Up until the time Bedros Bandazian took over as Executive Committee chairman of the ACAA Heritage Cruise, he had never been on a ship.
Now, you can’t keep him away, even after yielding his post to sidekick Vasken Aivazian after 13 years. Bandazian has agreed to stay on board as treasurer and be there when needed.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “This is one of the best activities we have anywhere in the world and I enjoy being a part of it. Anytime you get a thousand or more Armenians together on a vessel, you must be doing something right.”
Hard to believe, but true. Bandazian had never been on a cruise ship in his life, until he took over for organizer Angele Manoogian, who chaired the crew for three years.
Over that time, more than 20,000 people have sailed the Caribbean, including some 1,800 folks marking the 10th anniversary. They’ve hailed from 25 countries and more states than not in America.
“We’ve had 12 marriages over the years,” beams Bandazian. “They’ve met on board ship and tied the knot.”
Playing a matchmaker’s role has been among the most enjoyable roles for Bandazian. And seeing hundreds and thousands of dollars being raised in profits for Armenian charities both here and aboard. The cruise has become a veritable “cash cow” for the organizations.
Bandazian’s back seat role paves the way for others like Aivazian, another staunch pioneer of this cruise. The addition of musicians Jim Kzarian and Richard Berberian to the board paves the way for fresh blood in the organization.
“Bedros has been a true leader over these past years,” lauded Aivazian. “His ability to bring the various committees together as a cohesive unit has been outstanding. All of us have formulated a tremendous respect for our chairman. The standards he has set up will be far too many to emulate. He feels it’s time to pass the torch.”
The preservation of Armenian culture and education, imbued in an entertaining climate, maintains an even keel aboard this cruise. It’s not all about sun and fun. It seems the regulars come year after year to rekindle their spirit and keep the ethnic embers burning with passion.
For decades, the 75-year-old Bandazian has been a catalyst in the various organizations. He’s a third-generation Virginian from Richmond and keeps the torch burning in that section of the country. His grandchildren will mark a fifth generation inside an Armenian community that bolsters 300 families.
His work as a real estate broker has led to property management and historic renovation. At St. James Armenian Church, he’s been managing trustee of the endowment fund and chaired the local food festival.
Bandazian has been an active member of the Gomideh, serving three terms on the Central Committee, along with being a founding member of the National Ethnic Committee. Of all his qualities, philanthropy has always ranked high. In 1997, Bandazian created the Hairenik Endowment Fund.
He raised his own AYF family with sons Khoren, Raffi, and Diran. All married Armenians and blessed him with four grandchildren. Bedros and wife Stella have been wed 45 years.
Looking back at the cruise, he praises Angele Manoogian and the late Azad Merian for developing the concept.
“They brought the proposal to the Central Committee in 1997 and it simply accelerated after that,” Bandazian recalled. “It was very cloistered in the beginning and it’s become all-inclusive now. We’ve eliminated barriers and given it universal appeal.”
Bandazian injected his business acumen into the enterprise. Marketing doors flew wide open. One deal after another was worked out with the cruise lines. Up until the economy took a hit, Bandazian reported an average of 1,500 guests annually. He sees that number returning.
“We’ve given grants to all the participating organizations,” he confirms. “The cruise has become a focal point—a mecca. This year brought 250 young people aboard. We’re training fresh blood to take over.”
One of the nicer touches are the events for singles, including a five-minute encounter where introductions were made and essentials exchanged.
“It’s been a good ride as chairman but I’m still aboard,” he says with a smile.
And like he’s always done, Bandazian slips into an omnipresent role, off to one event this moment and another the next. It’s been a job that’s had its pressure points as well as its euphoria.
But like a true captain of his ship, he wouldn’t want it any other way.
Tom Vartabedian
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