CGTNORMANDIE

I like that folder Donald!!! They just don't do things the way they used to...much better then than now...lol.

 

HI DRUKE!!! The one thing that I liked about Princess was their Wheelhouse Lounge. Each ship has one and you can find some glorious oil paintings of historic P&O vessels dating back to the 1800's. Some of those paintings are real classics...really gorgeous.

 

Ross

BRAVO CONTE!!! I think we should email Cunard and let them know that they are about 70 years too late...LOL. Over the years we have come up with some sensational ideas for pax entertainment. Surf boarding or water skiing behind a moving ship were good ones. I believe zip lining from smoke stack to lower decks was another. Celebrity is adding in real grass to their golf course on the SOLSTICE...so we thought of croquet...why not???...LOL. I also like the idea of the automatic self leveling pool tables on RCI...LOL.

 

Ross

BON VOYAGE FRAN!!!

 

We hope you have a great voyage...and have plenty of stories for us upon your return!!!

 

Ross

HI DOUG!!!

 

Your friend was right...RCI/Celebrity does not know what it wants to be...and hasn't for a long time. The Chandris family built Celebrity out of Chandris and Fantasy Cruises. They always gave a good cruise for a reasonable amount of money...it was always quality and value. Their concept to create a better product in Celebrity got sidetracked when RCI bought them. RCI did not seem to have a plan...and treated X like a poor relative in the process. While RCI built a super fleet...they allowed X to languish. The Millennium Class ships would have been nearly perfect if it hadn't of been for the pod problems. Although the cabin design on the M class ships leaves a bit to be desired...I like RCI better...the ships are subtly beautiful and should last a long time. The Solstice class ships will enable Celebrity to expand and profit...but I have yet to figure out the theme. You cannot claim to be a premium line and then continue to cut back on all the goodies. I think that X will become a quieter version of RCI...a bit more upscale and subdued. This would be a parallel to Carnival and Princess. Carnival has successfully sold Princess as the upscale version of Carnival. Carnival has managed to keep the bulk of their customers in their stable by transitioning them from C to P.

 

Ross

On the Home page of CCritic, the photo of the week is Emerald Princess. I was stunned when I saw that photo because I rarely see those apartment barges - um, behemoths. The photo shocked me out of my shoes to think that this picture is showing the future of cruise ships. I invite you to take a gander. Ruby

 

 

HI RUBY!!!

 

If you look carefully at EMERALD PRINCESS you will see why we call the GRAND class ships "shopping carriages"...lol.

 

HI DONALD!!!

 

I agree...whatever happened to the art of relaxation. It bothers me when I here some green-horn talk about how they are afraid they are going to be bored onboard a ship. I always tell them...not to worry...there is plenty of occupational therapy...LOL.

 

Ross

The C class ships of Celebrity are fuel guzzlers. They are wonderful ships but I doubt they will be used for any long range cruising and probably will be retired unless they can figure out a way to employ them on short range cruises. The SOLSTICE ships will actually use less fuel but who knows what the product will look like after RCI gets done with Celebrity. They seem to be melting it down so it resembles every other cruise line...OH WELL.

 

Ross

I AGREE WITH CONTE DI SAVOIA!!!

 

A cruise is a great excuse to dress to the 9's. We always pack with abandon and weigh it after we are done. As long as we are allowed 2 full size suitcases and a carry-on...we will take them. Here you are...on a gorgeous ship...you might as well "dress the part" and enjoy!!!

 

Ross

HI DRUKE!!!

 

Yes...Ward Bond was a constant actor with John Wayne. Ward was a favorite of Republic and John Ford. And let's not forget the McLaglins (sp?) either...Victor and his sons were always involved with that group too. I thought it was John Huston who directed the "Quiet Man". John was another one of those quirky directors who seemed to have moments of sheer genius. But I am looking at a reference that says it was John Ford...OH WELL. I love the remastered digital color of "The Quiet Man". There are some great shots in that film...a forerunner to "Ryan's Daughter". Another funny thing about "The Quiet Man" was that both Fitzgerald brothers played in that movie...one was Michaleen and the other was the Protestant minister...I believe Barry and Edmond Fitzgerald???

 

Well now...back to ocean liners...LOL

 

Ross

OHHHH BOY!!! (A bit off topic but so what...LOL!!!)

 

I always thought that Maureen Ohara was at her best in "The Quiet Man"...she was absolutely gorgeous in that movie...one of my favorites. My wife bought me "The Bishop's Wife"...a Christmas favorite. Angelina Jolie looks like a char woman compared to Loretta Young. The so called stars of today cannot hold a candle to the real stars...DiCaprio, Clooney, and Pitt are just a bunch of weak imitations when compared to the likes of Gable, Cagney, Flynn, Cooper and the others. These actors really had to work for a living and they had a lot more talent.

