A Look At What Is Happening Today:
Second Visit To Key West Of The World Cruise✔
Attend World Cruise Video✔ Dinner At The Crystal Dining Room✔ End Of World Cruise 2013 World Cruise Countdown Balloon Drop✔
We had an absolutely wonderful time on the ship last evening.
It began when we attended Captain Okland's Farewell Reception. For us, this was the final farewell reception of this wonderful World Cruise Adventure. We thanked Captain Okland, Hotel Director Josef, World Cruise Hostess Elise and Cruise Director Gary for making this an outstanding World Cruise as we went through the reception line.
Anne Marie with Assistant Cruise Director Scott Mitchel before we entered the Palm Court where the Receptions are held.
With Crystal Society Hostess Jaque Brown after we entered the Palm Court.
With Hotel Director Josef after we spoke with Captain Okland on the receiving line.
With Lido Deck Steward Rey.
With Four of the Lido Deck Stewards. Left of Anne Marie Rozzano, and to the right of Anne Marie, Lido Deck Stewards Ross, Martin and Nat.
Afterwards, we spoke with good friends John and Linda in the Crystal Plaza and we also had some photographs taken of us by the one of the ships photographers.
We then dined at the Crystal Dining Room.
These are the dinner menus from last night and the theme of the dinner was the Captain's Gala Dinner.
Our dinner guest was World Cruise Hostess Elise Ivy. Elise first sailed on the 2011 World Cruise as the Pilates Instructor. In 2012, she was the World Cruise Hostess and again has been the World Cruise Hostess for the 2013 World Cruise. We really appreciate all that she does to enhance the overall experience of the World Cruise and she has been absolutely outstanding.
A couple of photos with Elise before in the Crystal Plaza shortly before we walked into the Crystal Dining Room for dinner.
For our first course, Keith and Elise had Tuna Tartare which Head Waiter Augusto made for us and Anne Marie had Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail.
For our second course, Keith had his standing order salad and Anne Marie and Elise had the Captain's Salad. Keith's Standing Order Salad.
All thee of us had the Broiled South African Rock Lobster Tail for our entree. It was very tasty.
For dessert, Anne Marie and Elise had the sugar-free Rhubarb Cheese Cake and Keith had mixed berries.
After dinner we attended an evening performance that has become a tradition of the World Cruise. It is the Serenity Pops and they presented "That's Opera".The show was absolutely outstanding. There were 29 musicians in the orchestra, and several dancers and vocalists. It doesn't get any better then this and this is a performance that we will remember for the rest of our lives. Crystal flew in several people from Miami to Barbados to join the ship. The musicians included the current string quartet that has been performing on the ship plus the string quartet who will be performing when the current group goes on holiday.
The planning of this event begins long before the start of the World Cruise and then throughout the World Cruise the concert is put together. Galaxy Orchestra Band Leader Raphael Derkson takes the lead to pull this together and works tirelessly to make this an outstanding concert and he is assisted by so many other talented performers.
The concert included the Galaxy Orchestra, The Bellissimo String Quartet, The Crystal Ensemble of Singers and Dancers, Curtis and Beverly, The World Cruise Choir, Land Based Musicians brought on board for this concert, and is led under the Baton of Maestro Bret Bullock who is Vice President of Crystal Cruises Entertainment Department.
There were so many familiar songs that were played wonderfully by the very talented and very professional musicians which included outstanding dancing, singing along with truly amazing choreography. Songs included The Flower Duet, A Brindisi, Queen of the Night, Phantom of the Opera Medley, The Prayer, Habanera and the Great Italian Medley.
Throughout the show continuing to the end of the show we said Bravo...Bravo.....Bravo......
Dancers Beverly and Curtis in the following two photos.
Lead Singers Mike Harris and Julia Goretsky
Vice President of Crystal Cruises Entertainment Bret Bullock who was the Conductor.
Four of the Crystal Ensemble Singers and Dancers.
Some of the musicians.
Lead Male Vocalist, Mike Harris.
At the conclusion of the performance.
Keep in mind that shortly after the show we attended was performed they gave a second performance after that.
Special thanks to the entire Crystal Cruises Entertainment team and to all of the performers and to Bandmaster Rapheal Derkson who oversees the development of this show and works tirelessly to make this the most memorable and entertaining show possible. There were songs that Rapheal rearranged the songs such as Carmen. First it was sung the traditional way and then Karen Jeffrey's sang it with a modern take on it.
When we arrived back to our room, there was a final letter from World Cruise Hostess Elise Ivy to the World Cruise Family. She highlighted not only all of the events that have taken place during the World Cruise, but the two for today; The Farewell Balloon Drop and the World Cruise Farewell Balloon Drop.
After a busy day and evening, we both slept very well as we sailed to Key West.
Keith woke early and worked out for the last time on this World Cruise. He did a shorter workout so that he had time to get all of the workout gear into the Laundry.
