With Captain Dag on Seabourn Spirit.

Have you ever wondered just who the people really are that make everything run so smoothly onboard your cruise ship? What makes them tick? You may recall an earlier post in which I interviewed Seabourn Executive Chef Jes Paskins to explore his passion for cooking and how it translates into the creation of such culinary perfection at sea.

As we all know, it takes more than just amazing cuisine to create “the experience”, especially at Seabourn.  I decided to follow my curiosity as I wanted to know more about the person responsible for orchestrating such precision in the dining room; bringing fantastic food and impeccable service together night after night. I was so grateful when the charming Seabourn Spirit Maitre d’ Hotel, Armand, gave me a few minutes of his time for a quick interview.

Seabourn Spirit Maitre d' Hotel Armand Louw & me.

A few basic questions

ME: What exactly are you responsible for?

ARMAND: Food, beverage & service.

One of the things I love about Seabourn is the champagne-on-ice in your stateroom the day you arrive.

ME: How long have you been working in the cruise industry?

ARMAND: 11 years.


ME: How long are you onboard? How much time off?

ARMAND: 4 months on, 2 months off.


ME: What’s your favorite part of your job?

ARMAND: The service aspect – I get to know a lot of people.


ME: What’s the strangest request you’ve received from a passenger?

ARMAND: Martha’s Superman suit.

[A side note: The Superman suit was given to Armand by a Seabourn passenger named Martha.]


ME: What’s the most challenging part of your job?

ARMAND: Keeping the crew motivated.


ME: Does the crew have a chance to let their hair down?

ARMAND: Yes, they do. Theme parties, among other events, are given for them.

With two of my favorite Seabourn Spirit crew members.

A few personal questions

ME: What’s your favorite Seabourn destination?

ARMAND: Hong Kong to Singapore. I also like the Norwegian Fjords.


ME: What’s your favorite color?

ARMAND: Blue.


ME: Your favorite car?

ARMAND: Volkswagen.


ME: Your favorite food?

ARMAND: Thai.


ME: Your favorite vacation destination?

ARMAND: South Africa.


ME: Are you married? Any children?

ARMAND: No.


ME: Do you have any surprise talents?

ARMAND: One of my hobbies is leather work – leather bags & tribal designs on suede. I also like to build computers.


ME: If you weren’t Seabourn’s Maitre d’ Hotel, what other job would you have?

ARMAND: I’d be involved with computer programming.


ME: Armand, thank you so much for your time. I really appreciate it!

ARMAND: My pleasure.

Seabourn Spirit anchored in Rovinj, Croatia.

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