Sailing away on the Disney Wonder cruise

Human Events, Oct 6, 2003

Phillips and Eagle Employees Enjoy Anniversary Celebrations

Last month, 1,200 employees and families of Phillips International and Eagle Publishing embarked on an expense-paid trip on the Disney Wonder cruise ship. The gala event marked Phillips's 30th and Eagle's 10th anniversary.

The three-day celebration began on September 4, as Phillips and Eagle colleagues and guests traveled to Port Canaveral, Fla., to board the Disney Wonder. The Wonder, the second of the two Disney cruise ships, was launched in 1999. The ship's full capacity with crew is 3,325 and can sail up to a maximum speed of 24.7 knots. Phillips and Eagle chartered half of the ship for the celebration.

Once the passengers were on board, the ship departed late afternoon, and sailed through the night and docked in Nassau early Friday morning. While in port, family members and guests toured some of the shops around downtown Nassau and some visited the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island. City tours were available by horse-drawn coach. The weather and climate in Nassau was sunny and hot with the exception of a couple of heavy tropical showers.

While on the ship, employees, guests and family members mingled and enjoyed themselves while visiting a number of hot spots on the lower and upper decks.

Diehard Washington Redskins' fans watched Friday afternoon's game against the New York Jets in the popular ESPN Zone, one of seven watering holes interspersed through the multi-tiered vessel.

One popular nightspot was Wavebands that featured bingo by day and, like moths to a flame, attracted saloon patrons into the early morning hours. The crowded nightclub offered a '70s venue one night and karaoke the next. Popular performers included Randall Phillips and Phillips employee Toby Smith. Tom Phillips wrapped up Friday evening with a rendition of "We Are Family" as the crowd erupted in a jubilant ovation.

Tropical storm Henri moved in on Saturday afternoon as the ship docked at Castaway Cay, Disney's own small beach paradise. Some decided to return to ship after the storm came through with tropical gusts and downpours. Later in the afternoon, some decided to venture back to the island as the rain turned to a steady mist.

That evening, Tom Phillips addressed Eagle and Phillips colleagues in the Walt Disney Theater and treated them to complimentary champagne in honor of the companies' anniversaries.

A raffle drawing was held at the conclusion of the program.

Everyone enjoyed the 3-day festive occasion held in a relaxed setting with so many colleagues-The feeling was unanimous: A marvelous time was had by one and all!