Posted by Robert Wagner on January 19, 2026, 6:15 am
In a previous post I mentioned that when on a Cruise, I would question the international crew and staff from South Africa about their knowledge of Jim Reeves.
Just returned from an 11 day Cruise on the Royal Caribbean Odyssey sailing from Bayonne NJ. Turns out that the port is only 3 hours driving time from our house and traveling to and from there is a piece of cake.
I found no one from South Africa on this cruise although there must have been some.
I discovered that the Karaoke library on board contained much of Jim's work, but I was not brave enough, or drunk enough, to try a song.
My wife allowed me to wear my Jim Reeves T-shirt a couple times on deck but it was a little busy and the only reaction I got was from the saleswoman in the ship's store. Will wear a more obvious one next time.
In casual conversation with passengers I found a number of Jim Reeves fans. The cruise was filled with seniors, and the Captain stated that out of about 4,000 passengers only about 120 were under the age of 17. It was the lowest number of youth on a cruise he could remember. Very aged passenger list. One woman had to helicoptered off the ship, with one of the ships 3 doctors, to a medical facility on land on the way back to NJ.
One crew member in the Windjammer Restaurant was from St. Vincent, a Caribbean Island. He was very familiar with Jim's music especially his Christian Music. He was very concerned that Jim was Christian
It reminded me of the interviews in the Jim Reeves Legend DVD where it was noted that Jim's religious songs were especially popular in the Caribbean.
All in all, I was expecting more, but each cruise is different, and I expect to show the flag on future outings. It was one of our best cruises otherwise.
I trust all three or four of us find this little ditty informative.
Bob
Re: Showing the Flag
Posted by Roy Zinck on January 19, 2026, 7:21 pm, in reply to "Showing the Flag"
Interesting comments Bob on you latest cruise.
My wife and I have cruised out of the Cruise Port of Bayonne N.J., I think at least three times in past years. But mostly we went with Norwegian Cruise Line with the Manhattan cruise post as its base. Since we are in Halifax we would fly to Newark get ground transport to Jersey City for an overnight stay catching the ship at the pier the following day. At that time we were on the Explorer Of The Seas for two trips and another ship of which the name escapes me right now.
You mentioned a comment from a sales lady about Jim Reeves but didn't include exactly what she said. I assume it was in recognition of the T shirt. And yes indeed, many people throughout the Caribbean loved Jim's songs held close to the heart with his Christian offerings.
Thank you for sharing your story with us as we prod thru yet another winter season...Roy
Re: Showing the Flag
Posted by Robert Wagner on January 19, 2026, 8:21 pm, in reply to "Re: Showing the Flag"
We have cruised many times since my first cruise on the Italian Lines Oceanic in the early 1970's. At 35,000 tons it would be a bathtub toy today, but it remains my most favorite ship.
In the last few years we have sailed Norwegian out of NY like you. The Gem and Getaway. Loved them both very relaxing. Recommended.
You can't beat cruising for a vacation.
last year my wife and grandson, who do the work, booked us on the Royal Caribbean Odyssey. This was our second sailing on her.
I have to rate it a little better than Norwegian, which I'm still loyal to. Newer ship and greater variety of food.
I was a hindrance to getting to the ship being somewhat afraid of the travel.
Went by bus or train from Springfield Ma in the past and worried about everything including weather and transfer problems. I was wrong to be afraid of the travel because the port was 2 hrs and 59 minutes by car from home. Easy peasy.
Used to get to the Port Authority in NY by bus and taxi to the ship.
The T shirt my wife packed had too much writing on it about not listening to the person looking at it, and hearing Jim instead. Should have worn a more definitive striking shirt, which I will do next time.
The sales person just read the shirt while I was checking out while I explained the meaning to her. Nothing to get excited over.
I should have mentioned also that in the Karaoke lounge some people never heard of Jim Reeves. Too young.
When I got married I had been on a number of cruises and my wife had never cruised. To introduce her to cruising we tried taking the Scotia Prince, from Boston I think to your neck of the woods.
It was a tiny gambling cruise with the smallest bathroom I ever encountered and second hand smoke everywhere. It was BAD. I had to tell her it was not representative of traditional cruising which started our going on mainstream cruise lines out of Miami. 3 days driving down and 3 days back. Never again. Was younger then.
3 Hours to NY or NJ is the way to go.
Thanks for responding.
Today I was listening to various versions of "A Little Good News" on YouTube, and was thinking of Jim Reeves type of songs. What came to mind were comments made my Jim Ed Brown about a song he cherished called "The Twelfth Rose Was You". A good touching song.
on January 19, 2026, 6:15 am