The Bordeaux
The Island Princess has two main dining rooms, The Bordeaux and The Provence, and both have the same general layout and menus. But there is something special about The Bordeaux. I can’t put my finger exactly on the reason, but it may have something to do with the people we have met there.
Well, well, well…let me start with Genel from Romania. He is a Bordeaux manager and we actually met him on our Iceland & Norway cruise on The Island in the summer of 2023. He is so good natured and so wants to make everyone’s dining experience a wonderful one. From breakfast, to dinner, he keeps everyone on track and each guest welcomed. He makes us special appetizers and Marshall’s favorite theme night is Italian night when Genel cooks his famous spicy pasta in the dining room. We tease that we are cousins, as my great-grandmother was born in Arad, Romania. I would be honored to be related to him.
Gleen from the Philippines is married, with two daughters, aged 6 and 7, whom he speaks with every day. We met him on a previous cruise and he has an amazing memory for details like what you prefer to drink and whether you want cracked pepper on your salmon. He is always jolly and has a wicked sense of humor. When he comes to your table and has not waited on you before, he introduces himself like this; “Hello, my first name is Gleen and my last name is Junior Waiter”. I’ve heard him say it a dozen times and it still cracks me up.
Raj we also met on the Iceland and Norway trip in ’23. He’s a manager in Bordeaux for the breakfast and lunch seatings. He always gives a big hug and seats us next to a window practically every time. He hails from India and has such grace and kindness. We think the world of him.
George comes from Romania and like Genel, we might be cousins? And like Genel, he is the other Manager of Bordeaux and comes each night to our table to greet us and make sure our meal is excellent. We joke that the Bordeaux is the G&G Diner. George likes to dance and he sings and it’s a real pleasure to know him.
Daniela hails from Mexico and currently holds the title of Host, which is a perfect position for her as she knows every guest by name. She graduated from culinary school and this is her first sailing with Princess. She has a wonderful large family and a sister that she is helping through medical school. She wants to open a bakery some day and we have no doubt that she will. She works so hard and everyone adores her. We do too!
Bryan, a Junior Waiter from the Philippines, is one of the most caring waiters we’ve ever had. He always greets you with a big smile and has a great memory for the things that you prefer. He collects magnets from each port that we go to and always tries to visit a catholic church. His family back home mean everything to him and he embraces his career so he can provide for them. We appreciate him so much. This guy is ready to be promoted to Waiter!
Frandi is also from the Philippines and this was our third cruise with him. He speaks so sweetly about his wife that it makes your heart melt. Frandi makes terrific recommendations from the menu. He’s considerate, attentive and we’ve enjoyed getting to know him. He takes such pride in his work and he will always be the yardstick of which we’ll compare any other waiter to. He’s simply the best.
There are many, many others that have provided excellent services, kindness and laughs. We thank you and salute you and send our very best wishes to you. Until we meet again, be well.
Post Gallery
With Alba, our Sommelier from Mexico.
The dynamic duo of Genel and George.
Our final toast in the Bordeaux.
Brian during the Baked Alaska parade.
Brian, during the traditional Baked Alaska parade.
With our friend Frandi.
With Sandra and Daniella, in Bordeaux.
With our new waiter Xerxes from the Philippines and Brian, our Junior Waiter.
With Frandi, Gleen, and Genel.
With Captain Marco at the Chef's Table.
Brian with a 15 lb tray of stemware.
One night when Frandi asked me what I wanted for dessert, I responded with "nothing, thank you". This is what he brought me! Cracked me up!
Glenn working the Chef's Table.
The Baked Alaska parade!
I’m sad your journey is coming to an end, as I’ve loved traveling vicariously with you, Sharon & Marshall. No doubt that this is NOT your last travel adventure.