 

"The Best Years of Our Lives"...what a fantastic movie that was...even had Hoagy Carmichael doing a cameo appearance. Give me "Casablanca" any day over the current crap coming from Hollywood and the ridiculous parade of false icons masquerading as actors. The acting, music, dance, etc. of the 40's and 50's will never be equaled by today's standards. It breaks my heart when I have to explain all of this to younger people. They do not even know any of these fine films exist...they are totally clueless. I have shown my nieces and nephews some great movies and they are totally floored to find out about the rich heritage of the 30's-40's and 50's.

 

Ross

[quote name='Saga Ruby']
I'm kicking around the Prinsendam itinerary for 16 days out of Rome to Ukraine for 2009. The only negative is yet another 24-30hr. day in transport to Rome. If only there were a Transporter Room. Ruby[/quote]

BEAM ME UP RUBY!!! Wouldn't that be great??? Don't you hate flying...it has to be the worst aspect of cruising...lol. Glad to hear you are considering the PRINSENDAM...everyone I know seems to like it. I got to see her sail past us in New York harbor last May and she looked great.

Ross

THANKS CONTE!

I guess the work is now completed...sounds nice. The interior will be totally spiffed up Fran. They are not stretching the ship...thank Heavens!!! The PRINSENDAM is a one of a kind type of ship...and hopefully it will stay that way.

Ross

[B]GOOD NEWS FOR SMALL SHIP LOVERS!!!
[/B]
HAL just announced a $20 million refit for the PRINSENDAM. New bathrooms in refurbished cabins and refurbished public rooms will be part of the face lift. PRINSENDAM is still a beautiful ship so this should come as good news to most of you.

Ross

It was really funny. We got onboard the LD and found our outside cabin to be very small...so I went to the Purser and he was wonderful. He led me from cabin to cabin but finally we took a cabin on a lower deck, inside, that was big enough for 4 pax...with a large bathroom. The cabin was ideal for us...and talk about private...there was nobody else staying in our section...we had the steward all to ourselves and he was delighted...LOL. The only problem was...finding our way down to our cabin. I can remember walking all over the first few days until I got it right. The colors of the passageways would change from green to salmon pink to grey...LOL.

Ross

[quote name='Kapricorn'][COLOR=black]You're right ... I took a look at the layouts of the Tourist Class cabins on the deck plan, and most of these are too small to be of practical use for cruisers. In addition, they were arranged in confusing mazes. It's interesting, though, to see their various shapes, as contrasted with the cookie-cutter layouts on current cruise ships.[/COLOR] Donald.[/quote]

This reminded me of the time my wife got lost on the LEONARDO DAVINCI. YES...she actually got lost trying to find her way back to our room. When the LD cruised they opened up all the class partitions so you could walk between all 3 classes of cabins...and this made things extremely confusing. My wife spent an hour roaming the lower decks before coming topside to get me...LOL. It took her about 3 days before she could find her way around the ship...LOL.

Ross

COLLECTIBLES: Anything you like...if it stimulates your memories then you can collect it...just don't expect it to appreciated in value.

 

Fran, go ahead and collect all you want from the Marco Polo. Just remember...you are collecting for yourself and your own appreciation. If the items go up in value in future years...so much the better.

 

I never collected with the idea that my collection would be worth more money as time goes by. I collected because I really appreciate the art and effort that went into the great liners...the memories are priceless!!!

 

Ross

HI DONALD!

 

YES...Ebay is a good source for the constant collector. I started collecting when I made my first Atlantic crossing on "the old" QUEEN ELIZABETH in 1965. I have rummaged thru flea markets and marine shops, book stores, antique shops, etc. and I have bought on Ebay. I have something from just about every major line from the early 1900's and onwards as well as an outstanding book collection. I can sit for hours and pour over my memorabilia when the mood strikes me and I find it to be a great comfort in the changing and dangerous world we live in. I also, like Conte Di Savoia, kept everything I could from my past crossings and cruises...at least 22 to date. I also have friends (thanks Ruby...LOL!!!) who have saved memorabilia for me from their cruises. I started asking friends and relatives back in the 1960's for memorabilia. My collection now stands at about 6 very large plastic storage containers...something my wife keeps complaining about...LOL.

 

Ross

AHHHHH CONTE!!!

 

I love those CGT menus!!! My collection dates back to the original NORMANDIE...c1885. French Line menus are works of art...outside as well as inside. The grand menus of the First Class were some of the most incredible menus ever to sail the 7 seas. I really loved some of the special menus from the Rio cruises onboard NORMANDIE 1937...I believe. They were even bigger than normal. Passengers did not worry about cholesterol and fat etc. They dined on some of the greatest food ever served at sea.

