Sail Away

What a beautiful sail away!!!  We were out on deck as we sailed from Miami. As per Crystal’s custom, Louis Armstrong sang “What a Wonderful World.” We couldn’t agree more. We feel so blessed to be able to cruise.

Gala and Balloon Drop

Lots of balloons and confetti!!!!!

Embarkation Day

We are just embarking the Crystal Serenity for our wonderful world cruise. We were so excited to see Nat greeting us are we arrived, but then we found out that he was leaving the ship the next day and won’t be back until April. Felt sorry for him roasting in his tails and top hat in the hot Miami sun.

 

This is the line of limos dropping off the world cruise passengers. Included in the cruise fare were 4 transfers. We opted for transfers from our home to the Atlanta airport and then from the Miami airport to the Hyatt Regency. When we get back in May we have opted for transfer from the ship to MIA and then ATL to our home in North Georgia. 

We took a taxi from our hotel to the ship, which ended up to be a smart thing, as we didn’t have to wait in line.

As we were checking in, we were offered cold towels and champagne. oh my, what a way to start.

 

When we  embarked the ship, we were greeted by the President and COO of Crystal Cruise Lines, Edie Rodriguez. She greeted everyone by name. It was very impressive. This was the sign in the Crystal Cove welcoming everyone aboard.

As is a custom on Crystal, once aboard, you are offered champagne and then lunch in the Crystal Dining Room. We enjoyed a Cobb Salad which is a Crystal tradition.

When we got to our stateroom, this gift from our travel agent was on the bed.  Might not need this cozy throw on a southern hemisphere cruise, but it will be nice in North Georgia.  Also in the room were gifts from Crystal: a jacket, shirt, hat, tote bag, journals, and a calendar with the cruise itinerary. 

The Gala and balloon drop was over the top…..Galaxy Orchestra playing, tons of confetti, and a lot of happy people. For dinner, we were assigned a table with eight other cruisers. Food was amazing as the service on Crystal is top notch. 

 

Finally in Miami

The day has finally arrived. Cannot believe our ride to the airport. We were picked up at 9:30 by Clarence and off we went to ATL. Got there in plenty of time so had a little lunch and then on to our Delta flight....uneventful, but totally packed. Arrived in Miami on time at 3:30. We were met at the airport and transported to our hotel in downtown Miami. 

After checking in at the hotel, we went out for a walk to explore. Have never stayed in downtown Miami and this has been a real treat. Walked down Brickell Avenue and ended up at this Cuban restaurant. Had a yummy Cuban sandwich and then headed back to the hotel. So many people out and about. What a vibrant city. 

Back to the hotel and we are exhausted. A great day and looking forward to tomorrow. We will get up in the morning and take a nice long walk before we board the Crystal Serenity.

I can't believe after over 2 years of planning this trip is really happening.

Luggage Is On The Way

This afternoon UPS picked up the three largest of five suitcases we are taking on the cruise.  Crystal has a luggage forwarding service included in the cruise fare which allows us to send luggage right to our room on the ship (hopefully).  Would really hate to haul all this stuff to the airport.

A Lot Of Stuff Is Going With Us!

This is the over 300 pounds of luggage for the cruise.  The three large bags are being picked up by UPS, and the next time we will see them is in our cabin.  The two smaller bags will be checked with Delta for our flight to Miami.  Oh, and we both have a carry on bag!  Think we might have over packed a bit :).

Single Digits To Go!

After over two years of planning, we are now down to 9 days before we cruise.  Next Tuesday we fly from Atlanta to Miami.  We will spend one night in Miami before boarding the ship. Wednesday  night on the ship will be a Gala for all those on the full World Cruise.  We will spend that night on the ship, and on Thursday passengers not on the full World Cruise will board the ship (the World Cruise is divided into 6 segments).  Sail away is 8pm on Thursday evening.  You can watch the sail away on www.portmiamiwebcam.com.