G'ma

So true! Our sink was in the cabin while the toilet and shower were in really small adjoining room. It was a very tiny cabin, but we had a fantastic time.

...and....in most cabins, when you showered, the entire "closet" got wet!!!

And remember how the uppers were supported by woven straw? They bulged like there

were bodies in them even up against the wall. And the sailaway buffet was shriveled hot

dogs and hockey puck hamburgers.

But there were beautiful Waterford panels around the ship.....a touch of class.

That was before the Joe Farcus days.

For sure. You could also walk all the around on at least 2 decks, and had access to the bow of the ship.

As for Farcus? Well, he came onboard right after the Mardi Gras sailed. He did the Carnivale, Festivale and all others to this point.

Farcus is surely an acquired taste...but I love his designs. Truly. They are dazzling with a surprise in every nook and cranny.

The new Pride is simply lovely....and the Miracle, Liberty, Glory....how I enjoy the vision of the Carnival ships.

Still no luck with any Victory pins?

Several up for auction on eBay this week.

Hi,

I'm looking for a Fantasy pin.:)

 

I don't seem to catch it when one might be on ebay, but do see others.

 

I'll be on Inspiration in May; hope to get that one then!

Fantasy pin is currently up for auction on eBay this week.

I am looking for a Fantasy and Liberty pin. Please contact me at teresalegansbowman@gmail.com if you have one you would like to give away.

 

Thanks

 

Teresa aka "Raven"

Fantasy pin is on sale this week on eBay..as are several Liberty pins...looks pretty reasonable, too.

I see lots of posts on here about ideas how to smuggle liquor/drinks on board.

have you ever been caught?

what happens when you are?

has anyone been caught using those "fool proof" rum runner flasks?

I haven't been "caught" because I don't smuggle booze.

I can tell you that you'll find many threads here about the subject. And, a couple who have had their rum runners confiscated.

If the booze is found in it's original container/bottle, it will be removed and returned to you at the end of the cruise. Booze not in it's original container will be confiscated and destroyed with no compensation.

Your ticket contract (available on line) will clear up the booze situation for you - and what could happen.

I'm an avid reader and have been all my life.

I will never consider a Kindle or any other sort of electronic device...

I love the feel of a book, the smell of it. Love to hold it and dogear the pages. Love books that somebody else has handled and read--I consider that a shared experience.

I would never want a book that needs it's battery charged....;)

three wise men are about to show up. accept their presents!

OMG...this is the BEST laugh I've had in days...if not weeks....

Thanks for that!!! :):eek::D

Southward was my first cruise ever...back in the early 70's somewhere. What I recall was being so excited and not knowing what to expect. Hubby (then) and I joined friends for this rolicking good time. I think it was a 4 nighter..can really remember.

The only port I can remember is Grand Cayman, where a huge tender called "Bahama Mama" ran ferry service to/from the ship to Gallion Beach on the 7-mile strip. S'ward dropped anchor off-shore at that area. What a wonder the first glimpse of that beach was!! Ate turtle-burgers at a grass hut.

I also remember most of the crew were from the Caribbean. The last night they served Baked Alaska....flaming....which was carried into the dining room on the heads of the waiters, who danced to the calypso music blaring over the speakers.

The cabin was sooo tiny. We were far forward in a room with 2 small portholes...and the bed had to be made to fit the curvature of the hull!! The first morning, we were awakened by this horrible noise...which was just the lowering of the anchor....just a little forward of our cabin....

I was open-mouthed from the first time I laid eyes on her...and have remained that way the past 35 years or so.....a true addict...and Southward was what got me addicted.

Trying to attach a picure..hope it comes across....

Julie, Our favorite WJ ship is the Mandalay also and were fortunate to sail 3-13 day cruises between Antigua and Grenada plus the Panama trip in July 2007 when she had her bowsprit broken off. We hope to sail her again in the Galapagos Islands. Earlier this year they had availabilty posted on Angermeyer's website for June, July and August but now they show no availibility at all.

 

We also sailed the Polynesia, Flying Cloud and the Fantome and partied aboard the Yankee Clipper. All of these beautiful historic ships will have a place in our hearts forever.

 

Nancy

My first "jammer" was on the Fantome out of Nassau back in the mid-80's...it made me a fan forever. I recall the Captain, dressed in full pirate's regalia, standing way out on the bowsprit, sabre held high in the air as the ship slowly pulled away from mooring and a Bagpiper playing Amazing Grace ashore. Great theater...but that was the one and only notorious Captain Paddy Shrimpton who held late night drinking games under the stars.....

Loved the Poly...I think she might have been my favorite. My first cruise on this lovely introduced me to the "boat races" somewhere off Neva....

The Yankee Clipper, I think, was the most lovely when under full sail. What a picture she was.

Because it's popular, because it's perfect for vegetarians, because people ask for it.

Here's my personal policy:

If I don't like something on the buffet or in the dining room...I don't order it.

