Cruising - have the great days gone?

[jimandtoni]

But I still love cruising and I don't think there's another kind of vacation that tops it. At least Celebrity hasn't caved into the demand for wave runners, bowling alleys and ice rinks and they haven't (yet) bowed to the casualites.

 

 

I agree...but I did go ice skating, and I did go bowling on cruises. AND GOD FORGIVE ME!!! I am ashamed to admit I enjoyed both!!

[excitedofharpenden]

I know most of you "new cruisers", those who just started cruising in the past ten years won't agree with me, but a lot of what cruising was has declined. And since you have nothing to compare it to, it's probably difficult for you to understand what us old timers are saying. My opinion only, but with the birth of the behemoths, that's when cruising declined. I cannot understand how anyone wants to be on a ship, or should I say floating town, that carries more than 3500 passengers---that's more that live in my town. Cruisers have become somewhat spoiled/jaded and we've become a generation who cannot be happy with just being on a ship, not having to cook/clean/make beds and all that. Now, we have to have our senses inundated with every imaginable diversion. And, we've become a very different group and complain that we have to dress up for a few hours a couple of times a week. We want every cruise line to become an homogenized product of all casual, all the time. Why does every line have to be a carbon copy of every other line? Why can't one just stand out from all the others and provide a different experience of the old time cruising? I thought/hoped that Celebrity would be just that.

 

My first cruise was in 1977, and I'm just happy as a clam sitting on deck, watching the water, having good food and listening to music at night. But the guys who run cruise lines are in a giant "p'ing" contest playing the age old game of "mine is bigger than yours", all to the detriment of what cruising was meant to be. To be quite frank, I still don't understand the idea that you have to lug along an Xbox/Wii/Playstation to keep the kids happy. You're on a cruise, so why do kids still want to sit in front of a TV playing video games, stuff they do ad nauseum at home when there's so much to do on cruise ships?

 

Another thing that has changed cruises is the advent of the specialty restaurant. The food and service we enjoyed in the main dining room, at no extra charge, a decade ago is, now only available in the specialty restaurants. That's rather sad, when you think about it.

 

But I still love cruising and I don't think there's another kind of vacation that tops it. At least Celebrity hasn't caved into the demand for wave runners, bowling alleys and ice rinks and they haven't (yet) bowed to the casualites.

Darcie, I hear what you are saying, but posts on how much better it used to be seem to say "you've missed out" and I really don't feel like that at all. Quite the opposite in fact. When I look around at others (there was a guy from Miami on the BBC news today who had lost his job and the bank were about to repossess his home) I just feel very fortunate I can enjoy cruising at all and that is what is always uppermost in my mind.

 

Phil

[Onessa]

The "good old days" of which many speak are the times when minorities, women, and children could all be marginalized. While the highest castes in our society pine for the good old days -- most of us should be recognizing today as the good days. 100 years ago, 95% of those of us on these boards would never have had the opportunity to travel.

 

As all of society is more democratized and as capitalism works its way through world it seems those most enamored by the ideals of each are those who most lament them in practice.

Edited October 26, 2010 by Onessa

[emileg]

The "good old days" of which many speak are the times when minorities, women, and children could all be marginalized. While the highest castes in our society pine for the good old days -- most of us should be recognizing today as the good days. 100 years ago, 95% of those of us on these boards would never have had the opportunity to travel.

 

As all of society is more democratized and as capitalism works its way through world it seems those most enamored by the ideals of each are those who most lament them in practice.

Well said.

[YOW]

The food and service we enjoyed in the main dining room, at no extra charge, a decade ago is, now only available in the specialty restaurants. That's rather sad, when you think about it.

 

I understand where you're coming from. And it could be sad, I guess, if you think about it solely in that light.

 

In a bottom-line comparison, however, was there not actually an extra charge for the privilege of eating well in the MDR, inasmuch as you were paying considerably more for the cruise than one would today?

 

As others have said here, more people today can take a cruise. Personally, I'm glad we're able to cruise -- and cruise more often. There are more choices in cruising than ever. Yes, the argument can be made that the mainstream cruise lines have as many (or more) commonalities than differences. Yet they offer plenty of variety within one ship, and from ship to ship, line to line. And the premium and luxury lines fill the niche for those who don't need the bells and whistles but prefer a product more reminiscent of what was once the norm.

