Nov 06.2009 - Thrid Day At Sea in the Atlantic

DKP : I got to experience something today I have not since the previous 28 ships were released through Carnival Cruise Lines and for me and Sandy, its was nothing short of a major honor.

For each and every ship Carnival has released, they have designed a commorative Methusala Wine Bottle with the ship's name etched on it and given it to my father in thanks for his service and dedication to the company. You see, my Dad has been in the Cruise industry for most of his career since leaving the small town of High Springs, Florida back in the 1950's.

He has retooled, designed and run the Food & Beverage departments of many cruise lines over the years but came to work for the young Carnival Cruise Lines, headed by Isreali millionaire, Ted Arison, back in the 1970's when CCL had only 3 ships, the Carnival, the Mardi Gras and the Festival. These ships were nothing like the grand mega ships they are designing today, like the Dream, but they were enough to launch what has become, the largest cruise company in the world.

My Dad retired around 10 years ago, early actually, a feat no one thought he could pull off, since he absolutely loved his job. He actually ran the F&B, Bars, Photo Dept and Gift shops from a separate company called SeaChest Associates, which turned out to be a very strategic way to keep his good relationships intact with his vendors on behalf of the struggling new company. Once the F&B was streamlined and improved, the company's reputation garnered more repeat customers and the company began to grow quickly.

The wait staff began to see a mix of Europeans with Caribbean staff. The waiters began to learn parades and dances to bring song and entertainment to the Dining Room experience. The Lido Pool Deck was turned into an alternate food venue and outdoor style casual restaurant. The galley's were redesigned to accommodate a 2 Dining Room set up then a 2 seating levels set up complete with gallery escalators. This was a challenge that my Dad met with the help of his friend, and our traveling companion, Pietro Dodero, CCL Chief Engineer.

The story goes on and on from innovations with refrigeration, storage, inventory, and general organization... needless to say my father was instrumental in building the foundation for the F&B and Photo Depts that new ships like the Dream are built on today.

It means a great deal to me and to him and Diane, that the company, even 10 years after his retirement, has kept this tradition of gifting him the Wine Bottle commemorating the new ship, especially while we were onboard this historic crossing from Europe to America together.

I hope you enjoy the photos on FB and I want to personally thank all of the Officers and Staff who continue to pay respect and honor my father and who always go the extra mile to make our visit one of exceptional style and class. We have loved our time aboard the Dream, we hope to come back soon and we love that we got to experience this beautiful cherry on the top of it all - Congrats Dad, you more than deserve it.

- your very proud daughter, Donna Kay