After enjoying his workout and changing, he stopped by the Lido Cafe for some coffee. He spoke with the Lido Deck Stewards who have taken such great care of us.
He brought back coffee for Anne Marie and afterwards she walked for an hour.
We enjoyed breakfast in our room and then we got ready for our final full day on the Crystal Serenity.
We attended the mandatory immigration inspection with the United States Customs and Border Protection Control. As part of this inspection we each needed our respective passport and stateroom key card. At the conclusion of this inspection our key/identification card was punched in order to signify to the Custom and Border Protection personnel stationed at the gangway of the ship that we had gone through this inspection. The entire process was very well organized and took about five minutes.
Afterwards, we walked around Key West which was our second visit to Key West during this World Cruise. This time around we actually went to areas of Key West that we have not walked on prior trips since often we are going to very specific places such as the Harry S. Truman Little White House or the Hemingway House. During the course of our walk we ran into several people whom we know so well including John, Bob and Glo, Ken and Lynne, Mike and Sandy Jim and BJ, Elise and several other fellow guests. The weather was a delight and it was nice not only be docked in port but not have other cruise ships in port with us as well.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church built in 1832.
We walked along a board walk by the Marina which extended for quite a bit.
On our return back to the ship we saw Band Leader Rapheal Derkson whom as we mentioned oversaw the development of last evening's show. We told him how much we enjoyed the show. We agreed that this was a Crystal Cruises type of performance between the song, dance and music. It was superb.
When we returned back to the ship, we had lunch at the Lido Cafe. This was our last lunch of this World Cruise and we have enjoyed each of them. We have been taken very good care of by the wonderful Lido Deck Stewards and the wait staff from Prego, Silk Road and those from the Crystal Dining Room that work this dining venue.
In the afternoon, we did more packing and took care of errands around the ship.
Anne Marie walked for close to one hour on the ship. Keith went off again to walk around Key West. The weather was exceptional and maybe some of the best weather we have had. Keith spoke with some guests and also he chatted with Father Will.
Keith walked over to the Aquarium.
He then walked back into town.
On his way back, he took photos of the art work we admired when we were here in January.
Keith took a few additional photos of the beautiful Crystal Serenity.
This evening we will be dining in the Crystal Dining Room.
Afterwards, we will attend the 2013 World Cruise Countdown.
We've enjoyed a glorious day in Key West and back on the Crystal Serenity.
We had an absolutely wonderful time on the ship last evening.
It began when we attended Captain Okland's Farewell Reception. For us, this was the final farewell reception of this wonderful World Cruise Adventure. We thanked Captain Okland, Hotel Director Josef, World Cruise Hostess Elise and Cruise Director Gary for making this an outstanding World Cruise as we went through the reception line.
Anne Marie with Assistant Cruise Director Scott Mitchel before we entered the Palm Court where the Receptions are held.
With Crystal Society Hostess Jaque Brown after we entered the Palm Court.
With Hotel Director Josef after we spoke with Captain Okland on the receiving line.
With Lido Deck Steward Rey.
With Four of the Lido Deck Stewards. Left of Anne Marie Rozzano, and to the right of Anne Marie, Lido Deck Stewards Ross, Martin and Nat.
Afterwards, we spoke with good friends John and Linda in the Crystal Plaza and we also had some photographs taken of us by the one of the ships photographers.
We then dined at the Crystal Dining Room.
These are the dinner menus from last night and the theme of the dinner was the Captain's Gala Dinner.
Our dinner guest was World Cruise Hostess Elise Ivy. Elise first sailed on the 2011 World Cruise as the Pilates Instructor. In 2012, she was the World Cruise Hostess and again has been the World Cruise Hostess for the 2013 World Cruise. We really appreciate all that she does to enhance the overall experience of the World Cruise and she has been absolutely outstanding.
A couple of photos with Elise before in the Crystal Plaza shortly before we walked into the Crystal Dining Room for dinner.
For our first course, Keith and Elise had Tuna Tartare which Head Waiter Augusto made for us and Anne Marie had Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail.
For our second course, Keith had his standing order salad and Anne Marie and Elise had the Captain's Salad. Keith's Standing Order Salad.
All thee of us had the Broiled South African Rock Lobster Tail for our entree. It was very tasty.
For dessert, Anne Marie and Elise had the sugar-free Rhubarb Cheese Cake and Keith had mixed berries.
After dinner we attended an evening performance that has become a tradition of the World Cruise. It is the Serenity Pops and they presented "That's Opera".The show was absolutely outstanding. There were 29 musicians in the orchestra, and several dancers and vocalists. It doesn't get any better then this and this is a performance that we will remember for the rest of our lives. Crystal flew in several people from Miami to Barbados to join the ship. The musicians included the current string quartet that has been performing on the ship plus the string quartet who will be performing when the current group goes on holiday.
