Day 19: Montevideo, Uruguay

We had beautiful weather for our visit to Montevideo, compliments of Crystal Cruises. The view from Lido Café on deck 12 was a spectacular preview of what was waiting for us outside. Our guide and driver from Turisport Ltda., a Virtuoso On-Site, were waiting for us dockside.

After saying hello to Mary Bone of Turisport, we departed on our tour of the capital city of Uruguay. I had not traveled to Montevideo before, so this was a day of new sights for me.

The city architecture is a mix of European influences and the English style seemed dominant to me. We walked through the Plaza Independencia in the center of the city and stopped briefly here and there throughout the downtown area. Then we drove through beautiful neighborhoods with tree lined streets.

Lunch in an outside restaurant at the Mercado del Puerto gave us a taste of local cuisine including paella and Uruguay’s specialty, barbeque. After lunch we drove along the waterfront past beautiful beaches and high rise apartment buildings.

At the farthest point on our drive, we stopped at a small park on a point and posed for a picture with our guide, Patricia, and driver, Julio.

Because Crystal had a special dinner this evening for their passengers on the full world cruise, we ended our tour mid-afternoon, and returned “home” to the Serenity.

Tomorrow: Buenos Aires and the Virtuoso Voyager Club 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner.

Day 18: At Sea

The weather has been great throughout the cruise. Both yesterday and today gave us nothing but calm seas, blue skies, and comfortable temperatures. Cruise Director Rick Spath told us tonight the weather in Montevideo tomorrow will be fabulous.

I look forward to the daily lecture schedule. Today Dr. Herb Keyser told us about the life and career of Fanny Brice.

After dinner this evening, I enjoyed co-hosting the Voyager Club private cocktail party for this segment. The party was held in the back section of the Lido Café on deck 12, in the area many of us choose for breakfast every morning. It was a new location for the party, and with a little rearranging of the tables and chairs, it proved to be a popular location since we could see out the back of the ship to a spectacular view of the sea behind us.

To end the day on a high note (pun intended) we were entertained by “Cello Diva” Sarah Jessica Maer in the Stardust Club. I believe Crystal has brought onboard more lecturers and entertainers than passengers! The variety is unbelievable.

Tomorrow: Montevideo, Uruguay.

Day 17: At Sea

I have never been on a ship that has as many things to do and experience as the Crystal Serenity. I attended three fascinating lectures today, all presented by very talented lecturers. The first lecture started with a brief overview of the history of world exploration which exploded in the 1400’s. The overview was setting the stage for the real star of the series of lectures on the Englishman James Cook who became an expert navigator and cartographer. The second lecture was an introduction to Montevideo, Uruguay, our next destination. For a complete change of pace, the third and final lecture of the day was a biography on the great entertainer, Al Jolson, complete with clips from his movie, The Jazz Singer.

I returned to the gym and spa today now that we are at sea again. After the formal dinner and captain’s reception, we went back to the Galaxy Lounge to see a second performance of “My Favorite Things.” I mentioned this production when I saw it a few days ago, but frankly, it was just as enjoyable the second time. The production ends with a flourish of elaborate costumes. This photo gives you an idea of the quality of the performance and a view of the stage in the Galaxy Lounge. Great entertainment in an elegant yet comfortable setting.

Tomorrow: at sea on our way to Montevideo, Uruguay.

Day 16: Rio

Another first for me – a trip to the top of Sugar Loaf, iconic symbol of Rio. It takes two gondola rides to reach the top. Christina, our guide, told us the gondola cars had been replaced about 6 months ago. At the mid-point stop there were retired gondolas on display. Next to one was the life-size statue of an early supporter of the gondola venture. He was a man of few words, but after a brief chat, I struck an agreement with my fellow entrepreneur and we closed the deal with a handshake.

The view from atop Sugar Loaf was spectacular, haze and all.


Mid-afternoon we said goodbye to our driver, Paolo, and our guide, Christina, and returned to our home away from home, Crystal Serenity.

Tomorrow: at sea headed for Montevideo, Uruguay.