 

Variety is the spice of life. Choice is freedom. Constant change is here to stay. Embrace whatever cliché you wish. ;)

[Constanze]

I think it is like comparing apples to oranges. ( I happen to like both).

 

A relative worked on Matson Line's Lurline. We would go to the pier to drop him off. I remember dressing in my best clothes. Going aboard and seeing all the women dressed in beautiful dresses and suits. Men in suits. Steamer trunks being pushed up the gangways by porters. The elegant atmosphere. I was awed.

We could never actually sail. We just did not have the money. Then the bong, bong, of "all ashore going ashore". We threw confetti rolls from the dock. Classic musicians played on deck. And off they sailed.

 

Now at sail away, you see jeans, shorts, flip flops, carryons with 12 packs of soda. You also see people that could never have afforded a cruise in the 50's or 60's. I still am awed. I see people with wonderment in their eyes when they see the ship, so huge sitting at the dock. THe rock music plays on. And off they sail. But now I am onboard.

 

Cruising has evolved. I can even afford the luxury lines if I chose to do so. Not the luxury many had in years past.

 

Besides capris are so much more comfortable than a stuffy suit!!!

 

Beautifully said. It brought a tear and smile to my heart. :O)

Edited October 26, 2010 by Constanze
Typo.

[kelmac]

Don't think I agree with the OP. I think it has more to do with being an experienced (not jaded) cruiser. Think about those initial cruises and how most everything wowed you - well, at least me. Now I'm more selective and more critical. To me that is human nature and our habit if looking back with rose-colored glasses. There has been changes in a few things such as moving to rock lobster and it appears our waitstaff have more tables but personally I'm not bothered by that.

 

I still find the overall service to be the same (ratio appears to be the same). Enough.

 

Agree on the subjectiveness of it all and I love having so many more options.

 

Den

 

Den,

 

I agree 100%. These are the good days of cruising -- this from a guy who took his first cruise in 1978 and have cruise number 38 coming up in December. It's all experience and frame of reference! My first cruise cost $654, 7-day cruise only, and it was my least impressive cruise! (Starward) My second cruise was on Sitmar and it was a huge improvement, but not even close to the experience you get today.

 

Everything is impressive when you are inexperienced and forking over big bucks for the trip of a lifetime. Today, we take a "trip of a Lifetime" every three months.

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

[Bridge Maven]

One thing that has changed since I took my first cruise during the middle seventies is that what was considered to be a once in a lifetime experience has become an every day vacation.

 

When my husband and I took that cruise we had very high expectations because it was a lot more expensive than cruises cost today and we could have taken a land based vacation for a lot less, but we wanted to do something very special for our honeymoon. At that time I never dreamed that we would subsequently take so many other cruises in our lifetime.

 

Similarly, when I went to Europe with a friend, as a young single girl, during the early seventies there were no middle of the road accommodations. Every country we went to had a choice of either first class hotels or places where I wouldn't want to stay. However, since I considered going to Europe as a once in their life experience, I decided to splurge and stay at first class hotels. My first European vacation also preceded deregulation of the airlines when flights to Europe were very expensive but in turn passengers expected and received excellent service from the airlines.

 

My point is that cruises, like a number of other vacations, were a lot more expensive years ago than they are today so passengers expected more and cruise lines knew that they had to meet these expectations. On the other hand, since cruising has become a lot less expensive in recent years my expectations are very different now than they were then, but I consider cruises to be a great value and one of the most enjoyable ways to spend my leisure time.

Edited October 26, 2010 by Bridge Maven

[A Sixth?]

I know most of you "new cruisers", those who just started cruising in the past ten years won't agree with me, but a lot of what cruising was has declined. And since you have nothing to compare it to, it's probably difficult for you to understand what us old timers are saying. My opinion only, but with the birth of the behemoths, that's when cruising declined. I cannot understand how anyone wants to be on a ship, or should I say floating town, that carries more than 3500 passengers---that's more that live in my town. Cruisers have become somewhat spoiled/jaded and we've become a generation who cannot be happy with just being on a ship, not having to cook/clean/make beds and all that. Now, we have to have our senses inundated with every imaginable diversion. And, we've become a very different group and complain that we have to dress up for a few hours a couple of times a week. We want every cruise line to become an homogenized product of all casual, all the time. Why does every line have to be a carbon copy of every other line? Why can't one just stand out from all the others and provide a different experience of the old time cruising? I thought/hoped that Celebrity would be just that.

