San Francisco’s legendary Herb Caen, whose column ran for over a half century, had a wonderful Christmas tradition: a holiday poem dedicated to all his friends and family. Here aboard “Celebrity Summit” the idea has been resurrected, with a blast of the ship’s horn to all those Alfredo and I met aboard ship this past year and to our loved ones ashore.
Ahoy Mr. Sherman, Sir Terry the First:
Seaworthy and witty, and always well-versed.
To Mary and Bill, the McFaddens most merry:
Tipped hats to you both from “Celebrity” Ferry.
And to Juan and to Francois; to Franklin and Norm:
What joy ‘twas to meet you, and in such flawless form!
To William the Schaeffer; to Bob and his Mel,
Seasons greetings we ring thee, with all the ships bells.
Lord Bill of the Miller and Abe his First Mate:
You are the Monarchs; all others, just freight.
Kirk Fredrick and Michael, hello from the sea!
‘Tis lonely on starboard without both of thee.
To ship lovers Leba and Leah and all our “Chron” friends:
May 2007 bring news tips and trends.
Sandra “Mein Schatzi” and Denise lovely pals;
Holiday heralds to all “The Flood Gals.”
Sheila and Joel, our glasses we tip!
Bon Noel and hoho from us on the ship!
To Lynn de la Friedman whose heart we hold dear,
Have a “Miss Kitty” New Year with reception all clear!
Leigh Ann the lovely, in Texas we know;
Hoping your New Year is bright and aglow.
Dear Theresa and Darlene; Judy and Sue:
Most festive of greetings in the warmest of hues.
Heyday Patricia whose advice is so sage:
Thanks for the “nudging” to put ship pen to page
On Sophie! On David! On John up the River!
Holiday greetings, from our decks all a quiver.
Reagan the charming your laughter -- a chime!
Wishing you good things -- a Christmas sublime.
Dapper, Don Guapo and all of our cantos
are sent with big love to Brian of Santos.
Michael of Micael, whose smile keeps us sane,
Merry Christmas and New Year from here on the Main!
Angus and Tommy, warm emotions you spread:
music for all, a great daily bread.
To Joe de la Brown, “Tangentia” to me,
May Sugar Plumb Fairies appear ‘neath your tree.
To Tom Dross our comrade, we offer salute:
A friendship which blossoms and always bears fruit.
Harry O’ “Matson”, the glasses are fine!
And you “Our Marconi” with talents, divine.
To “Moose Boys” the Mark and Jon who do “Fly”
Thanks for your “podcasts”: tomorrow, the sky!
The Jim and the Tim, a year it is now!
Congrats and Big Kudos, you’ve made it and how!
Stephen “Art Gardener” and Vasyl the most wise;
Your affections we treasure, above every prize.
And to Ken and the Kelvin, salutations titanic!
May this season bring joy in bundles gigantic.
Eric and Barbara, Roger, Rita and Jules;
Greetings to you during these festive Yules.
To Diane of Roby and Tony of course,
sending Carols from ship, as of old, like by “Morse.”
And to Alvin and Robert, here’s holiday cheer
and wishing with hope to see you next year!
To Robert and Claire and all Cousins Virginia;
Flagg, Jim, Bev & Billy – our love we do send ‘ya.
To Tom and La Cindi we offer a toast
from all of us here on America’s “Left Coast.”
On Drunky! On Coonski! On Raccoons of Fame!
If we get anymore, we’ll run out of names!
To Andone, Felipe and Otis a taste of our nog
with Holiday Harkens, and to Drew Santa Dog!
Jose y Leni, los Casusos bravados;
Feliz Navidad tambien al Cuñado!
And so from the “Summit” in watery climes.
Happy Christmas to all, and Most Blessed Times.
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2 comments:
Hi
I found your fascinating blog whilst googling for Begona. When I was five years old my family emigrated to Jamaica from England on this liner, stopping in Tenerife and Venezuela en route I think. We came back to UK in 1967 and just a few weeks ago my brother, father and I made a nostalgic return trip to our Island in the Sun for the first time in 40 years. I have very vivid and wonderful memories of our 1963 sea journey on the wonderful Begona - the smells and sounds of the ship haunt me still - but, sadly, we have no photographs. I was wondering whether you do, and, if so, whether you would perhaps consider emailing them to me? I do hope to hear from you. With kind regards, Elizabeth French
Hello again
I just realised I didn't add an email address to my comment about Begona...
it is liz@lizfrench.co.uk. Best wishes to you.
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