Manta Ray Bay Resort and the Mnuw were decked out in local attire for the New Year welcoming celebration. The entire walkway from the street was lined in organic decorations and light ropes leading to the entertainment and, of course, the bottomless buffet.

Detlef’s crew worked all day preparing fresh Tuna poke, blackened Yellow-fin sashimi and grilled Wahoo as well as two kinds of chicken and several side dishes. Just outside we had “Tim and Tim” in charge of the ambiance serving up a mix of local sounds with dance music.

There was just enough room for everyone to sit, eat, mix, mingle, dance and find the people behind it all to shake hands. Bill, Detlef and their crew all celebrated in uniform making sure everyone was taken care of.

After dinner and a couple drinks, the real fun was honing your island dancing skills down on the bow of the ship with the Ackers and the ladies from the Mnuw.

The final seconds were counted down and 2013 was saluted with Mnuw cannon fire, a Bill Acker original.

The year started with a ship’s flare illuminating the lagoon in red while most of us danced off the free champagne toast hand-delivered to every guest by Detlef.

Happy New Year from Manta Ray Bay Resort.