Just for fun...what was your first cruise???

[VibeGuy]

<---pudgy Nordic sort that luncheoned with you in Barcelona and stayed on to Marseilles. ;0)

[joncos]

Mine was on the Saturnia and Italian Lines ship, was down in sterage. New York to Lisbon, 1963 or so. Return was from Southhampton to New York on Queen Mary nicer sterage.

[CallDOC]

Wow, some of you have taken me down memory lane! And I'm not 55 yet!

 

My family used to travel every summer from Miami to Europe by ship, I remember the first one I was 6 or 7 and was angry with my Mom because she claimed I was 4 to get me on for free! I had to sleep in a crib!!! At 6 or 7 that is a real painful thing! I don't recall the name of the ship but remember my older brother being taken by my Mom one evening and leaving me in the cabin with the steward! I YELLED AND SCREAMED so loudly until she came back and took me with them! LOL. Those days ships were transportation only. Small casino, ping pong, shuffleboard 4:00 tea time, etc etc. Also, they all had the deck (below the lifeboats) that you could walk all around the ship, and also had lounge chairs there. Waiters used to come around to get you tea, coffee, drinks etc.

 

In the late 60's my Dad was charged with decorating the interiors of the original Norwegian ships, Sunward, Skyward and Starward. I remember that his choice of turquoise and green seemed extremely modern and new! (this was when orange shag carpet was hip) I recently sailed on an NCL ship and was surprised to see the original turquoise and green theme still in play!

 

Cruising is in my blood... Glad you all found out about it!

 

DOC

[Rotterdam]

Too funny......did your Dad have anything to do w/ the FRANCE/ NORWAY decor / redo?????

 

I remember the Donghia designs in Club Int'l - the former First Class Smoking room.....FRANCE was so cutting edge for her time - most people did not like her design / interior - too sophisticated...the NORWAY -when she came out oin 1980 - was lovely....

 

ever notice what is old is new again - I am just a couple of years younger than you & I remember the brown & blue decor of the 1960's that I grew up with - is now very much in vogue ----

 

 

 

 

Wow, some of you have taken me down memory lane! And I'm not 55 yet!

 

My family used to travel every summer from Miami to Europe by ship, I remember the first one I was 6 or 7 and was angry with my Mom because she claimed I was 4 to get me on for free! I had to sleep in a crib!!! At 6 or 7 that is a real painful thing! I don't recall the name of the ship but remember my older brother being taken by my Mom one evening and leaving me in the cabin with the steward! I YELLED AND SCREAMED so loudly until she came back and took me with them! LOL. Those days ships were transportation only. Small casino, ping pong, shuffleboard 4:00 tea time, etc etc. Also, they all had the deck (below the lifeboats) that you could walk all around the ship, and also had lounge chairs there. Waiters used to come around to get you tea, coffee, drinks etc.

 

In the late 60's my Dad was charged with decorating the interiors of the original Norwegian ships, Sunward, Skyward and Starward. I remember that his choice of turquoise and green seemed extremely modern and new! (this was when orange shag carpet was hip) I recently sailed on an NCL ship and was surprised to see the original turquoise and green theme still in play!

 

Cruising is in my blood... Glad you all found out about it!

 

DOC

[RMS Olympic]

I remember the Southward...I think Ihave a photo ofthat lounge topside that had an overlook to the pool.There was green, teal and gold accents...

Sure wishthere were small ships like those....less to do = more fun.

[ctguy001]

My first cruise was on the Queen Anna Maria out of Boston in the early seventies ( the year before they sold it to Carnival to become the Carnivale).

I loved every minute of it! It was an old tub but had some "very nice" passengers.

You ate at the same table in the dining room, breakfast, lunch and dinner. The bars only charged $.50/.75 for a drink (it's still $.50 in the RCCI crew bar! - How's that for the passenger mark-up?)

Deck chairs were reserved for the whole trip. No searching!

It was a 7 day cruise with 2 stops in the Bahamas, 5 sea days.

I took 2 more after that, then 10 years off (they raised the prices to over $350 for a single!). I'm back at it again with number 40 coming up in August!

[cruisemonster50]

My first cruise was on the Carnival Legend to the Western Caribbean in April 2007. It was a 4 day cruise since I was sure that I would not like being stuck on a boat for a week. That changed in about half an hour after embarkment. It had soooo many kids especially at breakfast (before they went off to their little camp like experience) and the evening show.

 

Nonetheless, I was hooked on cruising. So I switched to Princess and have gone each year since- the week after Thanksgiving. I am getting ready to book this year's cruise. I came on the site to see if there were other boys on my cruise. Then I caught this topic and had to reminisce with all of you.

 

Who can't remember their first of anything, right?

 

Keith

[sourpatch326]

last october we went on the NCL jewel. It was a 12 day western carribean repo cruise (ny-miami). That was my first cruise and my gf's 4th. We are going on NCL again on january 3rd. This time it's an eastern carribean and on the Gem...I can't wait!

