Celebrating the Season on the Seven Seas
By GERRY and
PAMELA BARKER North Palm Beach Life December, 2019. There are all kinds of ways to celebrate the holiday season: Visit loved ones; throw parties; attend special events. For us, we like to cruise. This year, we had the special opportunity to take the "Haute Caribbean Holidays" cruise on Crystal Serenity -- seven ports in 15 days over Christmas and New Year's, sailing round-trip from Miami. You can read a detailed account of our trip in our DAILY DIARY on All Things Cruise. In the meantime, come along and share our adventures in these photo pages. All aboard!! |
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We had a veranda stateroom on deck 9. It was finished in rich woods with tasteful furnishings and art. The bath featured double sinks and a tub/shower combination, along with upscale toiletries. It also included a generous balcony with
full-size furniture. We appreciated the extras, too -- like a pair of binoculars, an umbrella and USB outlets.
full-size furniture. We appreciated the extras, too -- like a pair of binoculars, an umbrella and USB outlets.
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Festive Decorations
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The holidays were in evidence all
around the ship, including the beautifully-decorated atrium staircase. 
The chefs made this gingerbread house and had fresh-baked cookies available throughout the day.
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The Palm Court (above) -- a wonderful retreat on deck 12 with 360-degree views -- had their own tree, while this surfing Santa, right, prepares to deliver presents to the Aloha State.
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As we explored our new home for next two weeks, we wandered into the Martketplace on deck 12, which has breakfast and lunch buffets. Love the Mark Rothko-inspired art.
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We toured the spa, where we saw this sand bed. Like a day at
the beach with pampering. |
The pool on Lido deck offered a welcome retreat both day and night. It was surrounded by upscale loungers and sofas, with attendants ready to bring you your drink of choice.
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We fell in love with The Bistro on deck 6 -- a European-style cafe that offered all kinds of coffees and teas, as well as a selection of light snacks and pastries until 11 pm. Grab a cup of Joe and watch the waves go by from a window seat table.
On Crystal, most drinks are complimentary, and there are a number of bars and lounges to relax with one. On the left is our favorite -- Avenue Saloon on deck 6. Dark and elegant, with a piano player, it's perfect. Those drinks are a special cocktail they made for us -- the Teeny Weeny Lemon Martini, a variation of a lemon drop that is oh-so-good! |
There's still so much to discover about our new "home" for the next two weeks. With several "sea days" coming up, it will give us a chance to experience everything Serenity has to offer.