The planning of this event begins long before the start of the World Cruise and then throughout the World Cruise the concert is put together. Galaxy Orchestra Band Leader Raphael Derkson takes the lead to pull this together and works tirelessly to make this an outstanding concert and he is assisted by so many other talented performers.
The concert included the Galaxy Orchestra, The Bellissimo String Quartet, The Crystal Ensemble of Singers and Dancers, Curtis and Beverly, The World Cruise Choir, Land Based Musicians brought on board for this concert, and is led under the Baton of Maestro Bret Bullock who is Vice President of Crystal Cruises Entertainment Department.
There were so many familiar songs that were played wonderfully by the very talented and very professional musicians which included outstanding dancing, singing along with truly amazing choreography. Songs included The Flower Duet, A Brindisi, Queen of the Night, Phantom of the Opera Medley, The Prayer, Habanera and the Great Italian Medley.
Throughout the show continuing to the end of the show we said Bravo...Bravo.....Bravo......
Dancers Beverly and Curtis in the following two photos.
Lead Singers Mike Harris and Julia Goretsky
Vice President of Crystal Cruises Entertainment Bret Bullock who was the Conductor.
Four of the Crystal Ensemble Singers and Dancers.
Some of the musicians.
'''
Lead Male Vocalist, Mike Harris.
At the conclusion of the performance.
Keep in mind that shortly after the show we attended was performed they gave a second performance after that.
Special thanks to the entire Crystal Cruises Entertainment team and to all of the performers and to Bandmaster Rapheal Derkson who oversees the development of this show and works tirelessly to make this the most memorable and entertaining show possible. There were songs that Rapheal rearranged the songs such as Carmen. First it was sung the traditional way and then Karen Jeffrey's sang it with a modern take on it.
When we arrived back to our room, there was a final letter from World Cruise Hostess Elise Ivy to the World Cruise Family. She highlighted not only all of the events that have taken place during the World Cruise, but the two for today; The Farewell Balloon Drop and the World Cruise Farewell Balloon Drop.
After a busy day and evening, we both slept very well as we sailed to Key West.
Keith woke early and worked out for the last time on this World Cruise. He did a shorter workout so that he had time to get all of the workout gear into the Laundry.
After enjoying his workout and changing, he stopped by the Lido Cafe for some coffee. He spoke with the Lido Deck Stewards who have taken such great care of us.
He brought back coffee for Anne Marie and afterwards she walked for an hour.
We enjoyed breakfast in our room and then we got ready for our final full day on the Crystal Serenity.
We attended the mandatory immigration inspection with the United States Customs and Border Protection Control. As part of this inspection we each needed our respective passport and stateroom key card. At the conclusion of this inspection our key/identification card was punched in order to signify to the Custom and Border Protection personnel stationed at the gangway of the ship that we had gone through this inspection. The entire process was very well organized and took about five minutes.
Afterwards, we walked around Key West which was our second visit to Key West during this World Cruise. This time around we actually went to areas of Key West that we have not walked on prior trips since often we are going to very specific places such as the Harry S. Truman Little White House or the Hemingway House. During the course of our walk we ran into several people whom we know so well including John, Bob and Glo, Ken and Lynne, Mike and Sandy Jim and BJ, Elise and several other fellow guests. The weather was a delight and it was nice not only be docked in port but not have other cruise ships in port with us as well.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church built in 1832.
We walked along a board walk by the Marina which extended for quite a bit.
On our return back to the ship we saw Band Leader Rapheal Derkson whom as we mentioned oversaw the development of last evening's show. We told him how much we enjoyed the show. We agreed that this was a Crystal Cruises type of performance between the song, dance and music. It was superb.
When we returned back to the ship, we had lunch at the Lido Cafe. This was our last lunch of this World Cruise and we have enjoyed each of them. We have been taken very good care of by the wonderful Lido Deck Stewards and the wait staff from Prego, Silk Road and those from the Crystal Dining Room that work this dining venue.
In the afternoon, we did more packing and took care of errands around the ship.
Anne Marie walked for close to one hour on the ship. Keith went off again to walk around Key West. The weather was exceptional and maybe some of the best weather we have had. Keith spoke with some guests and also he chatted with Father Will.
Keith walked over to the Aquarium.
He then walked back into town.
On his way back, he took photos of the art work we admired when we were here in January.
Keith took a few additional photos of the beautiful Crystal Serenity.
This evening we will be dining in the Crystal Dining Room.
Afterwards, we will attend the 2013 World Cruise Countdown.
We've enjoyed a glorious day in Key West and back on the Crystal Serenity.
TODAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE
DAY............
“The Constitution does not just protect those whose views we share; it also protects those with whose views we disagree.“ –Ted Kennedy
Keith and Anne Marie
I cannot begin to tell you both how much I have enjoyed tagging along virtually on this cruise with. Thank you for taking the time and effort to share your journey's with us. The winter went so much faster. Thank you again.
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