Paul Gauguin - 7 Night Society Island Cruise

 Paul Gauguin - 7 Night Society Island - Papeete Roundtrip

Day 1 – Getting there

There were several flights and stops involved in getting all the way to the other side of the world.  On Wednesday evening we flew from Heathrow to Paris and had an overnight stay at an airport hotel.  The following morning we flew from Paris to Los Angeles (11 hours) and then straight from LA to Papeete (8 hours), arriving at around 9.30pm local time.   The long haul flights were with Air Tahiti Nui which Paul Gauguin uses for their fly-cruise packages.  Once through customs and baggage claim at Tahiti airport, we were greeted with flower garlands and transferred to the Radisson where we had 2 nights’ accommodation.  Again this hotel is used in PG packages so it was good to get an idea of what is offered at the hotel.

Day 2 – At the hotel

This day was free to explore the hotel and surrounding area.  We were treated to breakfast and a tour of the facilities which gave us a better idea of what is offered there.  There were some great selling points: a kids club, a shuttle into Papeete town, use of the gym, and free wifi and computer centre which are all included in the per night cost.  This evening was Tahitian night so we were treated to traditional entertainment including music, sarong tying and dancing as well as a BBQ dinner which cost around £25.  It was a nice idea and was well attended by guests.  Overall the hotel was a good option for a pre-cruise night or two but I would not stay any longer and the atmosphere is odd at times as most people are using it as a stopover rather than a base for the whole holiday.  There was a handy boutique on site which is great for last minute souvenirs though!

Day 3 – Embarkation

We spent the morning at the hotel before our transfer around 3pm.  This is the standard embarkation time for PG and the transfer time is only 15 minutes or so.  The ship docks in the main town so you can easily nip to the market or explore the gardens.  Check in was smooth, we were gathered in the main lounge the Grand Salon with champagne before being called up one by one to get our key cards and register our credit cards.  We were then accompanied by a member of staff to our rooms where our luggage was waiting.  The staff were very friendly and relaxed, being happy to introduce themselves and shake hands.  The rooms were a comfortable size and we had champagne and fruit waiting for us which was a nice touch.  The balcony was quite small however I did not use it as there were so many outside spaces to use elsewhere onboard.  L’Occitane toiletries are provided in the bathrooms and are readily replenished.  Muster drill was at 5.30pm then we headed down to the marina to collect our snorkel gear.  Dinner in the main restaurant is open seating and is a nice relaxed atmosphere.  The food was good, I had beef empanada, pork stir fry and chocolate marquise.  After dinner we sat up on deck around the pool where the band was playing.  It was a clubby atmosphere with quite a few young groups of couples, and everyone was getting into the swing of things singing and dancing. It was nice to have this area to sit outside in the evening especially when the weather is good.

Day 4 – Raiatea

There was a US fam on at the same time so this morning we had a brief meeting with the leader and met the US agents.  We were invited to join them on a shore excursion later in the week.  The previous night we had the daily magazine delivered to our rooms outlining the different activities going on each day.  This morning we went to a lei making class with the entertainment hosts ‘Les Gauguins and Gauguines’.  There lots of similar activities going on every day which is great, we would have liked to go to the bookmark and postcard making sessions but didn’t have time today.  I had an afternoon excursion which was Faaroa River and Island Exploration for $95 for 3.5 hours.  About 16 people attended.  A local guide told us about the history, geography and topography of the island as we travelled by outrigger canoe to the mouth of the island’s only navigable river.  We travelled along the river as it got narrower and we were flanked by lush vegetation on either side all the time with our guide chatting about the local cultures and flora and fauna of this region.  We had a snack of local fruits before heading back the way we came and coming ashore for an off-road trip around the interior of the island.  This was really fun, it began raining heavily which only added to the experience as we made the ascent towards the highest peak of the island.  The visibility was poor due to the weather but the journey was great, our driver pointed out papaya plants, vanilla and lime plantations and tropical flowers as we made our way back towards the ship.  It was like being in Jurassic Park.  Tonight dinner was in Le Grill, one of the speciality restaurants that you have to make reservations for as well as Le Veranda.  This is up on the pool deck and is al fresco dining with an Asian theme.  The weather was particularly awful, very blustery and rainy so perhaps not the best night to go here!!  The food was yummy, I had pumpkin and pork ravioli, beef with potatoes and pak choi with a Chinese sauce, then chocolate fondant.  It was my favourite meal so far despite the weather.  We went to the show which was a performance by the Gauguins and Gauguines doing traditional dancing.

