Cruising.....I remember when!

[amybeth4]

I remember midnight chocolate buffets, horse racing (we used to bring costumes for them, and hope they didn't get horse-napped), theme nights (every night), skeet shooting, huge cabins and tiny swimming pools, confetti, wearing skirts and high heels at ports of call, shaking hands with the Captain (REALLY big deal!), 20 people on the beach at Trunk Bay, actually being able to walk on the STT sidewalks, free drinks at Sailaway, 50-cent sodas, cabin bathrooms that could hold more than two people, the awful Pirate and Parrot that hovered over your shoulder during dinner, big lobster tails and steaks, real coffee, and cash tipping, even when it wasn't asked for, suggested, or required. Aaaah - the good old days!

 

OMG I totally remember the chocolate buffet, the grand buffet, the ridiculous but fun horse racing (I loved seeing people walk around with their dressed-up horse all week), theme nights, skeet shooting, lining up to shake the captain's hand and have your own picture with him, the pirates in the MDR...

 

How about the daily piece of paper that had the news on it and the guy in the MDR whose sole job was to get you drinks? There's a LOT more but it's 2am and I can't think right now.

[jjb415]

This is slightly different..but when I heard it I could not help but think of when it was like that for me.

 

I was sitting in the airport today and I heard a couple talking who obviously had just gotten off their first cruise...they were so excited and were going on an on about the food.....I sat there thinking...remember when it was all so new and exciting and we liked everything..now days I hear so many complaints about food on the boards...it was nice to hear that couple enjoy their cruise without thoughts of anything negative.

 

Well said, thanks for posting. :)

[BobBeaSea]

Remember when you left your shoes outside your cabin door once you had turned in for the night? They would be shined and ready in the morning. Try that today with the number of young ones sailing :). RCI (and cruising in general) was quite expensive in those days compared with modern era.

 

Different times today. If you want something like the "old" experience you have to go upscale. At least with the cruising of today there is a wide variety of what is available at all sorts of price points. This has allowed millions to cruise, many of whom might not have been able to afford cruising. In the end, all is well.....

[tip]

Do you remember when?

 

I remember when folks used to smoke everywhere!:mad: And I mean everywhere and it smelled horrible. Inside all cabins, all lounges, outside of the dining rooms and it would drift in, both sides of the Lido Deck, and even in the theatre during shows.:eek: So even if I am bothered by smokers on the balconies, we have made some positive progress!;)

[imsulin]

I remember when folks used to smoke everywhere!:mad: And I mean everywhere and it smelled horrible. Inside all cabins, all lounges, outside of the dining rooms and it would drift in, both sides of the Lido Deck, and even in the theatre during shows.:eek: So even if I am bothered by smokers on the balconies, we have made some positive progress!;)

 

Oh, I remember that, too! There used to be ashtrays all along the corridor walls, and on tables in the dining rooms, theaters and lounges. In my early cruising days, there were either no or very few balconies (couldn't afford one anyway), but plenty of ashtrays in the cabins. No in-cabin safes or fridges. The pools were very small and had the high rims (whatever you call them) around them you could sit on. No hot tubs. On our first cruise in 1978, I think (Pacific Princess...Love Boat!), our cabin was the size of a motel room! We took cash, no credit card. We didn't know squat! I only remember two bars. Never even heard of trip insurance until about 2000. My first cruise on the NCL Norway (1988?) was about $1200 pp. My last trip in 2003 was $350 pp. The first ship that totally dazzled me was the NCL Seaward. The second was the Celebrity Zenith (and Horizon). Still paid a fortune for those cruises. On the Norway, they did have smoking and non-smoking areas in the dining room. NCL also did full play productions - musicals. On our early cruises, there were no casinos. Went to places like Cap Haitian, Martinique, and Guadeloupe. Who would even want to cruise back then?? Sill miss those days when service was at a premium, though!

[sea-cruise]

Good point Bob....All is well.

[sea-cruise]

. On our first cruise in 1978, I think (Pacific Princess...Love Boat!),

We sailed that ship through the Canal and when we came out on the Pacific side a hurricane chased us up the coast. We were rocking and rolling on that little ship!

 

 

My first cruise on the NCL Norway

 

She was near us at Martinique and I thought she was a HUGE ship.

Celebrity Zenith (and Horizon).

OMG you and I sailed a few of the same ships over the years. How about X's Meridian? She was a beautiful ship.

\ NCL also did full play productions - musicals.

