Lunch on the BeachDec 29, 2006
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Caviar in the Surf
Hungry Passengers
More PLEASE!
| Thursday was an idyllic day. Our ship is cruising through the British Virgin Islands. The sun is shining. There are a few passing clouds. The seas are slight. Can it get any better? The crew was prepared to give it a try! We anchored off Prickly Pear Island at about 10 AM. With anticipation we watch the tenders shuttling crew and equipment a short distance to the beach. Today we were having a beach BBQ. About an hour later it was announced they were ready to escort guests ashore. We decided to wait until the initial "rush" subsided, but as usual, there really isn't a rush. With only 194 passengers, it took very little time to get to the beach. I convinced Tom to "do shore" - it was an "anniversary wish" so with some reservations he agreed. There are a number of steep steps down to the Marina and tender platform but we were allowed to use the crew elevator to avoid the steps. With that obstacle overcome we were ashore in a matter of minutes. The island is set up for private parties like ours. There were more than enough lounges as well as tables and chairs in the shade and inside a small beach bar. The staff was already very busy - one crew member greeted the tender with a tray of tropical drinks. We found a couple of well situated chaise lounges and then watched the party unfold. Soon the Seabourn signature "Caviar in the Surf" arrived. Three crew members jumped off a small boat and lowered a surf board topped with a large tin of caviar (and all the trimmings) into the water. As they waded closer to shore the passengers came out to meet them. Not exactly a feeding frenzy, but close. There was orderly chaos as the caviar lovers circled their prey! It was good natured gluttony! There is something very decadent about standing waist-deep in the surf enjoying salty fish eggs with chopped eggs, onions and sour cream. If you love it, you LOVE IT! But caviar wasn't the only item on the menu. The beach BBQ included the usual hamburgers, hotdogs and ribs as well as prime rib, roast turkey, chicken, and grilled shrimp. There was a wide variety of salads and side dishes and of course lots of sweets for dessert. Everyone seemed to enjoy lunch on the beach - with the addition of white linen table cloths, china and silver! The only concession to the location was the use of plastic cups for drinks. After lunch the young passengers started a volleyball game while others rode the banana boat or used the kayaks to explore the nearby coves. Others just enjoyed watch all these activities. There was something for everyone, even a couple of hammocks in the shade for a quick nap. All too soon it was time to end the party and return to the ship. What an amazing operation by the crew - picking it all up and returning everything to the ship. It takes a lot of effort to pull it off but they make it look easy. We lifted anchor at 5 PM sailing toward the setting sun in Drake's Passage. Our destination tomorrow is Cruz Bay in St. John, USVI. More fun awaits! If you'd like to see some photos here's a link: http://www.photoshow.net/watch/Yz9UM5fz |
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