At 10,000 tons she is not the biggest ship afloat but what the Seabourn Pride lacks in size she makes up in class.

The streamlined vessel graced Hamilton Harbour last Thursday, marking the start of the Island's cruise ship season which will see the arrival of hulking cruise liners in the 1,000-plus passenger bracket.

Not the Seabourn Pride however. The most passengers she is licensed to carry is 204 but her line -- Seabourn Cruise Line -- seldom book more than 190 for a voyage. On this particular jaunt, she was only carrying 143.

Once on board those passengers are treated like kings and queens. As a crew member confided: "They can do just about anything they want.'' This is probably one of the reasons why SCL was voted the best cruise line by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine for three years running -- 1992, 1993 and 1994.

In the formal dining room -- simply entitled The Restaurant -- passengers can choose who they would like to sit with as there is no regimented seating plan.

They also have the choice of ordering from the French-flavoured menu which features a lot of tableside preparation or straying and asking for dishes which are not on the regular menu.

If they wish to eat somewhere less formal, they can go to the Verandah Cafe which is located near the pool and also offers buffet breakfasts and lunches along with the occasional theme dinner once or twice a cruise.

Or passengers can request dinner in their rooms. Room service is available 24 hours and is personally served course by course.

The pound-conscious have no excuses either for not enjoying the cuisine.

There is a fully equipped gymnasium on board offering aerobic classes, cardiovascular machines and Nautilus weight lifting equipment. An unobstructed circuit for walking or jogging is located on the top deck above the swimming pool and the trio of jacuzzis.

The rooms themselves are large and comfortable and each suite is an outside cabin complete with picture window, walk-in closet, sitting area, refrigerator and entertainment system while the bathrooms feature twin sinks and a large marble bath.

In fact, marble is liberally used throughout the vessel, along with highly polished brass and glass.

The circular atrium which greets passengers as they board the ship highlights the vessel's elegance with a spiral staircase curling serpentine through the centre connecting the ship's six decks.

While small and sophisticated, the Seabourn Pride also packs an entertaining punch.

Amongst her six decks -- named Leif Eriksson, Constellation, Marco Polo, Magellan, Columbus and Connoisseur -- the Seabourn Pride offers a library with books and videos, a casino and a card room.

There is also the tiered Magellan Lounge which hosts musical revues and the occasional lecture from authors, chefs or celebrities, the Constellation Lounge which overlooks the ship's bow and the outdoor Sky Bar where passengers can gather during the day while lounging pool side.

Topping it all off is the late night club adjacent to the casino which has live entertainment.

To get ready for the big night out one can visit the clothing boutique, barber or beauty salon and pop into the spa for a refreshing herbal wrap or facial.

For daytime action in warm destinations there are plenty of water sports on offer with the vessel able to lower his stern when it is calm and create a swimming area protected by wire netting.

This is especially useful when the vessel is in the vicinity of the Great Barrier Reef off Australia, said assistant cruise director Trisha Lee.

From here passengers can swim, sail, water ski, jet ski or ride banana boats and paddle boats. Meanwhile land excursions hold invitations to private clubs or tours of attractions.

STEPPING UP -- Royal Gazette photographer Arthur Bean captured this unique view of the ciruclar staricase of the Seabourn Pride from the heart of the ship.

PRIDE OF PLACE -- Seabourn Pride lies alongside Front Stree last week.