 

We only sailed NCL once....That was the Dreamward Turkey, Italy, Greek Islands & Israel. I enjoyed those shows!

On our early cruises, there were no casinos. Went to places like Cap Haitian, Martinique, and Guadeloupe. Who would even want to cruise back then??

 

I miss those ports because they were not commercial stops for thousands of people. Have you ever stopped at Marie Galente? That was a small one too.

[Cruising89143]

Yes I remember when. I remember paying $1500.00 a person back in 1986 for my first cruise ever. Norwegian Caribbean Lines M.S Starward. A ship that was about 16,000 tons. For that $3000.00, we received a standard outside stateroom(no such thing as balcony cabins) that was about 110 square feet in size with a bathroom so small that you could do all things while standing in one spot.:eek:;)

 

I remember three meals a day and a midnight buffet all served in the main dining room at set times. You missed any of those meals and you were SOL. No such thing as room service or buffet/lido dining.

 

I remember a theater that was one level where I had to look up over other people to see the stage as it was so small.

 

Did I love it? Yes, it was great as there was nothing to compare it to. Would I like to go back to that style of cruising? No way. Give me the options that I want to pay for and let me enjoy all the amentities that have been added.:)

[imsulin]

sea-cruise....great memories! Did the Pacific Princess twice (Mexican Riviera, because that's the only place it went!) First cruise, so wore skirts/dresses, pantyhose and high heels in port! High heels and cobblestones - wonderful experience! Can't remember anything like a shore excursion - we just got off the ship and walked around. (We were so dumb!) Yes, that NORWAY was a huge ship with such a deep draft that we had to tender to every port. The only itinerary I ever sailed on her was the (same old-same old-same-old STT, St. Maarten, Great Stirrup Cay). My understanding is that NCL was the first to do the "private island" thing...we loved it! It became a sentimental favorite, and think I did at least nine cruises on her. We did one cruise (for the life of me, I can't remember the line or ship) that took us to Cap Haitian and Guadeloupe. Just did local beaches. Don't remember Marie Galente - where is it? My cruise on the NCL Seaward was my first introduction to Cozumel (had never heard of it), Grand Cayman, and Montego Bay. Thought the dining room was spectacular, because it was surrounded by windows. First cruise on Celebrity was an Eastern itin., and I thought it was the most beautiful and pristine ship I'd ever seen! Second Celebrity cruise was Southern itin. from San Juan, so first introduction to Martinique, St. Lucia, and Barbados. It was so thrilling to see these new ports! Afternoon tea, and someone always polishing those brass stair rails.

 

THEN....did a Windjammer, and got hooked on the SV small ships and off-the-beaten-path ports. Shed my evening gowns and heels, and did the shorts and T-shirt thing for about ten years, mainly on a tall ship (Sir Francis Drake). Really loved places like the BVI, Mustique, Palm Island, Barbuda, Nevis, Petit St. Vincent, Bitter End....etc. Unfortunately, the SFD sank off of St. Maarten during Hurricane Lenny in 1999.

 

In 2000, got back into mainstreaming cruising, and discovered HAL, RCI, Carnival , and the "new" Princess. Nothing like the old days, but definitely cheaper!

 

sea-cruise, thanks for your reply! Lots in common!

[imsulin]

Yes I remember when. I remember paying $1500.00 a person back in 1986 for my first cruise ever. Norwegian Caribbean Lines M.S Starward. A ship that was about 16,000 tons. For that $3000.00, we received a standard outside stateroom(no such thing as balcony cabins) that was about 110 square feet in size with a bathroom so small that you could do all things while standing in one spot.:eek:;)

 

I remember three meals a day and a midnight buffet all served in the main dining room at set times. You missed any of those meals and you were SOL. No such thing as room service or buffet/lido dining.

 

I remember a theater that was one level where I had to look up over other people to see the stage as it was so small.

 

Did I love it? Yes, it was great as there was nothing to compare it to. Would I like to go back to that style of cruising? No way. Give me the options that I want to pay for and let me enjoy all the amentities that have been added.:)

 

You're absolutely right about those three meals a day and the midnight buffet! No Lido or Windjammer buffet to speak of! I can remember emptying a couple of small bowls of peanuts in the lounge while waiting for dinner! Yeah, those single-tier theaters with the small stages were something! Craning necks. Never wore shorts except on port days. Love the cheaper prices these days, but sure miss some of the amenities and service!