Day 5 – Taha’a (Motu Mahana)

The rest of the ports including this one were at anchor so although we arrived at 8am, the first tender ashore wasn’t until 10am.  Today was the day at PG’s private islet Motu Mahana.  

We had been told to get the first tender over there so we could get a good spot which we did.  It was more civilised than I had expected, with loungers set up on the beach, local vendors selling souvenirs, and large permanent huts housing the toilets, food area and bar.  Staff wandered round offering drinks and you were free to do what you liked on the island.  We did some snorkelling in the lagoon and tried our hand at kayaking which had been brought over from the ship’s marina.  Lunch was served at midday and was a feast of various barbecued meats, salads, breads, rice, veg, plus desserts.  We could eat around large tables with parasols.  There were again lots of activities to keep us occupied just as there is onboard and we tried our hand at basket weaving made with coconut leaves.  We headed back to the ship at around 3pm and chilled out before dinner which was in the main dining room L’Etoile.  The menu changes here every night compared with the 2 speciality restaurants whose menus stay the same for each cruise.  I had gnocchi with pesto, goats cheese and sun dried tomatoes, then pork tenderloin with polenta and mushroom sauce, then raspberry parfait.  Les Gauguins came in while we were eating which was nice and gave a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. It was very rocky this evening while we were sailing, lots of grinding and shuddering going on! Luckily we arrived in Bora Bora at 10pm so it was peaceful by bedtime.

Day 6 – Bora Bora

Again anchored, and there were 2 separate tenders going either to the village or the private motu.  We got the 9am shuttle to the village to have a wander, near the marina was a little market selling pareo and jewellery and Eli and I bought a shell necklace and bracelet for 500F ($6).  Elaine and Sophie did a morning excursion – Le Truck.  They had some great views of the island and highly recommended it.  Me and Eli had an afternoon excursion so we returned to have lunch and get ready before going back ashore for our excursion.  This was the Aqua Safari Underwater Walk ($120 for 2 hours) and we were the only 2 from the ship! This was very surprising as I thought this would be very popular.  We had 2 other couples with us who had come from hotels so there was a group of 6.  We took a boat about 10 mins out into the lagoon and were explained the procedure before going under with our helmets on!  The water was perhaps 10ft deep so not too scary, and it was very clear.  The patch of the seabed we walked around was cordoned off with some rope that we used to guide ourselves around.  We were down there for about 40 mins and posed for lots of pics which we later bought from the guide.  There were lots of different fish, including a big ray and clownfish and I’m glad I had an underwater camera.  Although we were out most of the day, there was loads to do onboard including a galley tour, bridge tour, Tahitian dance lesson and board games.  Dinner was in L’Etoile again and I had asparagus soup, lamb shank, then profiteroles (these were filled with ice cream so a bit weird and hard).  The show tonight was the cruise director crooning his favourite songs which was quite cringey but lots of people turned up.

Day 7 – Bora Bora

We had a second day here which was great and I had an early excursion with Heather and Sophie.  This excursion was a trip to the Lagoonarium which was about 4 hours long.  It started off with us three plus another couple from the ship, again surprising as I thought the excursions would be packed.  We went from the pier by jeep to join a fairly large boat filled with about 30 other people.  We headed round the island stopping at a point in the lagoon where the guides fed black tip sharks and rays.  We had about 15 mins snorkelling time here and it was amazing to see them so close up.  Our second stop was at a coral garden where we saw smaller colourful fish and corals and we had about 20 mins to snorkel here.  We then took a long boat ride right around the island to the motu which contains the Lagoonarium - a fenced area on the tidal zone of the beach and out into the lagoon. There were several enclosures, the first with more black tip sharks and rays as well as a nurse shark lurking which was scary.  There was then a turtle area which was cool, although we couldn’t go in with them as they bite!  The third area housed lemon sharks which we swam through as the guide fed them – very scary.  We were taken back to the pier in an outrigger canoe and given some fresh fruit to snack on.  At 4pm we went to afternoon tea in Le Grill which was chocolate themed.  This occurs every day and has a different theme or special dish each day.  Dinner this evening was in the second speciality restaurant, La Veranda.  This is where we had breakfast everyday and also serves a buffet lunch.  The cuisine was French, I had onion tart, steak and chips, and chocolate tart. We had some movement again this evening as we left Bora Bora and went into open water!  The show tonight was Krew Kapers where the staff does performances, there was Filipino dancing, singing, a Charlie Chaplin performance, and a Gangnam style performance!!  This was a hilarious show and very entertaining.

