What was it like to cruise in the 1980s?
A series of vintage ads and photos show what Royal Caribbean cruises were like before the turn of the century.
Royal Caribbean was founded in 1968 by Norwegian shipping companies.
Song of Norway was the cruise line's first ship, a 550-foot vessel that's tiny in comparison to modern mega-ships.
Royal Caribbean used to have a much stronger focus on its Norwegian background.
In a brochure from July 1986, the cruise line gives cruisers tips on what to expect and how to pack for their vacation.
"Velkommen ombord!" The brochure begins.
Let's take a blast to the past as we outline what a Royal Caribbean cruiser could expect in 1986.
Cruisers dressed casually for the times, wearing breezy tropical outfits. Shorts and dresses were the norm.
However, the evenings were much more formal than modern day.
Read more: Photos show what it was like to cruise on Royal Caribbean in the 1980s
"Ladies will wear dresses, and the gentlemen, coats and ties half the time, casual wear the rest of the time," reads the Velkommen brochure.
You could expect to see a lot more formal wear onboard.
Instead of using a SeaPass card, staterooms were unlocked with a physical key.
A paper Cruise Compass was available for guests to discover information about the schedule and ports of call.
News about the outside world was also delivered to staterooms daily, featuring world weather, news flashes, and stock quotations.
Cruisers could use their stateroom telephone to call other guests and ship services.
Tipping was recommended but not required.
The rates in USD were as follows:
- For your dining room waiter: $2.50 a day, per person
- For your cabin steward: $2.50 a day, per person
- For your busboy: $1.25 a day, per person
The brochure recommends handing bar waiters, bellboys, and bartenders their tips as you are served.
The Casino Royale was available on three Royal Caribbean ships: Song of Norway, Song of America, and the Nordic Prince.
The casino had American roulette, blackjack, and electronic slot machines. Guests could bring their own group to play with or ask a hostess to arrange a game.
The Sun Viking did not have a casino, just slot machines and a card room for games.
As for dining, Royal Caribbean cruises in the 80s focused on the Main Dining Room, the outdoor cafe, and room service.
Dinner time had two seatings: 6:30 P.M. and 8:30 P.M.
Similar to now, each night had a different theme for dinner: Italian, French, Caribbean, or American.
In contrast to today, however, the ship's galleys were not able to prepare meals for special diets, such as kosher or salt-free.
Early birds who woke up early could go up to the outdoor cafe on the lido and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Continental breakfast could also be delivered to guests' staterooms.
For breakfast in the Main Dining Room, cruisers could eat at 7:30 A.M. or 8:45 A.M.
Those who woke up later could enjoy a breakfast buffet at the outdoor cafe, similar to today's Windjammer buffet.
On sea days, a sit-down lunch was served in the Main Dining Room.
A typical lunch in the Main Dining Room included everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to a fisherman's platter to beef Stroganoff.
On port days, lunch became a light buffet with open seating.
The outdoor cafe would serve open-air meals throughout the day: hamburgers, hot dogs, afternoon tea, sandwiches, cookies, and pastries.
At midnight, the dining room would serve a "Midnight Buffet," a gorgeous feast for the eyes and an opportunity for nighttime snacks.
The Captain of the ship would hold a Welcome Aboard Cocktail party on the second night of the sailing.
Each seating in the Main Dining Room was greeted by a speech from the Captain, hor d'oeuvres, and cocktails.
Passengers were encouraged to get really dressed up and socialize!
Entertainment was smaller than it is today, but far from non-existent.
Read more: 11 Old-School photos of Royal Caribbean
On the Song of Norway, the Song of America, and the Nordic Prince, guests could enjoy The RCCL Revue, a Vegas-style, glitter-filled performance with singers and dancers.
On the Sun Viking, professional entertainers and glamorous acts amused that changed from show to show.
On modern-day Royal Caribbean cruises, sailings host a 70 or 80's night onboard.
But back in the 80's, past decades were the theme!
The brochure recommends that guests bring blue jeans for 50's and 60's nights, as well as Country and Western nights.
On one night of each sailing, the nightclub transformed into the Rock 'n' Roll era, complete with bobby socks, poodle skirts, and Angora sweaters.
The Country and Western night was for passengers to wear cowboy boots, suspenders, blue jeans, and bandannas.
Dances included the Cotton Eyed Joe, the Texas Two Step, and the country waltz.
Plus, there was a night to relive the 90s—the 1890s, that is.
"Pack your garters, suspenders, bustles, and spats," the brochure says.
The evening was called the "gay nineties night," and featured ragtime piano, straw hats, striped blazers, and vaudeville.
Plus, guests could dress up in masks for a masquerade night, or pirate costumes for pirate's night.
According to the 1986 brochure: "Ladies win their prizes simply by being fetching. Gentlemen win by being fierce."
"Be with us when we hoist the Jolly Roger, and take over the ship."
Passengers could also show off their skills during a passenger talent show!
A ladies' night reversed the genders: women asked men to dance, bought the drinks, and lit the cigarettes.
At specific times, guests were invited to visit the Bridge for free and witness the captain and crew navigate the ship.
Other events included wine and cheese tasting, a white elephant auction, poolside bingo, feature films, and live music.
The ShipShape exercise program encouraged guests to get active onboard.
Every time they joined a ShipShape event, they'd earn "dollars" which could then be spent on merchandise like T-shirts and visors.
Activities included walking the sports deck, dance classes, exercise classes, skeet shooting, and deck games like shuffleboard, ping pong, basketball, and golf.