[CallDOC]

Too funny......did your Dad have anything to do w/ the FRANCE/ NORWAY decor / redo?????

 

 

Sadly No.. he died in 1971. But growing up in Miami Beach, and living now in West Palm Beach, I see reminders all the time of his work.

 

On the voyages across the Atlantic to Europe, I can't shake the memory of having tea and sponge cake every day!

 

OK, I have a story to tell you... btw, those that only know of 'cruises' missed out on the 'golden' age of ships. On a sailing to Europe in 1994 on Queen Mary 2 out of NY, we were fortunate to have (I forgot his name) a gentleman that wrote several books on ships and as we were sailing out of NY he was giving a talk about the history of ships, pointing out piers off Manhattan and explaining why all ships today still have a 'grand' staircase into the dining room.... "because a 'lady' needs to make an entrance". So next time you cruise, take your lover and walk slowly down the stairs into the dining room and hopefully all eyes will be on you! LOL

 

DOC :cool:

[RMS Olympic]

The speaker could have been John Maxtone Graham.......who I met on the maiden voyage ofthe Sovereign of the Sea.

Or....more likely Bill Miller who I dined with on the maiden voyage of the Solstice.

Making an entrance....had to be Miller.......now he does make an entrance:D

I was just thinking of all the ships I did not get to sail....and are now gone. Not the great liners...but just those since the 70's. Three in particullar I booked andthen cancelled to doanother ship......and then lost the chance lateron....Rotterdam, Pacific Princess, Costa Marina, Mermoz, even the Brittanis (nasty but oh what a period piece).

[boereseun]

mine was on the Galilei Galileio in 1971 from Naples (Italy) to Durban (SA),

after having lived and toured Italy for 18 months dad decided it was time to go home as he was running short of funds.The five of us plus a stray cat, motor car and thirteen sea trunks sailed via the Canaries back to Africa.

[Rotterdam]

The FRANCE had one of those staircases in the First Class diningroom...oh the show on those steps....female & male.....

 

On QE2 - we would sit in the Chart Room & watch the parade of passengers going to the Captains Reception - I don't know if it was the people or the coctakils that made it so much fun!!!

 

I love a transatlantic crossing...a lost art actually...I am looking at the Seabourn Odyessey for a future crossing...

 

Cheers

Too funny......did your Dad have anything to do w/ the FRANCE/ NORWAY decor / redo?????

 

 

Sadly No.. he died in 1971. But growing up in Miami Beach, and living now in West Palm Beach, I see reminders all the time of his work.

 

On the voyages across the Atlantic to Europe, I can't shake the memory of having tea and sponge cake every day!

 

OK, I have a story to tell you... btw, those that only know of 'cruises' missed out on the 'golden' age of ships. On a sailing to Europe in 1994 on Queen Mary 2 out of NY, we were fortunate to have (I forgot his name) a gentleman that wrote several books on ships and as we were sailing out of NY he was giving a talk about the history of ships, pointing out piers off Manhattan and explaining why all ships today still have a 'grand' staircase into the dining room.... "because a 'lady' needs to make an entrance". So next time you cruise, take your lover and walk slowly down the stairs into the dining room and hopefully all eyes will be on you! LOL

 

DOC :cool:

[RMS Olympic]

Guess I have been over blessed and have been on lots of ships from luxe to bucket class. Some of the ships you all have been on are incredible...

I am now concentrating on off the beaten path itineraries. Next year I am sailing Volendam out of Sydney to islands north east of Australia. Some of the islands were common names on McCales navy...for those that remember that show. So a 14 day cruise to new and distant lands (hope there is family on board).

My question is on cruising the Seychelles. I am guessing a cape Town to Mubai or something along those lines will be all that is available. Has anyone sailed east of Africa and what was your experience?

I had actually looked into a small old ship 2 years ago...the Royal Star, but it seems she is no longer running. Amazing, I found in my files a brochure from when she sailed with Ocean cruise line.

So any suggestions for this part of the world.....which is on my 2011 to do list.

Oh, one last thing...anyone familia with the Italia Prima (in her previous life collided with the Andrea Doria). Worst duck tail in the industry although Veendams comes close.

Thanks to all. Now to get ready for Ryndam next month:D

[Willem Ruys]

I am now concentrating on off the beaten path itineraries. ... My question is on cruising the Seychelles. I am guessing a cape Town to Mubai or something along those lines will be all that is available. Has anyone sailed east of Africa and what was your experience...

The Seychelles are GORGEOUS but VERY pricey...Mombasa was interesting in a kitchy way. Nifty towering coke bottles as statues at 2 traffic circles...a gigantic statue of a coffee pot...Not sure it's safe now, ditto Nairobi...ah, the Norfolk Hotel..but never mind that...Zanzibar gets good marks as does Maputo, Durban, Richards Bay and Cape Town - but in Africa you have to watch yourself. High crime rates in many places.

