Read our first e-postcard:
Postcard#1

SUNDAY MORNING| February 10, 2008
Sailing towards Miami

Hi:

It's been a fine cruise - we've all had a good time but today we feel a certain triestesse, that gentle melancholy that means that our holiday is coming to an end. After all the fine service, when we leave the ship tomorrow, we'll feel thrown to the wolves, working our way through Miami's rather user-unfriendly airport and our flights home.

We've enjoyed our ports of call - nothing really extra special but each of them pleasant. Of course, we have all enjoyed the Caribbean's warm sunshine along with the wonderful, attentive service on board the Crystal Symphony.

Doris Gardiner chats with Roland    Richardson

When we reached St. Martin/Sint Maarten, the half-Dutch and half-French islands a few days ago, we embarked upon a our private Signature Journey excursion that encircled the island. One of the highlights of the day was a stop for a visit to the outstanding Roland Richardson Gallery and a private visit with the artist. Mr. Richardson was one of the first of the artists that awakened outsiders to the wonderful colors and attractive people in the Caribbean.

Over morning mimosas, the colorful artist welcomed us to his gallery and former home. He then told us about his background, his travels around the world, and how he found himself as a painter. He related how, as he went into the countryside to set up his easel and paints, he felt that there was a presence around him. As he looked around, he saw no one, only the powerful force of nature urging him to recreate the vivid colors and the strong light. In fact, Christine mentioned that the colors in his paintings almost seemed to be illuminated by some sort of back light.

Peggylinn Sheldon-Higgins with the dessert without a name	St. Martin's Port Royale

Later we drove to the Port Royale, in the French capital of Marigot, for a delightful French/Caribbean luncheon while overlooking the attractive harbor. What a delightful way to enjoy the clear blue waters and the warm hospitality of this lovely island.

The ship has been delightful. The service is simply superb. In almost every case, by the second or third day of our voyage, the service staff around the ship remembers our names and our favorite drinks.

We have particularly enjoyed the themed midday deck buffets. The first, Asian Cafe, offered an incredible array of everyone's favorite dishes from China, Japan (outstanding sushi!), Thailand and Indonesia. This extravaganza was followed, a few days later by Neuvo Latino and, today, by American Classic: ribs, turkey, cobb salad, Key Lime pie, southern fried chicken, chili, jambalaya and a huge 'steamship' round of roast beef.

We've also enjoyed the ship's two alternative restaurants, Jade and Prego. Jade, of course, offers wonderful Asian specialties while Prego serves classic Italian.

Finally we would be remiss if we didn't mention the entertainment. The music productions are some of the best we've ever seen. In between these festive musicals we've been well entertained by a female vocalist, a violinist, a pianist and a very popular comedienne.

So, when we return home, listen patiently to all our stories and enthusiasm. It won't be long before we're back to normal. We've enjoyed sharing our trip with you by means of these little postcards. We hope you'll join us on one of our upcoming Signature Journeys soon.

Wish you were here!

All the best,

Paul and Christine Niskanen