Cruise Talk: Theme Cruises

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Author

Topic: Theme Cruises

stangirl
First Class Passenger
Member # 1171

posted 03-17-2001 07:22 AM

We were on the Westerdam Sock Hop cruise in February and found it quite different from any other HAL cruise that we have been on. The whole atmosphere was very casual, not what we have come to expect from a HAL cruise. Aside from the fact that many passengers went through the food lines in bare feet and bathing suits, five of the eight nights were casual. I packed more informal type clothing and I felt out of place with the other women in poodle skirts. And our poor steward went crazy on All American Night. So much of the food was deep fried-french fries, onion rings, chicken, and fish. He had to wait in line in the kitchen.

Personally, I enjoyed the oldies playing throughout the ship, but Mr. Stangirl got tired of them. Johnny Tilitson, of "Poetry in Motion" fame, was one of the entertainers. I really think the cruise lines should get more current pictures of some of these stars for their billboards. And we also got to meet and talk to the Coasters. They were just like real people, although they were also kind of over the hill. I guess that's the kind of entertainment to expect on a theme cruise.

I have never been on a Carnival cruise, but I was wondering if Holland America is trying to become a "fun ship" line. I hope not. The theme cruise was interesting, but I don't think I want to go on one again. What do you think?

Posts: 17 | Registered: Mar 2000 | IP: Logged

jwine
First Class Passenger
Member # 634

posted 03-17-2001 09:21 AM

No fears,on Carnival you won't find people barefoot and in bathing suits in the food lines and certainly won't find fried chicken, fish, or onion rings on the menu! It was a very nice atmosphere. You people have to get the "fun ship" mania out of your minds. Having been on all the major cruiselines, Carnival stands up there with the rest of them.

Posts: 223 | From: Cincinnati, OH USA | Registered: Apr 99 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 03-17-2001 09:34 AM

quote:
Originally posted by stangirl:
..although they were also kind of over the hill. I guess that's the kind of entertainment to expect on a theme cruise

I understand that Cruise Lines do not pay the entertainers as well as shore based venues. Hemce the entertainers are often young, learing their trade, or at the opposite end of their career. However, this does not mean that they are not any good - they just may not be in high demand anymore!

I suppose theme cruises are good if you pick your theme carefully! I like the sound of the QE2's 'QM2' theme, but my bank manager will not let me go

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

K&K
First Class Passenger
Member # 1040

posted 03-17-2001 09:54 AM

Stangirl: I guess you are saying is that if you go on a theme cruise you better like (love) the theme! Kevin

Posts: 446 | From: Sandpoint,Idaho,USA | Registered: Jan 2000 | IP: Logged

ocngypz
First Class Passenger
Member # 1555

posted 03-17-2001 10:58 AM

Stangirl:

We did the HAL sock-hop theme cruise several years ago. Passengers were not always dressed up in "50's attire... and they did wear shoes and appropriate attire at mealtime.

I think much has to do with the actual passengers onboard.

Malcolm:

Come on......Cunard as several of those QM2 theme cruises on sale right now........(at least on this side of the "pond") twist your bank manager's arm!!!

Posts: 343 | From: Newport, RI USA | Registered: Sep 2000 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 03-17-2001 06:15 PM

quote:
Originally posted by ocngypz:
Stangirl: Come on......Cunard as several of those QM2 theme cruises on sale right now........(at least on this side of the "pond") twist your bank manager's arm!!!

Yes I know, they are on sale here as well. The problem is that I've "broken" the bank managers arm several times in the past!

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

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