Are We Losing Cruising As We Know It?

Today we got the news that P&O are giving their popular ship The Oriana a complete makeover. I read with interest that whilst giving the cabin and restaurant furnishings a more modern and contemporary feel they are keeping some of the classical features. See the plans for the new decor & more information here. She is now in her 21st year of service and had her last refurbishment in 2011.

It got me thinking how elegant the more traditional cruise ships are. They may not have all the mod cons such as the zip wires, Formula 1 simulators and 4D cinemas, but there’s something rather romantic about shiny teak decks and opulent decor. It goes hand in hand with the smart uniforms of the crew. This often seems a little pointless now on some ships where there is no dress code (or at least no enforcement of one).

I do know that things in the cruising world have changed immensely since the golden age of cruising, but I do like a lot of the traditional aspects of a cruise. I like to get dressed up for a formal night (and see others doing the same). I love the traditional dining experience being served by obliging waiting staff who pander to your every whim. Where else would you sit with a bunch of complete strangers for dinner every night?  It wouldn’t be a proper cruise without the restaurant staff racing around with a Baked Alaska and serenading people on their birthdays.  I love a good sailaway party & having the opportunity to have a photo meeting the captain and I think it’s great that every ship has a godmother.

I think that all the black & white photos of times gone by and famous passengers on the walls of Cunard ships are great and really take you back to what really was the glamorous age of cruising.

Many of these aspects are slowly disappearing from cruise holidays with certain companies. You can’t shake the captains hand for fear of spreading Norovirus. The Anytime dining concept seems to be slowly taking over the traditional 1st & 2nd sittings. Many cruise lines have done away with formal nights and Captain’s Gala dinners. Where will it all end?

So..there it is in black & white….. I love an old fashioned cruise and I’m not ashamed to say it.

What floats your boat? Modern or traditional?

Let me know.