Page 97 - Michael Frost-Voyages to Maturity-23531.indd

Early next morning we were ushered into the mate’s presence and told, rather
obliquely, that he had no idea what to do with us, this ship not really being
suited to the training of cadets (there was little need for us on the bridge, there
always being two certificated officers on watch, a helmsman, even if George
was actually steering, and usually two look-outs, and for deck-work there was
no call, passengers not much wanting to see the greasing of winches while they
enjoyed the sun). Therefore, not wanting even to oversee our academic studies,
he suggested that we be on call for any miscellaneous shipboard needs, but that
otherwise we entertain such passengers as needed help in passing the time. It
occurred to us immediately that this was some sort of dream come true; we were
on the most exotic of P&O’s schedule of cruises, were in first-class cabins, dined
in the first-class restaurant, had a wine allowance, and it was even suggested that
we socialise as much as we pleased!

The normal rigours of routine came and were enjoyed. Lifeboat drill was
largely left to the two of us and the petty officers (it was a British crew at this
level, Indian from Serang downwards), and Stuart and I were more than pleased
to see that this group of passengers, unlike the Arcadia’s, had decided that it was
good to bring daughters on this trip, and to do so in considerable numbers. The
two of us were careful to ensure that their lifejackets were properly secured,
because, as always, most of them appeared to be quite cack-handed with knots,
loops and their clothing. Such a job was, of course, entirely necessary, for a
lifejacket had to be quite tight around the chest, otherwise it could ride up
in the water and impede breathing, or indeed it could float up right over the
wearer’s head and drift away.

One task that the mate decided that we should carry out was pass judgment
on some of the tours. In general, passenger tours arranged by local agents
were outside P&O’s direct control, but to local entrepreneurs they represented
a profitable business. As is always the case, those who enjoyed the tours had
mixed reactions, some declaring them a rip-off, and others finding them a very
comfortable way to see the sights. The mate therefore decided that he could
obtain an objective view from otherwise under-employed cadets, subject, of
course, to our submitting written reports. We thought this an excellent idea (part
of our training was to write English essays for the various tickets, and it would be
difficult to think of a more enjoyable use of this obligation).

But first we had to go through the business of the Captain’s Cocktail parties.
I had by this time by some practice managed to overcome my aversion to whisky,
so much favoured on these occasions. The emancipation of the taste for whisky
finds no better an expression than that of Winston Churchill; “Nor was this a
momentary acquirement,” he wrote, “…once one got the knack of it, the very
repulsion of the flavour developed an attraction of its own … I have never shrunk
when occasion warranted it from the main basic refreshment of the white officer

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