 PM. We could have talked for hours and hours.
Before dinner, the two of us enjoyed a drink in the Avenue Saloon.
We always say no thank you when canapés are offered, but it is always nice to see what is being served each evening. Last night, there were several choices including these shrimp canapés.
We then met Allan and Helen at Prego.
Our Waiter for the evening was Costa.
We each began the meal with salads. Keith had his standing order salad of Boston Lettuce, Cucumbers, Tomatoes and fresh Mushrooms and Anne Marie had the Caesar Salad.
For our entree we had one of the additional entrees which was Fresh Red Snapper. It was another one of those very memorable entrees. The fish was cooked just right and the potatoes, spinach and tomatoes which accompanied the snapper just added to the overall taste of the fish. The other additional entree was Spaghetti and Meatballs.
Several people were dining in Prego last evening but there arrival times were spread out fairly evenly so it was never fully packed all at one time. This allows the wait staff to give fine service and also allows the kitchen to prepare each item as it is ordered.
We both slept very well as we sailed to Coquimbo, Chile. The seas were very calm making it easy to fall asleep.
Keith was up early in the morning and back to the Fitness Center. As had been the case the past few days, one of the on board lecturers arrived to the center a little while after Keith arrived so they both spoke for a little while. Keith watched one of the lectures that he missed seeing live yesterday on the television.
He then went by the Lido Cafe for coffee. With our arrival to Coquimbo in the morning, the Lido Cafe Stewards were diligently getting items out and ready for breakfast. Before Keith left, he spoke with some fellow guests including friend Linda.
Anne Marie was able to get her one hour walk in before we had breakfast in our room.
This was a view as we were making our way into port. Lots of birds could be seen.
Shortly, after breakfast we took the shuttle that Crystal provided into town. We think we knew pretty much every passenger on the shuttle and were introducing the movie lecturer to some of the guests.
The actual town of Coquimbo is located about one-half mile from the port but the shuttle took us to the Plaza de Armas in La Serena. This is our second visit to this area and we took a shore excursion the first time around.
La Serena is actually Chile's second oldest city. It was founded in 1543 as the sea link between Santiago and Lima. It is known for its beautiful beaches and for its beautiful architecture.
Before we got onto the ships shuttle we were greeted at the pier by musicians and singers some of whom posed for a photo afterwards.
After being dropped off by the shuttle we walked over to a market area with friends John and Linda and Bill and Sandra.
On our way to the market we passed several churches. These are some photos that we took walking towards the market area and on our return to the shuttle bus.
The architectures of many of the buildings was very nice. It had the small town feel and charm of towns in Europe.
We walked around the market for awhile. It was a good destination to have selected. It is called the La Recova Municipal Market and they sell handicrafts, jewelry, ceramics, fruits, flowers and other local products.
The Papayas in the jar would be about 2 jars for $13.00
We also visited a nearby supermarket which was very well stocked. We try to do this to get a flavor for local foods.
On our way back we ran into friends Joe and Maria Kita. Joe also teaches the Memoir Writing Class and Maria and Joe teach Yoga.
The town is very clean and as mentioned has very nice look with its beautiful architecture. One thing we did notice is several dogs that appeared to be stray dogs.
We are only noting this for those of you who have not yet visited Chile. Very few locals spoke English and USA dollars are not widely accepted. We fully understand this. We are just mentioning it so that if some of you have upcoming trips planned that you are prepared in terms of local currency and even a translators on your phone if you feel this might help you.
This is a view of the nearby town of Coquimbo from the Promenade Deck of the Crystal Serenity.
Shortly after arriving back to the ship we had lunch.
In the afternoon, Keith played some Paddle Tennis and then later met with friend Bob. Anne Marie walked for another hour outside on the Promenade Deck. Afterwards, she sat outside by the pool. We enjoyed terrific weather all day.
This evening will be back at the Crystal Dining Room for dinner.
