The 1952 North Cape Cruise
Embarkation Day for 1952 North Cape Cruise
Aboard ship, the day would start very early with making final preparations for welcoming our new complement of passengers. The previous two days would have been filled with the usual duties, mainly cleaning and polishing, or helping to load the vast amount of stores ready for another long trip away. On the morning of departure, the first things coming up the gangway would be enough flowers to adorn a whole chain of shops, all of which would be quickly delivered to their respective cabins, along with whatever bon-voyage gifts accompanied them.
On the previous evening a roster was posted detailing the duties that each steward was assigned to for embarkation. The job that involved the most walking was being assigned to the purser's office. This meant several trips along the gangway to greet passengers at check-in and carry their hand-luggage aboard. You'd accompany them while they registered on board, then show them to their stateroom to introduce them to their cabin steward or stewardess.
No sooner than embarkation time has arrived, the first passengers board, being greeted by an officer at the shoreside end of the gangway and a Master-at-Arms ship-side. All around the ship there's an air of excited anticipation. The ship's band have installed themselves in the main lounge where coffee and light-refreshments are being served. On the bedside cabinet in your stateroom you find your copy of “The Daily programme ”.
With Luncheon being the first meal served, there's not much time to get yourself booked into the restaurant where you would usually occupy the same table for the whole of the trip. Before you know it, the announcement is made on the tannoy for all visitors to the ship to go ashore.
So, having said your good-byes, it's time to quickly head for the Promenade or Boat / Sun Deck and join the throng of people throwing their streamers over the side. Next will come a sound that you will become very familiar with, Caronia sounding her horns to indicate her imminent departure. Although it probably made you jump, there was something very comforting about the note of those Tyfon horns.
[Image: Gaillard Collection]
Departures from New York on Caronia were always something special, especially for long cruises. However, it will not be long before the ship will settle into its usual “at sea” routines for another 30 days of unfettered luxury. It's what she did best!
Depart New York 12.24pm
