EC Un-Plugged:

Hello readers! I have a special treat for you today. Read below to learn a bit about an extremely dedicated shipmate who has been with Entertainment Cruises since 2002!

Shipmate Spotlight: MARIAH in Chicago

Mariah joined Entertainment Cruises eight years ago as a Deckhand aboard Seadog and Mystic Blue. With hard work and leadership, she was promoted to First Mate and then to Captain. More recently, Mariah has been working in the office first as the Administrative Assistant, and currently as the Cruise Coordinator. Never far from the water, she still drives both Mystic and Seadog in the evenings and on weekends. Over the years, Mariah’s work has been recognized with the Shipmate of the Year award and several OSS honors.

Of all the WOWs you have been involved in, which is your favorite and why?

Every year we have a boy with a disability who comes down to cruise Seadog with his grandma. He always remembers the returning staff and is always excited to be there. Coincidentally, he’s been on my boat for the last four years. Each year we try to give him something new (shirt, visor, etc.) that helps make him feel like he’s part of the crew. I’m hoping that he’ll be on my boat again this year. It’s been an ongoing WOW that more and more of the staff get involved in.

Who have been the role models in your life? Why are they role models? Are there certain aspects of OSS that you see your role models demonstrate?

My parents were fantastic role models for me. They both helped me develop a strong work ethic (which I’ve needed to keep up with peak season). One aspect of OSS that my parents demonstrated is the value “We will treat others with respect.” They always taught me that even if you don’t understand or agree with someone else’s choices or behaviors, everyone deserves respect.

Many of our shipmates have boarding photos from various cruises. Do you have a boarding photo that is particularly special to you? If so, why is it so special?

I have a Seadog boarding photo from when my mom cruised during her chemotherapy treatment. I really love that photo because she wasn’t feeling well at all, but didn’t let cancer stop her from enjoying Chicago in the summer.

Thank you Mariah, for sharing with us a little insight about yourself and your role here at EC!

Have a great weekend everyone.

Baltimore – 30 & Over Moonlight Party & Jazz Cruise – August 28th, 2009
If you’re out of your twenties and would rather party than sleep, put on your dancing shoes and head down to the Inner Harbor. The Spirit of Baltimore is offering a moon-lit affair of dining, dancing, jazz and views of the city beneath the stars.

Boston – Spend an Afternoon with 96.9 WTKK’s Michael Graham – July 30th, 2009 Odyssey is hosting an afternoon of cocktails and conversation with WTKK’s Michael Graham. Boston’s talk evolution radio personality is dishing out conversation, his “Natural Truth” stand-up comedy act and fun.

Chicago – Venetian Night Fireworks Cruises July 25th, 2009 It’s the 52nd Annual Venetian Night and the theme is “Hollywood on the Lake.” Watch a special fireworks illumination synchronized to music as you dine, dance and mingle out on the water. Join the fun with Mystic Blue, Spirit of Chicago or Odyssey.

Norfolk – 27th Annual Norfolk Jazz Festival July 24th – 25th, 2009 Compliment your experience at the region’s longest running outdoor Jazz festival with a lunch or dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Norfolk. The city’s starlit event features performances by Joyce Cooling, Ramsey Lewis, The Rippingtons, Euge Groove, Kim Waters, Pieces of a Dream, Spyro Gyra and many others.

New York – The Smooth Cruise Series July 22nd and 29th, 2009 On July 22nd, the Spirit of New York’s Smooth Jazz Cruise features The Rippingtons of “Moonlighting,” named number one most influential contemporary jazz albums of all time by Jazziz magazine.

On July 29th, there’s Jonathan Butler, a two-time Grammy nominee for his soulful singing, songwriting and guitar playing.

Philadelphia – WDAS 105.3 Moonlight Cruise – July 31st, 2009 The Spirit of Philadelphia and WDAS Radio 105.3 are coming together to give you a late-night party at Penn’s Landing. Filled with moonlight and Philly’s Best R&B and Classic Soul music, boarding is at 11:30pm and cruising is from Midnight ‘til 2:00am. Stay up late. You can sleep tomorrow.

Washington D.C. – Saturday Gospel Lunch – July 18th, 2009 It’s coming up. In like, two days. Why not try something new out on the Potomac with the Spirit of Washington? There’s live gospel entertainment, a lunch buffet, views that might take your breath away and inspiration galore.

Hey readers, go out and do something different this month! And hey, smooth sailin’!

See you next week.