Angela’s Sweet 16 Party

I booked my daughter’s Sweet 16 yacht charter this year on The Royal Princess.. The planning for this event was the easiest big party we ever had. When I walked on the boat that night, I was so surprized not only to see the amount of food but how beautiful it was displayed.  We had such a great time as well with all the 125 kids on board. They danced and ate and enjoyed all the sites of the New York Harbor.
I couldnt help the tears as we passed the Statue of Liberty because I thought of my maternal grandmother who arrived on these same waters when she was only 16, and certainly didn’t have what we provided for our children. She moved here for a better life for her and her family and worked so hard to make our lives better. We are so blessed to have all the family and friends and good health that our immigrant ancestors wanted us to have.
Planning this event wasn’t hard, even though we changed the entire menu around and decor on the Royal Princess to set up a “club type ” atmosphere.
Lezlee was there for me, as the voice of reason. Lezlee was the main reason why I booked this venue. Her reassuring soft calm voice got me through all my questons about the boat and how things can be done. She knows what will work, and will never say it can’t be done.
Also, Capt Rob will go out of his way to make sure every detail is attended to, exactly the way you want it to be, even if it means changing the menu, moving a dance floor, and changing the floor plan. I can’t thank him enough for his efforts. He went out of his way for us for so many things, even getting the sweet potato fries. He is always working on the Royal Princess, caring and keeping it so beautiful.
Captain Derek manages to create the smoothest and scenic cruise ever. We didn’t miss a site and were exactly on time. The views were breathtaking, and it was so enjoyable to have such a confident captain.
We hired the yacht recommended event planner, Kathleen Brochin, who was so amazing, creative and organized. She takes so much pride in what she does. She loves her work, and it showed. I can’t tell you how many details she attended to. She came up with lucite display boxes for the 1000 mini cupcakes to be displayed on, with grass trim and flowers. It was so breathtaking. She was there from an early hour and stayed way after the event. She was the watchful eye, making sure all the details were exactly as we wanted them. You should have seen my daughter’s smile, the entire night. My thanks to her, for making it so succesful.
The crew on this ship was considerate, attentive, and so pleasant. They were around to help and serve nonstop. The kids enjoyed their cheerfulness. Everything was “in order’ The boat was kept clean, and guests were cared for. We didn’t have any alcohol, and the one bartender was everyone’s favorite with his smiles, pleasant converstaion and jokes!
Oscar, the DJ, had a great gig going on.  The kids didn’t stop dancing. It was easy. No need for motivators! He is so pleasant and has great equipment. The sound was awesome and the playlist was endless. We loved him!
This was truely a magical night. Everyone orchestrated and worked so hard to make it so perfect. I cannot forget this party, and thank goodness for the photographer that Lezlee reccommended, Yishai, who captured the entire story from beginning to end.
I can’t thank Lezlee and Capt Rob enough for making this the best time for Caroline!! …..
- Angela and Gerard Varlotta – June 6, 2010