January 19 - Cruising the Pacific Ocean

This is our last day at sea until we hit Hawaii.  We have much enjoyed the cruising but it will be nice to walk on land for a while. 

We attended a morning panel discussion called Ocean Views.  This appears to be a standard feature on Crystal.  We were all issued electronic voting gadgets as we went into the theater.  The panel consisted of a general, a US diplomat and a UK diplomat (all retired).  An issue was presented and 3 items of possible audience opinions on the topic were presented and we voted for the one that best represented our position.  The panel then gave their thoughts on the issue and then we all voted again to see if minds had been changed.

The panel members were incredibly knowledgeable on the topics (all world affairs issues) and it was very interesting to listen to their thought and opinions.

Once the panel discussion was over we all adjourned to Crystal Cove, the main lobby of the ship, where the chefs and kitchen crew were out in force with a Grand Gala Buffet spread out throughout the common areas.  

There were the usual works of art with carved watermelon and bread sculptors and ice sculptors.

And even a "mural" on the side of a roasted turkey.

There were huge tables with all types of delicacies and an extra large table loaded with all types of desserts.  

Everyone was overfilling plates and having a great feast