Day 15: Rio de Janeiro, first day

Around 6:30 AM I joined about 100 of my fellow passengers on the forward decks to watch Crystal Serenity’s arrival into Rio de Janeiro. It was a spectacular scene and it was only the beginning of an amazing day. Virtuoso On-Site Matueté provided us a guide and driver for the day. We found them easily, jumped inside and off we went.

Our first stop was the Sambódromo, ground zero for Carnaval. There was much activity around the complex during our behind the scenes look. In a couple of weeks, the city, immersed in Carnaval, will pulsate with thousands of samba dancers and musicians parading down the center of the Sambódromo.

I’ve visited Rio 4 or 5 time before, but one thing I had never done was to visit the statue of Christ the Redeemer.

A popular way to get there is to ride the train up Corcovado, the mountain on which the statue stands. Near the top, a group called “Bom de Samba” started up and almost immediately the Brazilian tourists onboard joined in, singing and clapping to the beat.

In order to take this picture, our guide, Christina, laid back on the ground and framed the shot like a pro.

Our last stop of the afternoon was a visit to the Cathedral to see its magnificent stained-glass windows towering above us. As we left the Cathedral, I spotted its reflection in the glass building across the street.

Day 14: At Sea

Because the Lido deck 12 is all window, the view from every table in the Lido Café is spectacular. Today I saw everything from tanker and cargo ships to off-shore drilling platforms to one small boat, maybe a local fisherman.

Chris Coxson, a marine biologist, has given several talks during the cruise, but today was the first time I sat in on one of his lectures. Today’s topic was whale songs and his presentation was full of actual recordings, some barely audible and some quite elaborate.

I joined an ad hoc table for four in the dining room for lunch. As always, there are many restaurant options aboard the ship, and part of the fun is deciding where to go. We then slipped up to Scoops on Lido deck for the perfect dessert – ice cream.

It was my pleasure to co-host a special event this afternoon along with Voyager Club Hosts Brian and Judy Robertson. Hyperion Knight, the talented pianist who is a favorite with those who have heard him before on Crystal Cruises, gave a special master class for the Virtuoso Voyager Club passengers and those who are enrolled in the Yamaha Passport to Music classes. For an hour or so he talked about what it takes to become a virtuoso in the art of music, and he performed a wide sampling of music from pops to classics. Part of the enjoyment for me was the unique setting, the Avenue Saloon on deck 6. It’s richly appointed with dark wood, painted ceilings and comfortable seating.


Coffee and tea in The Bistro and later, dinner in the Dining Room rounded out the day. The NFL playoff games are being shown on the big screen tonight in the Stardust Club. Crystal makes every moment count for their passengers. Since I don’t have a special interest in any of the teams playing and since tomorrow promises an early morning treat, I turned in a little early.

We’ve been told the sail in to Rio is an unforgettable experience. I’ll be top-side at sunrise to see Rio in all her splendor.

Day 13: At Sea

We are just two days away from Rio. Destination Lecturer Ken Rees gave an excellent talk on Brazil this morning. He has a very dry British wit, and grabbed our attention right away when he said Rio is the city with the largest statue and the smallest bikinis! I’ve been to Rio 4 or 5 times, but Ken added some new “must sees” to my wish list, including The Royal Library and the Monastery of St. Benedict where the chapel interior is almost completely covered in gold and gold leaf.

For this segment of the cruise, lectures have been held in the Hollywood Theatre on deck 6. The theatre sees a steady stream of audiences for the multiple lectures and movies offered daily.

During a few minutes of free time I scanned the original art pieces on display for sale in the Crystal Cove on deck 5. Piano music from the bar was as varied as the types of art on display - something for everyone.

Both yesterday and today I spent time in the training room at the top of the ship on deck 13 with my physical trainer, Ian, followed by a massage.

Tonight was another sensational show by the Crystal Ensemble of Singers and Dancers. “Curtain Call” featured songs and dance numbers from recent Broadway hits – Chicago, Evita, Les Miserables, Man of La Mancha, Cats, and Mamma Mia. Every member of this group gives 100% for every performance. I couldn’t begin to count their costume and scenery changes. Top notch all the way.

Tomorrow: at sea.