 

My first cruise was in 1977, and I'm just happy as a clam sitting on deck, watching the water, having good food and listening to music at night. But the guys who run cruise lines are in a giant "p'ing" contest playing the age old game of "mine is bigger than yours", all to the detriment of what cruising was meant to be. To be quite frank, I still don't understand the idea that you have to lug along an Xbox/Wii/Playstation to keep the kids happy. You're on a cruise, so why do kids still want to sit in front of a TV playing video games, stuff they do ad nauseum at home when there's so much to do on cruise ships?

 

Another thing that has changed cruises is the advent of the specialty restaurant. The food and service we enjoyed in the main dining room, at no extra charge, a decade ago is, now only available in the specialty restaurants. That's rather sad, when you think about it.

 

But I still love cruising and I don't think there's another kind of vacation that tops it. At least Celebrity hasn't caved into the demand for wave runners, bowling alleys and ice rinks and they haven't (yet) bowed to the casualites.

 

Been cruising over 20 years and I prefer the now over then by a mile.

 

Especially since if I want a more intimate old school cruise, I can shell out double or triple the $$$s and book a six star line and be back in the 1980's ways of full service, six star attention and small ships.

 

My suggestion is that anyone pining for the old days just pay the extra $$$, which by the way was the almost certainly the same portion of your disposable income in "the good old days" for a cruise and do it now and then.

 

I bet 95% who shell out will return to affordable longer cruises in the new world order of cruising in the 21st Century. :D

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 26, 2010 by A Sixth?

[scf1270]

1974 College Spring Break Trip. Four girls with an inside cabin, bowels of the ship. $279ea. Worked part-time earning $1.85 per hour. (See pic below. All that polyester and we are still together!)

 

Flash forward:

2010, December Celebrity Eclipse AQ for $824pp dbl occ.

Inside cabin $550ea, and we're earning a lot more than $1.85 per hour ;)

 

Agree with these, and other, posters. Yes, it's changed. Celebrity and other mass-market lines provide a lot for a really reasonable price. Even the Luxury Lines are probably a better value than in 1976 dollars.

 

If these prices and the option to cruise somewhat frequently mean a bit less service and not as much/as good food - I'm still oaky with it. Sign me up for another cruise and a couple of Specialty dining nights!!

 

Sara

 

We have been on over 70 cruises, ranging from Carnival to Silver Seas. We started cruising in 1984...Royal Caribbean Song of Norway...no balconies, one restaurant..one pool..one bar on the ship. Now, ships have 3 and sometimes 4 pools,dozens of bars, several restaurants, balconies galore. Have cruises gone downhill since then? I don;t know...the ships themselves are so much better. Food and service from crew members have certainly hit a lower standard, but now the ships have between 2000 and 5000 passengers as opposed to the old Song of Norway which had just over 700 passengers. 7 times more passengers! But there are not 7 times more crew members to cook for and to wait on those passengers! Plus, we paid $1500 a person for a 7 day cruise back in 1984. Twentysix years later, we will be are on the Summit in February in a Concierge class cabin for less than $1000 a person for the week and a ship board credit of $200. Tough to say definitively if cruises have gone downhill or not!!

 

Service levels have decreased, food quality has decreased, and quality of entertainment has decreased. But, price has also decreased and the quality of the cabin environments has increased.

[LauraS]

IWe still take a day or two in every cruise and just sit/lay on deck watching the waves and pretending to read a book.

This is exactly what I did on my last cruise. As a matter of fact, I "pretend" finished one! lol

 

The best.

