Note: from the Princess Captains Club newsletter Otcober 2013

There’s an unexpected issue when sailing as a centenarian: Princess^® computers reset your age to 0.

“In the six years Mom has cruised since her 100th birthday, we have found in our cabin a crib then crayons and children’s books,” says Sonia Koujakian.

Digitally, Sonia’s mother, Lucy, just turned 7 years old. It’s a little in-joke that never fails to amuse the family, including Sonia’s husband Hagep, when they cruise.

“Once we enjoyed a laugh over each situation, the Pursers’ Office was able to correct the problem with a new key card.”

Of course that doesn’t mean Lucy’s birthday hasn’t been properly celebrated by her Princess^® family.

“In September 2012, Mom was interviewed on ‘The Wake Show’ by Cruise Director Martyn Moss, who had also arranged to have the maître d' present to her, on the air, a lovely decorated birthday cake with a big 106 on it,” Sonia says. “The crew and passengers in the Piazza then joined ‘The Wake Show’ crew in singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to her.”

It’s a moment that the entire family has cherished and one reason why they continue to sail with Princess^®. They also love the shows, the spa, “the hustle and bustle of the Piazza,” as well as the perks of Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle Membership, like free Wi-Fi and free laundry services. Lucy’s favorite activities? Gambling, playing bingo and, most of all, meeting people.

“Our favorite pastime, and main reason we like cruising, is because of the people we meet, both passengers and crew, from all over the world,” Sonia says.

As residents of the Bay Area, the Koujakians and their famous matriarch also appreciate the convenient Grand Princess^® sailings from San Francisco.

Lucy’s love of cruising began in the 1960s when she was living in Japan and first sailed on P&O’s Oriana to visit her daughter. Now she has taken 30 Princess^® cruises – she’s gone everywhere from Alaska to the Panama Canal – and has seven future ones booked.