Your first cruise ship

[rp23g7]

WOW long thread and lots of info.

 

For the people that sailed on the Queen Mary, what was it like? Any pictures of it in operations and things going on during the cruise?

 

I stayed on it in 1992 for my birthday. I rented on of the 1st Class cabins, dont think it was a suite. What a eye opener. The cabin was a little narrower for and aft, but longer port to starboard than todays cabins, with one little porthole.

 

 

I remember the bathtub was about a foot wide and 3 feet tall. Wish i could find my pictures.

[Batch5]

Star Ship Royal, Premier Cruise Line (Big Red boat) in 1986 my first cruise.

1958-1983: Federico C.

1983: Royale

1983-1988: StarShip Royale

1988-2000: SeaBreeze

1958-1983: Costa Cruises

1983-2000: Premier Cruises

1958-1983: Costa Cruises

1983-1997: Dolphin Cruise Lines

1997-2000: Premier Cruises

This ship was built in 1958 by the Ansaldo Sestri Ponente shipyard in Italy as the Federico C. The ship was the first new ship built for the Costa Line. The ship was initially liner service between Genoa, Italy and Buenos Aires, Argentina via Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 1966, she began service between Genoa, Italy and Florida, the Caribbean and Venezuela. The ship had a major refit in 1968, then added Caribbean cruises between trans-Atlantic trips. Federico C did cruises exclusively from 1972 to 1983, when the boat was sold.

In 1983, Premier Cruises obtained the ship and named it the Royale; it became the StarShip Royale' in the same year. In 1988, the ship was renamed the SeaBreeze when it was placed in service for Dolphin Cruise Lines. One year later, the ship was refurbished. Premier took possession of the ship when it acquired Dolphin in 1997. When Premier went out of business in September 2000, the ship was ordered to immediately cease operations. At the time, it was docked at a Canadian port.

Chris

[EMBFlyer]

Star Ship Royal, Premier Cruise Line (Big Red boat) in 1986 my first cruise.

1958-1983: Federico C.

1983: Royale

1983-1988: StarShip Royale

1988-2000: SeaBreeze

1958-1983: Costa Cruises

1983-2000: Premier Cruises

1958-1983: Costa Cruises

1983-1997: Dolphin Cruise Lines

1997-2000: Premier Cruises

This ship was built in 1958 by the Ansaldo Sestri Ponente shipyard in Italy as the Federico C. The ship was the first new ship built for the Costa Line. The ship was initially liner service between Genoa, Italy and Buenos Aires, Argentina via Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 1966, she began service between Genoa, Italy and Florida, the Caribbean and Venezuela. The ship had a major refit in 1968, then added Caribbean cruises between trans-Atlantic trips. Federico C did cruises exclusively from 1972 to 1983, when the boat was sold.

In 1983, Premier Cruises obtained the ship and named it the Royale; it became the StarShip Royale' in the same year. In 1988, the ship was renamed the SeaBreeze when it was placed in service for Dolphin Cruise Lines. One year later, the ship was refurbished. Premier took possession of the ship when it acquired Dolphin in 1997. When Premier went out of business in September 2000, the ship was ordered to immediately cease operations. At the time, it was docked at a Canadian port.

Chris

 

I, too, was on the Star/Ship Royale as my first ship in 1986. BJ Thomas was the entertainment. Unfortunately, she now lies at the bottom of the Atlantic.

[Emtbsam]

My first was in August 1955 on the Ocean Monarch of Furness Lines. We cruised out of New York to Halifax, and Quebec and then down to Bermuda in time for Hurricane Edith. I was hooked.

Edited March 30, 2010 by Emtbsam

[sjmarante]

My first cruise was on the Majesty of the Seas. It is operated by Royal Caribbean. We took a 4 night cruise in 2007 that went to Nassua and Coco Cay.(RCCL private island) I did get hooked! I loved cruising ever since!:)

[ajmac01]

Our 1st cruise was in 1995 on the NCL Dreamward, pre lengthening. It was a southern caribbean itinery that stop in Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Cancuan. I don't even see any ships going to Cancuan anymore. It wasn't a big ship but seemed large at the time, but by today's standards it is more like a personal yatch.

[lmeadows25]

It was 1998 on the Norwegian Dream- my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary- they got me hooked... I was 17 and a terror for my parents to keep track of (I will have to make it up to them someday) but I had a blast- Bermuda...pink sand beaches :rolleyes: Going on my 7th cruise in a few days...

 

And reading some of these... I'm not sure if this would be the correct thread for this- but will someone adopt me? I have great parents, but they haven't taken me on a cruise in 9 years and some of you go a few times a year... I'd love to tag along :o Please??

