The other day I was listening to a Podcast where they were talking about how it used to be on cruise ships 20 and 30 years ago, and what has changed. It got me thinking about my memories of cruise ships as a kid in the 80's.
I took my first cruise in 1987, it was a 6 day cruise to Bermuda on the SS Amerikanis and I didn't have to look that up, even though I was 11 I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a budget line and there were 4 of us in an inside cabin and the TV was probably 5 inches and didn't work. What a different time, there were no room cards that you paid your bills with, no electronic bills to look at on your TV and no freestyle dining. But I do remember the waitstaff being awesome and taking care of all my 11 year old needs.
But, I also remembered my parents had friends who cruised regularly and I remember going to see them off once, we were able to board the ship and visit in their stateroom and see a bit of the ship. I remember it being small but luxurious. Of course I was probably under the age of 10 and my frame of reference wasn't of a high standard. After we left the ship my family waited at the dock and waved as our friends set sail. What happened to the days of having your friends board the ship with you and seeing your cruise ship. I'll admit I want that to come back just so I can see other ships. But it also seems like it would be a great way to interest people in taking a cruise on that ship. Visit your friend on their cruise and see how cool the ship is and then when the guests are walking off the ship you offer some "fabulous" discount if they book then. It's an awesome plan. I have no doubt it's because of security that this option no longer exists and never will again. But it's a fun idea.
What do you remember about your past cruise experiences?