[abhb]

Our first cruise was our honeymoon on NCL Norway in 1983. I remember it being dubbed the largest ship in the world. I remember DH tripping going to the bathroom everytime because it had a little wall you had to step over. It had a towel warming bar that DH put a wet bathing suit on and burned the bathing suit. The cabin was so small.

Our second cruise was on Viking Serenade with our kids. 4 in that tiny inside cabin. Had the best time.

I remember the race horses and the midnight Gala buffets. Never hungry enough to eat but always went to look:D

[imsulin]

The SS Norway was originally the SS France, circa 1950's. SS = Steam Ship. I think those funnels were converted....whenever. Loooong and low. I've been in cabins that could accommodate me and one golf ball, and cabins that could accomodate me and the local high school Pep Club. This ship was originally built for TA crossings with families, so the cabin configuration was not at all the standard we see today. Mom and Dad could have a huge double window cabin, while Junior and Sis shared a tiny adjoining bunkbed cabin. No more Blue Lady as of 5-25-2003. (Think I got the date right.). Bad boiler explosion while in port in Miami. Great memories, though!

[sea-cruise]

=imsulin;22127503]sea-cruise....great memories! Did the Pacific Princess twice (Mexican Riviera, because that's the only place it went!) First cruise, so wore skirts/dresses, pantyhose and high heels in port! High heels and cobblestones - wonderful experience! Can't remember anything like a shore excursion - we just got off the ship and walked around.

I just remembered we cruised her sister ship too....Island Princess, and when we walked on the top deck's track, the metal buckled and made a THUD sound in one spot! LOL ! The slot machines were in a tiny narow passageway towards the stern, and one of them fell over in a storm once, as they only perched on a long shelf.

 

 

Don't remember Marie Galente - where is it?

 

It's a tiny island off the coast of Guadaloupe. We ported there when we sailed the Regency ships (Regent Star, Regent Sun, and Regent Sea).

Wasn't that fun being able to visit all those uncrowded smaller tropical islands!!

During rough seas our portholes were underwater a couple of times, and now THAT was not so much fun! :o

Regency (long gone now) use to upgrade us from inside cabins to suites because we sailed a dozen times with them at that time; otherwise we could not have afforded those accomodations in those days.

 

Afternoon tea, and someone always polishing those brass stair rails.

 

Yes, and they expected you to dress nicely for afternoon tea. Remember how the waiters wore white gloves and had the towel draped on their forearm? It was so elegant.

 

In 2000, got back into mainstreaming cruising, and discovered HAL, RCI, Carnival , and the "new" Princess. Nothing like the old days, but definitely cheaper!

We've sailed only once on NCL, once on Carnival, but a few times on Princess, Celebrity, RCI, Home Lines, HAL, & Regency.

sea-cruise, thanks for your reply! Lots in common!

 

Yes!!! I hope we're tablemates someday! Lots of fond memories to talk about! :):)

[Alexis]

So much has been said about the Oasis of the Seas and the surcharges for the new venues being "a part of cruising", and some infer it has always been this way. I don't agree!

 

I remember when I could take a Hawaiian cruise aboard American Hawaii's Independence and enjoy punch bowls filled with Macadamia nuts...free of extra charge, box lunches provided for your excursions/daily outtings...free of extra charge, ondeck sunset barbecues with local entertainers performing while you enjoyed steaks, ribs, chicken, grilled to order along with ice cold beer or sodas, while watching a beautiful Hawaiian sunset...free of extra charge.

 

The drink of the day was reasonably priced ($1 Bloody Marys or Screwdrivers for an eye opener), and punch bowls overflowed with JUMBO shrimp at the midnight buffet.

 

I remember when nearly everything was paid upfront, and you didn't have to concern yourself with anything but drinks, gifts, and tips as onboard expenses!

 

Do you remember when?

 

We sailed her twice. We loved that cruise and that ship. That was the way to really see Hawaii.

Fly there and sail around those islands every day for 7 straight days of ports. Not sea days.

The Hawaiian Room on that ship was magnificent with all the rich woods and artifacts.

And I loved the semi enclosed Promenade with the big deck chairs like the olden days had.

Years ago when you did a B2B, the cruise line would send you on a tour for free while the

ship was cleaned up on turn around day.

In Miami we would get to take tours from the Bayside with vouches they gave us.

In San Juan we were sent by bus to a ranch to watch beautiful horses preform

fancy riding shows. All this was totally free to us.

