And another hobby.

[glencairn]

P&O ship 'Arvia' in La Spezia, Italy



Viking Cruises 'Viking Sun' in La Coruna, Spain



Tui Cruises 'Mein Schiff 1' in Cadiz, Spain



Glencairn

[glencairn]

Queen Victoria in Southampton 28th April 24



AIDAsol at the Port of Tyne 27th Aug 24



Glencairn

[glencairn]

Model of a dear ship to me. SS Uganda of British India S.N. Co. She started my travels on the sea.




Glencairn

[glencairn]

Going through a few old pictures

British India S.N.Co. Smoking Room on 'Uganda' In 1980.
When I travelled on 'Uganda' in the 1970s her smoking room furniture was a wonderful brown colour. P & O acquired British India and to 'put their mark' on things the room was changed to the horrible colour (imo) of blue? And more seating added, so uninviting.

During my travels on her the Smoking Room was not used as such, but a room to relax in, an attractive girl, a glass of a favourite tipple and listen to a piano player etc.



Chandris Cruises Britanis still looking good though coming to the end of her life.




Glencairn

[glencairn]

I mention Chandris Cruises ,Britanis' above. She had a long and illustrious career.

http://ssmaritime.com/britanis.htm

Glencairn

[glencairn]

Another Chandris cruise ship of a time passed.

The Victoria




A time that passed. There was a relaxing, elegance any time of day. No need to hurry to get to wherever. There always was a comfortable sofa or chair, be it for morning coffee, afternoon tea, the Music Room or the Cocktail Bar. A late evening stroll along the Promenade Deck, arm around a pretty lady. Even the ship was in no hurry, Waves drifting away as we travel a leisurely pace of 11 knots. Bliss!!!

Glencairn

[glencairn]

Some more cruise ships from a time gone.

An Eastern Mediterranean favourite 'Apollon



Formerly a cargo ship 'Port Sydney'. After a number of name changes Daphne



Ex- France, Norway seen here in Norway.



Glencairn

[cheshire lines]

Never been on a cruise but those older ships look far more elegant than some of the newer ones.

[glencairn]

Never been on a cruise but those older ships look far more elegant than some of the newer ones.

The older type ships were built to accommodate the passenger who wanted a style and elegance that people no longer want (unfortunately).

The owners of most cruise companies now look at the bottom line of the balance sheet (especially since Covid). They have little to no regard to the fare paying passengers, by cutting services that make the difference to a land based holiday.

Passengers are changing. A great number now no longer wish to wear formal clothes or respect those that do.

Yes the older ships look more elegant. They catered for passengers who lived a far different life.

We still go cruising, but avoid certain cruise companies.



Glencairn

[cheshire lines]

Yes, I guess it's the same for many aspects of the holiday market - budget airlines and hotels etc with little or no pretence at customer service. Sad, but I suppose that's the way of the world unfortunately.