With Philadelphia sandwiched in between New York and Baltimore, our ship arrivals were subject to the previous port's operation as well as weather. As a result we shied away from trying to entertain clients on board as we might end up in a restaurant where the captain was not as impressive as a REAL ship's captain. But one June evening we got lucky. Our number one import account in the midwest had planned a retreat for their dozen department managers in the Philadelphia area. We had our newest class vessel due in on a Sunday for work on Monday. With fat in the schedule and maximum daylight in June we invited them for cocktails aboard ship. The New York stewards department placed two dozen ten ounce tumblers aboard- with the company logo etched thereon - and the shore staff supplied the liquid refreshment. However, someone forgot to advise the ship's Chief Steward so there were no hors douvres, canapes or nary a pretzel laid out - this would be a PURE cocktail party. With the decibels rising it became time to go ashore - and down the gangway they came - these midwestern folks who had never seen a ship - some still clutching their souvenir ten ounce tumblers. Fortunately, we didn't need the cargo nets at the ready and we bundled them into taxis for their next engagement.
And our business relationship was preserved.
tjs
Next - Groundhog Day
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