Cooking Lesson #651: NCL’s Rebellious Fish Cocktail

The Cruising Collection

…from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar

credit: NCL.com

How you doin’? Perspectives was on the conversion team after NCL bought the long moth balled transatlantic speedster ship SS France. In her time, she was the envy of many countries as one of the fastest ships on the Atlantic. The SS France was a Compagnie Générale Transatlantique ocean liner, constructed by the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard at Saint-Nazaire.

In 1974 the ship was set aside as the era of intercontinental ocean travel was swiftly coming to an end with the increasing dominance of jet aircraft. This could have easily been the end of the story. However, in 1979 the Norwegian Cruise Line purchased the SS France from France and spent a year converting her into the biggest Caribbean cruise ship of the period. In fact, she was 50% larger than all other ships in operation in the Caribbean. As part of the purchase agreement France was allowed to remove all the priceless glass and artworks form most of the public areas

Recommissioned as the SS Norway, she quickly became a big hit with the cruising public. Few other ships could match the range of onboard facilities and amenities. For example, in the decade of Disco music–launched by John Travolta’s ‘Saturday Night Fever’ and music by the ‘Bee Gees’–her Discothèque rocked way into the wee hours and was the place to be each evening. SS Norway also sported a small shopping mall and casino and several dining outlets from fast food to fine dining.
It wasn’t easy getting there. The ships sewer pumps gave out on the way to England for her inaugural transatlantic press cruise causing the ship to be delayed in port for 10 days. The ship engines stuttered mid-Atlantic, and the SS Norway made an unceremonious entrance into New York harbor being dragged and pushed by ocean-going tugs. I was on both of those cruises. Even after a difficult rebirth, she became the gem of NCL.

In her later years, as newer, larger and even more luxurious ships entered the market SS Norway became irrelevant with her many oddly shaped cabins, very few balconies, and dated fixtures and fittings. While her sea keeping abilities and onboard ambiance were a link to the past, the number of passengers that appreciated these became fewer and fewer—it became all about the glitz.
In 2003 the SS Norway experienced a boiler explosion while she was docked in Miami. Several crew members were killed, and a few others were severely injured. After a prolonged investigation into the causes of the accident and a survey of the damage sustained, her owners concluded that she would be too expensive to repair. In 2008 the Norway was retired… the end to one of the last great operational ocean liners. There was only one SS France/Norway, she’s gone but not forgotten.

As a toast to the old lady, here’s a cocktail still seen on many NCL ships.  Sometimes a glass just isn't enough to slake your thirst (or keep sea breeze buzz going). The Rebellious Fish, which combines a variety of flavors, is not only refreshing and delicious, it's served in a souvenir fishbowl! Don't forget to snap a selfie with your giant drink, as it's sure to rack up "likes" on Instagram.
 
Ingredients 
3/4 ounce Passoa passion fruit liqueur
3/4 ounce vodka
1/4 ounce triple sec
2 ounces prosecco
2 ounces orange juice
Fresh berries (garnish)
 
Directions

1. Combine the passionfruit liqueur, vodka, triple sec and orange juice in a mixing glass.
2. Shake contents.
3. Pour mixture into glass over ice.
4. Pour the prosecco (sparkling wine) into 12 ounce serving glass, over ice.
5. Float the berries on top to garnish.

ChefSecret:  Change it up and go Caribbean by replacing the vodka with rum.

Quip of the Day:  Ships have been widely referred to as 'she' since 1375. This can be traced back to the linguistic complexity prevailing in the English language. It has evolved over centuries, taking direct influence from a vast array of languages. Although it may sound strange referring to an inanimate object as 'she', this tradition relates to the idea of a female figure such as a mother or goddess guiding and protecting a ship and crew at sea.
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide.
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America and/or American Red Cross.

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