Day 8 – Moorea

Again we were anchored and we headed ashore fairly early to have a mooch around the local shops and stalls by the pier.  We didn’t spend long and headed back for a Tahitian themed buffet in Le Grill.  We had an afternoon excursion which was with the US fam group.  It was Aito off-road adventure, which was 4 hours long and took us to points of interest around the island including, tropical gardens, a fruit juice factory, a pineapple plantation and some view points where we could see right down into the lagoon.  This was great and it was nice to see the island in a jeep rather than in an enclosed coach.  It was the hottest day however which did make the tour drag on a bit but the views from Magic Mountain were spectacular.  Tonight is Polynesian night onboard which was the best night.  Local ‘mamas’ were brought onboard to make flower garlands and headdresses and everyone was encouraged to wear their sarongs.  We got ready for dinner early, got adorned with our floral decorations and had some drinks to the sounds of traditional music before dinner at 8.  This was my favourite dinner, I had gnocchi with pork and balsamic (similar to at Le Grill the other day) then steak with ratatouille and dessert was chocolate fondant.  A local dance troupe came onboard for the show which incorporated singing, dance, pareo tying, coconut preparing, and music.  Everyone was getting involved, the dancers would come into the audience and pick people out to dance with, and it was a nice atmosphere onboard tonight.  The bars and restaurant seemed busier than usual, not sure where everyone was on previous nights!!

Day 9 – Moorea

Today we had an early excursion doing a dolphin and whale watching expedition.  This was a tad disappointing as we didn’t see any dolphins (of course always a risk on these types of tours, but typical as the group yesterday had seen a large pod right in the lagoon!!)  This was a busier excursion and there were about 20 people in the boat, led by Dr Michael Poole, a local marine biologist who had taken a seminar the previous day onboard.  We had to go a fair bit round the island but we did eventually see a mother and calf humpback whale. We got to go in the water with them although not very close, but an amazing experience.  I’m glad we did the tour as it was our last full day before getting off tomorrow.  I wanted to do an excursion every day to make the most of each place and although there was a lot to do onboard, I’m glad I didn’t leave a full day to stay on the ship.  Dinner was in L’Etoile and I had roasted veg starter, followed by lamb with potato gratin and then chocolate mousse.  We saw the final show which was another local dance troupe which although we were now familiar with the style of dancing now, this was quite different and very entertaining.  Before going to bed we had to leave our cases out as is usual, and the housekeeper had left a makeup wipe and some fruit in the room which was a nice touch. 

Day 10 – Papeete / Disembarkation

We had to be out of our rooms by 9.30am but we could leave our hand luggage onboard in the Grand Salon and go ashore as our transfer wasn’t until 12.30pm.  We had a wander round the market in Papeete which was walking distance from the port to get some last minute souvenirs.  We headed back to the ship and had an early lunch in Le Veranda – again very handy and made disembarkation very relaxed and not the usual early morning rush!  We had day rooms back at the Radisson as our flight wasn’t until midnight – this is the usual time for the flights back to LAX.   There is free wifi at the hotel which was good, we just spent the time chilling out and preparing for the flight: you would not want to be waiting at PPT airport for 12 hours!!   In the end our flight got delayed until 5am but the hotel extended our rooms for no extra charge so this was helpful.  We finally arrived back home after what seemed like a never ending day on planes!! 

