There is so much more to do aboard Crystal Serenity than to: dine, have a cocktail, be entertained, etc…. there just might not be anything more fun than to: dine, have a cocktail, be entertained, etc. All of which I will cover in the coming days.

So I thought I would showcase what physical activities one can do as counterbalance to the more pleasurable activities.

Starting with the Lido Deck (deck 12). This is where you can relax, lie out on a lounge chair, trying to avoid the temptations of having a Pina Colada, and take advantage of the Seahorse pool. It gets fun on days when the swells are up, adding some serious wave action. If the surf is too high in the pool, enjoy one of the two spas which are most used in the mornings and late in the day (detoxing). Of all the days we have been onboard, Meredith and I have never sat out here. Why? Well, you really do not find guests from Florida out here because we have this environment all year round. But as pool decks go–this is intimate and gorgeous. We did make a pact to come out here before we get off, only to have that Pina Colada.

Deck 13: There is a shorter walking track up here that circumnavigates the pool and racket courts. Speaking of which, there are two racket courts set up and as the highest access point of the ship, your views of the ocean and ports of call make for a spectacular backdrop.

As for racket sports, these courts are set up for paddle tennis and pickle ball as well as having regulation rolling basketball nets for a pick up game. Need I remind you of my Gold Medal in Free shooting?

These courts are always in play and guests bring their own rackets, although the ship provides all the equipment one would need.

If you want to slow down your pace a bit, there is shuffleboard on the 8th aft deck in the shade. I finally learned the rules of this game, but was eliminated in the 2nd round during the Crystal World Games. There are some seriously good players onboard and it was more difficult and strategic than I originally thought.

If you feel like you are being hustled here, then walk down a deck to enjoy playing table tennis on one of the two tables set port and starboard. They have all the equipment, paddles, balls and a net to keep the balls onboard. You can always find someone to play singles or doubles.

Then there is golf. Crystal always has a pro onboard and they are excellent. Almost every port we have pulled into, the pro will arrange a golf excursion where you get to play on excellent courses. There are lessons, both group and private, offered daily (except days where there are excursions) and two swing nets and a putting green to practice what you have learned. Both Meredith & I are in for a rude awakening when we get back to Mariner Sands. We played once in Bali and have not touched a club in months.

For physical training and the health conscious–– terms I haven’t been familiar with in over three months–– the facilities located on deck 13 are top notch and the staff onboard will set up a program for you to address your needs. So if flexibility is what you are after, whether that is stretching up in the Observation Lounge for sunrise or sunset sessions or yoga, Pilates, etc., it’s like being at a spa. Then for the gym rats there are plenty of treadmills, ellipticals, step climbers, rowing, etc., as well as free weights. There is a complete calendar available, but if it is not in the form of a menu, I’m not interested.

Finally, there is the promenade located on deck 7.

Not just any promenade, a full, single deck wraparound promenade–– a rarity these days on cruise ships. Although there are other cruise lines which claim to have full wraparound promenade decks, on almost all of them a person must walk up a deck, through a narrow corridor, then back down at some point to continue.

Both the Crystal Serenity and Symphony (sister ship) have a true promenade, a reflection of the past. One can easily get in their 10K steps by walking six laps, twice a day.

And this is such a nice, wide promenade; just hold onto your hat when making the bow turn, where there is a funnel effect of the wind that you need to lean into. Add to that when the swells are up, it becomes comically exciting. Usually guests walk in a a counterclockwise direction, but there are always one or two individuals who swim upstream–– mostly to stay on the sunny side during the cool days or the shady side during the hot ones. This is about the only thing Meredith & I have been disciplined with, walking in the morning and late afternoon.

All that so the dresses look their best.