Welcome To Charleston, South Carolina

(Inside Of Second Oldest USA Synagogue)

(Water Fountain In The Shape Of A Pineapple)

(One Of 100's of Buildings Throughout Charleston)

(Last Evening's Formal Reception)

We had a wonderful time on the ship last evening. The attire on the ship was formal and it is always so very nice to see everyone dressed in his or her formal attire. While in general society is become more casual with each passing year, we do enjoy dressing nicely as for us it adds to the overall ambience of the evening. Just as we think a dining room table looks more special with a tablecloth and candles we think that nice dress adds to the overall festivities on board the ship.

Before dinner, we attended the Captain’s Welcome Reception. As usual, it was a very nice event. We sat with another couple that lives fairly close to us at home. Later that night we also met yet another couple who live in our community.

During the reception, we were graciously taken care of by so many wonderful people from the Crystal Staff including many members of the Lido Deck team who really represent the heart and soul of the ship. Crystal continues to amaze us and if you can believe this service is even better than ever. We also can’t say enough about the beauty of the ship and all of the recent renovations.

The captain mentioned where the guests were from and while many are from the United States of America many are from places around the world including a large number of guests from Australia, The United Kingdom, and Japan along with others from many other countries from around the world.

During dinner, we enjoyed an outstanding meal in the Main Dining Room. We each had the Captain’s Salad and for our entrée the Broiled Fresh Maine Lobster, which is always Anne Marie’s favorite. The service has been impeccable. The Maitre d’ and our headwaiter each came by our table to chat for a little while as well.

After dinner, we attended the second Captains’ Welcome Reception. No drinks for us. Rather, we did so in order to visit with those passengers who dine in the late seating. We sat with some very good friends, which was wonderful.

We slept well and today we arrived in Charleston, South Carolina. Like the vast majority of passengers on this sailing this is our first visit to the historical city of Charleston.

Charleston was first founded in 1670 by a group of English aristocrats. In time this area flourished and became a port that served the rice and cotton plantations.

It was one of the focal points during the American Revolution and was twice attacked by British troops.

The Civil War began in Charleston at Fort Sumter, which lies on an island in the harbor. Fire swept through the city in 1861, destroying large areas. The city suffered great losses during the Civil War and following the war suffered through very difficult economic times. If that was not enough, the city suffered a catastrophic earthquake in 1886.

The city did regain some of its stature during World War II as it was considered a strategic port and naval base. In fact, the military presence in this area was a key in terms of turning around its economy.

Charleston has also evolved to being a very popular tourist destination. Visitors enjoy its history and its southern flavor. There is much to see in its historic district.

Since 1979, Charleston has been named among the top ten most livable cities in America, as it achieved first place four times.

Keith awoke early and this time he was the first guest to workout in the Fitness Center and was by himself most of the time until late in his workout. When he got back to the room, Anne Marie was ready to head up to the center for her workout.

We enjoyed breakfast in the room as we normally do and then got ready for our exciting day in Charleston.

This was our first visit to this very charming city and we hope to return here again.

Our good friends Bob and Glo met us at the pier. We first sailed with Bob and Glo in 2008 and then since that time we sailed with them from Los Angeles to Hong Kong in April of 2009 and most recently on the entire 2010 World Cruise. They took us all around Charleston and we had a lovely time with them.

We visited City Hall and were give a nice tour, visited the second oldest synagogue in the United States where we also received a tour, visited the oldest Catholic Church in North and South Carolina and Georgia, and also walked several streets in downtown Charleston and went into some other historic sites. We also visited Bob and Glo’s beautiful home and then we toured around in their vehicle as they pointed out many areas around town. The town is just stunning with so many beautiful mansions and other historical sites to see. The architecture is wonderful. Back on board the ship we had lunch and also got ready for this evening.

This evening we will have dinner in Charleston with Bob and Glo and a few other passengers on this voyage. We will post more about our dinner tomorrow.

TODAY’S THOUGH FOR THE DAY….

“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” - Abraham Lincoln

Keith and Anne Marie