Shall we dance?

The boat we were on last week held 1,750 passengers and 980 crew. Some of the latter had titles like Chief Engineer, Bosun’s Mate, Master at Arms, Deck Ratings (30 of these) and there was even a Captain.

Many of these gallant fellows no doubt sprang from five generations of fine old sea-faring ancestors, but among the remainder of the crew were many whose skills must have been of quite a different kind: Casino Staff (16), Cocktail Pianists (2), Barkeepers (17), Chefs (101), Florists (2), Waiters/Waitresses (183), Salon/Spa Staff (20), Dancers (10), Receptionists (13)…..
…..and Gentleman Hosts (6).

These men were generally tall, distinguished, of sober mien and impeccably dressed, giving the impression that they might have accepted their appointments merely to supplement their senior officer’s retirement pay—though, come to think of it, few officers of staff rank would have the necessary foxtrot expertise. Anyway, they were not instantly recognisable as gigolos.