A RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE

Russian crew members don traditional costumes in colourful dance displays

If you've always had a yen to learn more about the Russian people and their culture but Russia is either too expensive to reach, or seemingly too formidable - then the answer's berthed right in Durban harbour. Or rather, at anchor in the roads, to be precise.

This is the Russian cruise ship, the Russ, the latest cruise vessel to plough our ocean waves. Carrying 250-300 passengers, this nine-year old vessel has anti-roll stabilisers so she's fairly steady. Certainly steady enough for Russian dancers to swing their partners in true traditional fashion for the entertainment of passengers.

And behind the ribbons and the floral head-dress, could that be your waitress? It could indeed, as any crew member with musical or dancing talent is encou- raged to take part in the shows.

TV team: Leon Breytenbach, Jill Murraybrown and Oliver Hart

This was the mood that a local SABC television crew went aboard the Russ to capture - and came away charmed. Producer Jill Murraybrown, cameraman Leon Breytenbach and sound engineer Oliver Hart - along with D'ARTS editor Caroline Smart as presenter - spent five days on a cruise to Beira and back.

SHELL

Beira is a sad shell of the magical and exciting port it used to be. A grim reminder that the ravages of war and revolution mostly affect the poor and underprivileged.

Hopefully with more cruise ships using the harbour, this will generate an income which should boost the local economy.

Not that there's any need to disembark anywhere, leave alone Beira, with the entertainment on board.

There's the resident band Kalinka and information officer Nick Guryev is a Marx Brothers/Chaplin mix!

"It's quite difficult entertaining such a wide variety of people," says cruise director Peter Warren, whose job it is to see that passengers are happy and comfortable. Not an easy task but it's all done with charm and a smile.

With 30 years at sea, very little seems to phase Peter Warren. "We have a pro- gramme of entertainment that takes place on the outer decks throughout the day and if it rains, then we just move in- doors and do something else!"

Working with Russians for about 19 years, Peter has seen many changes - not the least being that now it's quite acceptable to be able to ask a Russian to join you for a drink or a meal without the KGB hovering in the background! "I think that there's still a big mystique about Russia and sailing with us offers a chance to talk to Russians and get to know them. That's good for both sides."

DURBAN ARTISTES

Among the Durban artistes on board are musicians Martin Sigamoney and Deon Krishnan. Eric Hutton has directed several shows featuring singer Grace Swanson and dancers Karen Drake, Bridget McEwan and Alain Rijnivis.

Bridget McEwan, Alain Rijnivis & Karen Drake

"We don't pretend to be a five-star ship," adds Peter Warren, "but we try to give you full value for your money." INFORMATION

For more details on this `Russian experience' aboard the Russ, contact Five Star Cruises on (011) 442-4015 or (031) 29-8553 or nearest travel agent.

During February and March, there are party weekends from R755 pp! And, considering your time aboard includes three meals a day (and these are big meals!), not to mention mid morning or afternoon snacks, it's certainly value for money!