Some stereotypes went overboard

The captain, Leonidas Panopoulos, arrived straight from central casting. Compact, strong, with salt and pepper hair, square high forehead, and nose as straight as a marble statue, he’s the George Clooney of Greek ship captains. The other 400 or so crew hailed from dozens of countries. I can’t imagine anyone more cheerful and energetic than Elisabeth Rafferty de Castro, the British director of activities. Perhaps the most touching moment was when she gathered the crew - including dishwashers, cleaning staff, chefs, bartenders, excursion guides, and, yes, the captain and his underlings - for a farewell show in the theater. These nonprofessional singers gave a rousing rendition of “We Are the World,’’ leaving only the most cynical among us dry-eyed.