En Route To Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Day 70

The first four pictures were from today's Grand Gala Buffet

Hugh Downs

Two Pictures from Saturday evening on the ship taken at the Crystal Cove which is located near the Main Dining Room.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

We enjoyed a wonderful time on the ship last evening.

We had dinner in the Main Dining Room. We each had a Caesar Salad which was prepared in the dining room by our headwaiter Agusto. We also each had for our entrée Halibut, along with Roasted Potatoes, Steamed Vegetables and Keith also had Brussels Sprouts. Dinner was just delicious and was professionally served by the waiter, senior waiter and the headwaiter.

Afterwards, we attended a performance given by Comedian Mike Goddard. Mike has been performing with Crystal Cruises for around twenty years and is a wonderful comedian. Many people might not recognize him as he has now cut off his long hair and wears it quite short. It is probably a more appropriate look for his age. J We really enjoy his humor. He also has an amazing memory and when he used to participate in Team Trivia was a terrific player. He really wowed the audience as he always does. Before Mike performed there were two other performances. The Vocal Quarter “Sounds Of Serenity” sang a great song for us and this was following by another sensational dancing performance by Curtis Collins and Beverly Durand who did a tango. They were sensational.

Afterwards, we spent time talking with one of the ships officers and we decided we would stay up later and attend the Liar’s Club. The Liar’s Club featured Captain Glenn, Tax Lawyer Bob Hales, Rabbi Morrie Hershman and Comedian Mike Goddard. We were on a great team. We didn’t win or even come close to winning. Of course, if this were golf we would have won based on our overall score. J It was a fun night. Yes, we did not get back to our room until 11:30 PM. This is the second time we have stayed up quite late since we boarded the ship.

We always sleep well on the ship but this evening we slept even better. The seas were calm and we were quite tired. J

The good news is that we set the clocks back one hour before retiring to bed. J

While we went to sleep late, Keith was back up and at the Fitness Center quite early and at his regular time. When he arrived though there were about five people on the treadmills and one person on the Elliptical Machine and there was even a time with all Elliptical Machine in use and another passenger waiting to use one. This was because some passengers went to sleep during their normal time and woke up early because of the time change.

Keith enjoyed a wonderful workout and after the workout stopped by the Lido Café for some coffee to bring back to the room.

Anne Marie also worked out early in the morning on the Treadmill and enjoyed a great workout. Afterwards, she also brought back some coffee to the room.

We enjoyed a nice breakfast in the room as we watched the daily morning show.

Keith did call in to correctly answer one of the Trivia questions.

During Captain Glenn’s daily talk from the bridge he noted that we are making very good progress and as a result the Promenade Deck would be open sooner than originally planned which is great news.

Captain Glenn’s thought for the day was “Age is just a number. Old is an attitude.”

Earlier in the morning Keith had seen a helicopter flying overhead and during Captain Glenn’s talk from the bridge he noted that from time to time we might see military helicopters and navy ships where are all part of steps that have been taken to patrol these waters.

The extra precautions being taken by Crystal as we sail in the Gulf of Aden are in place. We originally had been asked to not go out on the Promenade Deck and on the aft location of the deck below it just until 6:00 PM today, but as mentioned this was opened up earlier than planned. Many other precautions have been taken and we applaud these steps.

We also received a form in preparation for our arrival to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which we will fill out and provide to our butler for any wine, or alcohol that will need to be removed from our stateroom before we arrive to Saudi Arabia. This will be the last port of call where this is necessary.

This morning featured some great presentations.

Destination Lecturer Jean-Pierre Isbourts presented the story of Jeddah and Makkah. He spoke about the histories of Jeddah and Makkah or Mecca, the place where the prophet Muhammad first began his ministry to establish Islam throughout the Arabian Peninsula.

The second presentation was given by a very familiar person Hugh Downs. Mr Downs presented Broadcast Days. The presentation was a reflection on over six decades in radio and television. We grew up listening to Hugh Downs on the Today Show so it was fascinating for us to be able to see him close up as he presented to us.

Afterwards, we enjoyed a nice lunch at the Lido Café. At the same time there was the Grand Gala Buffet, which was held outside the Main Dining Room.

After lunch, Keith played Paddle Tennis. Anne Marie worked out on the treadmill since the passenger’s were not able to be on the Promenade Deck. Afterwards, Anne Marie sat out a the pool while Keith met with a few of our fellow passengers.

This evening is formal night on the ship and we will dine at the Prego Italian Specialty Restaurant. We will post more about this tomorrow.

TODAY’S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY….

“No person can be a great leader unless he takes genuine joy in the successes of those under him.”

Keith and Anne Marie