20 — Sunday, October 4, 1992 - North Shore News Cheaper travel available LESS THAN a year ago, just months in fact, Robert Hafey was a semi-retired businessman living in his West Vancouver digs with his TV and his fridge and his exercise rig, just like the rest of us. As of this week, he’s sold up all that stuff and is shortly heading for the Car- ibbean to rendezvous with the Cunard Countess. When that lovely cruise ends, he’ll dally over Christmas on the Continent, drop in on the home folks on the Isle of Jersey, and .then fly to New York to beard the QE2 for four months of around-the- _ world cruising. OK, so he won the Iot- tery, right? -. Av contraire, he became a Gentleman Host. No, either, and neither had Robert until last spring, when idle conversation revealed that certain cruise ‘ lines recruit personable mature presentable men for the -delectation of their unaccompanied women pas- sengers. ‘Let us, right here, define “delectation.’’ _ ,In the cruise ships’ con- text, it: means seeing that ‘women who come aboard alone are partnered, on the dance floor, on the sallies in port for shopping, on shore - excursions, at. the dinner tables, whenever, in fact, * they feel like company. :The host is expected to offer wine or whatever at - suitable times — he uses - chits provided for that pur- pose. He will naturally help an infirm lady to her cabin, ~.but ke will never step inside same.. He will offer his company for any part of the ‘ship or any entertain- ment available on it, in- cluding the gaming rooms, but he will never place a bet. . Should he breach any of the rules, he will be put ashore at the next port, from which he will perforce find his own way home. 2B AiO © om Pee. . AZ, oF ee * a, ¥’d never heard of it . Eleanor Godiey - THE VINTAGE YEARS He pays $150 a week for his privileges, to a woman in California who screens and hires the applicants. And, the good news that Robert wanted to broad- cast, many more applicants are needed. Lauretta Blake, the recruiter and screener, does the placing. Her number is (408) 727-5665, under the name of The Working Vacation, and she has open- ings right now for both long and short cruises, all over the world. There will be 10 aboard that round-the- world adventure of Robert's. Royal Cruise Lines was the pioneer in the welcome refinement, and Cunard uses these men on most of their ships, having discovered their value. It makes ali the difference to a lady contemplating a cruise for the first or any time, to know that when the dancing starts there will be a partner watching out for her. Dancing prowess is on the top of the list of require- ments, chaps, but take heart, many carry dance in- structors to help you brush up on the fox trot. Besides these _ essential dancing skills, the job pro- file is pretty straightforward — one is expected to know which fork to use for the lobster, to be obliging and courteous and interested in all manner of people and ideas and destinztions. One does need geocd- looking clothing, including formal jackets both black and white, and a good in- come to allow one to be available when asked. It is possible to take a segment of a cruise, should you have commitments, but air fare is paid only on the long trans- fers. It’s also obviously meant for the single male, uniess ‘you’re masterful enough to persuade any wife you might have to stay home and drudge while you lap up luxury on the Saga Fjord. Duty is actually imposed only for four or five hours a day, though Robert says each day really consists of being pleasant to everyone all the time, and = great friendships are made. He has a raft of letters and cards from ali over the “world, reminding him he’d be welcome were he to disembark in their space. Besides trading cruises for attention to ladies, Lauretta has a long list of activities which can be offered aboard if there is someone to lead. Those dance classes, for instance — you can be the instructor and part of the fun at the same time—or teach classes for fitness or classes for hemstitching or yoga or the history of art or how to play backgammon, the list is long and varied. For Robert, late 50s, with a background that includes various types of marketing and finance, loving the sea — he used to command small passenger vessels and still has his Master’s ticket -— and who is open-minded and curious and know- ledgeable, there’s no better way. West Vancouver Store only Follow these easy steps: Bring in your kid's used ski wear during check-in week, Oct. 5-9 (only e Clean clothing in good condition will be accepted, sizes 116) Tell us how much you want for it. » (a reasonable price, of course) e We attach a price tag and put it on sale for 3 days, Oct. 911 4 Come back and see us on Sunday, Oct. 11 between 4 pm and 6pm and 1 pick up cash, cheque or unsold clothing * All unclaimed clothing wilt be donated to charity ; CAN-SKI : 1845 Marine'Drive, Wwe st vancouver sunday. : SSO SSS SS Re Watch fof Northlands News, [ the mail now ae Pete SESS UE ISR ROIS PROSE casas staan a Northlands News is a booklet summarizing a~ Proposed Plan for Northlands Golf Course and Neighbourhood, which is currently being considered by the Council of the District of North Vancouver. The Plan proposes a significant development for our community and it’s important that all residents have the opportunity to review and _ . comment on the Plan. That's why this summary is being delivered to you, and every other resident in the Dis- trict, for your: ¢ information “ discussion, and ~ comment. And, you’re invited to an ‘Open House for more detailed information and discussion of the Northlands Golf Course and Neighbour: hood Plan. Drop in between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on *: October 8, to Handsworth School - — 1044 Edgewood Road,or * October 15 to Windsor School - 935 Broadview.