Ah, the golden age of cruising! The 70s and 80s were a time when the high seas were filled with disco beats, feathered hair, and activities that would make today’s cruise directors raise an eyebrow—or both. Cruising back then wasn’t just about the destinations; it was about the onboard experience, a mix of indulgence and leisure. Yet, many of the activities that made cruises legendary in those days have vanished, replaced by zip lines, robotic bartenders, and surf simulators. For those of us who yearn for a trip down memory lane—or perhaps are just curious about what they missed—let’s look at five cruise activities from the 70s and 80s that have sailed into the sunset.
1. The Midnight Buffet: A Feast for the Eyes and Stomach
Back in the day, no cruise was complete without the legendary midnight buffet. This wasn’t just any meal—it was an extravagant, over-the-top display of culinary excess. Picture this: tables laden with ice sculptures, towers of shrimp cocktails, platters of roast beef, and an array of desserts that could make Willy Wonka jealous. The midnight buffet was a spectacle, with passengers dressing up for the occasion, cameras in hand, ready to capture the grandeur before indulging in what can only be described as a caloric celebration.
Today, the midnight buffet is a rare find, replaced by 24-hour dining options, specialty restaurants, and room service that brings the feast to your cabin door. While convenience has its perks, there’s something to be said for the communal experience of lining up with fellow passengers, plate in hand, ready to indulge at the stroke of midnight.
2. Skeet Shooting Off the Aft Deck: Target Practice at Sea
Yes, you read that right—there was a time when cruise ships offered skeet shooting off the aft deck. Passengers could line up and take aim at clay pigeons launched into the open ocean, proving their marksmanship skills in one of the most unique settings imaginable. It was a popular activity, combining the thrill of sport with the sheer novelty of firing a shotgun at sea.
Environmental concerns and the push for more eco-friendly practices have since led to the demise of this activity. The idea of shooting anything overboard, even if it’s just a clay pigeon, doesn’t quite fit with today’s sustainability efforts. However, for those who were there, skeet shooting at sea remains a fond memory of a time when cruise activities were just a bit more wild.
3. Captain’s Cocktail Party: A Formal Affair with Free Flowing Drinks
The Captain’s Cocktail Party was once the highlight of every cruise, where passengers donned their finest attire and mingled with the captain and officers of the ship. This was an evening of elegance, where champagne flowed freely, and the hors d’oeuvres were as fancy as the guests’ outfits. The event was an opportunity to rub elbows with the ship’s brass, take photos, and enjoy the feeling of being part of an exclusive society, even if just for one night.
While today’s cruises still offer meet-and-greet opportunities with the captain, the formality and grandeur of the traditional Captain’s Cocktail Party have been largely replaced by more casual events. Dress codes have relaxed, and while you might still get a glass of bubbly, the sense of occasion has been toned down significantly. The days of black-tie glamour on the high seas have mostly drifted away, making room for a more laid-back vibe.
4. Talent Shows: Passengers in the Spotlight
Before karaoke became a cruise ship staple, talent shows were the ultimate way for passengers to showcase their skills—or at least their courage—on the high seas. These shows were a chance for passengers to step into the spotlight and entertain their fellow cruisers with singing, dancing, comedy routines, or whatever unique talents they brought aboard. Whether it was a dazzling performance or a hilariously off-key rendition of a classic song, the talent show was always a crowd-pleaser.
Talent shows fostered a sense of camaraderie among passengers, as everyone rallied behind their favorite acts. Today, passenger participation has taken a back seat to professionally produced entertainment, leaving talent shows as a fond memory for those who experienced them.
5. Shuffleboard on the Lido Deck: The Classic Deck Game
Shuffleboard was once the quintessential cruise ship activity, embodying the leisurely pace of life at sea. Passengers of all ages could be found on the lido deck, cue in hand, sliding pucks down the court in hopes of landing in the high-scoring zones. It was a game of skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck, often accompanied by the sound of gentle waves and a cool ocean breeze.
While shuffleboard hasn’t completely disappeared from cruise ships, it’s no longer the star attraction it once was. Modern ships have relegated shuffleboard to a corner, overshadowed by the likes of rock climbing walls, basketball courts, and even ice-skating rinks. For many, though, the sight of a shuffleboard court still evokes nostalgia for a time when life at sea was simpler, and a good game could be the highlight of the day.
Reflecting on the Evolution of Cruise Entertainment
The disappearance of these activities marks a shift in the cruising industry, from the intimate, leisurely voyages of the past to the thrill-packed, adventure-laden experiences of today. Modern cruise ships offer an incredible array of entertainment options, but they’ve also left behind some of the charm and simplicity that characterized cruising in the 70s and 80s.
For those who experienced these bygone activities, there’s a certain wistfulness in remembering the midnight buffets, the skeet shooting, and the quiet satisfaction of winning a game of shuffleboard. While we may never see these activities return to the high seas, their legacy lives on in the memories of those who were lucky enough to partake.
So, the next time you find yourself on a cruise, perhaps take a moment to appreciate the history behind your favorite onboard activities. Who knows? Maybe someday, future cruisers will look back with nostalgia on today’s robotic bartenders and virtual reality experiences, longing for the simple pleasure of a late-night feast or a quiet game on the lido deck. The seas may change, but the joy of cruising remains timeless.