We've sailed on the Diamond Princess twice.
The first time was to Alaska in 2011.
This was one of Mom's favorite trips since she got to have her sister, Grace with her.
The stewards and dining staff treated them like they were their favorite aunts. Needless to say, Mom and Auntie Grace reveled in the attention.
We were startled to discover that we were on the same ship when we sailed around Japan last spring with Mom for what she said would be her last overseas trip.
Again, the wait staff in the dining room were incredibly attentive and treated mom as if she were their own mother.
Dante was our main waiter and he truly made our dining experience first class. He made sure mom always had everything she needed and even cut some of her food for her as soon as he saw she could use some help. Dante is from the Philippines and he was making an effort to learn some Japanese phrases which mom really appreciated.
When we heard that the Diamond Princess was being quarantined, we worried about all those wonderful people who took care of us.
We saw this article in the paper last week and right away recognized Dante.
It was lovely to see him again, but hope he can stay healthy through this crisis.
We're keeping our fingers crossed that we can all get through this health crisis safely.
The first time was to Alaska in 2011.
This was one of Mom's favorite trips since she got to have her sister, Grace with her.
The stewards and dining staff treated them like they were their favorite aunts. Needless to say, Mom and Auntie Grace reveled in the attention.
We were startled to discover that we were on the same ship when we sailed around Japan last spring with Mom for what she said would be her last overseas trip.
Again, the wait staff in the dining room were incredibly attentive and treated mom as if she were their own mother.
Dante was our main waiter and he truly made our dining experience first class. He made sure mom always had everything she needed and even cut some of her food for her as soon as he saw she could use some help. Dante is from the Philippines and he was making an effort to learn some Japanese phrases which mom really appreciated.
When we heard that the Diamond Princess was being quarantined, we worried about all those wonderful people who took care of us.
We saw this article in the paper last week and right away recognized Dante.
It was lovely to see him again, but hope he can stay healthy through this crisis.
We're keeping our fingers crossed that we can all get through this health crisis safely.
Those quarantines would be very tough. Sue was telling me of three who were quarantined to a tiny, windowless room in the bowel of a ship.
ReplyDeleteAmazing that the server you had was featured in that article. I imagine you're glad your trip was not this year.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for this poor ship and Dante.
ReplyDeleteWhat a coincidence. I guess all the employees are at risk. What a dreadful thing and it keeps getting worse as more and more are getting infected. I feel so for the passengers and also the employees.
ReplyDeletenot a time to be cruising...although some of our neighbors are taking a cruise to Hawaii soon...
ReplyDeleteWow, what a coincidence! I hope he, and his shipmates, are all okay.
ReplyDeleteBad situation, hope Dante and all can stay healthy. Not sure I think this kind of quarantine is a good move but no idea what is. So happy you went last year and not now. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThank your for sharing, Kay. We can pray for Dante now
ReplyDeleteI so hope that he will be all right, and that this will be behind us without any further loss of life. I know it's a stretch but it is possible. Prayers for Dante.
ReplyDeleteThat is so sad. I was wondering about you and your trips. If you knew anything about it.
ReplyDeleteSuch a scary situation.
Staff on cruise ships can really become dear to us. I completely understand your concern foe Dante.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to all who man the ships.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's a small world.
ReplyDeleteAppears Dante well and hope he stays healthy along with the rest of the crew charged with caring for the passengers.
ReplyDeletePraying for everyone in this crisis. I love how you appreciated someone who was doing a really good job and helping your Mom. Amazing that his photo was in this article and you recognized him right away.
ReplyDelete