 

You are certainly right about the menus being shortened for today's cruise pax. I remember that the luncheon items on the AMERIKANIS were numbered (so the waiters could understand) and it was not uncommon for a luncheon menu to exceed 100 items. Luncheon on the Italian ships always featured the normal 9 or 10 courses as well as at least 2 or 3 outstanding Italian specialty dishes each day...simply fantastic. I guess fine dining took the place of waterslides, deck games and fancy leg contests...LOL.

 

Ross

[B]CLASSIC OCEAN LINER MENUS: [/B]My favorite topic!!!

HI CONTE, What a contrast your 1939 BREMEN/EUROPA menu is to my 1929 collection of BREMEN/EUROPA menus. Mine are wonderful, fanciful, colorful works of art. I have an extensive collection of BREMEN/EUROPA from the 20's and early 30's and they are classic art pieces...inside and out. Your 1939 menu is dark and colorless...a harbinger of things to come. When the war id break out on September 1st 1939...the BREMEN left New York a few nights afterwards and sailed a northerly route...ending up in Russia before returning to Germany. As the BREMEN left New York that September evening...all the ships complement turned out above deck and gave the **** salute as she sailed out of NY harbor...a harsh reminder of what was to come.

I love the classic liner menus...and there is nothing like them on today's ships. Printing a new menu each day on a fresh cover with wonderful art work was one of the great surprises that each passenger looked forward to. Nothing can come close to the epicurean banquets that were prepared on some of the classic liners. The QUEEN MARY had more than 9 courses offered each evening with a selection of roasted game dishes and a hot savory course on top of the usual feast. The first meal I ever had onboard a ship was in the First Class Dining Room of the "old" QUEEN ELIZABETH. You can imagine my surprise...as a 16 year old traveler. The breakfast menu had 3 types of bacon, 3 types of sausage and more dishes than I ever thought existed. I was stunned...and never forgot it...I can picture that room, the menu and the steward in my mind...clearly...today...even as I write this.

Ross

WOW!!! I knew I would get a response going on the big ship/little ship dilemma.

Fran, I admire your grit and love of tradition. I would love it if some of the old ships were still in service. As Donald says...It is a marvelous experience to be able to wake up and have 300 fellow passengers saying "Good Morning" to you. Ahhhhh...I remember those days so well. There was a sense of cordiality and camaraderie that you will never find on the mega barges. I also agree with you regarding formal wear and assigned seating. I would always want it that way. Traditions are such a nice touch when at sea. We live in a world of change...it is nice to experience some things in the traditional sense...these things have already been perfected why change them? When the movie TITANIC came out...there was actually talk of remaking a replica of the TITANIC. I thought the idea had some merit...if they could only recreate a classic ship...all First Class of course...hmmm...maybe Steerage could be thrown in with some actors...LOL.

Ross

HI FRAN,

 

I will welcome you to this thread as Ruby has been very busy with her grand kids who are visiting. I think you have found the right place here. All of us are lamenting what used to be. Many here also feel that they cannot sail on a larger newbuild...they prefer the classic smaller ships. Unfortunately the small ships are on the way out for all time. The newbuilds are a lot more economical to run and SOLAS has taken care of the rest by implementing safety rules and regulations that most older ships cannot meet. Just as the Transaltantic Liner bid us farewell...so too will the small cruise ship do the same. OBTW...you need to try Bonine for your sea sickness...it works like a charm.

 

Ross

GALDARNIT!!! I am going to ask the moderator to close down this thread!!! THE JEWEL OF THE SEAS is the best kept secret in RCI!!! With all you people talking about it the secret won't stay secret too long!!! THE JEWEL IS A JEWEL!!! She is the most beautiful ship in the world...she is the likely successor to the RCI SUN VIKING...that many of you will remember as the most beloved ship in RCI.

SAD NEWS INDEED...Frank O. Braynard was a fixture in my life of ocean liner history. His authoritative history of the LEVIATHAN was without equal. He was always one of those "old salts" who was quoted in ocean liner documentaries etc. We did not hear much from Frank these last few years as his health had deteriorated but Frank Braynard will be greatly missed in the world of ocean liner history. He was one of a handful of truly great ocean liner historians. His legacy will live on with the Seaport Museum in New York City. Frank Baynard...we salute you.

 

Ross

HI DONALD!!!! Welcome back!!! Sounds like you had a good b2b. The GALAXY sounds about right for you too. I miss the CENTURY...the way she was before the refit.

 

HI CONTE, Nice cards!!! I always loved the LEONARDO DAVINCI...great memories.

 

HOW ABOUT...SAGA FJORD??? Seems to me they should stick with a winner!!! SAGA OPAL...INDEED!!! LOL!!!

 

Ross

THANKS DOUG...I new the Berlin had something to do with the ASTOR.

 

Sounds like SAGA better order another newbuild on top of the one they just ordered.

 

Ross

THANKS DRUKE AND CONTE!!! I am hoping that my friends will enjoy the SPIRIT. Just off the top of my head...wasn't the BERLIN originally the ASTOR???

 

Ross