[azhotrd22]

My DW and i were on our first cruise in April 2009 for our honeymoon aboard the Carnival Elation. It was a 4 night cruise to Catalina Island and then to Ensenada Mexico. Due to the outbreak of the swine flu, They cancelled our excursions in Mexico and no one got off the boat. We did dock in Ensenada for about an hour or two, After that we set sail for 2 sea days. We had a blast, Wife was dissapointed not getting to shop in mexico, But we were hooked from there. We plan on a cruise every year. Right now have one booked for May 2nd out of Long beach aboard the Carnival Splendor. We are getting close and we can hardly wait! Happy cruising everyone!!

Edited April 9, 2010 by azhotrd22

[WatchHill]

My first cruise was a bit earlier than many posted here. As a young child, I sailed with my parents aboard the Ile de France [1957?].

 

DH's cruising history began with his family leaving Southampton aboard the Uganda to Mombasa. Every 45 days he would leave school in Nairobi, board either the Karanja or Kampala, sailing to and from the Seychelles where the family resided.

 

Our "modern day" cruise experince began on the Volendam in the very early 80's, a 14 day cruise from FLL to Barbados and back to Florida.

 

Darcy

[Cristiano]

I also am somewhat earlier in terms of 1st cruise ship.....

 

March 1951....

 

Surriento...Genoa to Sydney......

 

Cannot recall any of it as I was 6 months old !!:confused:

 

ciao,

 

Cristiano.

[Beth C]

My first cruise was waaaaaay back on this unknown ship by RCCL - The Oasis of the Seas or something like that :D Way back on December 5, 2009 lol

 

[jotabecu]

Mine was around 1948 aboard the Florida (P & O) sailing from La Habana to Miami, it was more transportation than cruise because the sailing was about 12 hours. Took it several times.

[KevinsCruising]

Here's one I do not think anyone will remember. My first cruise was when I was in grammar school. About 38 yrs ago. The ships name was the Kazakhstan. It sailed NY to Bermuda. Would anyone have pictures of that ship???

 

Also there is a ships name when I was in my early 20's about 25 yrs ago called something like the Paquet?????? Not sure if that is the spelling. Left out of Florida? Anyone remember the correct name or spelling?

 

Thanks :confused:

[WatchHill]

Kevin - Paquet was a French cruise line. I sailed to Bermuda out of Boston on on the SS Rhapsody back in the 80's. I believe it was a former HAL ship, the Statendam. Oh, it was a memorable cruise as the prior week the ship hit very high seas and sustained quite a bit of damange.

 

Darcy

[KevinsCruising]

Kevin - Paquet was a French cruise line. I sailed to Bermuda out of Boston on on the SS Rhapsody back in the 80's. I believe it was a former HAL ship, the Statendam. Oh, it was a memorable cruise as the prior week the ship hit very high seas and sustained quite a bit of damange.

 

Darcy

 

 

I remember when my friend and I were on her. She was actually sold on our sailing. That brings back some memories. :rolleyes:

[rrogers123]

My first cruise was a Pacific Coastal on Cunard Princess in 1981. Sailed from Vancouver to Los Angeles. Hooked me on cruising.

 

[pampaul]

Our first cruise was August of 2006 on the Norwegian Dawn. OMG, we fell in love with it on day one!!! Beautiful ship. We sailed out of NY to Bermuda, the Bahamasand Great Stirrup Cay.

 

Our second cruise was April of 2008 on the Disney Magic. Smaller ship, still nice but we felt it was a bit overpriced. We left out of Port Canaveral to St. Thomas, St. Maartin and Castaway Cay.

 

Our third cruise was July of 2009 on the Monarch of the Seas (Royal Caribbean). I didn't care for this ship much. Still enjoyed ourselves though. We left out of Port Canaveral (we had just spent a week in DisneyWorld and figured since we were in the area, we'd take a 5 night cruise) We went to the Bahamas and Coco Cay.

 

We will be taking our 4th cruise this summer on the Norwegian Jewel. Out of the 3 cruises that we've already taken, we've enjoyed Norwegian the best. We're leaving out of NY (we live in CT so this is just easier for us) and going to the Bahamas again along with Port Canaveral.

 

DH was also talking about trying out Carnival next year so we can go to Half Moon Cay. I think his goal is to try out different cruise lines so he can check out different private islands. LOL

[Copper10-8]

Havent read the whole thread yet.

 

Ours was the Carnival Jubilee in 92, Mexican Riviera, man, that ship was junk back then and it was only 4 yrs old.

