Ode to NIPPON MARU

This is to thank you for the almost two months that you cradled youth leaders from across ASEAN and Japan in a journey that have forever changed our future and gifted us with a harvest of great friends and lasting relationships.

In your bosom, waking up is a present no one could resist. Amidst the desire to stay in bed and at times sea sickness, each morning we rushed to the sports deck either to pay homage as we proudly sing our anthems and hoist the symbols of our respective countries or service to ourselves during the morning exercises.  

With the almost always heavenly meal that the dinning hall offers, we were able to appreciate more the value of the gift of being a Participating Youth. Complemented with the unmatched service and kindness of the crew plus the ice cream all-you-can at lunch, every meal is indeed an experience.

As we endure the warmth of the grand bath and the laundry room, respect and courtesy were best displayed. The smoking areas are asylum to those in need of some nicotine rush.

Your theater, mermaid saloon, mid-ship bars, lobbies, dolphin hall and lounges have become venues in fostering mutual understanding as we discussed issues of significance to the youth and helped us understand the diversities of our cultures and traditions through country presentations and various interactions. As friendships and special relationships developed, their walls have become silent witnesses.  

At the end of the day the comfort of our bed is always a welcoming refuge as we wait for the next day’s morning call.

Our days in your care maybe over, but the memory will forever linger. You will forever be our one and only NIPPON MARU SAILING THE BLUE BLUE OCEAN.