Great Gatsby Night –

Formal Night #3

Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 6 AM, 81 Degrees, 79% Humidity, W – SW 15.3 mph

Each Formal Night on The World Cruise has a different theme. Some, more than others, lend themselves to “audience participation”. Gatsby Night was one of those with a 1920’s theme. Many men wore formal tuxedos (think Robert Redford in The Great Gatsby). Some went speak-easy gangster style with black t-shirts, vests, and fedoras. The women really went all out – flapper pearls, lots of sequins, long gloves, feathered boas, and headbands.

Two days before the Gala, Kimberly Wells, Cruise Director, announced over the PA that a $50,000 Tanzanite neckless had been “swiped” from the EFFY Boutique on Deck 3 right under the nose of Security Officer Paul “Wire Split” Kennedy. An investigation was underway. The site was meticulously combed for clues. The ship’s Captain then stated that the suspects had been narrowed to Eight – more information to follow!!

The next day, in our mail slot, we received a “Newspaper” with a story and pictures identifying each of the “suspects.” Also included was an outline of Gatsby Night activities, including a “Speak-Easy” on Deck Nine that was only accessible by giving a Secret Password. The Daily, the daily plan of activities for the day, contained the Secret Password. There were random colored letters in The Daily, and you had to find them and then properly arrange them to find the Password. It was “Fitzgerald,” which was in keeping with the theme of The Great Gatsby.

The Dining Room was decorated for the Gala. Even the menus had a Great Gatsby look. We had Surf & Turf (the most popular choice according to our waiters) – it was delicious. We make fun of people who take pictures of their meals, but this was worth it. I'm so sorry we didn’t. Some of the kitchen staff made the rounds of the dining room, and the main chefs greeted guests at the door (not sure who was left in the kitchen to cook!). Ship gossip, the tall, cute blond chef (Neil Ashworth) is engaged to one of the ship’s equally cute female engineers. When they marry, HAL will continue to assign them together.

The Crow’s Nest was turned into a nightclub for the night with a Chanteuse, band, and dance floor. There were dance & costume contests. Kimberly Wells, the Cruise Director, introduced each of the “Suspects,” and they pleaded their innocence. Later, they moved through the crowd, explaining why they couldn’t be the culprit. Guests voted, and ultimately, Suspect #5, Milton Vandercoup III, The Billionaire Tycoon, was found guilty! His other identity is Matt, the Dance Instructor on the Zuiderdam. He looks more like the firefighter he was in his “previous life” (or a nightclub bouncer), but he’s a great teacher, and everyone loves him (except for being a thief)!

Holland America goes all out for special events on the World Cruise. Next up, Valentine’s Day Formal Gala.