[seacruise9]

Hi,

 

Cruising has changed incredibly over the past few decades. I have been on 56 cruises and started cruising back in 1967 (before my third birthday). Although I don't remember my first cruise, I remember all of the others. The ships themselves are much more spectacular today, but I think something has been lost in the process. In the old days, the major cruise lines each had only three or four ships that held approximately 700 passengers. These ships were modest by today's standards, but they had excellent food and service and wonderful atmospheres (I have very fond memories of ships such as Royal Caribbean's Sun Viking and Song of America and Cunard's QE2). I also had some wonderful Celebrity cruises in the early 1990s on the Horizon and the Zenith (the food was incredible).

 

Cruises are more affordable today and the ships are stunning, but cruises are not as "special" as they used to be. A few lines such as Crystal, Cunard and Holland America still retain some of the flavor of the old days. However, I still love cruises and think they are an incredible value.

 

Chuck

Edited October 26, 2010 by seacruise9

[jimandtoni]

Hi,

 

In the old days, the major cruise lines each had only three or four ships that held approximately 700 passengers. These ships were modest by today's standards, but they had excellent food and service and wonderful atmospheres (I have very fond memories of ships such as Royal Caribbean's Sun Viking and Song of America and Cunard's QE2).

 

Wow...I remember when Song of America was THE cruise ship to be on!! When the Sovereign of the Seas came out..oh my god!! TWO Main Dining Rooms and a real casino!!

 

But my favorite cruise ship of all is and always will be the Royal Clipper. Star Clipper Cruises...there is nothing like it!

[seacruise9]

Hi JimandToni,

 

Yes, back in 1985 the Song of America was considered big. I remember being so excited about the Sovereign of the Seas. I cruised aboard it back in 1988 when it was only six months old. At that time, there were only two very large Caribbean cruise ships (the Sovereign of the Seas and the Norway (another favorite of mine)). Times certainly have changed.

 

Chuck

Edited October 26, 2010 by seacruise9

[jimandtoni]

Hi JimandToni,

 

Yes, back in 1985 the Song of America was considered big. I remember being so excited about the Sovereign of the Seas. I cruised aboard it back in 1988 when it was only six months old. At that time, there were only two very large Caribbean cruise ships (the Sovereign of the Seas and the Norway (another favorite of mine)). Times certainly have changed.

 

Chuck

What a great thread this is. It is bringing back so many good memories.Plus, no one is sending any nasty posts!! Very nice and civilized!!

 

We were on the inaugural sailing when the Sovereign of the Seas was once the largest ship ever built.Then we were on the Queen Mary when IT was the largest ship ever built..Now the Allure of the Seas will have nearly 6000 passengers! Hmmmm..I think I might skip that one!!

[kitty9]

The "good old days" of which many speak are the times when minorities, women, and children could all be marginalized. While the highest castes in our society pine for the good old days -- most of us should be recognizing today as the good days. 100 years ago, 95% of those of us on these boards would never have had the opportunity to travel.

 

As all of society is more democratized and as capitalism works its way through world it seems those most enamored by the ideals of each are those who most lament them in practice.

 

That's overgeneralizing, with all due respect. And to be quite honest, I'm insulted by your remarks, unless I'm misunderstanding your meaning and you aren't attempting to put all us old timers into one box and accuse us of being elitist. To even infer that those of us who "pine for the good old days" are in a " higher caste" of society, insults everyone. I can assure you that when I took my early cruises, I was by no means in a higher "caste" (and to even bring that term into this discussion is shameful, IMHO). And liking how things were in regards to cruising in years past has absolutely nothing to do with one's present income. I was a first year teacher, making $7200 a year, when I took my first cruise. The cabin was so tiny that you could spread your arms and touch both walls. The shower was such that you turned on the water and spun around, allowing the flopping shower curtain to wash you----akin to a car wash. This was hardly high end or first class. Don't imagine cruises in the 1970's were like the Titanic where you wore silks and satins and million dollar jewelry. But it was different than now. Perhaps the term civility can be used. You didn't see the rude behaviors, the pushing and shoving in lines. You didn't hear the complaining over every little thing. Perhaps back then, people were aware how very special taking a cruise was and the little things didn't matter. Perhaps, just perhaps, today's cruiser is not nearly as appreciative of how lucky we are to just be on a cruise ship? Plus, the food and service was sublime, even on Carnival, regardless of what you paid for your cabin.

Edited October 26, 2010 by kitty9

[kitty9]

Been cruising over 20 years and I prefer the now over then by a mile.

