Home Lines-Oceanic-cruisers

[SueseaQ]

Hi Piero557, Did you work on any of the other Home Lines ships or just the Oceanic? Also where in Italy are you from? Just curious.

[piero557]

Hi Suesea, I have worked on the Oceanic from 1975 until 1982, then I have worked for Sitmar Cruise from 1982 until 1986 when I have married an American girl from San Francisco (met her on the Fairwind)

I am now diverced and live in Newport Oregon where I am employed as a waiter.

I am from a town called Deiva Marina, it is between Portofino and the famous cinque terre.

About 40 miles south of Gehoa

 

Ciao

 

Piero G.

Edited January 8, 2009 by piero557

[SueseaQ]

Thanks for your response. I was wondering because I had spoken to a Piero on my first cruise in 1982 on the Atlantic. I think he was an officer and was from near Florence if I remeber correctly. I bet it is beautiful where you come from. I visited Italy only once (thus far) in 2001. I traveled with people who wanted to visit Northern Italy. We were in Bologna, Florence, Lago di Garda, Venice and Rimini. I fell in love with every place we saw. The only regret was that I didn't get to visit Bari or Sicily where my grandparents come from. Hopefully one day I can go back and see those places.

Ciao,

Sue

[piero557]

Hi Piero557, Did you work on any of the other Home Lines ships or just the Oceanic? Also where in Italy are you from? Just curious.

I have worked on the Oceanic as a waiter from 1975 until 1982 then I have moved with Sitmar Cruises.

I am from a little town in Italy called Deiva Marina.

;):):D

[Fabriziobong]

Hi,

I was a member of the crew on the Homeric for that last cruise she made (I was a junior purser)!!!

I served on the Homeric and the Oceanic from 1969 till the last Homeric cruise.

Probably we met several times (I understand you were a "repeater").

Glad to know you loved so much Home Lines!!

Ciao ciao,

Fabrizio

 

 

 

 

I also sailed on both the maiden and final voyage of the Homeric. How sad was that last cruise. I lost count on my total of Home Lines cruises after 50, I just kept going and going. I went so often, I even became friends with

Grace, the bathroom lady. I still keep in touch with a lot of friends from Italy as well as friends that I've made throughout the States.

[Fabriziobong]

Hi Stevedan,

I was a crew member from 1969 till end of 1973.

Glad to know you have so nice remembrances of that time!!!

Take care,

ciao ciao,

Fabrizio

 

 

 

I could go on and on about the Oceanic. No ship has come even close. Only those who traveled on her can understand she had a "soul". We went on the 12-14 X-Mas cruise each year from 1972-1979, and other shorter cruises from 1970-1985. Who can forget the Donzelli Group in the Italian Hall, Cruise Director Everett E. Everett (we still are in touch with his family in Massachusetts even though he died in the earley 1908s), hostess Luciana Trevisan? Anyone know where these fantastic people are?

[Dancer71]

Hi there Fabrizio,

I worked on the Oceanic as a dancer in the shows (The Doris Girls from The Moulin Rouge , Paris) with Carla Bonavera as my boss. I was on board from Dec 1969 until April (I think) 1970. I returned a few years later and did anothe contract on board with Carla. Were you on board Oceanic at this time? Did you know Mario Ratto the Chief chef who fell in love with my character poliziotta in the Italian Show that we did? Hope to hear from you soon. We should know a lot of people from that time.

[sstraveler]

Even though she is past 40 years old (real old for a cruise ship) the Oceanic has avoided the scrappers and was sold for yet another career. She left Barcelona a few days ago heading to Japan. She is going to become the new Peace Boat sailing around the world to promote peace and unity with students and young adults!

 

It is great news!

[Stevedan]

How did you find out about the Oceanic going to Japan? I'd like to find out more. Why did Pullmantur sell it?

 

Where will it be sailing as the "Peace Boat"?

[Dancer71]

Even though she is past 40 years old (real old for a cruise ship) the Oceanic has avoided the scrappers and was sold for yet another career. She left Barcelona a few days ago heading to Japan. She is going to become the new Peace Boat sailing around the world to promote peace and unity with students and young adults!

 

It is great news!

 

Dancer71 here,

The Oceanic is still working for Pullmantur. She is sailing out of Valencia doing 2 day and 5 day to Ibiza and Palma Majorca. I hope to see her in June as I will be staying on Formentera and will cross to Ibiza especially to visit Oceanic. I haven't seen her for 35years!!!:)

So it must just be rumour about Japan

[sstraveler]

Pullmantur sold the Oceanic at the beginning of March and she left Barcelona the middle of the month. The Oceanic becomes the Peace Boat in April making her first world cruise departing Japan in April for three months. She will be back in New York at the end of June for the first time since 1985! Long may she sail as the Peace Boat.

