Mar 18 - At Sea

DONNA KAY PHILLIPS : Today is a recovery day after the big St Patty's Day blowout, which I have to say is my best experience of the holiday ever. I have never been in touch with my own "Irish" until I met and befriended the very Irish, singing Maitre 'd, Ken Byrne, always with a song or limmerick at the ready. You'd swear he was a Lepricon if he wasn't so darn tall and George Clooneyish.

Last night was, I think, the 5th crew party on board the Splendor since we boarded on 1/31, all thanks to Hotel Dir. Duncan Puttock. Normally the crew may have a party every few months under his watchful eye but with the constant mention from SmoothLounge Studio 6453, Duncan changed his mind during this extended and unique trip around the Horn. With nights of boredom piling up in the Robusto and Red Carpet hangs, Sandy and I and a few key friends were feeling a bit grim about the night scene on the ship.

The crew, at least, have their own bar as I mentioned earlier. It can be quite the hang but it never replaces the Wine & Apps party up on the Aft Lido by the pool, or a night sweating it out in the Disco. On behalf of the crew and staff, Sandy and I give a grandé shoutout to Duncan and thank him for offering us all reprieve from the lack of after hours hang time, leaving all of these beautifully designed venues sorely underused.

In my humble assessment, it appeared that the events were not only well received but that the crew behaved in a totally professional and appropriate manner during these events and that all of the parties went off without a hitch. It warmed the Irish cockles of my heart to see this tireless work force blowing off steam and enjoying the ship the way she was meant to be enjoyed, something they don't often get to do.

I also want to thank the staff for all of the generous hospitality that you have showed to my Father and Diane as well as our traveling companions, Natalie and Pietro Dodero. When my father was helping to build this company to the success story that it now is, I often wondered if I would ever spend time with him just enjoying a cruise - I now have gotten to not only do that, but for 49 days on an historic journey experiencing parts of the world we never planned on visiting.

Because of Duncan, Francis, Ken, Miguel, Ivaylo, Marvin and the countless other staff and crew - my distant dream to do this trip with my father now has a sparkle and shine on each and every memory and I will always be grateful to all of you for this.

Thanks for honoring the man who is as much a part of your family as he is mine. A man whose spirit will always roam the galley with his little notepad and pen. I love you Dad. ~dkp