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After declining George’s offer to unpack our bags, I was determined to prove wrong my pre-conceived notion that cruising was a shoe-in to hedonistic inactivity. My husband and I headed off on a self-led walking tour of the 68,000-ton ship. We even made a pact that though there were elevators every hundred feet or so throughout this 6-star vessel, we would always, regardless of circumstance, take the stairs. Our penthouse suite was on the 10^th floor, while most of the activity took place on the 6^th floor, if anything, by the end of the trip, we would have very firm butts!

With our minds focused on fitness, we first headed up to the gym where, to our surprise, we found a fitness facility, complete with an abundance of cardio equipment (all of which were equipped with individual Cardio Theaters), a plethora of free weights and weight machines, a Pilates reformer, medicine balls and even personal trainers. We felt perfectly at home in our floating gym with more amenities than your average exercise facility plus breathtaking panoramic views to boot.

Among the outdoor activities were 2 paddle tennis courts, 2 table tennis courts, 2 driving ranges a putting green and a shuffleboard area, not to mention ongoing exercise classes, golf instruction and personal training.   

The promenade deck was our next destination. Circling the perimeter of the entire ship (3 times around equals almost 1 mile), this wide running/walking deck was sure to see a lot of me. To add a little oomph, the WALKVEST® Training System, a weight-loaded walking vest allowing weights to be added in increments, turned a leisurely stroll into an effective aerobic and strength-building exercise.

After working up a sweat, we were sure to be in need of a muscle tenderizing body tune-up. Situated on the top deck with endless ocean views, the expansive Crystal Spa, a Feng Shui inspired spa with healing hands shipped in from around the world, held promise of facilitating my kneading needs.

Though our tour had barely begun, the Captain’s Gala was to begin in 1 hour and a lot of priming and prepping was essential in order to fit in with the regal guests. Traversing the ship back to our suite, every floor was bustling with activity. The slot machines were blazing in the Caesar’s Palace at Sea casino, the stores were buzzing with shoppers picking out last-minute sequined gowns for the gala, a few sun-worshipers were lingering by the pool and the “Forever Plaid” performers were practicing in the Galaxy Lounge for the evening’s show. With all of the commotion, it felt as though Las Vegas had descended upon the ship.

A platter of freshly prepared sushi awaited our return to the suite, an evening tradition we soon came to expect. Every night at 5pm, each butler-attended suite was treated to their choice of pre-dinner hor deouvers. With Silk Road, a Nobu Matsuhisa restaurant, and Prego, of the Valentino family (my two favorite restaurants on land) aboard the Serenity, I couldn’t be more spoiled. With the Bose clock radio quickly ticking away, I slipped into our Jacuzzi tub built-for-two, filled the water with the provided Aveda amenities, and soaked for 10 revitalizing minutes. With 30 minutes to spare, I coiffed my hair, slinked on my newly steamed dress (thanks to our George) and added a splash of color - bright yellow sea-bands (to prevent sea-sickness).

My husband was suited up in his tuxedo (last worn at our wedding) and we walked arm in arm, posturing as members of the elite class, to the Captain’s gala! Champagne was freely flowing, canapés were being passed by the hundreds and our grand ship was speeding out towards the Caribbean. I felt as though I was on the set of “Dynasty.”

For dinner, we feasted on a ridiculously indulgent selection of caviar, lobster tail, crab legs and filet mignon, complete with cherries jubilee and bananas foster. My belly was already bursting at the seams and I was only through my first meal (33 to go)! Considering that, on average, guests consume 5 pounds of caviar, 2,300 eggs, 2,000 pounds of fruit, 850 pounds of poultry and 2,000 pounds of cooked vegetables each day, sticking to my exercise program would be a must!

I quickly came to find that life at sea wasn’t so bad. In fact, I often preferred our sea days to our days at port. Still, it was refreshing to remove my sea-bands every once in a while, and consort with the locals. We bathed at the famous Baths at Virgin Gorda, bought a hand-carved serving tray made out of coconut wood from a street vendor in St. Marteen and snorkeled the white sand beaches of St. Thomas.

Upon porting at Antigua, we boarded a helicopter and got an up-close and personal aerial view of Montserrat, the volcano that instantaneously turned a lazy town into a cloud of ash, inundating the capital, harbor and airport with boiling mud and blazing rocks. You could smell the sulfur penetrating the helicopter’s thin rattling windows.  On that somber note, we turned around and headed back over the Caribbean Sea, spotting sea turtles leisurely making their way through the clear turquoise water.

The next day we docked in St. Lucia and were whisked away in a wave jumping water taxi to Anse Chastanet, a luxury resort on the other side of the island, called Soufriere, accessible only by water taxi or foot (unless you are daring enough to take the winding fire roads). Thankfully, we had the good sense to call ahead of time and reserve a few activities.

This was definitely not going to be a day of lazing around! Forget sunbathing and spa’ing (though both are available and some of the best around), sea kayaking, cave exploring, scuba diving and jungle biking designates this remote resort as the soft adventure capital of St. Lucia. Remember the film, “Jurassic Park?” Though ocean’s waves lapped up against a serene beachside paradise, lurking on the other side of the fence was a lush jungle promising endless adventure and exploration. Anse Chastanet is a Jurassic Park, minus the T-Rex. Meandering trails traverse through what used to be an 18^th century sugar plantation creating the perfect location for beginner, intermediate and extreme jungle bikers!

Our adventure void filled, we returned to the Serenity, and stuffed our growling stomachs with fresh fish from local merchants, beef Wellington and, to avoid over kill, a scoop of succulent mango sorbet. We waddled back to our suite, slipped on frette robes (courtesy of Crystal Cruises) and plopped onto our extra fluffy bed.

The next morning, dragging my suitcase behind me down the 4 flights of stairs (yes, I stuck to my initial declaration of always taking the stairs!) to retrieve my passport and go through customs, I was struck with the horrifying realization that I had left my room key in the suite…for good. My sumptuous adventure aboard Crystal Cruises’ Serenity had come to an end. Unfortunately, George wasn’t coming home with us; sushi would be dine-in or pick-up only.

Despite my previously construed, and clearly erroneous, beliefs that cruising is reserved for sedentary travelers lacking the desire to venture far from their pool-side lounge chairs, I have come to the conclusion that Crystal Cruises’ Serenity is whatever you want it to be. It is a luxurious world unto itself, where comfort is key- down to each perfectly appointed detail, and splendor is boundless. After 11 days aboard this playground for the prosperous, I find myself reluctantly re-adjusting to my daily life- minus our butler.

Article and photos by:

Laurel W. House Laurel House is a freelance writer and the West Coast Editor for Fit Yoga. Laura is also the author of "The Gurus' Guide to Serenity" (HarperCollins) and co-author "Raise the Barre" (HarperCollins) Read more by Laurel at www.bylaurelhouse.com

photo by Nicole Katano

 

 

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