 

Especially since if I want a more intimate old school cruise, I can shell out double or triple the $$$s and book a six star line and be back in the 1980's ways of full service, six star attention and small ships.

 

My suggestion is that anyone pining for the old days just pay the extra $$$, which by the way was the almost certainly the same portion of your disposable income in "the good old days" for a cruise and do it now and then.

 

I bet 95% who shell out will return to affordable longer cruises in the new world order of cruising in the 21st Century. :D

 

 

And that's exactly what I do when I go on my every other year Crystal cruises. But, I come back to Celebrity for short cruises, and cruise Crystal for longer ones. I know, I'm very lucky to be able to do this, and I know that I'm in a small percentage of cruisers who can. But believe me, I don't take this for granted and I'm still thrilled beyond belief that I am able to cruise and I still look in awe at every ship I board.

[tally10]

Den,

 

I agree 100%. These are the good days of cruising -- this from a guy who took his first cruise in 1978 and have cruise number 38 coming up in December. It's all experience and frame of reference! My first cruise cost $654, 7-day cruise only, and it was my least impressive cruise! (Starward) My second cruise was on Sitmar and it was a huge improvement, but not even close to the experience you get today.

 

Everything is impressive when you are inexperienced and forking over big bucks for the trip of a lifetime. Today, we take a "trip of a Lifetime" every three months.

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

 

Hey, don't knock the Starward-LOL. We had our honeymoon cruise on her in 1974 and it was great. We were seated in the MDR with another honeymooning couple (only they fought the whole time time!) and had the best time. We were thrilled to have a window in our cabin rather than an inside. We had a choice between a big wedding or a cruise. Guess what these two poor college students chose: the Starward! And yes, I had forgotten, but as mentioned in another post, we DID throw bon voyage streamers. Not environmentally friendly but we did not think about it in those days. It was all very exciting. And , the Starward is still sailing somewhere in the far east, I believe.:)

Edited October 26, 2010 by tally10

[seacruise9]

Hi,

 

I cruised with my parents and brother on Royal Caribbean's Sun Viking back in 1983 from Miami to Barbados (first half of a 14-day cruise). All four of us were in a very small inside cabin. However, we had a wonderful time and the food and service were excellent. In fact, I still remember the names of our waiter and head waiter (and I have done 50 cruises since then). The Sun Viking didn't have a rock climbing wall, atrium, or cabins with balconies, but it was a pretty and elegant little ship.

 

Yes, I agree that Crystal offers a traditional experience that reminds me of the old days. I have taken five Crystal Cruises and loved every minute of them. However, I have difficulty leaving my job for much more than a week at a time. The few shorter Crystal Cruises in North America seem to visit the same ports (that I have visited many times before). Still, I am sure that there are some Crystal cruises in my future.

 

kitty9, like you, I truly appreciate every cruise that I take. Although some cruises have been better than others, I have enjoyed every cruise.

 

Chuck

Edited October 27, 2010 by seacruise9

[kitty9]

Darcie, I hear what you are saying, but posts on how much better it used to be seem to say "you've missed out" and I really don't feel like that at all. Quite the opposite in fact. When I look around at others (there was a guy from Miami on the BBC news today who had lost his job and the bank were about to repossess his home) I just feel very fortunate I can enjoy cruising at all and that is what is always uppermost in my mind.

 

Phil

 

Phil, that's not what I'm saying at all. To be honest, I think if a lot of today's cruisers went on ships back then, with their tiny cabins, absolutely no balconies, no kid's program, itty bitty casinos (if they even had one) and most definitely no ice rinks and huge slides into the pools (and those old ships had tiny pools), they may not have ever cruised again. Today's cruiser has so much more to choose from, and they are given everything they ask for. But there was a difference back then, and like I said, even a line like Carnival, who had a very large reputation of being a crappy line in the 1980's and early 1990's, had incredible food and service when cruising for the masses was new. Perhaps things weren't "better" in terms of how people might look at the word, but it was certainly different, and for me, many things then were better in terms of the quality of food and service. Not even Carnival cut corners in terms of food. It was excellent.

