WELCOME ABOARD THE PORT ROYALE.Step aboard and let the adventure begin... The good ship ‘Port Royale’ is a magnificent stand-alone man-of-war moored at a ‘private pier’ beside the Fleet Admiral’s headquarters in a quiet part of the dock. It boasts a nautical buccaneers theme, characterised by sturdy wood cladding inside and out throughout the lower level, reminiscent of mighty seafaring galleons.*Crossing the Gunwale*At first sight, you’ll be drawn to the heavy wooden double entrance doors that are a feature all to their own, boasting brass portholes and custom-ma
WELCOME ABOARD THE PORT ROYALE.
Step aboard and let the adventure begin...
The good ship ‘Port Royale’ is a magnificent stand-alone man-of-war moored at a ‘private pier’ beside the Fleet Admiral’s headquarters in a quiet part of the dock. It boasts a nautical buccaneers theme, characterised by sturdy wood cladding inside and out throughout the lower level, reminiscent of mighty seafaring galleons.
*Crossing the Gunwale*
At first sight, you’ll be drawn to the heavy wooden double entrance doors that are a feature all to their own, boasting brass portholes and custom-made blacksmith fittings, enticing one to venture inside and explore the realm of Buccaneers Quarters.
A feast for the eyes awaits as one steps inside the recreational lounging area where the bulkheads are clad with wood and adorned with maritime memorabilia from a time gone by. A comfortable two-seater weathered leather lounge suite pillaged by shipmates greets the wary seafarer. A gold coin-encrusted coffee table and modern high-back recreational chairs also bunk in the lounging area, making for a cosy atmosphere while contemplating the next voyage of discovery.
*The Galley and Captains Quarters*
The fully equipped galley with a movable butcher’s block and a quaint round table with 4 chairs is all the Cookie needs to serve his shipmates a tasty ration of slop after a rough day plundering along the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.
Moving deeper inside on this deck, you’ll find the Master Suite, or more fondly known as the Captains’ Quarters. This lower deck cabin boasts a lavishly laid out queen-size bunk, powerful air conditioner, ceiling fan, large TV with full DSTV bouquet, Wi-Fi, separate entrance, as well as an open-plan shower and head. Buccaneers and Salty Sea Dogs don’t have a need for a tub; a light sprinkling of water does just fine. Thick live edge wood slabs and decking planks adorn the Skippers cabin, including a unique dressing table hung on heavy duty chains to create an authentic maritime ambiance.
Here the Sea Captain’s fair and enchanting First Lady will feel right at home while preparing for the razzling nights out in the surroundings of Port Royale. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors covering the outside of the cupboards assist in viewing the outfit chosen for that evening’s festivities. Ample hanging locker space and shelving are at her disposal for a full spread of garments while away from home under sail onboard Port Royale.
*The Upper Deck*
Let’s shimmy up the wooden staircase and see what the junior ratings and NCO’s can expect...
The upper deck is perfectly suited to accommodate two up-and-coming Able Seamen as well as that unexpected wharf rat that comes aboard on short notice. The former hammocks have been replaced with two comfortable single beds and a large fold-out sleeper couch for that extra-free loading Sailor.
This deck is equipped with an air conditioner, a minibar fridge, a small table and two chairs, a TV and DSTV with full bouquet, Wi-Fi, gear lockers, a shower, basin, and head. Let’s get to the good stuff. The Officers Mess and surrounds are beckoning to be explored.
*The Officers Mess and Quarterdeck*
Stepping out of the lounge and galley area, sailors can enjoy some well-deserved R&R in the undercover quarterdeck. The Quarterdeck hosts the “Kraken Bar," a braai area and comfortable lounge. The Master at Arms can take up his position behind the fully equipped bar to chill the grog and serve shots of rum while enjoying watching his fellow shipmates Splice the Main Brace, all while spinning yarns of past adventures.
Cookie will no doubt be summoned to stoke the undercover fire and grill some fresh fish caught right there at the dock. The fair maidens can relax in the comfortable 6-seater suite and let time pass effortlessly in this relaxing environment.
This deck is equipped with a bar fridge, TV with full DSTV bouquet, Wi-Fi, a music system, an undercover braai, a six-seater lounge suite, a coffee table, and two movable recreational chairs. Drop-down blinds have replaced port holes all around to batten down the hatches when a nasty squall moves in.
*The Weather Deck*
Navigating further south, the quarterdeck flows on to the external weather deck. This deck is the perfect outdoor recreational area to soak up the sun and cool off in your own private Martini pool when caught drifting through the hot Doldrums. Beautiful mermaids can often be seen sunning themselves on the padded pool loungers while sailors sing merry songs on the surrounding sleeper wood and picnic-style benches. This deck is furnished with a private LED-lit martini pool, 2 sun loungers, a four-seater wood picnic bench, an outdoor umbrella, two sleeper benches, an outdoor shower, night lighting, a small grassy lawn, and a private beach access path.
The Master at Arms is to keep an eye on his merry sailors in this area, especially those ratings that are Three Sheets to the Wind. We don’t have a Longboat to put them into, nor do we need the Shore Patrol raising eyebrows; the Brigg is a nasty place. Walking the plank is frowned upon nowadays, not to mention being keel hauled... Ahhh, the good old days.
It’s time to jump ship and see what the Land Lubbers get up to on this pristine shoreline.
*Shore Excursion*
Davy Jones’s locker is calling those who need to get their feet into the sand and watch the waves break on a perfect, quiet beach. Let’s get a shore pass from the Quartermaster and explore a little more.
Exiting the weather deck is made possible via a private, paved jungle walkway. Curious sailors can wander through the Admirals private gardens to a glorious grassy open boulevard raised above sea level, offering a feast for the eyes. The beautiful, warm Indian Ocean presents itself with immaculate splendor. One can either relax on the Sleeper benches and take in the 180-degree views or nip down the private beach stairway straight onto the sand.
The rest is up to you and your imagination. Cast off and join our crew at Port Royale for unforgettable fun and lingering memories.
Your Hosts,
Admirals of the Fleet, Henry & Michelle.
Read more