50th wedding anniversary - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

snoodel · 07-13-2008, 09:51 AM

Next Jan. is my parents 50th anniversary..

We were really hoping to send them on their Dream Alaska Cruise, but are faced with our shortcomings. (namely $$$).
Now,, if they decide to go on a cruise next year.. We will probably add some $$$ to their sail and sign card when they do go.
anyway, we were thinking of a theme for their party in January and I had the idea of doing a Cruise Theme...
So here is my question..
Can you kind people drop some ideas on me of what would make this fun and entertaining.
We are already planning of constucting a "Gang Way" so all guest can have their boarding pictures taken.. We found a very cool tropical wall poster we can get for the back drop..
We were trying to think of ideas for Menu, servers, entertainment and the such..
Any and all ideas would be greatly appriciated..
Thanks alot..

Dave

Krazy Kruizers · 07-13-2008, 10:48 AM

Sounds like a wonderful idea for a party!!

Cruise Planner · 07-13-2008, 11:40 AM

Such an awesome idea!!

My parents had always wanted to go to Alaska on a cruise and never got the chance. Shortly after beginning the planning, my dad developed cancer and died a year later. Luckily my mom got the opportunity to go a couple of years later with a senior group and absolutely loved it, but kept saying how much my dad would have loved it. If I have one regret in my life, it's that I did not beg, borrow, or steal the money to make that trip happen for him.

So, I applaud you - I know they will very much appreciate your effort and thoughtfulness.

As for a theme, Alaska is known for wildlife and gold, among other things. But perhaps either doing a wildlife theme or an 1890's western gold rush theme. Being a history buff, I vote for the gold rush theme - you could dress in cowboy attire, dance hall girls, prospectors, etc. And it would be easy to find decorations.

I think this would be more fun than strictly doing a 'cruise' them, especially since most people associate the tropics with a cruise theme than they do Alaska - even you mentioned something about a tropical backdrop poster. Wouldn't really be appropriate for an Alaskan cruise.

Anyway, just a thought.

I'll expect my invitation shortly, Dave! Besides, my birthday is in January.

Pete

snoodel · 07-13-2008, 12:08 PM

Great Idea's Pete,, Thanks..

Sorry to hear about your Father.. I lost my Uncle to cancer, and within 60 days of him being diagnosed..
I am sure they will get the chance one day to make it to Alaska. He is 68 this year and still works full time at a Salt Factory where he has been for over 20yrs.. He said he would work harder and longer hours if he stayed home,, plus he gets paid..LOL,,
anyway,,
Again, thanks for the great ideas...

nealberk · 07-13-2008, 01:20 PM

Dave, Contact HAL (if your folks are going on HAL). They have a wonderful Alaska promo DVD that they will send you. While it is a HAL offering, they do show a great deal of the natural beauty and splendor of Alaska. Well worth it! Put it on a TV in the background and everyone will want to go with your parents!

nealberk · 07-13-2008, 01:24 PM

We have had plenty of menus from the various cruise lines on the site. Do a search, find a few and pattern your dinner menu after one of them! Good luck and have fun with this!

Cruise Planner · 07-13-2008, 07:00 PM

I agree with Neal! The HAL DVD is great - I use it alot when putting on presentations about Alaska. It's the best of all the cruise lines. Princess is next, but don't waste your time with the RCCL DVD - it's more like a commercial than informative.

Pete

snoodel · 07-14-2008, 08:00 AM

Some great Ideas,
Thanks too all.

Dave

Chudley · 07-15-2008, 06:53 PM

Dave, I think your idea is wonderful. Pete and Neal both have great ideas, You could probably get some pictures of shore excursions off the cruise websites and blow them up, also. Like that train trip and whale watching

Dave Wojo · 07-16-2008, 01:52 PM

Towel animals for table centerpieces is the first thing that popped into my head. I did a search on Amazon for a book on making them. This is the first one I came across, at a fairly reasonable price. How to Make a Towel Monkey and other Cruise Ship Favorites