I was lurking around the boards when I found this thread. The Oceanic was my first cruise in the summer of 1971. It was the first vacation I paid for myself and I was 20 years old. I sailed with a group of 8 and was the youngest in the group. It was actually the first cruise that any of us took. We went to Nassau where it seemed like we were berthed for a couple of days. Although a few in the group have passed on all of us became avid cruise lovers as a result of this first experience.
I remember sailing out of NYC and the bon voyage party we had in the cabins. My parents and boyfriend were onboard and joked about stowing away so they could also go. I loved the concept of reserved deck chairs and a designated deck steward. We didn't have to worry about chair hogs. I was introduced to pina coladas, chi-chis and imperials on that trip and at a buck a drink, I had plenty.
I enjoyed dressing for dinner every night. Although it isn't a requirement anymore, I still dress for dinner most nights when I am cruising. It's not as fancy as when I was on the Oceanic (and later the Atlantic to Bermuda in 1985) but it's certainly not too casual.
The food was outstanding. We had late seating and the waiters always offered samples of all the appetizers and entrees on the menus. I loved the serivce and have seen nothing close to it on any other line I've sailed. The menus were works of art.
Since it was my first cruise, I did not want to seem cheap, so I saved all my quarters and half dollars for weeks to give as tips. I didn't know you filled envelopes with bills on the last night :o !!!
Although I don't remember the names of the waiters or stewards and didn't date any (although I did flirt a lot) I only have fond memories of the ships. It seems to be that the original Disney Big Red Boat was one of Home Lines' ships. I remember a feeling of deja vu when I sailed her with my children.
Home Lines employees/memories?
in What Ever Happened To........???
Posted
I was lurking around the boards when I found this thread. The Oceanic was my first cruise in the summer of 1971. It was the first vacation I paid for myself and I was 20 years old. I sailed with a group of 8 and was the youngest in the group. It was actually the first cruise that any of us took. We went to Nassau where it seemed like we were berthed for a couple of days. Although a few in the group have passed on all of us became avid cruise lovers as a result of this first experience.
I remember sailing out of NYC and the bon voyage party we had in the cabins. My parents and boyfriend were onboard and joked about stowing away so they could also go. I loved the concept of reserved deck chairs and a designated deck steward. We didn't have to worry about chair hogs. I was introduced to pina coladas, chi-chis and imperials on that trip and at a buck a drink, I had plenty.
I enjoyed dressing for dinner every night. Although it isn't a requirement anymore, I still dress for dinner most nights when I am cruising. It's not as fancy as when I was on the Oceanic (and later the Atlantic to Bermuda in 1985) but it's certainly not too casual.
The food was outstanding. We had late seating and the waiters always offered samples of all the appetizers and entrees on the menus. I loved the serivce and have seen nothing close to it on any other line I've sailed. The menus were works of art.
Since it was my first cruise, I did not want to seem cheap, so I saved all my quarters and half dollars for weeks to give as tips. I didn't know you filled envelopes with bills on the last night :o !!!
Although I don't remember the names of the waiters or stewards and didn't date any (although I did flirt a lot) I only have fond memories of the ships. It seems to be that the original Disney Big Red Boat was one of Home Lines' ships. I remember a feeling of deja vu when I sailed her with my children.