Sweet mistake: The ice-cream faux pas on a cruise ship I'll never forget

On every cruise in warm weather, Seabourn hosts an Ice Cream Social, held poolside with live music.

Standing beside me, a friendly American woman asked for my recommendations.

"Chocolate, obviously, but pair it with the popcorn and peanut," I advised.

We waffled on about cones versus bowls, sauce or sprinkles, and whether to add a dash of Frangelico or Baileys.

The next morning, she spotted me at the gym. "Oh, hello, it's the ice-cream lady! What's the best flavour today?"

I promised I would report back later, after I had sampled the options. When I saw her again, having lunch in the restaurant, I stopped by her table, declared the cinnamon was delicious, and casually walked away.

I did this daily, wherever we crossed paths around the ship, until one day she ran up to me, waving excitedly.

"Ice-cream lady! I've been sick in bed all week. What have I missed?"

It was then I realised I had been giving random recommendations to a total stranger, someone very similar looking, who had never met me.

I thought back to all the times I had accosted this other woman, announcing flavours without any context, and then running away.

"The cinnamon is delicious" suddenly sounded ridiculous.

Interrupting her morning coffee. "Blood orange sorbet!"

As she read her book on the sun deck. "Apple frozen yoghurt!"

Another time I laughed hysterically at my little rhyme: "Rum 'n' raisin is amazin'!"

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I can only imagine what she must have been thinking.

Why is this crazy person yelling nonsense at me? Why only me? Are all Australians like this?

The worst moment was late at night, at the piano lounge, when I slid onto the barstool next to her. "Mind if the ice-cream lady joins you?" I asked. Oh my god, so creepy.

No wonder she had abruptly left. Cinnamon Cinderella sent her rushing back to her cabin at midnight.

Too embarrassed to explain my weird behaviour, I avoided her for the rest of the cruise.

I'll never know if she found my suggestions helpful or harassing, but I certainly never saw her at the gelato bar. She was probably too afraid I would be lurking there, licking spoons like a sugar-high stalker.

How big: 984 cabins, 1916 guests

Who would love it: Music lovers and foodies from Gen X to baby boomers

Who would not: Younger adults and teenagers

Point of difference: Multiple venues offer different styles of entertainment, where passengers get involved in singalongs and dancing.

Don't miss: The live band at BB King's Blues Club.

Price point: From $2194 per person, twin-share, in a verandah cabin on a seven-day Alaska Explorer round-trip from Seattle.

Explore more: hollandamerica.com

Pictures: Getty Images; supplied