Crimson Tide Cruise: What 'Bama Legends Say About Football's Coolest Vacation

Andrew Zow, former UA quarterback (1998-2001) who graduated as the Tide's all-time leading passer, current head coach at Bessemer City High School: I think it's the closest [fans] feel with players. With the player-fan relationship, the players are so generous with their time and the things they do, and the fans are always welcoming regardless if you were a superstar down at Alabama, or if you have an A-Club ring on. If you say, 'Hey I was down there during this era,' they'll know the era, they'll know who you are. What makes them special is that they have Alabama football.

They truly love the game. They know the game. They truly care about what goes on down in Tuscaloosa.

Zow talked about the brotherhood and community that helped him become a man during his time in college, where he guided Alabama to the 1999 SEC Championship. Zow recognizes that Alabama spirit and camaraderie even more today when he gets the chance to participate in events like the Crimson Tide Cruise.

What was the first Crimson Tide Cruise like?

Gold: It was a regular cruise into which were injected 1,000 or 2,000 Alabama fans. But you know, there were Auburn fans and LSU fans; there were people from everywhere on the cruise because they had bought the cruise, you know like a family would.

Everybody had a great time. You know, the Alabama fans loved talking to the players. They loved hanging around with the players. They loved participating in the trivia contests. They loved the dinners. They love all the fan-oriented activities. Everybody had a wonderful time, they really did.

Credit: Chris Bradshaw (via ASK4 Entertainment)

Zow: It's just a great atmosphere. The atmosphere is unbelievable. And then you also see some other people who root for other teams who are on the boat, but for the most part, it is loaded with Alabama folks.

We're talking Alabama ball. We got the trivia things going. We got these challenges that go on. Then you start seeing the competition between players come out in some of those things. We talk a little trash between the offense and defense. I am so excited about this cruise. I look forward to it. It is one of the best, best things I've ever been a part of.

Favorite moments from last year's cruise?

Gold: We had stuff at nine o'clock in the morning one morning for a Crimson Tide trivia contest. They packed the ballroom, where they do the night shows, and the place was packed with Alabama fans. We did nothing but have contests with 'Bama trivia and so on. We had pep rallies. While I was doing something else, people were playing shuffleboard with former players, and that cornhole game, and all sorts of stuff.

It was a wonderful opportunity for the fans to meet the players and to hang out. Of course, there were formal autograph sessions, which everybody participated in. It was supposed to go like two hours, and I think it went like four or four-and-a-half hours.

Gold and his wife won a version of the "Newlywed Game" that 1992 national champion Derrick Lassic and his wife, plus current Washington Redskins defensive lineman Jonathan Allen and his wife also participated in. Gold jokingly said that he and his wife represented the "older set" of couples, having been married 41 years at the time.

Credit: Chris Bradshaw (via ASK4 Entertainment)

Zow: One night we were having dinner and one waiter gets beside [former All-American cornerback] Antonio Langham. He danced around this pole, and he was right behind Langham's head. Langham was so embarrassed and so caught off guard. Everybody at the table was just laughing with him.

The entire cruise was awesome, man. My wife and I never had so much fun on a vacation. To interact with the fans on a daily basis, there's [the players] having a great time with them, and they're telling us stories — we're each sharing stories about our time at Alabama. Also seeing so many great players from over the years.

What are you looking forward to this year?

Gold: What's not to like? You're in a t-shirt or a golf shirt and a pair of shorts in the middle of the warmth in the middle of February!

Goode: Just some down time because I think my wife and I are busier now than we ever have been with the foundation's activities. That'll give us a moment to unwind and de-clutter our minds.

Favorite Alabama player in recent years?

Gold: Quinnen [Williams] was one, but another guy who I loved to watch who really had a magnificent backstory was Josh Jacobs. You know, he had a very, very difficult life and ended up being an outstanding runner for Alabama, and now, is one of the top, great rookie stories in the National Football League running wild for the Oakland Raiders. He's been wonderful to watch.

Goode: I always liked watching Eddie Lacy. I like his running style, a big bruiser. I like Josh [Jacobs] and his story. They all have their own little, different nuances about them. You have to appreciate them for what they are.

A running back by trade, Goode said that Alabama's high-powered passing attack behind Tua Tagovailoa is something that's taken him some getting used to. "You know, it's kind of growing on me," he laughed.

Credit: Chris Bradshaw (via ASK4 Entertainment)

Zow: I really enjoy watching the wide receiver corps, but I'll tell you who's been special, and I've been anxious to see him on the field, is [outside linebacker Terrell Lewis]. Lewis, he is unbelievable. I remember in a spring game watching him return a fumble or an interception that he had gotten, and I was like 'Man, who's the running back? He's 6-5! There's no way a running back could be that big!'

He's a special story because I think that he's been injured over the past few years, but with the ability he has, he can affect the passer. To bounce back and go through some of the injuries he's been going through and watch how he's having a good year this year. Hoping he can keep turning it up as he gets back to form. He's a special player.

Crimson Tide Cruise 2020