The holidays are always a special time on our “Fun Ships.” They are full of festivities and special events to put our guests in the spirit of the season. Coming from Minnesota, it took me a long time to get used to having holidays without the snow and cold, but now it’s been many years since I have been home during Christmas and New Years, and I have gotten used to having “Tropical Holidays.”

Immediately following the Thanksgiving cruise we decorated the ship for the holidays; strands of green garland line the promenade and all levels of the atrium. Wreaths are hung on the entrances in the lounges and the Main Theater and beautifully decorated tress with twinkling lights are placed around the ship, including a ten-foot tall tree in the lobby atrium.

We also have an oversized electric Menorah in the main lobby as we celebrate the eight day festival of lights know as Chanukah. Chanukah began this year at sunset, on December 11^th and lasted through sunset, December 19^th.  Every night, for these eight days, we had a special celebration for our guests of the Jewish faith. The menorah was lit each night as we blessed the Challah Bread, a tradition known as the Hamotizi, and we had a wine blessing known as the Kiddush. Latkes (potato pancakes) were served during the celebration (I like mine with sour cream) and we sang songs.

During the voyages that fall over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, guests can expect lots of holiday themed events including special menus, complimentary champagne served upon embarkation, complimentary eggnog on Christmas day, and special dining room entertainment. Our Christmas voyages also include a holiday show performed by our dancers and singers, and staring children and teens from our Camp Carnival and Circle “C” programs. And during our special Christmas show, members of the Carnival staff from all of our departments sing “Silent Night” in their native languages -- something that always brings a tear to my eye. Other Christmas carols are sung by our on board entertainers in the different lounges and perhaps the most important event for our junior cruisers - Santa Clause will make an appearance on all of our Fun Ships… He loves Carnival! In fact, I have it on good word that he is bringing a special present for each and every junior cruiser who cruises during Christmas.

Christmas will also include special celebrations for our officers, staff, and crew. It can be very stressful to be away from family during the holidays and the on board management team always strives to hold special functions so that the team can celebrate as an on board family! We will have special crew meals for Christmas and have a crew show and a special formal holiday get together. Many departments exchange Secret Santa gifts – and I will be throwing a special party for the entertainment team to show my appreciation for their sacrifice of being away from home on these special days.

Shortly after the Christmas cruise we will be ringing in the New Year.  You have never seen a “Fun Ship” party bigger than a “Fun Ship” New Year’s celebration. We have been planning our Liberty New Year’s party for months now. Our primary focus for New Year’s will be on the Lido deck – mainly because it is the largest venue that can accommodate a majority of the 3500 guests that we will be sailing on our New Year voyage. On the Liberty, New Year’s Eve will be a special formal evening. We’ve already been rehearsing to combine our show band, rock band, Latin trio, and production singers into one giant concert extravaganza to ring in the New Year. The entire party will be broadcast live on our Seaside Theater and we’ll count down with the rest of the East Coast, live from Time Square, with a live shot on the big screen. Complimentary champagne will be served for a midnight toast.  The only detail that still remains to be planned is who my New Year’s kiss will come from – Any takers?