Page Three

SEAWIND CROWN: Seawind Cruise Line and "in service" tour, part one

The SEAWIND CROWN/VASCO DA GAMA, a ship with a dual identity, at Aruba on 27 December 1992. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1992.

In 1991, VASCO DA GAMA embarked on a series of Brazilian cruises, then took on the second name SEAWIND CROWN for a charter to US-owned Seawind Cruise Lines for seven day Aruba-based cruising.

The ship's funnel livery during its Seawind Cruise Line era. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1992.

While under the Seawind Cruise Line banner, her new funnel livery was all white with a blue circle surrounding a stylized image of a modern ship's (insiders would recognize that vessel as the never completed SEA VENTURE -- ex TAYGETOS -- which was to have been the original SEAWIND CROWN) bow and blue wave. Far less intriguing and traditional, it nonetheless served its market well and gave the SEAWIND CROWN an appearance that conformed with the liveries of the countless white and blue ships sailing from the US.

Our first look at the SEAWIND CROWN will be as she appeared in service during 1992, followed by a comprehensive look at the ship as she is today.

With the INFANTE DOM HENRIQUE to VASCO DA GAMA transformation, her deck nomenclature was changed as follows from top to bottom: Sports Deck remained as such; Boat Deck became Bridge Deck; Promenade Deck became Caribbean Deck; A Deck became Promenade Deck; B Deck became Pacific Deck; C Deck became Atlantic Deck; D Deck became Ocean Deck; E Deck became Baltic Deck. It remained the same as SEAWIND CROWN.

Sports Deck remained largely unchanged save for cages built around a sports court behind the funnel and another at the aft end of the deckhouse.

Bridge Deck was still reserved for navigation, officers' accommodation, and officers' common areas.

Facing forward in the sitting area of one of SEAWIND CROWN's original deluxe suites. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1992.

Facing forward in the bedroom of one of SEAWIND CROWN's original deluxe suites. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1992.

Forward Caribbean Deck was not structurally altered, although the four deluxe suites (category B) were redecorated. The chapel remained unaltered, but the private hall surrounding it was "opened" up into the lobby. The original murals were left untouched on the curved wooden bulkheads at the aft entrance to the chapel, as were its heavy ringed brass doors.

Caribbean Deck category B suites were created from two original first class cabins. A sitting area is shown in the above image. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1992.

The twenty-four first class cabins that followed were doubled into twelve suites (category C). Six original first class cabins remained structurally in place on either side. The most significant change in this area was the addition of four deluxe suites (category A) with balconies overlooking the stern, in lieu of the first class pool and lido.

Facing aft along the starboard side of Promenade Deck. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1992.

Promenade Deck was still unaltered in its forward configuration with its generous observation area underneath the sweeping curves of the ship's superstructure. The wide, sheltered promenades were left intact, and they remained one of the ship's most popular classic features. With access to the observation deck, they are among the few fully encircling sheltered promenades afloat today.

Facing aft in the redecorated Panorama Lounge. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1992.

Save for new artwork, soft fittings, and furniture, the first class lounge still retained its overall look as the airy and futuristic Panorama Lounge. The dance floor was enlarged and expanded all the way aft.

Facing aft/port in the SEAWIND CROWN's still impressive Promenade Deck foyer. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1992.

In the transformation of the ship, the statue of Prince Henry was given to the Lisbon Maritime Museum and replaced with an equally impressive statue of Vasco Da Gama. Aside from carpeting and new furniture, the (now) Promenade Deck lobby retained most of its original features.

Facing forward in the Library. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1992.

The first class reading room became the Library, while on the port side, the writing room became a meeting room. Although redecorated, the luxuriant wood paneling was left intact.

Facing forward along the starboard side of the Casino. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1992.

The first class smoking room and bar was unaltered in layout, but took on a modern purpose its conversion to the Casino. On the starboard side, the original gallery retained its zig zag wood paneling, although instead of tables and chairs, it was filled with slot machines.

The Modigliani-esque murals on the aft bulkhead of the first class smoking room were preserved to be enjoyed by card players in the Casino. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1992.

On its aft bulkheads, the colorful and dramatic original murals were left in situ, albeit as a backdrop for card games.

Facing port/forward in the SEAWIND CROWN's Casino. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1992.

The bar was left in its "as built" position, however, it was given a new counter top and stools. Overall, the ambiance of the former first class smoking room was preserved, if slightly amended for its modern incarnation.

The glass-enclosed Card Room, facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1992.

The tourist class salons on Promenade Deck were mere duplicates of the slightly more deluxe rooms dedicated to first class and would lend themselves easily to today's requirements. Aft and starboard of what is now the Casino, the first class playroom was converted into the Reading Room.

The Promenade Deck Bar, facing forward. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1992.

Meanwhile, on the port side, the tourist class playroom made way for a new bar.

Facing aft in the cavernous Show Lounge. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1992.

A large venue was needed, so the tourist class vestibule, smoking room and bar, and space regained from the elimination of the first class pool above would be combined to house the new 480 seat Show Room. With its modern lights and sound equipment, a dedicated stage, and booth seating, the ship now had a space to accommodate over half its passengers at one time for Vegas-style revues.

Facing forward along the aft Promenade Deck lido. Just above are the private balconies of the Category A suites. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1992.

Served by an al fresco bar, the aft Promenade Deck lido was still extremely inviting with its large pool and pleasingly terraced sunning area. The loading cranes and boons were no longer needed and removed during the ship's conversion in Greece.

Please click here for page four: SEAWIND CROWN tour "then," ctd.: Pacific to Coral Deck to SEAWIND CROWN tour now: Sports Deck