1980’s CRUISING, 1950’s STYLE Cruise Line Videos of Former Transatlantic Liners
Presented by Bob Allen
April 28, 2017 @ 6:00 pm
The 1980’s and 1990’s were the heyday of cruising on former transatlantic liners. “Ships of State,” built in the 1950’s and 1960’s, were converted to cruise ships which plied the world’s most exotic cruise routes. Our April program, hosted by Bob Allen, spotlighted three of these vessels which had long, successful cruising careers following more than a decade of transatlantic service — the American Export Lines’ sister ships INDEPENDENCE and CONSTITUTION, and Holland America Line’s ROTTERDAM. All were highly successful liners that became even more popular as full-time cruise ships. Bob’s program featured two vintage promotional cruise line videos. America Hawaii Cruises’ “Don’t Miss a Thing” encouraged prospective mid-1980’s passengers to seek the islands’ lush tropical beauty from the decks of the freshly renovated American sister ships. Holland America Line produced a fascinating video in 1989, celebrating their flagship ROTTERDAM’s 30th Anniversary and recent refurbishment. In addition to historical footage of the ROTTERDAM’s construction and fitting out, the video featured Bill Miller describing the glories of sailing the “Grand Dame” of the world’s cruise fleet. All present enjoyed a unique look back at the glamorous days of cruising on great ocean liners.
(Images Bob Allen collection)