[tally10]

Hi,

 

I cruised with my parents and brother on Royal Caribbean's Sun Viking back in 1983 from Miami to Barbados (first half of a 14-day cruise). All four of us were in a very small inside cabin. However, we had a wonderful time and the food and service were excellent. In fact, I still remember the names of our waiter and head waiter (and I have done 50 cruises since then). The Sun Viking didn't have a rock climbing wall, atrium, or cabins with balconies, but it was a pretty and elegant little ship.

 

In those days, Royal Caribbean had different theme nights in the dining room each evening. For example, on Italian Night, the waiters would hang up Italian flags and decorations in the dining room and wear themed uniforms. It was a different world back then.

 

Chuck

 

We did that exact same cruise on the Sun Viking. It also went to Caracas, I believe. It was a small ship but we had a wonderful time on her, too. We flew back from Barbados on BWI Airlines. The flight was awful. Even the cockpit door was open and the captain had some children in there with him "flying the plane." There were some chickens in a crate in the cabin and the smells in there were awful. I have never forgotten it. But the cruise and itinerary were worth it!:D

[kapsgp]

That's overgeneralizing, with all due respect. And to be quite honest, I'm insulted by your remarks, unless I'm misunderstanding your meaning and you aren't attempting to put all us old timers into one box and accuse us of being elitist. To even infer that those of us who "pine for the good old days" are in a " higher caste" of society, insults everyone. I can assure you that when I took my early cruises, I was by no means in a higher "caste" (and to even bring that term into this discussion is shameful, IMHO). And liking how things were in regards to cruising in years past has absolutely nothing to do with one's present income. I was a first year teacher, making $7200 a year, when I took my first cruise. The cabin was so tiny that you could spread your arms and touch both walls. The shower was such that you turned on the water and spun around, allowing the flopping shower curtain to wash you----akin to a car wash. This was hardly high end or first class. Don't imagine cruises in the 1970's were like the Titanic where you wore silks and satins and million dollar jewelry. But it was different than now. Perhaps the term civility can be used. You didn't see the rude behaviors, the pushing and shoving in lines. You didn't hear the complaining over every little thing. Perhaps back then, people were aware how very special taking a cruise was and the little things didn't matter. Perhaps, just perhaps, today's cruiser is not nearly as appreciative of how lucky we are to just be on a cruise ship? Plus, the food and service was sublime, even on Carnival, regardless of what you paid for your cabin.

 

I think you described the difference very well... people are just different on a cruise these days. People just don't seem to appreciate everything the crew does for them. When I see the way some people treat waiters and cabin stewarts it is embarassing. Passengers us to act like they were on a special vacation.

[BroncosFan2010]

Cost cutting Plus larger ships equals less personal service and "banquet" style food.

 

I am glad there are still a few lines left (SilverSea, Regent, Crystal) that offer traditional cruising. I just wish I made enough money to enjoy them! Maybe in a few years.

[Bridge Maven]

After reading this thread I noticed something interesting.

 

In the "good old days" service and food on a cruise was better than it currently is on most cruise lines, but similar to what now exists on luxury cruise lines. So in essence luxury cruise lines, which only a small segment of the population can afford, have replaced what cruising was like when very few people could afford to cruise.

 

On the other hand, mass market cruise lines today offer a very affordable product for people who would have not been able to afford a cruise during the "good old days".

 

Just a thought.

[NnJ2010]

We have been on over 70 cruises, ranging from Carnival to Silver Seas. We started cruising in 1984...Royal Caribbean Song of Norway...no balconies, one restaurant..one pool..one bar on the ship. Now, ships have 3 and sometimes 4 pools,dozens of bars, several restaurants, balconies galore. Have cruises gone downhill since then? I don;t know...the ships themselves are so much better. Food and service from crew members have certainly hit a lower standard, but now the ships have between 2000 and 5000 passengers as opposed to the old Song of Norway which had just over 700 passengers. 7 times more passengers! But there are not 7 times more crew members to cook for and to wait on those passengers! Plus, we paid $1500 a person for a 7 day cruise back in 1984. Twentysix years later, we will be are on the Summit in February in a Concierge class cabin for less than $1000 a person for the week and a ship board credit of $200. Tough to say definitively if cruises have gone downhill or not!!

Interesting perspective!!

 

(and at 70 cruises I want to be you :D)