At the end of the meal, we took rickshaws’ over to the cruise ship terminal. This capped an amazing day in Charleston.
Charleston is a lovely city and one that we would like to visit again. The people are very warm and friendly, the city is rich in history and there is so much to do and to see. We were amazed by the charm of this town. The architecture of the buildings is simply amazing. We learned that about 100 cruise ships now visit this city annually and it is no wonder given all that there is to see and do here. It will certainly be one of the highlights of the cruise.
This is a city that we would like to return to and spend more time here.
Keith awoke early this morning an enjoyed a very nice long workout on the elliptical machine. For most of the workout he was alone and towards the end of his workout was joined by fellow passenger Chuck and they enjoyed a nice conversation. When Keith got back to the room, Anne Marie was getting ready to go to the fitness center for her workout.
We enjoyed breakfast in the room. Afterwards, Anne Marie took care of a few items while Keith attended the spin cycling class. Keith began taking spin classes about five weeks ago at home and has a passion for these classes.
The class was taught by one of the two fitness instructors on board the voyage and they will alternate teaching the class. Keith was the only one of the guests who made it through the entire class and all of the positions that were involved so all of the classes he has taken on land have trained him well.
There were lots of activities held throughout the day and afternoon. Ken Rees spoke about the Pirates of the Caribbean and Ambassador Peck whose topic was the world is not really flat. These are both excellent presenters and their topics and their lectures were very impressive and there is much to be learned from each of them.
Today’s luncheon featured the Asia Café Buffet, which is always wonderful with so many wonderful items to enjoy. We ended up going to the Main Dining Room where we enjoyed a nice lunch.
During the course of the day we spoke with several passengers on the ship. Like us, everyone we spoke with had a wonderful time in Charleston.
This evening we will be dining in Prego with several nice friends.
TODAY’S THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY….
Benjamin Franklin.
Keith and Anne Marie
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.
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.
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” - Abraham Lincoln
Keith and Anne Marie
We enjoyed a wonderful evening on the ship last night.
We began the evening with a cocktail reception that was sponsored by Crystal Cruises for all of those on the cruise who are members of Cruise Critic. We had well over 100 guests attend the reception along with several senior officers and members of the crew and some of those from the enrichment area.
About 30 minutes into the reception Keith spoke to the group including giving a welcome to everyone attending the reception and also thanking Crystal Cruises for sponsoring such a nice reception for all of us.
After the reception, we had dinner at Silk Road. Now for those of you who know we normally dine early for dinner we wanted to mention that we did not dine until 9:00 PM and we did not get back to our room until close to 10:45 PM. We love the cuisine at Silk Road and last evening was no exception with wonderfully prepared Japanese Cuisine along with fabulous service and the ambience of the beautiful dining venue. Our waiter for the evening was Emerson who we fondly remember from Silk Road on the Crystal Serenity and we spoke for a while with headwaiter Willie and with Specialty Restaurant Maitre d’ Paolo. We were also seated close by to the Hotel Director Josef and Food & Beverage Manager Victor and we spoke with them for quite awhile. We appreciated their professionalism and their kindness.
Today was our first full day at sea of this voyage. We have had some rough seas today but all continues to be great.
Keith was up first and enjoyed his second full workout of the cruise. He was not the first person to the center but actually the second. He enjoyed a nice workout on the elliptical machine.
We enjoyed a very nice breakfast in our room and afterwards had a fun day.
At 9:00 AM Keith planned to take the Spin Cycle Class. Keith started to take Spin classes at home about five weeks ago and just loves the workouts. Unfortunately, due to the sea conditions the class was cancelled due to the safety of the guests. Hopefully, Keith will attend the next class.
We attended the lecture given by Ken Rees, which was titled “A Million Miles, a Thousand Stories. As usual, Ken gave an outstanding lecture and today’s lecture covered highlights from Ken’s extensive career in journalism.
At 11:30 AM we attended the third party of the cruise. This was a Bloody Mary Welcome for Crystal Society Members. There are 651 Crystal Society Members on this cruise. Mary-Catherine Wilks, Director of the Loyalty Programs and & Guest Program spoke for a few minutes.
We enjoyed a wonderful lunch in the Lido Café and we can’t say enough how much we enjoy the changes that have been made to this area. It is absolutely stunning and the food and the service are equally wonderful.
In the afternoon, we attended a lecture given by Ambassador Ed Peck who presented “The Shock of Other Cultures”. We have known Ambassador Peck and his lovely wife for many years and he also gave an outstanding talk.
This evening we will attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception and then we will have dinner in the Main Dining Room.