Cote D'Azur Collection with Crystal Cruises

Cote D'Azur Collection with Crystal Cruises

Monte Carlo – Saturday

We arrived at the ship at 3pm after being met at the airport by the Crystal Cruises representatives, after this we claimed our luggage from the belt and porters were ready to assist with our luggage and were directed to our transfer in a Mercedes minivan, the driver was smartly dressed and polite and we were advised the journey would take approximately 40 minutes. We arrived at the port and went through security to check in onboard the ship, as we had checked in on line before travel, we only needed our passports checked and picture taken for our ID to depart and arrive back onboard.

Once onboard we headed to our stateroom AA grade on deck 10, 10011 forward with a balcony. Our luggage arrived shortly after and then we headed down to the Bistro for hot chocolate and cakes. Here they have a buffet of sandwiches, cakes, cheeses, fruit, plus tea and coffees all are served from 9.00am to 11.00pm.

We then got ready for the Welcome cocktails in Palm Court to meet all the agents and to get acquainted for the week ahead, it was also great to put faces to names which those that we have long spoken to but never met. Dinner was in the Crystal Dining room, I chose Garlic Prawns & Veal Chop which was on the large size, everyone was shocked. I gave it my best shot to eat, but it failed me. The wine is free flowing and you can choose the included wines, or select a recommend wine from the connoisseur list for an extra charge. It makes it much easier when entertaining Travel Agents or other guests. After dinner we headed back to the stateroom for a good night’s sleep over looked by the twinkling lights of Monaco and Super rich yachts.

Monte Carlo - Sunday

The next morning still in Monaco we had breakfast in the lido; this is a buffet service with everything you could fancy for breakfast on offer from any way eggs and bacon to healthy options such as fruit and yoghurt, what a good way to start to the day. We headed in to see the sights of the cathedral and palace then onto the famous casino square, where some of the supercars are parked. After a long walk we went back to the ship for lunch in the Crystal Dining room, I tried a beer with lunch (as its all included)and he recommended a Canadian beer for me to try and it was 9% alcohol!

Before the sales meeting we had a relax on the sun deck, with the stunning new loungers, all orange and white, and since last time I was onboard I noticed they also a much better selection of seating from loungers to tables. Shame about the weather as the rain had arrived by then along with a thunder storm, but we had blankets to keep us warm. After the meeting we had the life boat drill. Now the sun had appeared as we sailed out of Monte Carlo at 5pm for Genoa. We relaxed on our balcony with the sun in our faces...lovely.

Tonight we need to get ready for dinner in Tastes; this is an open dining restaurant open from 6.30pm to 9.00pm. Up here you can have chicken, steak, spaghetti Bolognaise plus also traditional Chinese comfort food; Dim Sum, which are dumplings. I had a banana split for desert, it is like eating outside due to all those large windows but with the warmth of inside giving it a lovely cosy atmosphere with fake candle lighting. It makes me hungry just thinking about it and what cocktail to have, my favourite is Bellini-Tini or maybe a glass of champagne, oh decisions, decisions. 

We met in Crystal Cove for pre-dinner drinks; this is round bar on deck 5. The band was playing and the bar was busy and buzzing with passengers dancing, i noticed this, with a Bellini-Tini in hand of course. After dinner we headed to Avenue Saloon for after dinner drinks where there is a Piano player to dance and drink the night away until late.

Genoa – Monday

We arrived in Genoa (Genova as the Italians call it) for 8.00am and went straight to the Lido again for our buffet style breakfast before we were invited to see a Crystal Penthouse on Deck 11.

It was wonderful to see the Crystal Penthouse grade and to see first hand what it was really like, there is so much space. It is perfect for entertaining, from the large dinning table for six to the butler service all your needs. There was plenty of storage space, and you don’t need even need to leave your room to use the running machine as their is a personal gym inside the stateroom intself! With a separate toilet for guests, a Jacuzzi bath that has its own private window, and a writing desk the Crystal Penthouse really does excel itself in space, luxury and quality.

