k8russ8

What a marvelous voyage. I enjoy every word. This would truly be my dream come true.

I sailed on the Island Breeze on a stand-by trip as a Travel agent . I had been to the Cruiseathon in Miami. The hull on the ship was white. I also had the smallest cabin on the ship. It was next to the dining room, on the lowest passenger deck. It had an upper and lower bunk. It was so small that one of us had to either be in the Head or sitting in, not on our bunk so the other could get by. This was an inside cabin. We had a wooden locker for our clothes. The wait staff was not at all happy. We were next to the dining room and could hear them complaining late into the night. Perhaps it was their only place to gather. We laughed and said that they were going to mutiny before the cruise ended. It sounded as if they were throwing the dishes rather than stacking them. There were a number of crew members that were escorted off the ship in Cozumel. Our luncheon buffet consisted of Balogna, Ham , Cheese and Salami coldcuts for the entire week.The best meal was the midnight buffet. They seemed to go all out for this one. We got stuck for a short time by the reef near Hondouras?? Churned up a lot of mud and sand. Can only imagine what damage it did to the reef. The best memory I had was seeing the Norway sail past. I had been on her as the FRANCE in 1964. We spoke with someone in charge ( I have forgotten just whom this was) To try and get out of the "closet" that we were in. We were willing to pay anything to be relieved of this assignment. We were told by this officer that this cruiseline was going to be bigger than Carnival. He also said that he had worked for Carnival for quite awhile and that this was a move forward for him. What an altruistic soul was he. We all know what happened with that story. I have been on 33 cruises and enjoy mostly everything about them. Rather be on the sea than landlocked any day. This was truly a rusty, dusty challenge. The saving grace was that we had paid only $150.00 including port taxes for the whole experience. I have always been a good sport. Who cares about a few stains or a piece of upholstery that needs mending. These ships are in constant service and take the brunt of all sorts of persons. Some much more considerate than others. These poor ships were challenged to start with. I am sure they tried their best. This doomed line went to a sorry end and didn't really have a chance to prove all that had been promised. I know that it was a very popular line for those on the east coast. It had more than reasonable rates. It made cruising affordable for some whom otherwise might not have been able to take the entire family on that sort of vacation. I am glad I have since experienced many others that really have tried a bit harder. Kudos to those who enjoyed their fun. That is after all, what it is all about.

Thanks singeresq. I had not seen all of the attatched shots. You have given me some neat info. Thanks again.

I would love to have a memento of the ship. I would be grateful to you. try to reach me at sailork8@sbcglobal.net. Sorry it took so long to respond.

This question may not even be able to be answered. My grandparents were on this ship in 1919 or 1920. It took them to Juneau Alaska. I know that she was in California for a long time and used as a restaurant in the San Pedro harbor. My brother was married on her. He is a traditionalist and chose to do this in Hommage to our grandparents. I know she sank in the channel off L.A. I would love to find all the history that I can about her. Can anyone show me the right direction to go? I am trying to put together family history. This would be a great addition. Thanks in advance.