kabuka

Sitmar was awesome. I think it was the time. Cruising, like flying, used to be more costly and less people did it. People dressed up, the crew knew your name the first day. The waiters kissed your cheek and/or hand every night. The number of guests was intimate, ah I could go on.

The people my parents met on that first cruise, remain friends to this day. They live in different parts of the country, but cards and notes are exchanged at least on holidays. That doesn't happen anymore either.

Hey, but now I can afford to go again and again!

Carnival Destiny was my first balcony. It was a last minute upgrade! We (my girlfriend and I) were upfront, port side and we enjoyed waving at the Captain and his crew every morning. On Destiny, the bridge juts out and the crew uses this space to steer.

It was funny to watch their reactions when we would wave. Some of the crew waved back, others acted embarrassed - I am not sure why.

My next cruise is with my new husband and I am getting a lot of great ideas from this list! Some I know he will really love! ;)

I was 16 when I traveled on Fairsky (my second cruise). The first was on the Fairwind at age 10. What a way to start cruising. This was 1980 and 1985. Cruising was different then. Cruise ships weren't small cities, and actually looked and sounded like ships. Ahhh. . . to see all the wood again and the shiny brass. Oh and the Italians!!!!

I miss the days when you could hug and kiss your waiter/room steward/maitre' d. My last cruise on Celebrity all we got was hand sanitizer thrown at us at every turn, and at the Captain's party and the return passenger party we were told the captain and crew were not shaking hands to avoid passing germs. :confused:

Oh how things change.......