Later that morning, we took the shuttle bus into Genoa which took about 10-15 minutes, these leave every half an hour to the centre so its really convenient if you want to go of and explore for yourself. What first greeted us was a large fountain in the Piazza, which on closer inspection had red water flowing like red wine! It is a large and busy town with typical cobbled streets and churches typical to Italy. We headed back to the ship around lunch time, but decided to try a focaccia pizza in warm sunshine whilst we waited for the transfer bus to arrive to take us back to the ship. The afternoon was spent around the seahorse pool as the sun was still shining, we were well looked after by the pool staff with drinks, as we had a small lunch we decided to have the Afternoon Tea at in Palm Court, The Ginger String Quartet serenaded us whilst we tucked into cakes, sandwiches and scones with clotted cream.

The Captains Reception & Crystal Society Party was hosted in Palm Court, the four of us met the agents and had a drinks before dinner whilst hearing the how many times some of the passengers have sailed with Crystal before, I think 168 was mentioned! After the party we headed down to Prego with Susan and Jack from Travelink for dinner, the food was exceptional as usual and the service very attentive. After dinner we went to the Galaxy Lounge to see Curtain Call, this is a taster of several west end shows.

La Spezia - Tuesday

We arrived into La Spezia which was again another busy industrial port. We had breakfast in the Crystal Dining room for Natalie’s birthday, here it’s a lot quieter than the lido and seems more refined for breakfast. That is what is great about Crystal, no matter your choice may be, there is always something to suit everyone. I had smoked salmon eggs Benedict; there is a good choice here too, with cereal, fruit, all the toasts, pancakes and so much more. After breakfast we headed into La Spezia, a shuttle service dropped us outside the port entrance, here we took a land train up to the outskirts, it’s quite a small town, so we walked around the shops and made our own way back to the ship. We met in Crystal Cove for a pre-dinner drink, before dinner Silk Road. This I was looking forward too and it certainly did not disappoint, the service was excellent, I had Vegetable Tempura, Miso Soup, Tuna salad, then the stir fried Lobster. It was delicious. For desert we had chocolate cake to celebrate Natalie’s birthday. After dinner we headed Avenue Saloon, this time I had a new cocktail, the Ruby Martini, only a couple as the grapefruit juice is sour. By later that evening hot canapés were being served and as we had eaten early I tried a few, it would have been rude to say no! Also, a couple had got engaged earlier that evening too, it all added to a great atmosphere, along with lasting memories, plus it meant there was more cake to eat.

San Tropez – Wednesday

We arrived into San Tropez for 7.00am and awoke to find we had anchored and was surrounded by Cote d’Azur coast line which is very pretty with the sun shining, so the sea was a beautiful aqua blue. Yachts were moored all around us. The tenders started at 9.00am to go ashore, we headed to breakfast in the lido before going ashore. I had been to San Tropez before and was surprised to find it seemed much friendlier than I remembered it, the town is neat and clean as you would expect and is set on a hill, so we headed up to the citadel to get an view of the town and coast line, we walked back down through the narrow streets and admired the restaurants and shops, they were getting ready for the lunch time rush, we stopped at a café for a drink and streets suddenly become very busy with the locals appearing for lunch. We started early this evening as we went down the Galaxy Lounge to see iLuminate, it was certainly not something to be missed. After this we went to the Crystal Cove for pre-dinner drinks before dining in the Crystal Dining room, tonight we are going to experience the kosher dining, which is offered in the main dining room. We tasted the turkey, duck and lamb chops, they served this with roast potatoes and vegetables. There is a wide selection of kosher food cooked to order for guests that pre book it.  

    

Marseille – Thursday

We arrived into Marseille, the Gateway to Provence and the second largest city in France with a population close to one million so after a breakfast in the lido, we headed into Marseille on the shuttle service which dropped us off at the marina and we walked further along the promenade into the city centre to find the shops. I had been here before and liked the city the first time, but this time it was much improved as they have built a lot of new office buildings and flat’s along the port road as you come into the centre. After looking around the shops and buying some sweets and clothes in C&A we headed back to ship for lunch at the Trident Grill were Burgers, Hot Dog, Tuna melts, and fries and much more are offered for lunch. At 4pm we had tickets to see Magic Castle at sea, a 25 minute show of fun magic. We met in Palm Court for farewell drinks for the agents and then had dinner in the Crystal Dining room at 8.30pm, where the menu was French night. The local speciality bouillabaisse and snails, coq au vin and crepes Suzette were on offer for dinner. No drinks this evening we decided on as the crossing over to Barcelona was choppy and it was our last night onboard, so we needed to pack. 

