It’s Super Bowl Monday on the South China Sea, off the coast of Thailand. I woke up at seven and stumbled to the Magellan Lounge, the Seabourn Pride’s theater, where the game was projected onto a huge movie screen, delivered by satellite feed live and gorgeous. There were even hot dogs and beer along with coffee.
I have an enjoyment of the off kilter moment, but I have to say there are damned few of them aboard this ship. Everybody I’ve talked to here says that Seabourn is the best cruise line in the world, and that the Pride is the finest ship in their fleet. It’s hard to imagine how it could be improved. If you want something you just ask, if you have time, because more often than not you are anticipated. And there is at least one crew for every passenger. We asked for the Super Bowl, and we got it on a screen right out of an old Palace Theater.
The only funny moment came shortly into the game. We had arranged ourselves so that everybody had a full view of the screen, when a couple came in and went down to the front seats. “Down in front!” Tevis called out. The woman waved at him and sat down, taking a little chunk out of the bottom of the screen where the crawl runs. I was pleased that New Orleans won. They need all the morale boost they can get.
I slipped out to Veranda Cafe for eggs benedict and coffee during half time. The Pride was slowly cruising toward Ko Kook Island, where a pristine beach was being prepared for our exclusive use by the crew. By the time the tenders took us ashore the beach was set with umbrellas and seats, a bar was set up, and masseuses were waiting in grass huts to work their magic.
The beach was pure white sand and the water was warm and perfectly clear, the sand sloping gently out into the sea so that you can walk a long ways before the water comes up to your waist. And of course the service was perfect, with pina coladas on serving trays to get things rolling. A Thai Elvis Presley was singing the King’s songs from a makeshift stage while most of use lolled in the water, interrupted only by a skiff serving champagne and caviar out in the surf. That drew a crowd.
On the beach there were serving tables with all kinds of food: hamburgers, hot dogs, crab, shrimp, vegetables, thin roast sliced beef, ribs, lamb, ham, fish, and more, plus a range of desserts and three kinds of ice cream. Crew even came around with sun screen, as well as ice water and, after the pina colada and champagne courses, a course of margaritas. It was hard to tell whether people were sunburned or just dilated.
We are resting in the cabin, now, and later will go down to the restaurant to a dinner hosted by Rachael. I can’t explain Rachael. She’s just gorgeous, and she sings rock and roll and dances as well as working on the crew. Linda said, “I accepted the invitation because I know you think she’s the hottest female on board.”
Well … yea …