Reset search
Family & The Panama Canal 2018
  • Randy and Rose
  • Randy and Rose

Family & The Panama Canal 2018

August 2018 Read more
+1
FollowInsightsInsightsCalendarCalendarPhotosPhotosShareShareBucket list
Newest first
  • Trip start
    August 5, 2018
    Randy and RoseFamily & The Panama Canal 2018Randy and Rose

    On our way to Seattle

    August 5, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 37 °C

    On this trip we fly to Seattle (on Alaska, our favorite local airline) to be with family and friends. Then to San Francisco boarding the Crystal Symphony for a 20 day sailing to New York. We will be visiting our daughter in Connecticut. Cruising is much more fun then flying.Read more

  • Randy and RoseFamily & The Panama Canal 2018Randy and Rose
    14

    An advance Birthday

    August 8, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Our granddaughter Mara Rose (namesake) will be 5 on August 22. Since we obviously won’t be here we decided to celebrate at her favorite place: Pinka Bella Cupcakes which was over the top. We’re not sure who enjoyed it more, Mara or Papa😀. Then it was more games and crafts.Read more

  • Randy and RoseFamily & The Panama Canal 2018Randy and Rose
    11

    Crystal Symphony

    August 10, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Crystal Symphony went through a dramatic redesign of the entire ship. Our room which is a Seabreeze Penthouse was newly constructed by combining two former balcony rooms and comes with full butler service. The guest occupancy of the Symphony was reduced from 922 to 848 while maintaining the same crew size for even greater personal service.
    The first picture is the hallway to our private entrance. Quite elegant!    Read more

  • Randy and RoseFamily & The Panama Canal 2018Randy and Rose
    1

    Sail Away

    August 10, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Sail Away under the Golden Gate Bridge was beautiful. We stood with our drinks listening to Louie Armstrong’s singing of It’s A Wonderful World (the music tradition of every Crystal port departure).

  • Randy and RoseFamily & The Panama Canal 2018Randy and Rose

    Everyone needs a Butler

    August 13, 2018 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    This is our outstanding Butler Olena. Each afternoon at 4:30 she delivers our martinis and canapés. She also was fantastic getting us 8 reservations for the specialty restaurants at our preferred times.
    In addition we have 2 cabin attendants so we are very well take care of.    Read more

  • Randy and RoseFamily & The Panama Canal 2018Randy and Rose
    11

    Puerto Chiapas, Mexico

    August 16, 2018 in Mexico ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Chiapas is the most southern state in Mexico. It’s climate is ideal for plantations and it produces Mexico’s finest coffee beans. It also has a huge banana trade as seen by our photos of the banana boat and containers waiting to be loaded.
    We docked at a new port facility and were greeted by local dancers and musicians.    Read more

  • Randy and RoseFamily & The Panama Canal 2018Randy and Rose
    1

    World Class Lectures

    August 17, 2018 in Guatemala ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    There have been a huge variety of quality lecturers on board. We have 6 experts giving 5 presentations each (most without notes). Some of our favorites:
    Dr. Jeffrey Hoffman a NASA astronaut who made 5 space flights.
    William Miller, “Mr. Ocean Liner” has always amazed us with his stories, pictures, and knowledge of ocean liner history.
    Jim Brochu a working actor, and Jon Bailey, a composer are lecturing as part of the “Crystal on Broadway” program. They talked about their experiences with famous people, and brought insight into the stories behind musicals.    Read more

  • Randy and RoseFamily & The Panama Canal 2018Randy and Rose

    San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

    August 18, 2018 in Nicaragua ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    We tendered into San Juan del Sur. Walking in town we viewed its half-moon beach, colorful houses and “interesting” streets.
    We were constantly approached by street vendors but were not harassed since they backed off when we said no thanks.
    The town has a mini Christ the Redeemer statue which was erected to ward off the threat of volcanoes erupting.    Read more

  • Randy and RoseFamily & The Panama Canal 2018Randy and Rose

    Caldera, Costa Rica

    August 19, 2018 in Costa Rica ⋅ 🌧 27 °C

    We have been to Costa Rica several times and seen the key sights. We spent the day enjoying the scenery, relaxing and doing the gym.
    At night we had drinks and dinner with old friends. We met Pat and Ray in 2011 on our Regent South America/Antarctica Cruise and were with them on our Crystal World Cruise in 2015. It was great to see them and catch up.Read more

  • Randy and RoseFamily & The Panama Canal 2018Randy and Rose
    31

    Cruising the coast of Central America

    August 20, 2018, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Today we had 3 lectures, the Grand Gala Buffet lunch, stateroom open house, a reception in the Captain’s Quarters and a Las Vegas vocalist show.
    Who said sea days are boring?

  • Randy and RoseFamily & The Panama Canal 2018Randy and Rose
    Toasting a lockThe Continental DivideNew Canal1New & Old Canals mergeEmpty lock being repaired

    The Panama Canal

    August 21, 2018 in Panama ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    This was one of our most unique transits of the Panama Canal. We were up early, viewed the new canal and an empty lock being repaired.
    Our 9 hour 50 mile crossing was enhanced by the best local narrator we have had which could be heard throughout the ship.
    Cruising through the canal is always a highlight. We enjoy the amazing sights and relive its history.    Read more

  • Randy and RoseFamily & The Panama Canal 2018Randy and Rose
    Silk Bar
    Waterside Dining RoomMuzo: The best waiterUmi UmaPregoBrazilian Steakhouse1Silk at night

    The finest food at sea...

