Back in the early days of cruising, an adventure at sea was a big deal as were the bon voyage sendoffs for the ships and their passengers.
Seeing off a friend or relative on an ocean voyage involved accompanying them to the ship, going aboard to visit their stateroom, touring the vessel and even enjoying a farewell glass of champagne.
Crowds would gather on the pier to wave goodbye and try to catch the colourful streamers they threw down from the upper decks as the ship's whistle blew and it sailed off into the sunset.
The tradition - as seen on the TV show The Love Boat - disappeared about two decades ago in view of tighter security on ships and in port areas.
Princess Cruises is reviving the tradition with its Bon Voyage Experience that offers a taste of the onboard happenings.
"Long-time cruisers will recall the fun of the bon voyage send-off with their family and friends, and we're excited to re-introduce a new, modern version of this experience," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice-president.
The experience is a "new twist on the departure celebration of bygone days" and includes lunch in the dining room and tour of the ship, said cruise line publicist Carol Maglione.
Calling it "unique in the cruise industry," the program allows passengers to extend an invitation to their guests to join them onboard during sailing day for a four-course lunch with wine, a ship tour and even a souvenir photo, she said.
Passengers and their guests receive priority embarkation and can spend about four hours together on the ship before it sails.
The program is debuting this month in the ports of Los Angeles with the Sapphire Princess, Coral Princess, Island Princess and Golden Princess, and in Fort Lauderdale on the Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Ruby Princess, Royal Princess and Star Princess.
It begins in New York on May 18 on the Caribbean Princess and then in San Francisco on June 1 with the Sea Princess.
During the upcoming Alaska cruise season, Sapphire Princess, Golden Princess and Royal Princess will offer the program in Seattle, beginning in May.
The number of guests able to participate in bon voyage festivities on any embarkation day will be about 50 and the cost is $39 US a person, which can be credited toward a future Princess cruise.
Reservations can be made from 120 days before a cruise, but must be done within six days of sailing as guests will be required to provide security information similar to that given by the passengers before being cleared to board the ship.
Sorry, streamers haven't yet made a comeback.
Taking it up a notch
Another of the hallmarks of a great cruise experience is fine dining at sea.
Celebrity Cruises intends to take this tradition up a notch on its newest ship, Eclipse, debuting April 29 in Southampton, England.
Qsine, described as becoming one of the "world's top-rated restaurants," will offer an "engaging combination" of art and design, said Chef Jacques Van Staden, vice-president of culinary operations.
The restaurant, with a $30 cover charge per person, is "designed to surprise our guests with uniquely unordinary dishes, innovative presentations and engaging experiences," he said.
On the menu are spring rolls nestled in vertical springs, sushi lollipops, meatball trilogy with Kobe beef, veal and turkey, and Chitinis - Chinese selections served in martini glasses.
"Lava Crab" is Alaskan King crab, sweet yellow corn and scallions with Hataifi (pastry) and Old Bay sauce, served in glasses over heated red stones.
"Taco Royale" is Black Angus sirloin steak, homemade taco shells, caramelized onion-poblano and do-it-yourself fresh guacamole made at the table with a stone mortar and pestle.
True to British traditions is "Popcorn Fish and Chips," Boddington's battered codfish and chips served with malt vinegar or aioli sauce.
Desserts include candied apples, popcorn and individual cookie jars.
Libations to accompany the cuisine include about 100 varieties of primarily organic, contemporary wines and a "vast array of creative cocktails."
Celebrity Eclipse, carrying 2,850 passengers, will sail to the Canary Islands, Scandinavia/Russia and Spanish Mediterranean and then reposition for Caribbean cruises round trip from Miami beginning in November.
Jim and Barb Fox can be reached at Jim and Barb Fox can be reached at outtosea50@hotmail.com
IF YOU SAIL
To learn more about Princess Cruises’ Bon Voyage Experience: www.Princess.com or call 1-800-PRINCESS.
For details about the Celebrity Eclipse and its dining: 1-800-437-3111 or www.celebritycruises.com
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