YMMV

My first Carnival cruise was on the Mardia Gras. It was the only ship they had at that time---the 2nd sailing....1972.

4 years later, I bought a little travel ageny. We specialized in group travel and cruises. Carnival by then had the Carnivale..maybe even the Festivale..can't recall. They were busy calling on agencies tryimg drum up business. Bob Dickinson was the regional sales representative (time flys). Anyway, the sales reps were quite a team and were all over the tri-state area training agents, holding cruise nights, calling on agencies regularly..and offering great deals for groups. Micky Arison would often show up at the cruise nights....

My little place did 1/3 groups cruises a MONTH on Carnival...sailed many times on Mardi Gras which was a favorite of mine and my clients.... I loved that little ship...and the others in the "triad" of the small fleet...

During those first days..the other cruiselines made fun of the little upstart. Said it would never work. Said the average American wasn't interested in cruising and those who did cruise would settle for nothing less than luxury....HA....

I find devine justice in the fact that Carnival now OWNS those other lines.....

Someone has just started a thread about this on page one. Set up for all to list the ship and where you found the coin, if you find it.....

For those of you who do not know, everyship built has a coin minted with the ship name and this coin is placed ON the ship, but never in the same place. It is a tradition that goes back a long time and it is for good luck. ALL Carnival ships have one, but where, they do not tell you or point it out, only those who check out all the nooks and crannies find it. It is usually covered with a clear box over it.

True. Here, from the "Superstion and Symbols" website:

gold and silver coinsIt was customary for shipwrights to put a gold coin somewhere in the keel and a silver coin was put somewhere below the mast. The gold coin was for good luck and the silver coin protected the ship and the crew from storms.

Just one of many really good stories about this tradition....it dates back at least to the Viking shipbuilders.....

This is only one example of why trip insurance is a necessity....

Any pins out for the Dream??? in the shops yet?

A few have hit eBay...I've won 2 of them.....both of which will be up for auction sometime this month.

How early do they let people on the cruise? And since this is my 1st cruise ever, can anyone give tips as to what time is best to board as to avoid long lines & crowds? Of course, we want to enjoy as much of the boat as possible, but we also don't wanna spend 2 hours standing in line at the terminal waiting to board. Thanks for the help!

I always arrive at the port around 1020am. That puts me in the front of the line when the doors open and get checked in right away.

It's been my experience that it's best to go early - before the buses from the airport start arriving. It gets really, really crowded then.

The Amerikanis was my second cruise in 96. Last i heard she had been broken up so you are right.

Yeah, sad really.

Here's a blurb from a sea "history" website:

Scrapped

In 1996 she was laid up in Greece which is where she sat while decisions were made about her future. Nothing materialized and she was sold for scrap in either 2000 or 2001. Sometime in 2001 the Amerikanis made her way to the Alang, India breakers.

Were on it in the 1970's.

Inside cabin, no telephones, and tiny bathroom, like a camper shower, where you had to lower toilet seat and close curtain.

We were young and had a great time. Also met some nice people with whom we

met later in Vegas.

 

Fond memories.

Now I will not take anyhing less than balconies after 29 cruises.

Going on the Miracle in March.

Do you remember that the "radio" was in the headboard of the bed or in one of the "drawers"? You could pick up music from the closed-circuit broadcast and all PA announcements came through it.

And.....the flaming Baked Alaska in the dining room...with the dancing line of waiters, flaming cakes on top of their heads? And, most crew on the ship were from the Caribbean?

Live steel band music at the pool all day. Late night "Conga lines".... Toga Parties, free rum punch for those who gathered at a specific place to watch the sunset. Cranky elevators. (Today, if an elevator acts up...somebody wants "compensation"--HA)

Here is a really good link to photos of the interior of this old gal:

http://www.ssmaritime.com/empcanada2.htm

I know I'm dating myself, but are they any cruisers out there that ever sailed on the Mardi Gras? We sailed back in 1986 and that seems like centuries ago.

Here's one!!!!

I sailed that little gem on it's SECOND cruise, just missing the first one that got hung up on a sandbar returning to Miami.

Over the years, Mardi Gras and I saw a lot of each other. I loved that little ship..as well as the Carnivale and Festivale when they were added.

LOVED all the inlaid woods, real brass, teakwood decks..and all the fun. The ship rocked 24 hours a day.

Micky Arison used to make unannounced appearances on those first ships, boarding in Miami "incognito", sailing for a day or two and getting off along the way. He was hands-on that his ships were doing what he wanted and that the folks were having a great time. He also did cabin inspections and ate at every meal..... At least one evening when he was onboard, there was an open bar - all on him - and we partied til dawn.

I owned a little travel agency during those years and we had at least one group a month on Mardi Gras, encouraged by Carnival's very young sales reps who gave us all the assistance needed to attract groups and sail on their ships.

Bob Dickinson (yep, Uncle Bob) was Sales Manager for the tri-state area at that time and he had a Cracker-Jack team of Reps. At that time, Carnival was sold exclusively through travel agencies...and they worked with us on getting best prices, etc., to fill their ship.

