Day 200: April 16, 2025 – Curaçao, Caribbean

It takes a village to celebrate a 70th birthday at sea. And this is my village.

Our chef agreed to whip up a batch of Polish pierogi, both meat and vegetarian versions. The veggie version was my favorite combo of sauerkraut, mushrooms, and onions.

There was even a special rendition of Happy Birthday from a very talented crew member.

I have been beyond honored by the number of people who helped make this milestone birthday such a joyful success. The minute I mentioned my wish to have a polka party, my dear friend Mary C. immediately set to work creating a magnificent dance costume, enlisting the help of master tailor Paul T. Both perfectionists, they worked tirelessly for days to get it done.

Ruthanne tried to roast me with a Mean Girls routine but instead gifted me with words I will forever treasure. She also literally gave me the shirt off her back, because it went so nicely with my costume!

Beverly dove into coordinating the event, booking a room, arranging dance instruction and inspiring me to create a polka playlist, which JR then pulled together. For a magnificent surprise, Bev also convinced two other residents, Kim and Alicia, to privately perform a duet for me, because I had mentioned once how much I loved it when I heard it in a previous performance.

Eddie choreographed getting a long line of dancers to whirl me around the dance floor. (A few dollar bills may or may not have been stuffed inside that costume.) Our birthday committee, headed by Shirene, left delightful decorations on my door. And so many other cards and my favorite treats appeared in my cabin.

And the best part was that my darling niece Christina flew from San Francisco to join me on board to share in all the fun. (And also braided my hair for my dance recital…)

This is a birthday I will forever treasure.