A recent informal gathering on board the Golden Princess awarded De Palm Tours’s guide Howard Folkes the coveted “Tour Guide of the Season,” title for the 2005/06 season in the port of Aruba.

The ceremony officiated by Captain David Calabresc included a presentation ceremony, a tour of the ship and lunch in honor of Howard, his spouse, as well as company representatives.

Geraldine Keyter-Bisslik Shore Excursions & Cruise Services Supervisor at De Palm Tour was very pleased with the award, noting that Howard delivers timely, first class service, accurate and entertaining information paired with a caring, supportive attitude, towards guests and colleagues.

“It has been a pleasure working with you this season,” said Captain Calabresc, ”you have been a great help with our tour sales, accommodating the extra space we needed this year, while all along maintaining a personal touch combined with high standards of operation.”
Recognitions were also given to See & Sea operated by Atlantis Adventures among the high-volume optional tours and to Back Road Explorations, handled by Red Sail Sports, among the low volume tours.

”We enjoyed a good season here,” Captain Calabresc shared, ”Aruba is an excellent port, safe, beautiful and operated by conscientious professionals. We always get excellent feed-back,” he added, “from passengers taking the tours on the island.”

The Captain also shared that the Golden Princess is leaving the Caribbean to spend some time in the Mediterranean, and later in Antarctica.

Princess Cruises will replace the Golden Princess in the Caribbean by the Crown Princess, an equally exciting, brand new ship for the next cruise season.

First Purser Angus Wilkinson and Shorex Manager Chris Pousse congratulated Howard personally on his award, praising his good work and personal dedication.