All the stodgey old cruise lines laughed at the upstart Carnival and predicted their quick demise. Interesting that Carnival now OWNS them....HA....

I must say that this my 8th cruise was the worst ever. Actually this was the first cruise I was ever disappointed in. Left Baltimore 1-10-10 arrived back from Port Canaveral and the Bahamas on 1-17-10. I wanted to share with readers my experience so as to spare other the same fate. I've never posted before but my concience would have bothered me if i didn't tell my story.

The first night on the Carnival Pride was where it all started. We had a extended balcony room #8237. We went to sleep at 12am only to be awakened at 1am,3am and 5am by extremely load noises on our ceiling. Each time we call guest services and they stated they would look in to it. After a similar second night and repeated calls to guest services they sent 2 people to the room at 2am and said they were going to check out the situation. By now we were having to take midday naps missing out on activities. By the third day i had learned we were underneath a galley on the 9th deck and that the Guest Service reps were asking them to be careful but there was really no way to stop the noise. I asked for another room ,even a inside small room just to get a good night sleep but was told the ship was full. After the 3rd night I became extremely verbal. I and my wife actually considered disebarking in Florida and driving home. Finally on the 4th day we were told there actually was a smaller balcony room and that if we wanted it we may switch. We did immediately. I went to guest services and demanded compensation. This was their compensation for 3 sleepless nights and shortened days. $128.40 total for me and my wife. Yes a whole $20 per person per day. I called them and stated i was not looking for money but compensation of maybe 20% off on a 7 or 10 day cruise to make up for the wasted time. They said sorry but there formula only allowed this amount as the maximum. Anyway this was the main issue but there were other issues that im going to list that contibuted to my worst experience on a ship ever.

1. No PPV movie worked on any day ever, When Guest Services were called they said the had a issue with audio video. They did not have an issue with billing for all the attempts to start one at $8.99 each.

2. The bed in both cabins were well worn out. they all had a sizable depression in the middle

3. The balcony roof on #8237 was literly rusting away with 12 inch pieces hanging down.

4. Something I've not noticed on other ships was that you were no longer able to take you own breakfact bacon or ham. you had to ask for it from the cook making eggs. I can only guess this is a cost saving measure.

 

This was my 3rd and final cruise with Carnival. I hope others head my warnings and don't get burned the way I was..

Most "others" who cruise would have done their research and would never have found themselves in a cabin under the galley. It's always a really good idea to find out what's around your cabin BEFORE you put your money down. In this case, they aren't able to rearrange the entire dining schedule on the ship to accommodate you.

You are fortunate they had an empty cabin and it was nice of them to refund the difference in price between the two cabins.

This isn't really a compensable event. Ship happens. You were moved....the galley is busy pretty much 24/7 and you didn't do enough research.

Others who might stay in the same cabin probably wouldn't be bothered by the noise at all.

Good luck on your next cruise...whoever you choose. Just know where you are staying before you book.....all ships have galleys...all ships have cabins under and around galleys.

I have not seen it mentioned yet, but I do not believe the Amerikanis, which was my first cruise in 1975, is still around. I have a couple of others, but they wpuld be repeats.

Chandris Amerikanis:

She was chartered to Costa about 1980.

I loved this little ship.. Did several to Bermuda on her....small but lively.

Norway (scrapped)

Starward (now Bolero)

Bermuda Star - Bermuda Star Line (?)

Seaward (?)

Monarch of the Seas (sailing out of Florida)

Inspiration (sailing out of Tampa, FL)

 

Although I enjoyed all of my cruises, I really loved the Norway. Her interiors were so elegant.

From Simplon website:

Seaward was built by Wartsila in 1988 (42276 gross tons, 216metres in length and 1798 maximum passengers). Seaward was renamed Norwegian Sea in 1997. In 2005 she was transferred to the Star Cruises fleet as SuperStar Libra (2).

Here, as the Seaward:

And, here as the Norwegian Sea:

Oversized NCL card as renamed Norwegian Sea.And here as the SuperStar Libra:

Bermuda Star:

This ship has a long and interesting history...here's the link:

http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/Argentina_1958.html

Carnival "Festivale" - Scrapped

 

Costa "Daphne" - Where is she now?

 

Celebrity "Zenith" - Sailing for Pullmantur Cruises

 

NCL "Norway" - Scrapped

 

Dolphin "OceanBreeze" - Scrapped

Here's the Daphne sailing the Costa colors:

According to Simplon, in 1990 Daphne and her sister Danae were transferred to Prestige which was a joint venture between Costa and Sovcomflot. In 1996, Daphne was sold to a Swiss company who renamed her "Switzerland"... here's a photo when she was owned by Prestige:

Here's a link to Simplon:

http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/CostaPCs2.html#anchor304362

You need ice.

It's on it's way.....sent the grandson a-running to the Lido......