Today’s Thought For The Day
“The great difference between voyages rests not in ships but in the people you meet on them.” -Amelia Barr
Keith and Anne Marie
We departed the New York Harbor on time and it is always so very exciting to sail from New York City. Keith’s first sailing from New York City was in 1968 when he sailed with his parent’s, brother and grandmother. That was back in the days when passengers could still throw streamers from the ship. The next time we sailed from New York City was on a cruise to Bermuda in the early 1990’s and since that time we have sailed on other voyages to and from this beautiful city. It is always exciting to sail by the Statue Of Liberty and to recognize its meaning to those all around the world.
We shared the excitement of the sail away with several friends and it was very exciting. We had a beautiful view of the New York City Skyline and of the sun setting behind the Statue Of Liberty.
During the sail away we also saw several members from Crystal including the head of the Crystal Society Program from the Los Angeles Office and the Crystal Society Hostess who we met on our first Crystal Cruise in 2002.
We enjoyed our first dinner in the Main Dining Room. We love our table and its location and the wait staff. Our Senior Waiter is Gerald, Sandi is our Waiter, and our Sommelier is Lazlo. We also spoke with the Main Dining Room Maitre d’ Norbert before and during dinner and we really appreciate his kindness and professionalism.
When we entered the main dining room we saw our senior waiter from our sailing in April of 2009 and he remembered our names. We find this truly amazing.
After dinner there was a special kickoff to the Cruise held in the Crystal Cove, which is located right outside the Main Dining Room. It was called the Ultimate Cruise Bash and featured the Crystal Galaxy Orchestra, Cruise Director Paul McFarland, dancing by Curtis Collins and Beverly Durand and a toast by Captain Egil Giske. After the toast we both danced as the balloons and confetti came down. We also enjoyed a nice talk with dancer Beverly Durand. We even did one dance as the balloons came down.
We slept very well as we cruised towards Philadelphia. It’s so very nice to be back on the Crystal Symphony.
Keith arose very early in the morning as he normally does and began his workout around 5:15 AM. He was not the first person there but the second one to arrive. He worked out on the Elliptical Machine for a little over an hour and then he ran on the treadmill for about another fifteen minutes and then he spoke with fellow passenger, Ernie for a little while. He stopped by the Lido Café and the fairly new café is just beautiful. As he arrived back to the room with his coffee, Anne Marie was just leaving for her workout and since it was still very early in the morning he did a wash. Anne Marie had a nice workout on the treadmill.
We both enjoyed our first breakfast on the ship in our room.
We arrived to Philadelphia at around 10:00 AM. We took the first shuttle into the city and walked around for a little while. On the way into town, we had a wonderful conversation with Ambassador Peck and his lovely wife Ann Peck. We have sailed with them many times and it is great to be sailing with them again.
Philadelphia was founded in 1682 by William Penn. There is much important history associated with Philadelphia. After all, it was the home to both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. It was the second largest city in the British Empire prior to the American Revolution.
Philadelphia is a very culturally diverse city. Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the United States and its size is 129 square miles with a population of over 1.5 million people.
Philadelphia has lots to offer the tourist including many important historical sites to visit in a relatively compact area in the historic district. It features the Liberty Bell; Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was prepared and signed; Congress Hall; Carpenter’s Hall, where the delegates of the first Continental Congress met and aired their grievances against the English king; and the Old City Hall, home to the U.S. Supreme Court from 1791 until 1800.
We enjoyed lunch back on the ship at the Lido Café and then later in the afternoon we had two visitors on board the ship who we saw for awhile. One of the visitors was Cheryl who we sailed with earlier this year on the seven-day Miami Round Trip cruise out of Miami. They enjoyed lunch in the main dining room and then we met them. It was wonderful to see Cheryl once again along with her Nancy. We took them all around the ship and then we all went to the afternoon sea.
Later today we will attend a party that Crystal is hosting for those guests who are members of Cruise Critic and we will dine after the party at 9:00 PM at Silk Road which for us will be a late meal but we didn’t want to rush through dinner before the party.
“But just as they did in Philadelphia when they were writing the constitution, sooner or later, you've got to compromise. You've got to start making the compromises that arrive at a consensus and move the country forward.” - Colin Powell
Keith and Anne Marie
We awoke this morning with great excitement and anticipation for the start of yet another adventure on a Crystal Cruise.
We enjoyed our final breakfast at Hotel Elysee. We had a very nice stay at this hotel and really enjoyed its location and the overall ambience of the hotel.
We have had a wonderful stay at this hotel and an equally wonderful time in New York City. We look forward to returning to New York City again.
After checking out of the hotel it didn’t take us too long to make our way over to the Manhattan Cruise Ship Terminal.
