20/08/2026
Crystal Serenity
Crystal Cruises
Wednesday 19 August 2026
Alicante
I was ready well ahead of schedule this evening, so I had a little photo session on the balcony, incase I didn’t get chance to get a photo later lol. I know you are all here for the dress, shoes and bag. Then I went for a little mooch around to see what I had missed around this lovely ship.
I had time to go and find a barstool so had a nice reflective moment at the bar at Crystal Cove, and took up residence at the bar with a Raspberry Limoncello Martini listening to the cocktail pianist. Perfect!
Crystal Cruises still have photographer’s on board and I can’t say I had noticed them until this evening. This is six star luxury so they are not in your face and taking up prime spots. They are just there, discreetly tucked away, there if you want them, without being annoying. Anyway we had a big group photo. The logistics of getting everyone in shot were lengthy! But the Cruise Director came and jumped in on the shot in his own unique style. Sadly I don’t have a copy to show you. But it was funny!
Dinner this evening is in Osteria d’Ovidio - Italian, if you hadn’t guessed. Again the attention to detail with tableware was exceptional. Loved the glassware. The menu was complicated after a cocktail or two. Basically three regions of Italy. Could choose a tasting menu of everything from one region, or select as normal and do mix and match from all three. Then there were the specials. My choices got very confusing and mixed up, either I misunderstood him, or he misunderstood me.
The Olive oil and Balsamic combo was chefs kiss. Was I paranoid that I was going to drip it down my silk dress, how I didn’t I don’t know.
The Minestrone soup was everything I wanted it to be, and more.
Then I thought I was having a small portion of the Bolognese special as an appetiser, and then the lamb. I somehow ended up with lamb, which was as soft as velvet by the way, and then a Bolognese on the side. Both amazingly delicious, but together? Add to that, the Lasagna that was ordered a sharing dish for the table, and I had a lot of food infront of me all at once.
Desert I choose the Peach Bellini sorbet. I didn’t know whether to drink it or use a spoon. Popping candy at the bottom though so I had to do my best to finish it.
The Tiramisu was the added extra bit of theatre that we didn’t know we needed at dinner time. All made from scratch table side. Tasted dam good too.
I decided I needed some retail therapy after dinner, so I took myself to the boutiques. The Mary Frances bags were a delight. They didn’t have the pink Flamingo one though, they I really should have purchased in Enchanted Princess earlier this year. I did like the book style bags though. I especially liked the Italy one. Did I need it? Did I want it?! Come on Jane, get what you came for and get out before this gets expensive.
Somehow I fell into the jewellery and watch shops too. Rolex Submariner for $22k and the pink sapphire bracelet for $48k. Which one do you think I went for. One was a need, one was a want!
We went to a show this evening in Galaxy Lounge and we chose a good one. Billy Joel tribute. It was really good, but I thought there would have been more singing and dancing in the isles type thing, but maybe a Crystal audience is a little more reserved. Did I take advantage of the darkness at one point and just check the inside of my eyelids for a moment? You see, this is exactly why I don’t do shows on any ship. Comfy seat, lights out, it’s almost an invitation after a good meal and a few drinks.
We ended up in Avenue Saloon. Standing room only this evening. So we partied at the bar and sang along to the songs. He was in guitar this evening, but of course Billy Joel came and joined him for a few songs at the piano. Another great evening onboard Crystal Serenity. Pulse night club seemed to be on the cards, so I slipped away quietly and headed to my suite before anyone tried to convince me the nightclub was a good idea. Look at me with my sensible head, who knew I even had one!
I got back to the suite to see a gift on my bed. No idea what all that is about , but they are beautiful and I will make sure my foot fits in them.