This year's Carnival celebrations ended with a bang on Ash Wednesday for K&R Promotions when it held its Last Lap cruise aboard the MV Treasure Queen. With landlubbers still hyped over two hectic days of Carnival, the party lived up to expectations of being one with high energy. Although the seas were rough at first, with the vessel, taking almost 45 minutes to be securely docked at its Pier 2 berthing in Chaguaramas from the previous cruise, the party crowd was determined that nothing would dampen its spirit. The free sample drinks in the waiting area made the delay a bit more bearable. Those waiting on the K&R cruise gave the captain a big round of applause when the boat eventually docked and this somehow added to the thrill of the boat ride.
As the ocean gradually calmed, patrons wasted no time to show that they still had snake oil waists, even after their hectic 2K10 Carnival season. Much to the liking of all on board, live entertainment came from some notable soca acts, including Santa Cruz resident Swappi, who started the action with his two hits for the season. He soon had everyone doing his Slide dance. Although popular Malabar soca singer Benjai opted out of all competition this year, he adequately made up for his absence by singing more than ten of his hit songs. He even took requests from adoring fans.
Third-placed International Soca Monarch finalist Shal Marshal did not have his side kick Screws at his side on the night, and only sang two lines of his popular ditty–Police–before handing the microphone back to DJ Doctor Hyde. When the vessel returned safely, a patron was overheard heaping praises on young promoter Kemoni, the K of K&R, for the most enjoyable post-Carnival cruise, enquiring when he would be doing the follow-up. (AM)