After receiving a heartwarming shock from Holland America Line, 87-year-old Leonard Wooden is proof that you may by no means be too outdated to your goals to come back true.

On Might 31, a day earlier than Leonard’s birthday, Holland America shocked him with a personal tour of Zaandam, one of many firm’s ships that not too long ago docked in Charlottetown, Canada.

It was a properly timed event for the Prince Edward Island resident who had spent the final 15 years having his image taken in entrance of the cruise ships that docked at Port Charlottetown. 

Regardless of his fascination with cruise ships, Leonard had by no means set foot inside one. However Holland America modified all that by organizing a shock tour for him and his household.

Joined by his daughter and several other of his grandchildren, Leonard was handled to a private tour that included a go to to the varied venues such because the ballroom, on line casino, and the navigational bridge the place he met the ship’s captain. 

Visibly moved, Leonard remarked on the expertise, saying: “Ever since I used to be little, I beloved seeing footage of ships and was at all times excited to see them on the port. Attending to know firsthand what it’s prefer to board a ship that dimension, properly, it’s greater than thrilling.”

The go to wrapped with a birthday lunch in Pinnacle Grill, one of many specialty eating places inside Zaandam. Greater than a dozen family and friends members joined the celebration the place he was showered with presents and a specifically commissioned nautical-themed cake from Holland America. 

His daughter Robin John expressed her appreciation, “It means the world to us that dad has this chance. The whole lot that Zaandam has supplied dad is past superb.”

Zaandam’s Captain Ane Smit was likewise glad to have the prospect to meet a neighborhood resident’s dream. “I’ve been coming to Prince Edward Island for 20 years, and the persons are at all times very pleasant; it’s certainly one of my favourite ports. I’m glad we might do one thing to offer again to the fantastic folks locally,” he stated.