[cal516]

"S/S Oceanic has been acquired by a Panamanian company with operations in Asia for use by the Peaceboat educational program around the world."

 

Additional information available on the the Pullmantur website: Link Here

 

... Cal

[Dancer71]

Pullmantur sold the Oceanic at the beginning of March and she left Barcelona the middle of the month. The Oceanic becomes the Peace Boat in April making her first world cruise departing Japan in April for three months. She will be back in New York at the end of June for the first time since 1985! Long may she sail as the Peace Boat.

Thanks for this news. I am so pleased that she is going to be doing some good in the world. It is almost as if she was destined for this. Call me sentimental!! I won't go to Ibiza in May. I'll stay on Formentera and think of the lovely memories.

[sstraveler]

bump

[sstraveler]

Time to send this to the top for more replies and memories.

[sstraveler]

Time for some new memories

[sstraveler]

Time for some new memories

[Jacksmyname]

Hi all.

My first, and sadly so far my only cruise, was on the Oceanic, the week of 5/22-5/29, 1975.

I turned 26 years old on the day we returned to NY, 5/29/75.

Memories of mine:

After boarding and getting settled, went to the dining room for lunch. As I remember it, the tables were set up in groups of three. At the table next to us were a couple and their daughter, who was 16.

Later, there was a singles gathering in one of the lounges. So, I went, sat at the bar, and watched the festivities (getting people up to dance, etc.).

Sitting at one of the tables was a social director. She was a couple of years older than me, and had her two children with her. At the table with her was the 16 year old girl I had met at lunch.

Well, the director walked over to me, introduced herself, and asked if I would like to join them. Obviously she thought it would be a good idea to introduce me to the girl.

Why is this important? Well, back then I had a baby face. Even though I was a week shy of 26, most people who didn't know thought I was about 17 or 18.

So, we sat down and started to talk. She asked the girl how old she was, and of course the answer was 16 (which I alread knew).

She then turned to me and asked how old I was. When I answered that I would be 26 in a week, all she could do was stare at me for about a minute. It was funny.

The social director turned out to be a really nice woman and a lot of fun.

Sadly I don't remember her name.

I met some others that worked on the ship.

A young couple that worked the game room. She was the cashier, and he took care of the machines. VERY nice young couple. Again, I don't remember their names.

One whose name I do remember was Jennifer Walton. She dealt a casino type card game, usually set up in one of the lounges/bars.

She was from South Africa, and had long blonde hair.

One of the loviest women I've ever met.

Almost 35 years later, once in a while I think of those nice folks and wonder where they are now.

It was a terrific week, and one that I'll always remember.

Anyone else remember them?

 

Jack

[CroozinFamily]

Jack,

 

Sorry to hear that you haven't had another cruise experience since that first one. But, if you were only to have one, I'm glad it was on Home Lines. Nothing quite like it! My first cruise experience was also on the Oceanic, some 7 years after yours.

 

I have wondered over the years how my waiter was doing. Recently looked him up on Facebook and connected with him. Even had a video chat. Modern technology is wonderful!!!

 

That's a funny story about trying to hook you up with the 16 year old.

 

Now, go get yourself booked on another cruise!!!!

[Jacksmyname]

Jack,

 

Sorry to hear that you haven't had another cruise experience since that first one. But, if you were only to have one, I'm glad it was on Home Lines. Nothing quite like it! My first cruise experience was also on the Oceanic, some 7 years after yours.

 

I have wondered over the years how my waiter was doing. Recently looked him up on Facebook and connected with him. Even had a video chat. Modern technology is wonderful!!!

 

That's a funny story about trying to hook you up with the 16 year old.

 

Now, go get yourself booked on another cruise!!!!

 

Yeah, I'd like to but my wife is uncomfortable with it, being out at sea and isolated, and with the all too common stories of passengers getting sick.

I could probably convince her though.

I don't remember our waiter's name, but he and his assistant, or waiter in training, were both terrific.

I went on that cruise with my mother and her husband (she had re-married a few years earlier). He knew that the crew had bread that was different than what the passengers got, and it was better. First day at lunch he asked for that bread. A few minutes later, we had a basket full.

Every day, breakfast, lunch and dinner, that bread was on our table.

Also, first dinner, the salad had green olives, which I've always been addicted to. I asked for some more which the waiter brought.

Every day thereafter, there was a large bowl of green olives waiting for me at lunch and dinner.

Now THAT'S service!

I just wish I could remember everyone's names.

