Cruisers have a lot of traditions but not all of them have survived over time.
Dressing in formal outfits for dinner used to be a tradition. Men wore tuxedos and cruise ships even rented them to people who did not own one to bring with them. Women put on cocktail dresses and dinner was a 2-hour affair.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line passengers face a key boarding problem
On the family-friendly cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and MSC Cruises, dress codes have been greatly loosened. Formal nights still exist, but participation is optional and suits or sport coats have generally replaced tuxedos.
It's not uncommon to see one family wearing shorts and T-shirts while another has dressed up. That's, of course, somewhat controversial as many people who dress up take issue with the people who don't.
In addition, some of the people who opt for more casual clothes argue that the cruise lines should drop the idea of dressing up altogether. That's not something that will be easily decided but while the echo of the tradition still exists, it's now something that's fully optional where participation varies.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.
Image source: Carnival
Carnival considers bringing back a tradition
There are other cruise traditions that have gone away. When you watch an episode of the "The Love Boat," a show that aired from 1977 to 1986, there were always crowds of people cheering on the ship as it left port.
That's not a thing anymore as anyone who is not a passenger can't be on the dock and a cruise ship leaving simply isn't that big a deal. When a new ship has its first sailing, however, it's not uncommon for smaller service ships in port to salute it, and for anyone on beaches passed by the ship on the way to sea to offer some cheers.
Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald recently suggested that his cruise line bring back a once-loved, formerly longstanding tradition. Heald posed a comment and a question to his Facebook followers.
“Bring back the playing over the PA system of 'Anchors Aweigh' as the lines are let go and the cruise begins,” he shared, offering three choices"
- Yes
- No
- Oh, John, you are so old — just sod off.
Nearly 4,000 of Heald's Facebook followers shared their opinions on the issue. Most did not stick to his three choices, but they had a lot to say mostly in support of the classic song.
Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
Carnival passengers share their preferences
Many of Heald's followers support the idea of bringing back "Anchors Aweigh."
"Yes, bring back something old and make it new again," Rachel Tatro wrote.
The song has a deep connection to the U.S. Navy. "Anchors Aweigh" is the offical fight song of the U.S. Naval Academy and the unofficial marching song of the U.S. Navy,
"I am also a US Navy Mom & daughter too that cruises with other Navy Moms, families & some wonderful Sailors & Veterans too," Belinda YG shared.
There was widespread support in Heald's comments for the song from military families.
"That would be great! It would put everyone in a fun, party mood (well at least those that aren’t easily offended)! As a military spouse (USAF), I would sing along! Pretty much everyone knows the song and for those that don’t they would learn something new," posted Jacquelyn K. Hardy.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line passengers face a key boarding problem
Shawn Baumgarner shared a practical reason Carnival should play "Anchors Aweigh."
"I would say yes. And that sometimes I don't even know that we're moving until I look out a window, but it doesn't bother me either way," he added.
ALSO READ: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise
Cruise ships are much larger than they were in the 70s, 80s, and even 90s. If you're not looking out a window it might be hard to know when the ship has left port.
"I’ve never heard the song played over a loudspeaker. Sounds like something I’d like to experience though," Elfrieda Joyce wrote. "You know, as a society, we often bring back 'oldies but goodies.' Maybe play the original and then play the Carnival-refreshed version along with some Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffet! That sounds like a party to me!"
Related: Get the best cruise tips, deals, and news on the ships from our expert cruiser
