January 28, 2016—Seas are smoothing out a bit as we sail toward Hawaii. So glad that is happening! Last night was not only pitch, but significant side-to-side motion, but nothing fell in the bathroom, so it couldn't have been too bad!

One of the questions I am frequently asked is “What do you do all day on such a long cruise? Don't you get bored?” No!!! Never!!! The World Cruise is sort of like a regular day at sea on Crystal—except on steroids! This list is just an example of the activities and lecturers available:

Total Body Conditioning Fitness Class (a miss for me!)

“Good Morning, Crystal” Live call-in show

Stretch Fitness Class

World Cruise Games Registration, including:

Men's and Women's Basketball Free Throw

Backgammon

Chess

Cribbage

Darts

Duplicate Bridge

Free Cell

Gin Rummy

Golf Putting

Lap Swimming

Paddle Tennis

Photo Competition

Scrabble

Shuffleboard

Social Bridge

Solitaire

Sudoku

Table Tennis

Team Trivia

Walking Relay Mixed Doubles

As you can see, there is something for everyone. David has selected Team Trivia and the Photo Contest. I've signed up for Team Trivia, Scrabble, Free Cell and Backgammon. We were issued T-shirts and Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will be awarded. Former Olympian, Donna de Varona, will be awarding the medals.

Back to the daily schedule:

Catholic Mass

Gentle Yoga

Computer University at Sea (Adobe Photoshop today)

Mah Jongg

Casino Slots

TaylorMade Golf Clinic with PGA Pro John Clark

Intermediate Bridge Lessons

Beginner Bridge Lessons

Berlitz Spanish Language Class

Crystal Visions Enrichment Program: “Aloha and Welcome to Hawaii,” by Destination Lecturer, Ken Rees

Computer University at Sea (Basic Edits Using Adobe Photoshop)

Odyssey Art at Sea Knitting Class

Crystal Visions Enrichment Program: “Drawing Lines on Maps, Creation of the Modern Middle East,” with Special Interest Lecturer Lt. Col Rick Francona

Digital Filmmaking

Advanced Bridge Lessons

Complimentary Gaming Lessons in the Casino

Team Trivia

Poolside Music

Crystal Visions Enrichment Program: “Our Dynamic Planet,” with Special Interest Lecturer, Glynda Easterbrook

Complimentary Dance Class: American Style Rumba

Yamaha Passport to Music—Beginners

Needlepoint Get Together

Zumba

Social Bridge

Duplicate Bridge

Taylor Made Golf Clinic

Movie: “A Walk in the Woods”

Odyssey Art at Sea: Stone Carving

Yamaha Passport to Music: Accelerated

Memoir Writing Class

Berlitz Spanish Language Class

Tour de Cycle Fitness Class

etc., etc., etc.

This doesn't count the large library, staffed by a Librarian (Liezl, one of my favorite people on board), Pilates small group classes on The Reformer, DVD Library, Table Games.

I am taking the Art Class. So far my stone looks a lot like a stone! It's hard work!

We played Trivia with Terry and Kerri from Australia and four others. Our team is called “Lost at Sea.” The first day of Trivia (yesterday) we had quite a respectable showing and shared second place with several others. Today, we would rather not talk about it!

After Trivia, we had lunch in the Lido with Terry and Kerri—what a fun lunch!

I can't stress the level of service given by the Crystal staff and crew. I especially adore the Lido Guys! They are from the Philippines and are the waitstaff on the Lido Deck and in the shows. They work so hard and are all just wonderful, cheerful and a joy!

Before dinner, we had drinks with our friends Gaylord and Gina. We've sailed with them for many years, and it's great to renew friendships on board. Today is Gina's birthday—Happy Birthday, Gina!

Yesterday, after a full day of activities, we had dinner in Silk Road, my favorite restaurant, land or sea. For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, it was designed by Nobu, uses his trained sushi chefs, uses his supplier and his recipes. I love the food! We had Nobu's special sashimi, a huge plate of sushi and sashimi, and my all-time favorite, Yellowtail Tartare!

   After dinner, we went to the evening show. Last night featured Mark Merchant, Comedian and Ventriloquist. We've known Mark for a long time, and he has been named Crystal's Entertainer of the Year. His material stays current and he pushes the envelope a bit, but he is talented and funny.

We closed down the evening with a nightcap in the Avenue Saloon with our dear friend, Cruise Director, Rick Spath.

We are meeting another couple for drinks and to watch the Opening Ceremonies of the World Cruise Games and the Parade of the Nations! Dinner will be in the Main Dining Room and then a show featuring Mind Reader, Marc Paul.

All for now!