Page Six

SEAWIND CROWN: Present Day Tour, ctd. Pacific to Coral Deck

Facing aft toward the still lovely "face" of the SEAWIND CROWN. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing starboard in the beauty parlor with a view. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing forward in the now empty Galleria. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing forward in the remodeled port section of the former Taverna, now the Lido Restaurant. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing aft in the starboard portion of the Lido Restaurant, until 1997 the SEAWIND CROWN's nightclub. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The port Pacific Deck promenade, facing forward. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The newly expanded aft Pacific Deck lido bar. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing forward from the aft/starboard portion of the Pacific Deck lido, showing the after decks and promenades in perspective. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Pacific Deck level begins unchanged, with fo'c'sle and long promenades that connect with the lido far astern. With slightly adjusted nomenclature from the prior tour, twelve Category C (deluxe oceanview) and two Category K (minimum inside) begin the accommodation forward, followed by the middle level of the main foyer and its oval glass balcony. On either side, one Category F (oceanview) and three Category G (oceanview) cabins are next, followed by eleven Category Cs. On the port side, the conference room was reclaimed with four new Category D (deluxe oceanview) staterooms, while the Galleria, Photo Shop, and Beauty Salon remain as built from the VASCO DA GAMA conversion. The 60 seat Taverna was incorporated and remodeled into the port side of the new Lido Restaurant, which also claimed the mirror ball and dance floor of the Nightclub on the starboard side. Since it accommodates a greater portion of the ship's complement, it is a far better buffet dining facility. Consequently, a newer, larger al fresco bar was built just aft serving the pool.

Facing starboard/forward in the Foyer, toward the purser's office and stairs. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing up and aft along the starkly modern main stairtower from Pacific Deck level. Vasco da Gama awaits at the other end. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing port in the aft portion of the Galley. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing aft along the starboard portion of the Vasco da Gama Restaurant. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The Vasco da Gama Restaurant facing forward. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The aft starboard annex to the Vasco da Gama Restaurant. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing forward from the fantail. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Atlantic Deck begins with more accommodation that was claimed from crew space, with a new tally as follows: Twenty Category D (deluxe oceanview), four Category E (oceanview), four Category G (deluxe inside), three Category J (inside), and one Category K (minimum). The bottom level of the foyer with its towering staircase follows. Just aft, the once lovely but redundant Madeira Restaurant was converted into twelve Category C (deluxe oceanview) staterooms surrounding a new shop. The Galley follows, serving the vast 480 seat Vasco da Gama Restaurant which consists of a large main dining room spanning the width of the ship and a smaller annex aft/starboard. Beyond this, there is the Infirmary and seven Category D (deluxe oceanview), four Category G (deluxe inside), and four Category K (minimum) staterooms before the open fantail.

An inside Category H cabin on Ocean Deck, facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Ocean Deck contains crew accommodation in its fore and aft quarters. The passenger accommodation consists of: Nine Category D (deluxe oceanview), forty-two Category E (oceanview), two Category F (oceanview), thirty-eight Category H (deluxe inside), and twenty-five Category Ks (minimum).

The fore and far aft portions of Baltic Deck are designated for crew accommodation. The passenger cabins are laid out as follows: fifty-one Category F (oceanview) and thirty-eight Category I (inside).

The 209 seat Cinema, facing starboard from the stage. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Neptune Deck houses the 209 seat Cinema, while the well-equipped (but not illustrated) Spa with its fitness center, racquetball court, sauna and massage are on the very lowest passenger level, Coral Deck.

In these uncertain times, the SEAWIND CROWN's future remains in the air. Her general cosmetic appearance is quite good, so if her mechanical condition is on par and the market can support a spacious, classic ship, she may have another full chapter of life ahead.

References: Author's own materials (including brochures from CCN, Seawind Cruise Line, Premier Cruise Line), THE LAST BLUE WATER LINERS by William H. Miller, PAQUETES PORTUGUESES by Luis Miguel Correia (the ultimate source on Portuguese liners), PASSENGER LINERS by Laurence Dunn, THE WORLD's PASSENGER SHIPS by Colin F. Worker

With special thanks to: Mr. Frank Lose, Mr. Bruce Peter, Mr. Jordi Cabre, Mr. Luis-Miguel Correia, Mr. Martin Cox, Mr. Juan Madrid, Mr. Rainer Tanzer, Captain AS Varsamis

Copyright Peter Knego November 15, 2002

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