Sailing To The Panama Canal

Today, we have enjoyed another full day at sea as we sail to the Panama Canal. Before we tell you about our day, we wanted to mention last nights entertainment. Anne Marie attended a performance by Jacqui Scott who is a West End vocalist. She has had leading roles in such hits as Miss Saigon, and Evita and she sang a variety of songs from various musicals. The performance was excellent and both of us will plan to attend her next performance before she departs the Serenity on Friday.

We always enjoy the sea days on Crystal as they plan so many great activities for the passenger’s so we thought we would tell you about our day.

After having an early breakfast, we went to the Fitness Center for our workout. Once again, Anne Marie walked on the treadmill while Keith worked out on the Elliptical machine. We also used some of the weight machines.

At 10:00 AM we went to the Bistro to meet some passenger’s from Cruise Critic. Through the Cruise Critic Boards we had learned that some of our fellow Cruise Critic posters would be on this sailing and Keith arranged a time and date to meet them. We met Mike and Lois who are on the first segment of the World Cruise and Shirley who is on the first three segments.

At 11:00 AM we attended the lecture given by Alvin Shuster who is a senior consulting editor of the Los Angeles Times. Alvin Shuster has had a long and distinguished career in journalism, including serving as a Washington reporter and foreign correspondent for the New York Times. Alvin also served as the foreign editor at the Los Angeles Times for a dozen years where he directed the efforts of 35 correspondents. We first met Alvin and his lovely wife Miriam when we sailed on this ship in 2005 and Keith has continued to correspond with them from time to time. Alvin will give several lectures during the first segment of the World Cruise. Today’s presentation was titled “Today’s Media: The God, the Bad and The Truth.” Alvin discussed major issues including credibility, criticism, circulation, and the future of newspapers. We enjoyed Alvin’s talk and we look forward to his other lectures.

At 12:00 Noon we went to play team trivia. The name of our team is Luv 2 Cruise. There are eight of us on the team and today we finished in a tie for third place.

At 12:30 we had lunch with Alvin and Miriam Shuster, along with Sandra and Bill. We had a wonderful discussion about a whole range of subjects. We plan to get together later in the cruise.

We also worked out again this afternoon before it was time to get changed for the evening.

Before dinner this evening we attended a cocktail party that was hosted by the Signature Travel Network for those passenger’s whose travel agent is associated with the Signature. The party provided a wonderful opportunity to socialize with many of our fellow passenger’s.

Tomorrow should be a very special day as we transit the Panama Canal.

Keith & Anne Marie