 

It lost power twice, the carpet was all old and faded, the paint was peeling, but the food was still good.

 

Glad we gave cruising a second chance. Best vacations ever since then.

 

Anyone know if she still around?

 

 

Jubilee (1986-present) Build in 1986 as Jubilee by Kockums Varv Ab, Malmö, Sweden for Carnival Cruise Line as the second vessel of the three-ship medium-size Holiday class. Her sisters are Holiday (1985) and Celebration (1987). She was delivered on 1 June 1986 to CCL and 0n 6 July 1986 began operating Caribbean cruises out of Dodge Island, Miami, Fl.

 

 

During her Carnival career, she also operated out of Los Angeles (San Pedro) on Mexican Riviera cruises and out of Vancouver, BC on Alaska cruises.

 

 

In September 2004, she received an internal transfer to P&O Australia, a Carnival subsidiary, who renamed her Pacific Sun. After an intensive refit at the Grand Bahamas Dockyard at Freeport, she received interior as well as exterior changes. The most obvious exterior changes were the removal of both Carnival-trademark winglets on her "whale tail" funnel and the construction of a so-called ducktail on her stern. Due to this addition, she will pitch and roll less and this will also increase her fuel efficiency. A two-story waterslide was one of her added features.

 

 

Her first cruise for P&O Australia out of Sydney's Darling Harbor took place on 27 October 2004, after she was renamed by her godmother, Australian Olympic gold medal swimmer Lisa Curry-Kenny. Since that time, Pacific Sun has welcomed thousands of Australians onboard on year-round South Pacific and tropical North Queensland itineraries. Her guests have been able to choose from three-night short break cruises to a fourteen-night voyage to New Caledonia, Fiji and Vanuatu. Destinations included islands such as Ouvea (New Caledonia), Champagne Bay (Vanuatu) and the Isle of Pines (New Caledonia), as well as capitals like Noumea (New Caledonia) and Vila (Solomon Islands).

 

 

In November 2007, P&O Australia relocated Pacific Sun to Brisbane which has seen her become the largest year-round cruise ship ever to be based in Queensland. From this new home port, Pacific Sun has been able to offer her guests the forty two-night Cherry Blossum cruise which goes around Asia.

 

 

As a sidenote, on 31 July 2008, 42 of her passengers received medical attention after Pacific Sun was hit by severe weather and experienced 22-foot swells and 50-knot winds, causing her to roll sharply just before 8:00 pm. During that voyage, she was enroute to Auckland, New Zealand following an eight-day cruise in the South Pacific.

 

Pacific Sun is currently operating on three to fourteen-night itineraries with port calls in Queensland and the South Pacific.

[Copper10-8]

Some additional pics of the former Jubilee:

 

 

As Carnival's Jubilee

 

 

As P&O Australia's Pacific Sun at Lyttelton harbor (Christchurch), New Zealand

 

 

As P&O Australia's Pacific Sun in Darling harbor, Sydney

 

 

As P&O Australia's Pacific Sun departing Sydney

 

 

As P&O Australia's Pacific Sun departing Brisbane in hybrid colors (new all-white hull but still sporting the prior P&O Australia sun below her bridge)

 

 

As P&O Australia's Pacific Sun departing Brisbane in new (all-white) house colors

[Copper10-8]

My first cruise was in 1987 on the Carnival Holiday. I travelled with Singleworld out of Miami to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios. It was a great cruise and I did get hooked on cruising. My 12 and 14 year old daughters are hooked as well.

 

ms Holiday (1984-present) Built in 1984 as ms Holiday by av Aalborg Vaerft A/S, Aalborg, Denmark for Carnival Cruise Line. She was the first ship of Carnival's Holiday class, also called "Super Liners" by Carnival and known as the "Fun Ships". Her sisters are the slightly larger Jubilee (1986) and Celebration (1987).

She was delivered to her new owners on 3 June 1985 and on 22 June departed Aalborg on her transatlantic crossing to Miami, FL. After her naming ceremony, she departed Miami for her inaugural cruise to the Caribbean on 13 July 1985. When she emerged from the yard, Holiday was 46,052 gross registered tons, 728 feet long, 105.6 feet wide with a 25.5 foot draft. She was Liberian registered with Italian Officers and an International crew and she is diesel propelled.

The Holiday class vessels were the first class of newbuilds for Carnival Cruise Lines (Tropicale was a single-class ship). The name sake started the tradition of an enclosed, double width promenade, which, became the boulevard for each evening's activities. Every Carnival ship has its own particular bit of whimsy. On Holiday, it was a full size 1934 Danish passenger bus by the name of Bette Astrup, part of the Bus Stop Bar on Broadway, parked outside of the ship’s casino.

