Michael Vitale Posted June 11, 2015 Report Share Posted June 11, 2015 Ok gang, I was thinking of something yesterday. I remember a couple I know went on a cruise back in the day. I'm gonna say mid 80's. I can distinctly remember boarding the ship, checking out their stateroom and having a "Bon voyage" party. We brought bottles of wine, cheese, etc and spent a couple of hours taking in the digs until at some point there was an announcement that all guests, those without tickets of course, must leave. So who all remembers this custom of Bon voyage parties, and when did it end ? With thousands disembarking, and thousands more boarding in just a few hours, how did this ever take place ? I can't imagine it now. Did it end because of security concerns ? Is it just because of how big the ships have gotten ? Is it possible that some cruise lines/itineraries depart the day AFTER the previous cruise returns to its home port, so the boarding process is more relaxed ?? Comments ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocLC Posted June 11, 2015 Report Share Posted June 11, 2015 Yes, it ended because of security concerns. The only people I'm aware of that can board that are not passengers are wedding party guests and groups touring with travel agents. I did this once with my travel agent as they worked with the cruise line to have a group tour the ship, have lunch in the dining room, etc. for people who had never cruised to introduce them to cruising. While I had cruised several times, this was a line I hadn't been on in 15 years, so she invited me along to see their new product. It was a great experience, but they held onto your ID, issued you a special boarding document, etc. to ensure that you actually got off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NY Cruiser19 Posted June 12, 2015 Report Share Posted June 12, 2015 On quantum in April they made an announcement before we left saying anyone not sailing needs to get off now. In all the ports at the tent where we boarded the ship the security officers had probably 75 pink passes each that Quantum of the Seas Visitor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Vitale Posted June 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2015 So Doc, how in God's name did they get thousands off, thousands on, and re supply while allowing cruisers to bring guests on board to have a party ??? It's remarkable to say the least. Like I said, I remember doing this back in the day, but having been part of the process last year after many years of not cruising, I simply can't imagine it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michelle Posted June 12, 2015 Report Share Posted June 12, 2015 Yep - Doc is right- weddings, tours, prospects or official people that work for the cruise line usually can come on. Security all changed 9/11 for sure. But I agree Nicky, I remember my in-laws telling me about those parties too and how much fun they were! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocLC Posted June 12, 2015 Report Share Posted June 12, 2015 Nicky, I'm not sure how they do it, but somehow they do and every episode of The Loved Boat showed this I do need to correct myself, though. Princess announced within the last year that you could pay a fee to bring guests on at the port of embarkation to see the ship, have lunch onboard, etc. However, I'm not sure if they're still doing this or not. markinct 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galveston Steve Posted June 13, 2015 Report Share Posted June 13, 2015 I know some guys who went to college at the University of Miami in the 1970's. They used to talk about how they would go to the port and figured out how to walk up to the desk, glance at the guest list and pick a name, then tell the agent they were visiting that person. They easily received a guest pass for an afternoon of excitement on board. I'm not sure they broke any laws, but I guess the statute of limitations has expired just in case. Some things have changed forever. Melbae9 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrotheadtoo Posted June 25, 2015 Report Share Posted June 25, 2015 Our first cruise was in the early 1980's. We brought our family with us. Upon boarding the ship, a ship employee would escort you to your cabin. The cabin came with a beautiful fruit basket. Our family (non-cruisers) were able to stay on board for the day to enjoy lunch along with the activities... Cruisers were also provided with a cruise name list of all the passengers... We attended wine and cheese parties at no extra charge. It was a sit down tasting and you learned about the different wines and what foods to pair them with, etc. There was a buffet food spread to complement the different wines.. It was a very informative session...... Galveston Steve 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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