May 8, 2025

OFF SHORE OF COSTA RICA - ANGIE & GIAN'S WEDDING

On April 30th, Angie and Gian, a shipboard sweet couple that meet during the dry dock delays in Belfast , seven months ago, got married with just 28 close family and friends, at sunset in the Observatory Lounge. They then did another  "Tying the knot ceremony" for the entire ship on May 1st  on the pool deck, officiated by Captain Val. After each service was a special dinner  one in the Thistle Dining room and the other at the Outdoor deck of Palms Restaurant. The above video done by VVR Marketing shows the highlights. I ended up being the Wedding Resident Coordinator for the couple and I have a ton of the behind the scene photos of how it all came about. It was a lot of work, but I got to interact with so many great people and really enjoyed the challenge, logistics and organization of the whole thing! It brought so many residents together, in a common bond, it was really something special to have played such a major role.

The Observatory for family wedding at sunset April 30th.

The Thistle private dinner after family service April 30th.

By Pat Patrick May 6, 2026
Today we are in the second largest city in all of Indonesia, Surabaya. The Port is huge and busy, as there are tons of freightors and ferries here. We had a warm welcome when we pulled in yesterday evening.
By Pat Patrick May 4, 2026
More FUN with the Elephants ! Washing this gentle creature was so special. The handlers at the Sanctuary are so informative and caring and took sooo many pictures for us!
By Pat Patrick May 3, 2026
MASON'S ELEPHANT SANTUARY was a little slice of Heaven! in crazy, congested Bali ! I really wanted to treat the Spa Manager Stacy and our Entertainment Manager Kelly, to a fun, non-stressful event that they could truly enjoy! Stacy had never seen elephants before and her squeal of delight, when we first laid eyes on them was pure joy!