🎥 The King of HHT: Rey “The King” Dominguez - Celebrating 30 Years of Quinceañera Cruises
- Mo Mompoint
- Oct 30
- 3 min read
Celebrating His Life and Legacy
Today marks 18 years since we lost Rey “The King” Dominguez, and as we celebrate 30 unforgettable years of Quinceañera Cruises, it feels only right to honor the man who helped shape it all. Rey wasn’t just part of our early story, he was the story. His energy, laughter, and larger-than-life spirit became the heartbeat of Happy Holidays Travel during our first decade at sea.
The Man Who Started It All
If you sailed with us between 1996 and 2004, chances are you didn’t just see Rey — you heard him first. Our very first videographer, he was much more than a man behind the camera. Rey was the party starter, the motivator, the one who made every guest feel like family.
First one awake, last one to sleep, he lived each cruise like it was a celebration of life itself. His voice echoed through the ship’s hallways, his laughter carried across decks, and his spirit filled every room he entered. He didn’t just film the memories, he made them.
The Legend of 17 Black
Ask anyone from those early years, and they’ll tell you the story. One cruise, Rey arrived dressed in a full king’s robe and crown, fully embracing his nickname, “The King.” We built a chariot, rolled him down the Promenade Deck, and followed with music, laughter, and cheers.
When we reached the casino, he stood tall and shouted, “17 BLACK! 17 BLACK! 17 BLACK!”, his favorite number, the same one Cubans know as San Lázaro’s number. Everyone joined in, placing their bets, and somehow the impossible happened: 17 hit twice in a row. The casino erupted, people were jumping, laughing, and hugging. Some walked away with thousands, but what we all remember most was Rey’s booming laugh echoing through the ship. It was pure magic, it was pure Rey.
A Fighter and a Friend
Rey passed away in 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer. Doctors gave him six months, but true to his spirit, he fought for three years. Even through the pain, he stayed positive, cracking jokes, checking on everyone else, and reminding us to celebrate life every day.
In his final days, he told us he was tired and ready to rest. The next day, he passed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of joy, strength, and unforgettable memories.
From Mo: A Personal Reflection
Rey taught me more than how to run events or shoot video, he taught me how to stay calm when things get tough and how to always keep perspective. He’d remind me, “These are moments in time. Figure it out and move forward, tomorrow is another day.”
He showed me how to be positive, grateful, and to live every day like it’s a gift. Rey also introduced me to my future wife, Jocelyn, something I’ll always thank him for.
Even today, Rey’s spirit lives on at Happy Holidays Travel. Every once in a while, we open an old box and find a handwritten note from him, a little reminder to laugh, to lead with kindness, and to make every day count.
Forever Part of the HHT Family
Rey “The King” Dominguez will always be part of who we are. His laughter, his heart, and his legendary 17 Black moment still echo through every sailing we take.
Rest in peace, Rey. We celebrate your life, your energy, and your memory, 18 years later, you’re still with us on every wave.💙 — The Happy Holidays Travel Family
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