Crystal Cruise – Serenity – Athens to Venice – 12 days with overnight in Alexandra. It had been awhile since I had sailed and was looking forward to a getting away with a girlfriend. Many questions concerned us. Would we be the only couple of younger girls? Would there be enough to keep us busy? How could 2 ladies share one bathroom? Our questions were answered the moment we boarded. We were welcomed and felt we were home for 12 days. Tammi and I found it very easy to make friends, and enjoy life on board the ship. I do not know what they put into the employee's water; Service was consistently out-of-this-world! When we arrived at breakfast the next morning, everyone knew our names. Always smiling, vigorously inquiring what they could do for us. Crystal has the well-deserved reputation for dining, service and big-ship options, Crystal Cruises is particularly known for signature features that include onboard specialty restaurants Nobu, and Prego, huge wine cellars, paddle tennis, expansive Computer University@Sea labs and one of the best enrichment programs in cruising. Wait I forgot to mention the Mozart Tea, the Asian themed buffet, the Grand buffet, and the spa I wanted to move into. Crystal Cruises still preserves a traditional, two-seating dining pattern in its main restaurant and does formal nights. We were thrilled to have Dr. Jeffry and Mrs. Meryl Perkins, and Mr. Seth and Mrs. Ellyn Lehr (my clients) as dinning companions. Tammi and I have a rolodex of new friends. There were many single lads, and the on- board hosts were always there to make sure we were dancing and having a wonderful time. Our time on board lead to discussions of World Events, Sports, Music, to why doesn't the gift shop carry more items for us to purchase for grandchildren. Life on board the Serenity is just what you planed. You will not be disappointed and very pleasantly surprised at finding yourself thinking perhaps I should take back to back cruises. The cabins are small, but the bathroom does have double sinks, and a bathtub. We were able to both get dressed at the same time, and there was plenty of storage space. Our itinerary was wonderful Athens, Santorini, Rhodes, Jerusalem (Ashod) Alexandria, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Venice. Each port offered unique opportunities and wonderful memories. Tammi and I had the opportunity to overnight in Venice before we parted for home. Ask me about the wonderful walk from San Marcos Square back to the cruise ship. I flew from Venice to Paris for additional 4 nights. (More about this trip in the next news letter.) My flight was considered domestic. The weight of my baggage: way over the allocated 30kg. Something everyone should keep in mind. Contact me to avoid the penalty that could be very hefty.
Happy Sailing: Arlene Feen