By: Marcia Abramson
Upon entering the foyer to Silver Suite 724, I found myself in a spacious apartment of more than 700 square feet decorated in soft shades of beige with mahogany furniture. The vestibule had numerous book cases filled with an Atlas, a 2001 Almanac, a Dictionary and other reference material with a private entrance to a gray marble lavatory (water closet) and wash basin. This led into a fully marbled bathroom with two sinks, large Jacuzzi bath tub with the requisite European hand shower. It had a separate corner stall shower and enough towels to suit the most discerning bather. But my awe did not end quite yet, for waiting for me were the rich Bulgari soaps, lotions, shampoos. Just outside the bathroom, I found a huge walk-in closet with more than 50 assorted hangers, chests of drawers and a private safe. Another first on this ship was free laundry service.
As I entered the Suite I also saw a spacious teak veranda with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, patio furniture, a living room with a convertible sofa that can accommodate one additional guest, a sitting area, a dining table, a queen-sized bed, an entertainment center with state-of-the -art CD player, television/VCR with satellite reception for both the living room and bedroom, refrigerator, cocktail cabinet, writing desk, dressing table with make-up mirror and hair dryer. In this sumptuous setting, there was, of course, a bottle of Moet & Chandon Brut Champagne and a silver compote of fruit. My stewardess, Manuela Hahn from Austria, saw to it that my refrigerator was constantly stocked with fresh ice, Perrier water, diet Coke, Sprite, et al. Manuela saw to it that my every need was met.
Before turning in for the night, the frette bed linens were turned down with either a chocolate mint or a small box of Godiva chocolates carefully placed on the bed, with my night gown gracefully folded together with the next day
