Page Five

SEAWIND CROWN: Present Day Tour, continued. Bridge to Promenade Deck

Facing aft from the starboard bridge wing. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The wheelhouse, facing starboard. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing starboard in the Chart Room. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing forward in the Captain's Office. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing aft in the Officers' Lounge. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing forward in the Officers' Mess. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing forward along the narrow starboard Bridge Deck promenade. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The view over the stern from aft Bridge Deck. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Bridge Deck level begins with the wheelhouse, which boasts a healthy combination of original equipment (telegraphs, compass, safety panels) and modern gear (radar, computers, various control panels, etc.). From the gracefully curved bridge wings, there is a fine view aft of the funnel, boats, and midships superstructure. The chart room is directly aft of the bridge, the starboard portion of which contains a computer control room. Officers' accommodation follows aft along the port side, while the Captain's Office and quarters are immediately aft on the starboard side, followed by the Officers' Lounge, Officers' Mess, and more officers' accommodation. A narrow promenade spans the outer portion of this deck on either side, leading aft to a terrace that overlooks the stern.

Facing aft along the port Caribbean Deck promenade. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing forward along the starboard Caribbean Deck promenade. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing forward in the very much original Chapel. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing forward in the forward Caribbean Deck foyer toward the aft Chapel entrance and its still original painted panels and brass doors. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

One of the Category C (deluxe oceanview) cabins on starboard Caribbean Deck, facing starboard. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The sitting area of Suite 31 (category A), facing aft. One of the four most lavish cabins on the ship with a balcony overlooking the stern, it was built over the former first class lido area. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The bedroom of Suite 31, facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

Caribbean Deck begins with an observation area beneath the wheelhouse, continuing aft on either side with long open promenades underneath the ship's span of davits, boats, and rafts. The four original suites (now Category B) front the interior, surrounding the beautifully preserved 60 seat Chapel. Its striking wood paneled entrance still sports original INFANTE murals and heavy ringed bronze doors on either side. Aft of the lobby, eighteen Category C (deluxe oceanview) staterooms follow on each side, culminating at the stern with the four large suites (Category A and B) 29, 30, 31, and 32.

Facing aft along the port promenade. The windows to the left of the photo belong to the Panorama Lounge. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing port in the Panorama Lounge. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing aft in the forward Promenade Deck lobby toward the imposing bronze statue of Vasco Da Gama. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The Casino, facing forward from starboard. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing forward in the Piano Bar, recently the Card Room, but originally the first class playroom. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The now silent Show Lounge, facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing forward from the aft Promenade Deck lido area. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Promenade Deck begins forward with a large observation and sunning terrace that continues along either side via wind screens to sheltered promenades. These wide decks are enclosed forward by floor to ceiling windows but are open to the elements for the majority of their length. Internally, the 140 seat Panorama Lounge begins the sweep of public salons. Although its furniture is now gathered in the aft portion of the room, the above photo gives a hint of its elegance and airiness. Just aft, the expansive foyer is dominated by the imposing statue of Vasco da Gama that replaced an even more imposing figure of Prince Henry. The wood paneling, glass railings and recessed ceilings are all original features from 1961.

The recently converted 20 seat Writing Room on the port side has returned to its original designation after serving as a conference room. The 20 seat Library remains in place on the starboard side. The U shaped Casino remains unchanged from the INFANTE to VASCO/SEAWIND conversion, retaining the original wood panels on its starboard gallery, portions of the original bar, and the original paintings on the aft bulkheads. The slots, tables, and gaming areas are now all covered, awaiting their next call of duty.

With the ten seat Rendezvous Bar (originally tourist children's playroom) occupying its forward port gallery and the Card Room (originally the first class playroom) now serving as a 20 seat Piano Bar in its forward starboard gallery, the 480 seat Show Lounge is still "as built" in the VASCO DA GAMA conversion. The Promenade Deck lido rounds out the remainder of this level of the SEAWIND CROWN.

Please click here for page six: SEAWIND CROWN tour, present day, ctd. Pacific to Coral Deck