Reflections on a Christmas cruise is reprinted from the Tobago News, with additional thoughts by the writer.
Christmas season in the Caribbean is anchored in traditions passed from generation to generation. Caricom nationals in the diaspora travelling back to the Caribbean during November and December of this year, on the Airline that professes to deliver “the warmth of the islands”, were reminded of those traditions. Surely, the DVD evoked nostalgia in many as they heard and saw the rhythms of Parang music by the Paranderos. The images also evoked the taste for traditional Christmas food and drinks like turkey, fruitcake, sweet breads, sorrel, ginger beer, and ponche de crème. Although I enjoy a traditional Christmas just as much as the other guy, all I could think about was my recent experience on a Christmas Cruise.
Reflections on a Christmas Cruise
It may sound sacrilegious to many to go on a Christmas Cruise, and we can debate the pros and cons not being physically at home for Christmas, but there is no reason for family and friends not to enjoy a Christmas Cruise with you. Let’s start here, would you spend Christmas at the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort, Marriott, or Hilton if they offered Christmas specials? If you would, then you would be very comfortable on a Christmas Cruise.
Getting into the mood on the cruise was easy. Christmas music wafted through the air during the check in process, and the cruise staff was decked with festive hats that complimented their festive attitudes. The cruise ship was trimmed from bow to stern in holiday decorations. Christmas wreaths, check! Holly, check! Mistletoe, for an excuse to kiss someone, check! Passengers in suites had miniature Christmas trees, and the Atrium of the ship was decorated with a large Christmas tree, that would make the Rockefeller Christmas tree jealous. Paranderos, were replaced with carolers strolling the decks singing my favorite songs, and waiters served meals wearing Santa hats, just as their colleagues did during the check-in process. I remember the Christmas music playing in the stores aboard the ship, as I browsed for something to call to me. Yes, I was Christmas shopping aboard a ship, duty free, for something I didn’t need, but it’s what you do at Christmas. I took the opportunity to attend Catholic mass on Christmas Eve, as there was no excuse for not doing so; I had all the time in the world.
Reflections on a Christmas Cruise
On Christmas day, we pulled into a port of call. Carolers serenaded us on the way to a sit down breakfast. Of course the buffet was available to all cruise guest. The question I kept asking myself was, why would you go to the buffet and not enjoy a catered 3 or 4-course breakfast? Santa Claus made a surprise appearance in the Atrium after breakfast, and each child on board the cruise got a free gift and a photograph with Santa, of course. Adults got the opportunity to have photographs with Santa. I saw adults sitting on Santa’s lap. Hey, it’s a cruise, so these things happen.
After a day touring the island in the warm southern Caribbean sun, we went back to the ship to prepare for Christmas dinner. I admit that it felt strange seeing stores open on Christmas day because a few cruise ships were in town. However, that feeling went away with the festive mood on the island, and Christmas deals competing for attention. The Cruise ship did not disappoint, with Christmas dinner featuring roast turkey, beef wellington, and fish, one, two or all three if you choose. For desert the options were gingerbread mousse, mincemeat pie, chocolate Yule logs and special Christmas cookies.
Embrace new beginnings
No, the cruise did not serve sorrel, or ginger beer on board, which I found while touring Aruba on Christmas Day. And if there were Guyanese and Barbadians on board the cruise, they did not have pepper pot. However, the essence of Christmas is peace, love and joy to all, and that can be experience on a Christmas cruise. Happy New Year from my family to yours!