Buzzing Around The World With Fellette & Doug

Dinner With The Captain...

As you may know this is a "small" ship as cruise ships go, we have about 650 [?] passengers on board. We have been to many cocktail parties and receptions with the captains of various ships, over the years, but the other night we had Dinner With The Captain! On this ship, with this captain, Captain Halle Thon Gundersen, he dines with every guest in his quarters at least once during the World Cruise.

The procedure is that your table is approached in the dining room by the Maitre'de who invites you all on a specific night. We were asked three times but declined because for some time somebody was always absent by sickness.

We were told to meet in The Crowsnest Bar, which is on the top deck, just behind the bridge at 6 PM. The group of ten was then escorted to the captain's private dining room. It is large room with bar, corner lounge seating, cabinets with memorabilia and family pictures. There is also a large round table that seats 12; the captain, his wife and 10 guests. Four stewards were standing discreetly by dressed in white togas with wreaths on their heads as we met the captain and his lovely spouse. A harpist was playing softly in the corner. A very large Indonesian intricately wood carved frame was on the bar, suspended from it was a rather large brass gong. Have you got the scene?

By now you are saying only lord knows what. So were we, but we had been told a bit about what to expect by previous guests. It certainly set the tone for the evening, and the captain puts us right at ease. After a short chat in the lounge area with drinks, where we all introduced ourselves, we were seated at the table. Printed place cards and a toga-clad steward facilitated that very nicely. A photographer magically appeared and we were arranged for the capturing of the moment.

The table was set with the most elegant manner with Versace dinnerware, cutlery, and crystal glasses. The wine and water glasses were at least 10" tall. We then all signed a waiver regarding breakage or theft before eating. [Not really!]

We had an enjoyable, seven-course dinner. The captain, who has had considerable experience at this, kept the conversation going in the right direction. I am pleased to report that we and our table mates behaved in the most proper manner, we all appear to be able to 'do the right thing,' when required, even though we are a bit rough around the edges we clean up well. Most of us thought twice before opening our mouths to speak, most.

As each of the seven courses was served the gong was softly rung and a toga-clad steward announced in his very deep baritone voice with polished accent, the ingredients of what we were about to eat. It was a little amusing at the start, the gong and all, but as the evening went on we got used to it. I will not describe the food served, obviously it was wonderful. We could have been served Bully Beef on dry toast and it would have been just as elegant.

After dessert and coffee, we said our adieus at 9 PM and returned to our cabins where there, on the bed, was a pair of Versace crystal wine-stoppers, complete with Certificate of Authenticity, with a note explaining the occasion.

In the morning, we received the previous night's menu signed by the captain. I have not seen the picture taken in his quarters yet except one of the group said it was a good photo except you-know-who wasn't smiling!

PS The captain's wife is Australian, from Sydney, somewhat younger, she is a very attractive and gracious woman, they have a seven and one half year old daughter who is on board for some six or seven weeks, getting off in India. She was at a "sleep-over or camp-out" for the night, complete with sleeping bag and snacks and flashlight.

Such is life in the South Atlantic Ocean on ms Prinsendam.

PS I did not take any photos, but rest assured that the dinner was not served in the same manner as our Brazilian BBQ.


E & O E

posted by Doug and Fellette @ 7:17 AM