In July 2025, Debra and I embarked on a grand voyage along the coast of Alaska, a two-week cruise aboard Crystal Serenity. We sailed from Vancouver to Seward and back, with port stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Icy Strait Point, with a transit through the wild landscape of Hubbard Glacier. We had the time of our lives!
Click HERE to read a short introduction to our voyage.
This story, part of a series, is about the day we embarked on our cruise.
Click HERE to read a short introduction to our voyage.
This story, part of a series, is about the day we embarked on our cruise.
Off the Coast of British Columbia (July 9-10, 2024) “Did you hear that?” I said to Debra as we boarded Crystal Serenity.
“Here what?” she replied.
I thought for a moment and then smiled.
“Nothing, I guess…but I swear I heard someone say, ‘Ahoy, me hearties!’”
“You DO need a vacation!” Debra replied with a laugh.
It was late morning, about half past 11. The embarkation process was smooth, and soon after we reached our cabin—an Aquamarine Veranda Suite located midship aft on deck 10. Our “Classic” style suite, which was 323 square feet, included a comfortable living area, a private veranda, a well-appointed bathroom with a bathtub and walk-in shower, and—get this—an attentive butler.
“Here what?” she replied.
I thought for a moment and then smiled.
“Nothing, I guess…but I swear I heard someone say, ‘Ahoy, me hearties!’”
“You DO need a vacation!” Debra replied with a laugh.
It was late morning, about half past 11. The embarkation process was smooth, and soon after we reached our cabin—an Aquamarine Veranda Suite located midship aft on deck 10. Our “Classic” style suite, which was 323 square feet, included a comfortable living area, a private veranda, a well-appointed bathroom with a bathtub and walk-in shower, and—get this—an attentive butler.
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“I’m merely a humble butler,” Wadsworth said.
“What exactly do you do?” asked Colonel Mustard.
“I buttle, sir,” answered Wadsworth.
“Which means what?” Colonel Mustard inquired.
“The butler,” replied Wadsworth, “is head of the kitchen
and dining room. I keep everything tidy.”
~ From the movie Clue
“What exactly do you do?” asked Colonel Mustard.
“I buttle, sir,” answered Wadsworth.
“Which means what?” Colonel Mustard inquired.
“The butler,” replied Wadsworth, “is head of the kitchen
and dining room. I keep everything tidy.”
~ From the movie Clue
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Our butler’s name was Vladimir, and while we had no kitchen or dining room for him to buttle, he made dinner reservations, brought in-suite meals, handled dry cleaning and laundry, provided drinks and canapes…and he kept everything tidy.
Debra and I have been on more than two dozen cruises, and this was the first time we had butler service. It was a blissful perk, and Vladimir was an exceptional butler. We had lunch at Marketplace, the buffet-style restaurant that featured a wide array of cold and hot choices—something for everyone, and plenty for Debra and me. |
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After lunch, we explored the ship—it WAS elegant—and unpacked when our luggage was delivered to our cabin.
We were well on our way to a low-key day!
The Serenity set sail from Vancouver at about six and, for an hour or so, Debra and I stood topside as we sailed through Burrard Inlet, past Lighthouse Park—one of the most photographed landmarks in West Vancouver—and into the Strait of Georgia.
We were well on our way to a low-key day!
The Serenity set sail from Vancouver at about six and, for an hour or so, Debra and I stood topside as we sailed through Burrard Inlet, past Lighthouse Park—one of the most photographed landmarks in West Vancouver—and into the Strait of Georgia.
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And then it was time for dinner.
Most nights, including our first night, we ate at Waterside Restaurant, the main dining room where “the art of fine dining is elevated to breathtaking heights.” We did not climb too high our first night, as there were many fine dining opportunities yet ahead. Still, our entrees were nothing to sneeze at—Debra ordered the ribeye steak, while I opted for a salmon filet.
Most nights, including our first night, we ate at Waterside Restaurant, the main dining room where “the art of fine dining is elevated to breathtaking heights.” We did not climb too high our first night, as there were many fine dining opportunities yet ahead. Still, our entrees were nothing to sneeze at—Debra ordered the ribeye steak, while I opted for a salmon filet.
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“Would you like a bite?” Debra asked.
“Sure,” I replied. “And would like to try the salmon?” Debra’s not big on fish, but she said yes, and while she thought it was good, she was happy to have ordered the steak! Truth be told, both entrees were delicious, and the service—especially the service from Fabio, our head waiter, was impeccable. At 9PM, Debra and I headed to the Galaxy Lounge to watch Crystal in Motion, a show that featured the Crystal Ensemble of singers, dancers, and musicians, with guest appearances by two specialty artists—violinist Martina Yarova and vocalist Brittany Howk. We LOVED the show! |
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And that was the end of our first day aboard Crystal Serenity.
Fair winds and following seas
may forever you feel, upon your cheek, the salty breeze.
~ From a poem by Dave Kelly, poet and storyteller
may forever you feel, upon your cheek, the salty breeze.
~ From a poem by Dave Kelly, poet and storyteller
The title of my story is Fair Winds and Following Seas, a common expression for Navy sailors comparable to wishing someone “farewell and Godspeed” as they embark on a new journey. It was my wish for Debra and me as we embarked on our latest adventure, A Grand Voyage Along the Coast of Alaska.