Traffic was great and it didn’t take us very long to get to the Manhattan Cruise Ship Terminal. We arrived at 10:45 AM and we waited until 11:30AM and were the first to check in at the desk. While waiting, we met several members of Cruise Critic for the very first time along with some who we met the other night. We also saw some familiar passenger’s from previous cruises along with one of the lecturers, Ken Rees and his lovely wife Lynne. After checking in we waited until a few minutes before noon and were one of the first passengers on board the ship.
We enjoyed our traditional embarkation lunch of Cobb Salad along with a complimentary flute of champagne. After lunch we stopped by our room where a few minutes later we met our butler, Sebastian.
We then walked around the ship and saw many of the changes that have been made since we last cruised on this ship including the redesigned Lido Deck, which was beautiful. As we walked around the ship we saw many familiar faces of passenger’s from previous cruises.
We also ran into several familiar members of the Crystal Crew.
Afterwards, we went over to the room and the good news is that all of our luggage arrived so Anne Marie worked on that while Keith checked on some other items including the location of our dining room table for dinner. Keith then spoke with several fellow passengers, many of whom are members of Cruise Critic.
At 4:00 PM we will attend the lifeboat drill, and at 5:00 PM is the sail away followed by dinner at 6:15 PM.
There is no question that each time we cruise with Crystal for us it is being back home. This is because of the wonderful crew, our fellow passengers and each of the beautiful ships. Leaving from New York City is even more special because after all New York States was our home for the first twenty or so years of our lives.
We are thrilled to be on the Symphony!
Mark Twain
Keith and Anne Marie
Once again, we wanted to thank Jim and Steve for hosting last evening’s party at their beautiful apartment. It was so wonderful to meet as many people as we did and for those we didn’t get a chance to talk with we look forward to talking with them once on the ship. It was a very nice way to kick off our upcoming adventure on the Symphony.
We can’t stress enough the vibrancy that we have felt since arriving to New York City. The city is truly an exciting place to visit and gets better each time we return.
The other item we wanted to mention is the warmth and friendliness of the people and this includes both the locals and the tourists. Many times that is not the case in any city, but New York City has always been very unique from most cities. Even as we walked back from the party last evening towards the hotel we were struck by the friendliness of so many people who we have had contact with. This included the firemen that we spoke with as we passed one of the firehouses who were very kind to us, to the police officer whom we spoke with earlier in the day, to the friendliness of the restaurant servers, the folks working at the theaters, to those working the front desk at the hotel and so many other locals that we spoke with during our time here. This is a city that is more successful today than ever before in our humble opinion even at a time that like other cities it too has some economic challenges. In the end we believe it will continue to be successful because of the attitude of the people who live and work here.
After dinner last night we went back to the Hotel to relax. We slept very well and this morning we woke up at the right time. There was no changing the time on the clocks or on any of our watches. We now know not to change the clocks until this coming Sunday.
We enjoyed another fine breakfast in the club lounge of the Hotel. As we were finishing breakfast, our good friends Joan and Mac arrived to the lounge and we sat with them and talked for quite a while. It was so fun to catch up with them. As we mentioned in an earlier post, we first met Joan and Mac on a pre-cruise tour at the Dover Cliffs before boarding the Crystal Symphony in 2004 and have kept up with them ever since. We have seen them a couple of times in San Francisco and also saw them in 2008 when they had lunch with us on board the Crystal Serenity while we were in Honolulu. We last saw them in the summer of 2009 in San Francisco.
We met them later in the morning at the Hotel and we walked together to the Harvard Club for lunch with friends Allan and Helen. We also met Allan and Helen on the 2004 Trans-Atlantic Sailing and we sailed with them on the 2008 World Cruise and also in 2009 from Los Angeles to Hong Kong on board the Crystal Symphony.. We enjoyed a wonderful reunion lunch with wonderful food, a beautiful setting and lots of nice conversation and it was so nice to catch up with everyone. The club is just beautiful and after lunch Allan and Helen gave us a tour of the club. Thanks to Allan and Helen for hosting this lunch for the six of us. It was a lot of fun and we look forward to sailing with Allan and Helen in a few months.
While the temperature was actually warmer on the way back from lunch than it was in the morning, the winds were much stronger so with the wind chill factor it seemed much cooler than in the morning. On our way back to the Hotel we stopped off at Rockefeller Center.
We had a wonderful time in New York City and we also wanted to note that despite all of the concerns we have not seen any of those bed bugs during our stay in the city.
Tomorrow, we will board the Crystal Symphony!
Today’s thought is about New York City.
Today’s Thought For The Day…..
“Over the great bridge, with sunlight through the girders making a constant flicker upon the moving cars, with the city rising up across the river in white heaps and sugar lumps all built with a wish out of non-olfactory money. The city seen for the first time, in its first wild promise of all the mystery and the beauty in the world.” F. Scott Fitzgerald
Keith and Anne Marie