[Rotterdam]

I am now concentrating on off the beaten path itineraries. ... My question is on cruising the Seychelles. I am guessing a cape Town to Mubai or something along those lines will be all that is available. Has anyone sailed east of Africa and what was your experience...

The Seychelles are GORGEOUS but VERY pricey...Mombasa was interesting in a kitchy way. Nifty towering coke bottles as statues at 2 traffic circles...a gigantic statue of a coffee pot...Not sure it's safe now, ditto Nairobi...ah, the Norfolk Hotel..but never mind that...Zanzibar gets good marks as does Maputo, Durban, Richards Bay and Cape Town - but in Africa you have to watch yourself. High crime rates in many places.

 

sounds like the adventures of a few of us taht have lived well!!!!!

[rummenroman]

I busted my cherry on the Explorer of the Seas. Too bad i was trying to be straight and had my ex-wife with me! My last cruise on the Serenade was by far better fun!;)

[Rotterdam]

I am now concentrating on off the beaten path itineraries. ... My question is on cruising the Seychelles. I am guessing a cape Town to Mubai or something along those lines will be all that is available. Has anyone sailed east of Africa and what was your experience...

The Seychelles are GORGEOUS but VERY pricey...Mombasa was interesting in a kitchy way. Nifty towering coke bottles as statues at 2 traffic circles...a gigantic statue of a coffee pot...Not sure it's safe now, ditto Nairobi...ah, the Norfolk Hotel..but never mind that...Zanzibar gets good marks as does Maputo, Durban, Richards Bay and Cape Town - but in Africa you have to watch yourself. High crime rates in many places.

 

 

I have friends taht flew over & stayed at a small hotel...the flight alone is horrid from nYC....I see seabourn & Costa have ships that stop there...

[VanceSF]

My company hosted our Sales Kickoff on Enchantment of the Seas in 2006. Being a strait cruise I was amazed that I actually met a guy. I also found a couple of co-workers that play for our team.

[johhnnyt]

Remember renting a tux (I looked dashing), spent more money on liquor than I did on the cruise, fell asleep (passed out) in the sun, and received major sunburn on my body, those were the glory days, at least so I thought.

Now 2009, been sober ~15 years, had about 16 cruises as a sober gay man (Atlantis, RSVP and Pied Piper)and just back from my first Transatlantic voyage, and that was the best two weeks of my cruising life, thank god someone up there gave me a chance at seeing the world with a pair of sober eyes.

Just booked an Egypt/Israel/Greece and Italy for 2010 while onboard the Constellation in September, gosh I am one lucky man!

[sally1]

I have been on many a "straight" cruise, as a matter of fact I am going on one, this thursday. Love both types of cruises for varied reasons. It appears people are much more excepting than they used to be. Not quite there yet but getting close.

My first gay cruise was with Olivia on the rinky dink regal empress. what fun that was, I think it was 10 years ago. I dont evven know if that ships around anymore. Now Olivia is using bigger and better ships. We are going on Holland America in march to the caribbean. THen we are off to greece and turkey in october on the azamara!

[Rotterdam]

How did you like your first Trans Atlantic crossing & what ship were you on????

 

 

Remember renting a tux (I looked dashing), spent more money on liquor than I did on the cruise, fell asleep (passed out) in the sun, and received major sunburn on my body, those were the glory days, at least so I thought.

Now 2009, been sober ~15 years, had about 16 cruises as a sober gay man (Atlantis, RSVP and Pied Piper)and just back from my first Transatlantic voyage, and that was the best two weeks of my cruising life, thank god someone up there gave me a chance at seeing the world with a pair of sober eyes.

Just booked an Egypt/Israel/Greece and Italy for 2010 while onboard the Constellation in September, gosh I am one lucky man!

[flspeedo]

My first cruise was aboard the Costa Flavia in 1979. Amazing how ships have changed over the years.

[geoherb]

My first cruise was with my ex on the Carnivale in 1987. We had an inside cabin and shared it with a woman who lived next door to us. She's the one who talked us into going on a cruise. Fortunately, it was just a 3-night cruise. The worst part was waking up in the middle of the night, hitting my head on the berth above me, and then stepping over my ex as he lay passed out naked on the floor.

 

My current DH and I met the next year (after I kicked my ex out). We took our first cruise on Norwegian's Seaward in 1989 and I got him hooked. We've taken 16 cruises in the last 20 years--but we're trying to catch up and take them more frequently now.

[mhrm60]

1991 RSVP Western Carribbean Cruise. It was on Dolphin Cruise Line's S.S. Seabreeze. I believe it sank a few years ago off of the coast of Virginia.

[jeffs55]

In June 1985 my (still, minus a couple of years off) partner and I along with his sister went on a cruise on the Cunard Countess with a group of NY Islanders fans and players. We loved it and haven't looked back.