 

For 24 years, ms Holiday operated a wide variety of itineraries for the line, playing a critical role in Carnival's rise to world's largest cruise operator. She also played an important role in pioneering the short cruise market, introducing three- and four-day service from Southern California (San Pedro) in 1995 and, towards the end of her Carnival career, four and five-day voyages from Mobile, Ala. On the four-day voyages, Holiday departed the Alabama port city on Thursdays with a port of call at Cozumel, Mexico. On her five-day trips, Holiday departed on Mondays and Saturdays with stops at Cozumel, Calica/Playa del Carmen or Progreso, all in Mexico.

Effective 8 September 2005, Carnival took the Holiday out of service and chartered her and two other ships (Sensation and Ecstasy) to the Military Sealift Command (MSC) on behalf of the Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA), to be used for six months as temporary housing to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Holiday initially remained at Mobile and took in up to 1,400 refugees, before moving to Pascagoula, MS. Following the completion of her FEMA contract, Holiday entered dry dock in Freeport, the Bahamas for three weeks of refurbishment and renovations where, among other improvements, she received new carpeting and plumbing as well as repairs to her propellers. Effective 27 March 2006, she resumed her program of year-round four and five-day Caribbean cruises out of Mobile.

 

In 2009, Carnival announced that Holiday would be internally transferred to Spanish Line Iberocruceros, a joint venture between it and Spanish tour operator Orizonia Corporación. On 3 November 2009, the 1,452-passenger Holiday departed Mobile on her final voyage for Carnival Cruise Lines, a five-day western Caribbean cruise. Upon her return, the ship sailed to Genoa, Italy where she is undergoing a refurbishment at the San Giorgio del Porto shipyard prior to her transfer to Iberocruceros or IberoCruises. In addition to completely restyling her cabins and public areas, four new suites with balconies and a new wellness center will be built. The ship's hull is being treated with a silicone-based paint that also increases the vessel’s hydrodynamic performance while reducing the environmental impact thanks to reduced fuel consumption.

Iberocruceros was founded in 2007 as a joint subsidiary of Carnival Corporation and Orizonia Corporación and is aimed at the Spanish-speaking market. Orizonia Corporación provided two ships from its existing Iberojet fleet, the Grand Mistral and the Grand Voyager. Carnival Cruise Lines provided Iberocruceros with the Grand Celebration and now the Grand Holiday.

Grand Holiday’s first cruise is scheduled to depart from Barcelona, Spain on 18 May 2010, calling at Villafranche-sur-Mer, France, Livorno (Leghorn), Civitavecchia and Porto Torres (Sardinia), Italy. The ship will then operate seven-day cruises in the western Mediterranean during the summer season, departing from Barcelona on Sundays, calling at Leghorn, Civitavecchia, Naples, Villafranche and La Goulette, Tunesia.

Edited April 20, 2010 by Copper10-8

[deuceguy]

First cruise for me was the Doric out of NY to Bermuda. The Doric was Home Lines I think and had a sister ship the Oceanic. Anyway was in October 1978 and had horrible weather until we reached Bermuda. That ship rocked and rolled like crazy which my girlfriend and I thought was awesome at that time. Some Photog took our picture on the deck before we left and it ended up in our local paper stating that we were on our honeymoon(we were only dating at the time). Boy did we have to explain a lot when we got back :)

We are celebrating our 30th anniversary this year and will be on NCL Jewel for a week in June. This will be our 5th cruise(Doric '78, Ecstasy '92, Navigator '04, Miracle '08)

Frank

[Wifey#1]

OMG my first cruise was in Nov 1970 on the Oceanic (Home Lines). On May 6,2010 I will be sailing my # 27 cruise on the Enchantment of the Seas.

[imonbermudatime]

1969- the SS Brazil NYC to San Juan and St, Thomas over the Easter break. Tons of teenagers and we spent the last two days of the cruise trying to finish the homework we were assigned for the break (back then schools gave assignments over vacations). Funny occurance - there were two brothers on the cruise. We didn't keep up any communication after the cruise, but in 1972 I ran into them in , in Boston, where we were all attending college. Small world. And yes, I did get hooked. From 1971 until I got married in 1984 went on a cruise every year. There was a break of a few years, then I got my husband hooked and we cruise about every 3 years. :o

[imonbermudatime]

sorry, that's funny occurence

[imonbermudatime]

chalk it up to the time - it is funny occurrence = so much for my college education!