The ship is scheduled to depart for Valparaiso at 5:00 PM.
Our Waiter for the evening was Costa.
We each began the meal with salads. Keith had his standing order salad of Boston Lettuce, Cucumbers, Tomatoes and fresh Mushrooms and Anne Marie had the Caesar Salad.
For our entree we had one of the additional entrees which was Fresh Red Snapper. It was another one of those very memorable entrees. The fish was cooked just right and the potatoes, spinach and tomatoes which accompanied the snapper just added to the overall taste of the fish. The other additional entree was Spaghetti and Meatballs.
Several people were dining in Prego last evening but there arrival times were spread out fairly evenly so it was never fully packed all at one time. This allows the wait staff to give fine service and also allows the kitchen to prepare each item as it is ordered.
We both slept very well as we sailed to Coquimbo, Chile. The seas were very calm making it easy to fall asleep.
Keith was up early in the morning and back to the Fitness Center. As had been the case the past few days, one of the on board lecturers arrived to the center a little while after Keith arrived so they both spoke for a little while. Keith watched one of the lectures that he missed seeing live yesterday on the television.
He then went by the Lido Cafe for coffee. With our arrival to Coquimbo in the morning, the Lido Cafe Stewards were diligently getting items out and ready for breakfast. Before Keith left, he spoke with some fellow guests including friend Linda.
Anne Marie was able to get her one hour walk in before we had breakfast in our room.
This was a view as we were making our way into port. Lots of birds could be seen.
Shortly, after breakfast we took the shuttle that Crystal provided into town. We think we knew pretty much every passenger on the shuttle and were introducing the movie lecturer to some of the guests.
The actual town of Coquimbo is located about one-half mile from the port but the shuttle took us to the Plaza de Armas in La Serena. This is our second visit to this area and we took a shore excursion the first time around.
La Serena is actually Chile's second oldest city. It was founded in 1543 as the sea link between Santiago and Lima. It is known for its beautiful beaches and for its beautiful architecture.
Before we got onto the ships shuttle we were greeted at the pier by musicians and singers some of whom posed for a photo afterwards.
After being dropped off by the shuttle we walked over to a market area with friends John and Linda and Bill and Sandra.
On our way to the market we passed several churches. These are some photos that we took walking towards the market area and on our return to the shuttle bus.
The architectures of many of the buildings was very nice. It had the small town feel and charm of towns in Europe.
We walked around the market for awhile. It was a good destination to have selected. It is called the La Recova Municipal Market and they sell handicrafts, jewelry, ceramics, fruits, flowers and other local products.
The Papayas in the jar would be about 2 jars for $13.00
We also visited a nearby supermarket which was very well stocked. We try to do this to get a flavor for local foods.
On our way back we ran into friends Joe and Maria Kita. Joe also teaches the Memoir Writing Class and Maria and Joe teach Yoga.
The town is very clean and as mentioned has very nice look with its beautiful architecture. One thing we did notice is several dogs that appeared to be stray dogs.
We are only noting this for those of you who have not yet visited Chile. Very few locals spoke English and USA dollars are not widely accepted. We fully understand this. We are just mentioning it so that if some of you have upcoming trips planned that you are prepared in terms of local currency and even a translators on your phone if you feel this might help you.
This is a view of the nearby town of Coquimbo from the Promenade Deck of the Crystal Serenity.
Shortly after arriving back to the ship we had lunch.
In the afternoon, Keith played some Paddle Tennis and then later met with friend Bob. Anne Marie walked for another hour outside on the Promenade Deck. Afterwards, she sat outside by the pool. We enjoyed terrific weather all day.
This evening will be back at the Crystal Dining Room for dinner.
The ship is scheduled to depart for Valparaiso at 5:00 PM.
TODAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE
DAY............
"We are tied to the ocean. And
when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we are going
back from whence we came." - John F Kennedy
Keith and Anne Marie
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