    August 22, 2018 in Colombia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Or anywhere else!
    As part of the redesign of the Symphony, Crystal changed and added a variety of restaurants. They were all spectacular.
    Waterside, the main restaurant had a new delicious menu every day. The specialty restaurants were the best we have eaten at on any ship. They included Nobu’s Umi Uma Japanese, Prego Italian, Silk for Chinese, and Churrascaria an authentic Brazilian Steakhouse.
    These specialty restaurants were so outstanding we will end up eating dinner in them 15 of our 20 nights. Crystal allowed 4 no charge visits, but since we were in a Penthouse it was unlimited.
    A gourmet delight.    Read more

  • Randy and RoseFamily & The Panama Canal 2018Randy and Rose
    1

    Tender Adventure in Bimini, Bahamas

    August 25, 2018 on the Bahamas ⋅ 🌧 29 °C

    We had the roughest embarkation on a tender ever! You actually had to jump up onto it. It was then a very bumpy 35 minute cruise to the dock.
    Bimini is a beautiful island almost all of which we found out is owned by Crystal. It is only 50 miles from Miami and was another “hangout” for Ernest Hemingway.
    Since we were not doing water sports we went to the hotel complex and walked around. There was a casino, restaurant and lobby with island music. The entire area was surrounded by beautiful waterfront houses and boats.
    Then we were on the tender cruising the rough Caribbean Sea back to the ship. A short visit but as we always say: “If you don’t go you won’t know.”    Read more

  • Randy and RoseFamily & The Panama Canal 2018Randy and Rose

    Las Vegas Style at Sea

    August 27, 2018 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 22 °C

    Every night there was a new production show (six in total) or different headliner entertainment.
    The variety of talent included Broadway singers, a Motown group, an Elton John tribute show, the funniest comedian we have ever seen, and a ventriloquist who’s dummy could sing while he drank wine!
    All of these shows included the full Crystal orchestra, singers and dancers.    Read more

  • Randy and RoseFamily & The Panama Canal 2018Randy and Rose
    1

    Charleston, South Carolina

    August 27, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Our morning began with a mandatory face-to-face U.S.Customs and Border Protection Inspection.
    This was our 2nd visit to Charleston. We have seen most of the major attractions, so today we walked the city.
    We enjoyed the Historic District’s narrow streets, well-preserved stately homes, gaslight lamps, the French Quarter, and the Old City Market.    Read more

  • Randy and RoseFamily & The Panama Canal 2018Randy and Rose
    1
    11

    New York City

    August 29, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Sailing into New York City is a beautiful experience; we woke up early to maximize it.
    Our penthouse was on port side so we had a fantastic view of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the city skyline from our veranda.
    We docked at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal which was a perfect location close to downtown.    Read more

  • Randy and RoseFamily & The Panama Canal 2018Randy and Rose
    A white rose marks a birthday.The Oculus shopping pavilion and transit hub.New Freedom Tower.

    9/11 Memorial and Museum

    August 29, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    We had a private guide who lost two close friends in the attacks.
    Our tour began at St. Paul’s Chapel, which was the headquarters for the first responders.
    Pools and waterfalls are located on the site of the original Twin Towers. The names of the nearly 3000 victims are etched along the edge.
    The Survivor Tree was a twig in the wreckage that now blossoms every spring.
    The Memorial Museum has exhibits, remnants, and personal reflections. The presentation was done in a very compassionate and respectful way.    Read more

  • Randy and RoseFamily & The Panama Canal 2018Randy and Rose

    New Canaan, Connecticut

    August 30, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    We had a private car pick us up at the cruise terminal for the 75 minute drive to our daughter’s house.
    We were greeted with a homemade sign, hugs and kisses.
    At night we celebrated Amy’s birthday.
    Over the next few days we enjoyed playing with Colette and Callan. We were even able to watch Coco get her first pair of ballet shoes.    Read more

  • Randy and RoseFamily & The Panama Canal 2018Randy and Rose

    New Canaan Continued

    September 5, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    We continued to have busy days including making pizza. Their backyard pool was perfect since the weather was sunny and hot.
    We grilled at night with Matt being the perfect chef. On other nights we visited local restaurants, including The Meatball, the favorite of Coco and Pop pop.Read more

  • Randy and RoseFamily & The Panama Canal 2018Randy and Rose

    Newark, New Jersey

    September 7, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Our flight home was from Newark Liberty Airport.
    After boarding was complete, our pilot told us we were delayed because the co-pilot was stuck in traffic. We kept getting updates on his drive location.
    Luckily, we were in 1st class and finished two rounds of drinks before take-off.
    Besides the delay, we had to wait in line for 30 minutes, making the scheduled 5.5 hour flight into a 7.5 hour journey.
    However, our time in Connecticut was well worth our long trip home.    Read more

  • 2026© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Help Center
  • Legal notice