Piping in the New Year onboard the SAGA Ruby 2011
I was once again delighted to be asked to pipe for SAGA Holidays onboard their Ruby Ship at New Year time. It was just a short trip this time but thourghily enjoyable all the same.
I got on the ship in the splendid little town of Ponta Delgada and had a two night cruise, getting off in Funchal, Maderia.
Once again, I must say the SAGA cruising experience really is of exceptional standards. Everything is ran like clockwork onboard. The food is amazing. The entertainment was excellent, and most importantly the staff are extremely welcoming and friendly. I had a great time onboard catching up with some friends and meeting some new ones. My duty was on New Years eve, firstly piping in and addressing the haggis in the dining room, before taking my seat to a very fine dinner, with a fantastic ambience. Later as midnight was approaching the pipes were back out to pipe the guests from the ballroom out on to open deck for what can only be described as the most magnificent display of fireworks I have ever seen. The ship was anchored off the lovely Funchal in Maderia. It was such a buzz to play on open deck on the ship as the clock struck midnight with these fireworks going off in the background. Here is a video to help you caputre the moment. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAslahIIceU&feature=player_embedded#at=13. Afterwards we partied up in the Lido untill the wee small hours, before a rather exhausting flight home on the 1st Jan.
Thank you again Saga for such a great experience!!!