[CroozinFamily]

Oh no......no need to feel isolated these days....out on the high seas with 2,000-3,000 people!!! Almost a small town!!! LOL! Modern stabilizers prevent seasickness. Go for it!!!

 

Ahh yes......the service was beyond outstanding!!! We had this very picky guy at our table who complained about everything. Of course, this was in the day they made the Caesar salad at your table. He complained that 3 of them weren't right and the head chef came out and made it for him and he still wasn't happy!! At that point, I don't care what it tasted like, if someone went through that much trouble I would have eaten it. This guy complained about everything all week. Was just one of those who can't be pleased.

 

The bread we were served was FANTASTIC!! Maybe by the time I cruised, they were serving the passengers the yummy bread the crew got. LOL!

 

I recommend Celebrity for your next cruise. Go on.....you know you wanna!

[cruisin'since'75]

Ya gotta know that my first cruise made such an impact on my life. It was the fall of 1975, I had just turned 23 in July, and somehow or another I ended up in Cabin o-78 on Home Lines Oceanic. My girlfriends parents were travel agents, we paid $350 for the week, including all taxes and port charges. I had done some traveling already, Puerto Rico, Virginia Beach, South Florida (very different in the 70s from now) and some time on Florida's West Coast. All had been great fun, with great people, great memories, great times.

 

But I knew as soon as I walked onto that ship from the creeking gangway, it just felt like I'd been hit by a bolt of hot lightening. Chills up my spine, goosebumps on my arms, and I was smiling so much my mouth hurt, literally, from being stretched so tightly agains my teeth & jaw. I knew it was going to be a helluva ride.

 

It was that, oh for sure, and much, much more. I'll never forget one moment of that first cruise. Some of the others have dimmed a bit, but not the October 25th, 1975 sailing of Home Lines Oceanic from NYC to Nassau and Bermuda.

 

I grew up that very moment. The moment I stepped onto the ship with the ocean swaying and ebbing. I could hear the gentle beating of the ships heart under my toes, and the essence of the salty wind flowing through my veins. Me and the ship, we were as one. And no matter what has followed, I still feel the beat and flow and am ever drawn to the oceanside to feel complete.

 

And don't worry Jacksmyname, I remember the names of hardly a few; but remember instead their warm smiles and my joyl

 

Get yourself on a ship, man!

 

JD

[SueseaQ]

I see it's been a very long time since we have posted here, so I had to check in and say "Hi". I hope you are all doing well and keeping busy with good stuff. I also want to let you girls know, if you don't already, that Face book has a site : "s/s Oceanic -the Love Boat". What a "hoot and a holler" to use Marge's phrase. Great pictures. I even found a couple of my guy and of course some other familiar faces. Even though it was supposed to be only about the Oceanic, I did recognize that some of the photos were taken on the Atlantic and the Homeric.

If you haven't seen this site on FB I do recommend you check it out, it's sure to bring a smile to your face.....and bring back some sweet memories.

Take care everyone!!!

[eal]

I was on the Oceanic the summer of 1968 with my parents, brother and cousin. I was 11 yrs old, my first cruise. We sailed from NYC to Nassau and return. I remember we were in Nassau for an overnight, maybe two? Can't remember. We were on the Belvedere Deck, B69, a suite, probably Jr Suite by today's standards. No balcony, just port holes. The bathroom was two rooms, the sink and toilet in one room and a huge, deep soaker bathtub in another room. Very European! My brother and cousin were next door in a double. Our waiter's name was Frank. It was really old-time cruising when everyone did formal night. Dad, my brother, and cousin all rented tuxes. My mother and I bought gowns. So nice. The Italian crew was the best!!! When we got to Nassau, the Islanders climbed up on the ship and dove into the water. I never saw anything like it. Could you imagine diving off a cruise ship today??? Oh, the mid-night buffet was everynight. The food was incredible. I know somewhere there are photos. Very happy memories. Thank you for all who made the Oceanic a great ship!!!!!!!!!

[blondie1746]

My husband and I have been on the Oceanic, Atlantic and Homeric. We have very fond memories of these ships. We were dating and just finished our freshman year of college when his parents invited me to go along with them on the Oceanic. Then, 1 year after we were married, we took a cruise on the Atlantic, just the 2 of us. And, about a year later, we sailed on the Homeric. This time with my husband's parents and his brother, sister-in-law and niece. We sailed out of NY down to Bermuda and back. What an amazing trip sailing out of NY, past the Statue of Liberty and with the World Trade Center towers in the background. And of course the fire boats! And our 1st child (and best cruise souvenir) was conceived on the Homeric. So, we do have many fond memories of these ships. Small, but so elegant. This is the style of cruising that I miss. I guess I am old-fashioned!