Barcelona – Friday

We arrived into Barcelona at 8.00am to the weather cloudy and raining, after finishing the packing we headed off for a late risers breakfast in Tastes around the Neptune pool, as it was raining we sat inside under the glass roof and relaxed with a leisurely breakfast and tea, until we needed to take a taxi back to Barcelona Airport for our flight home to Gatwick, we easily caught a taxi outside the ship. The taxi took about 20 minutes to the airport.

 

I had not sailed on Crystal Cruises for a couple of years it was great to be reminded what a fantastic product we sell and the service delivered onboard always with a smile, the quality of food and standard of accommodation is excellent. Now that we are All Inclusive the atmosphere seemed busier onboard in the evening, in the restaurants, bars, and shows. Pre-dinner drinks in the Crystal Cove with the hosts dancing with guests and the band playing made a great atmosphere before dinner. The after dinner shows Welcome onboard, Curtain Call and Elton John, ILuminate were always busy too, post dinner drinks in Avenue Saloon with the Joel Spire playing the piano until late, was always accompanied by guests dancing. Everywhere you went was bursting alive with atmosphere. All in all we had wonderful cruise with some great agents to show off what Crystal Cruises is really about.

Cruising the British Isles with Crystal Cruises

From Dublin to Dover

Upon arriving into Dublin Airport I was already filled with excitement about my week ahead to come onboard Crystal Serenity. 7 nights calling at Dublin, Belfast, Holyhead, Liverpool, Cork/Cobh, Portland, St.Peter Port/Guernsey & Dover. I last sailed with Crystal back in October 2012 and had a wonderful week so this cruise definitely had something to live up to!

We were greeted by Crystal staff after I had collected my bags and whisked straight to our Crystal transfer. So effortless and smooth - it was much nicer to have the stress-free experience when arriving at the airport. I had booked quite an early flight, and as embarkation wasn't for another two hours we were told instead of being taken straight to the port we'd take a 'scenic' detour to pass some time to save us all waiting around. Already I was appreciating the 'crystal way of life', such thought and detail put into every last bit. They could have simply dropped us off and let us wait but they didn't, instead we were taken on a mini coach tour of Dublin. Simply Fantastic. 

When arriving at the port we were met with traditional Irish music and river-dancing which was a nice little surprise as we were going through check-in and security. Embarkation was painless as always, no waiting around. As we were quite early our rooms weren't ready just yet so we decided to go up to the Trident Grill and get a burger & fries. Just as good as I remembered! Then in true Crystal style you have to start your cruise off with a glass of champagne, which I teamed up with some Ben & Jerrys, I thought they accompanied each other rather nicely. My favourite thing about Crystal is the fact it is all-inclusive. It's just the no pressure feeling when onboard. I love the fact that I don't even have to think or worry about money, if there's something I want, I can have it. That is what truly makes you feel like you're on holiday; a pure sense of relaxation.

We swung by our room which was now ready and waiting for us. We were in an A-Grade stateroom on Deck 9, I love having a Verandah, it just gives you that extra bit of space - plus its always good to pop your head out in the morning to see what lays ahead for the days weather! After being greeted by our stewardess who asked our preferences in terms of cleaning, mini bar and even down to what kind of treats we would like on our pillows for the turn-down service we were ready to hit the gym.

It's not my ideal way to start off the cruise but we thought we may as well try and be good to prepare ourselves for the week ahead of glorious food and drink. I do love the gym on Crystal Serenity, there's actually a very good work space, plenty of machines and it's made all the better with the large windows so you can work out whilst taking in the scenery.  

After that it was a quick unpack, relax and getting settled in before dinner that evening. Tonight we were dinning in the main dinning room, we'd opted for 'Late' dinning which was 8:30pm. I like the fact that on Crystal you can choose from three different dinner options; main - 6:15pm, late - 8:30pm and dinning by reservation for those who like the option of times so you can make reservations much like a restaurant. Dinner was of course superb as always, for me, I just love the buzz that comes with the main dinning room, it's nice to feel a part of something. I must admit after a very busy day, dinner left me feeling rather full and tired so it was straight off to bed for me. I wanted a good nights sleep so that I would be ready the week ahead.

