The Royal Viking StarWe cruised from New York City to Bermuda aboard the legendary Royal Viking Star, an exhilarating lady of the sea and the embodiment of comfort: she is 674 feet long, 83 feet wide and sports no less than nine decks.
When we boarded on a Saturday at 3 in the afternoon in preparation for a 5 o'clock sailing to St. George and Hamilton, Bermuda, we were conducted to a well-appointed stateroom, with large view windows, and a bathroom equipped with tub and shower. Even be fore sailing, the ship was stirring to life--music could be heard coming from the lounges, and cocktails were about to be served in the various bars. Once under way, the Royal Viking's shopping arcade opened along with the gambling casino, health and fitn ess center, beauty parlor, and barber shop.
At 7:30 the dining room, accommodating all 740 passengers in a single seating, commenced serving the Welcome Dinner--an introduction to luxury dining at sea. We began with deviled crab and lobster fritters, followed by a soup, a field salad, and filet of prime beef (passing over the other choices: poached fillet of fresh cod, veal piccata and grilled chicken). The lighter side included assorted potatoes, cauliflower, steamed snow peas, mushrooms, green beans, imported cheeses, puddings, pastries and pies , ice cream, fresh fruit and coffee with dainty cookies. Needless to say, with six or more dinners, seven more lunches and an equal number of breakfasts and midnight buffets of this calibre still ahead, I couldn't possibly delve into each in detail!
The next day was spent en route to St. George, and provided the opportunity of rediscovering the essence of cruising--luxuriating in one's own sense of self with complete detachment from the world--that is unattainable anywhere else, not even in a luxur y hotel, anchored to land as it is. The day is spent resting, eating, and sailing--deck chair to lunch, to tea, to cocktails, to dinner, to show performances, to disco.
The first lunch of the cruise proved bounteous. There was a selection of hors d'oeuvres, with a choice of soup. This led to an omelette specialty followed by a Columbia River salmon salad. From there we ventured into the hot entrees and desserts.
Leaving the cavernous dining room, I reclaimed my poolside space, observing passengers who opted for the lavish buffet luncheon served al fresco which offered roast beef, chicken, turkey, salmon, gravlax, shrimp, cold cuts, salads, beef Stroganoff, manic otti, mussels, sausages, eggs, and blintzes .
Open to me was an afternoon of deck games--golf (you read that correctly), shuffleboard or trapshooting, possibly a movie in the 156-seat Starlight Theater, bridge, a massage, or a session in the steam bath or sauna. Maybe just a quiet afternoon in the ship's library or a more exiting time of it at the Casino Royale. Other days would be spent ashore at the ports of call that form a counterpoint to the enjoyment of life on board.
The second day we docked at St. George, disembarked and took in the local sights. Beginning Tuesday, we had two and a half golden days in Hamilton. We chose excursions, perused the splendors of Front Street's shopping district, visited the famed pink s and beaches, and swam in the sea.
We visited the Harmony Club, a distinguished little all-inclusive resort with pleasant accommodations and an inviting dining-room. Here the carefully compiled menu was elegantly simple and satisfying. Wednesday I opted to see the prominent Belmont Hotel , renowned for its Golf and Country Club. We found the atmosphere warm and friendly; the Continental and Bermudian specialties served in its Gallery Restaurant excellent, varied and abundant.
The next day we set sail for New York, and the rhythm of life on ship continued. At sunset we attended the chef's Gala Dinner. Garlicky escargots introduced the evenings feast--oxtail soup with aged sherry, salad, pink Champagne sherbet, Dover sole with crabmeat garnished with mussels and shrimp in a lobster sauce, followed by tender roast rack of lamb. The sight of 50 flaming baked Alaskas being carried aloft by a safari of waiters in the darkened dining room was a spectacular ending to the meal. The la st night at sea we were once again regaled with gustatory pleasures, entertainment, and dancing.
I disembarked the next morning after a final breakfast aboard, and headed for the taxi that would take me back to the real world. The Royal Viking Star's New York to Bermuda series cost $1,295 to $3,360 roundtrip, per person, double occupancy.
8/3/90