And on the B2B's, our second weeks were usually always half price. :D

Now those were the days. :D

[sea-cruise]

Hi Big Sis!! :)

[Alexis]

Hi Big Sis!! :)

 

It is good to see you again. I don't get to see much of you anymore. ;) 2 ships passing in the night. :D

I hope your hand/thumb it fully healed and 100% fixed. And, that you are well and healthy and have a Wonderful Thanksgiving.

[Canuker]

I remember as a teenager growing up in Southampton in the 1960s. The docks were always teeming with ocean liners, coming & going from all parts of the globe. Then air travel became much more affordable and they nearly all vanished in a relatively short time.

A few were converted to cruise ships (e.g. the SS France became, I think, the "SS Norway") and the cruise industry as we know it today was born, but most went for scrap.

 

Three companies that survived the transition (many didn't) are Cunard (who still do "crossings"), P&O (who used to sail to the far east - and still do) and Holland America.

 

Anyone remember - or travel on - any of these "lines"?:

 

Channel Packet

Union Castle

Royal Mail

Cunard White Star (now Cunard)

Canadian Pacific

Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation (now P&O)

Aberdeen Commonwealth

Orient Line

Shaw Savill

Blue Star

United States Lines

Blue Funnel

Nederland Line

Belgian Marine

British India Line

French Line

Bibby Line

New Zealand Line

Holland-Afrika Line

East Asiatic Co.

Brocklebank Line

Port Line

Clan Line

 

Can you think of any others?

Ah, those were the days of unrushed elegance - and hefty prices, too!

Depending, of course, which "class" of passenger you were.

[RCIGUY]

I am really enjoying ALL of the responses.

 

In this ever changing world it is often hard, if not impossible to recreate theses memories. Cruising has evolved for better, and/or for worse, and I accept these changes...still anticipating every cruise as though it was my first. With every cruise I take I am making new memories!

 

A heartfelt thank you to all who have contributed their thoughts!

[aruvqan]

I found a photo of SON's empty pool, and you can see the portholes that would be underwater. When we were swimming we were "on display" to other passengers without realizing it. :o

 

Wow, great picture ... that is so neat!

[sea-cruise]

=Alexis;22132806]It is good to see you again. I don't get to see much of you anymore. ;)

I know....and believe me, I TOTALLY agree with you!! ;)

 

 

 

 

I hope your hand/thumb it fully healed and 100% fixed. And, that you are well and healthy and have a Wonderful Thanksgiving.

Yes, I can use it again, at last.

I wish you a Healthy & Happy Thanksgiving too!! :):)

[sea-cruise]

Wow, great picture ... that is so neat!

 

I'm glad you enjoyed the picture, aruvqan! :)

Here is one of the same ship showing how tiny the Viking Crown Lounge was! Actually I should say the Half Crown Lounge! ;) Yikes...We sure got to know other passengers up close and personaly on that ship! :D

[crusinpsychRN]

I remember being able to board with family and friends who were not going. They could visit your cabin before the horn blew and they had to leave.

[ubdkjrb]

When I first started reading this thread, I expected someone to mention the elegance of cruising in the 80's and 90's. The only time you saw shorts and a tee shirt was on port days or around the pool deck. Now you see them on formal night in the MDR. Yes, cruises were expensive and the "masses" really couldn't afford them; but those that could followed the dress codes to the letter. Evening meals were really special. Coming back from excursions and spending the time it takes to dress accordingly and enjoy five and six course meals made us feel like we were, in fact, special.

 

That's the part of cruising that I miss the most. With the masses comes individualism and a certain lack of concern for the people you're traveling with. Today, it's all about me or mine. It's my vacation, I paid for it so I should get to do what I want. If I want to wear a tee shirt, shorts and a ball cap to dinner; I should be able to do that.

 

What a shame!

[QuickieGlenn]

Went on our honeymoon on the Song of Norway in 91

I thought that ship was huge. I had to drag my suits & tux with for dinner.

I think we paid about $1500 per person. I paid that 2 yrs ago on the GEM for a 10 day cruise. I agree it is a whole different atmoshere now. I remember going up to the crown bar late one night, it was me & the waiter & bartender. It was ruff trying to get down those steep stairs after a few.

[aruvqan]

I'm glad you enjoyed the picture, aruvqan! :)

Here is one of the same ship showing how tiny the Viking Crown Lounge was! Actually I should say the Half Crown Lounge! ;) Yikes...We sure got to know other passengers up close and personaly on that ship! :D

Quite a beautiful ship, actually. :D