Day 2

Today we arrived in Belfast and unfortunately the weather had let us down. We decided to stay onboard and make the most of the enrichment activities that Crystal had to offer. We decided to pop into the 'Computer University@Sea' for the Digital Filmmaking: The iPad iMovie Video Course. It was really good! Very informative and a great way to get to know more about your iPad and the types of things you can do with it. After that I stopped by the library, got a book out and went up to the pool deck and sat outside with a blanket and cup of hot chocolate. It was simply lovely. After that i went back to my stateroom for a little siesta before getting ready for Silk Road that evening (I like to say siesta as it sounds far less lazy than a nap). I have to admit, before boarding we did not pre-book our specialty restaurants, we simply booked once we'd boarded and we managed to get Silk Road for the next night (Day 2) and Prego for the day after (Day 3). It's so nice being onboard a cruise ship that isn't over crowded and always has enough staff and space to cover everything you could possible need.

The food in Nobu's Silk Road was exquisite. I had the blackened cod for my main and I honestly thought I was in heaven. It was a really wonderful experience and what made it all the better was the fact even the specialty restaurants onboard Crystal Cruises are included in the All-Inclusive package. It really takes away that worry, you know once you've stepped on the ship that you're basically all sorted. Anything you want, and it's there for you. As a girl, personally, it's just nice 'going out' and not having to take a bag/purse around with you as there's simply no need for you to carry cash. With Crystal the only extras that you could really incur would be the casino, the shops or the shore excursions, yet all can just be charged to your room, again it just adds to that sense of relaxation and stress-free holidays.

Day 3

The weather had picked up today and by the afternoon it was actually rather warm and sunny. After a rather large breakfast in the Lido and a stroll around the local area we retreated back to the ship. The good thing about Crystal is that although you do have to pay for shore excursions, they do actually provide a free shuttle from the ship/port to the main area/centre. I love this. Hassle free, they run very regularly from the start of the day to the end and it simply gives you the option and flexibility to make the most of your day. I always end up picking that option in port.

As our reservation for Prego was at 9pm that evening, we went down to Crystal Cover before dinner for a few drinks. My favourite thing to do is to try their Cocktail of the Day. Each day its a new combination, I love just being able to try something different that I wouldn't have normally had. Yet again, it's that piece of mind as you know that regardless if you don't like it, it's all included. The staff don't mind either way, if they realise it's not quite to your taste they'll simply offer you something different. Dinner was yet again fabulous. I love Prego, it's Italian themed cuisine and their mushroom soup is honestly the best I've ever tasted and it comes in it's own bread bowl, quite literally inside. Amazing. Later that night I couldn't sleep, so I got back up and nipped to the library and took out a DVD, got into bed with a hot chocolate and settled for the night.

Day 4

I really do love waking up in my stateroom, the beautiful decor and ample amounts of space.

Today was Liverpool which was amazing to be docked so close to evening, the view from my Verandah was brilliant.

Liverpool is great for shopping, so for today my itinerary consisted of just that. I loved the fact I could actually just walk right into the city centre. It was quite novel to be so close and central to everything. 

After getting back onboard the ship I decided to be quite productive so I popped some laundry in (yet again, all completely free) and I went to the gym whilst I waited for the cycle to finish. It's quite nice to feel so at home whilst cruising, it's a different feel to a beach type holiday and I really do enjoy it.

Dinner tonight was in the main dinning room again, back to our normal time of 8:30 which suited me perfectly. I like to have the time to stick to, gives me an aim for when to be ready for!

I must admit, after all the food I'd eaten so far I didn't actually fancy any of the starters, I just wanted something a bit more plain and simple so I very politely (and slightly embarrassingly) asked for a Caesar salad. It wasn't on the menu but I thought I'd try my luck. Now, this is the point where I point out simply how wonderful my waiter was. He was called Lloyd and was from Wales and his service was impeccable. He didn't even stir in the slightest, he said yes straight away and took the order as though it was a natural thing to do. Now that to me is service, I know its something only so little yet it makes a great difference. That really is the attitude that Crystal has as a whole. They like to do whatever it takes to ensure that you have the greatest experience possible, saying 'no' isn't an option.

Day 5

Wow. Simply stunning. Cobh was absolutely beautiful, such a pretty little port and the weather was magnificent. A lot of people today took the free shuttle into Cork, and some even took the local train which went straight from the port to Cork directly, however Cobh itself seemed so beautiful we decided on a little walk to explore.

The picture I took of Cobh was taken straight from my balcony so as you can see, despite Crystal seeming like quite a large ship they really do still take you into the most beautiful and delicate of ports. It was brilliant walking right to the top and being able to look down on the miniature town in which Crystal had docked.

From the little local shops and cafes to the huge cathedral set up on the hill, everything about this place made you want to stay for as long as possible and explore. Cobh was actually originally named Queenstown and that was the last port of call for the RMS Titantic before she set sail on her ill-fated maiden voyage so as you can image this little port has a huge wealth of history behind it. 

Tonight was formal night, I was much looking forward to it. Although every night the majority always made a huge effort, this one night always seems to just have a special feeling in the air. We went up to Palm Court before dinner for the Captains Cocktail Party, it was great to see some many people get together for drinks, dancing and a few speeches from a variety of crew. It was the main dinning room for dinner again and I couldn't fault the menu, every course was just as delicious as the last. The only thing I could fault would be the fact it was so delicious you simply ate every last mouthful. Crystals' attention to detail always amazes me, we noticed that on formal night our plates even matched the mural on the ceiling. We were so impressed I took a photo of Natalie holding it!

 

Day 6

Today was Portland, yet again we had been very lucky with the weather! Started the day off with my favourite place for breakfast yet again - the Lido. There are plenty of choice for breakfast onboard, including room service but I simply love the Lido. It's quite casual, buffet style service with hot and cold breakfast options. It's one of those places where there is something for everyone no matter what you feel like for breakfast that day, plus if that weather is really nice you could always sit outside and eat it.

We decided to go into Weymouth today, so hopped on the free shuttle and we were there in no time. After a walk along the front and indulging in the typical seaside tradition of fish and chips we stopped by the shops for a bit of afternoon window shopping. We slowly made our way back to the ship, yet again hopping on the free shuttle to whisk us straight back to the ship. No waiting around at all. 

Tonight we decided on the Crystal Cove again before dinner so we simply had to try out their cocktail of the day, plus a few pre-dinner snacks - it would have been rude not to! They always come round with the most delicious petits fours. Today we had mini hamburgers and sausage rolls, not that we needed it, the three course evening meal is plenty more than one needs to keep them going!

The main dinning room - 10 out of 10 as per usual, every course was amazing. I chose to sorbet for desert, great choice.

Day 7

Today was our last full day onboard Crystal Serenity and I was already not wanting the day to end from the moment I woke up. We were in St. Peter Port/Guernsey today which was a tender to shore. After a wander around admiring the local sights (we'd both been to this port before) we decided to get back onboard for the afternoon and yet again enjoy the wonders that Crystal Cruises has to offer in the day time.

In the heat, nothing else seems appropriate than to sit up by the pool deck, order lunch from the Trident Grill and sip on a cocktail. I went for a chicken caesar wrap, fries and a mojito, I'd say it was a pretty good choice. 

The Crystal Cove (again) for drinks with the string quartet was a really nice way to spend our last evening. We then moved into the Crystal dinning room for our final meal. For my main I chose the Rib Eye steak with potatoes and bacon wrapped asparagus. Lloyd our waiter had overheard me saying just how much I loved the asparagus and seconds later he appeared with some extras for me.

These little touches are what makes up the Crystal Cruises experience that has awarded them the title of "World's Best" by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler more than any other cruise line, hotel or resort in history. It's not until you actually sail with Crystal Cruises that you can really see why.

After dinner I decided I'd take a walk around the promenade deck, get a little bit of sea air and walk of some of the food that I'd consumer that week. Even thought the gym is open 24 hours I didn't really fancy it so I thought instead I'd have a bit of 'reflection' time. Basically not feeling 100% sleepy after dinner, plus not wanting the evening to end, I decided to find an excuse to stay up later!

Yet again this experience with Crystal was simply marvelous. I couldn't fault it at all.