Perhaps I've overplayed the "old passenger" gag regarding our Hawaii cruise. While the demographics did skew older than the typical Princess cruise, primarily because a 15-nighter in winter takes a greater commitment of time and money than most younger folks can comfortably afford, people of all age groups were well represented.
Comedians on cruise ships sometimes play on that senior citizen theme, often referring to a different cruise line than the one on which they happen to be performing. No one takes offense, because cruise passengers tend to be fun loving people who can laugh at themselves.
I do, however, want to be sure that guests do not approach any cruise with unrealistic expectations, and this is not an itinerary overflowing with Millennials. Then again, the younger guests, many of whom seemed to just magically appear at different points on the cruise, may well have had some alternative after-hours happenings, with "after-hours" referring to after 10:30 PM, by which time Julie and I were usually in bed reading about the upcoming events for the next day.
It should also be noted that anyone who believes that being nice has an expiration date needs to get out among people of all ages more. Senior cruisers tend to be great people.
Every cruise unfolds uniquely, but I've never been disappointed by the experience, including the live entertainment on board.
Our recent cruise on Grand Princess was no exception. Many of the shows have strong roots in rock, which now appeals to all age groups. As my friend Pete tells his grandchildren, "We grew up with the best music."
The production shows on cruises regularly feature attractive, talented dancers in appropriately flashy costumes and a versatile small orchestra backing gifted lead singers among inventive sets, with professional lighting and sound always supporting the show. While some production shows may have the same name, musical directors and performers on each ship offer unique takes. "British Invasion," which energetically covers music from the Beatles to the Kinks to Queen, had the crowd on its feet. We had loved a previous version on another cruise, but I think this performance was even better.
My favorite guest performer from our cruise, comedian/musician Steve Moris (see video at the top of this article), brought stories from his twenty years experience on stage with the Beach Boys to his hillarious shows.
There were lots of great singers, including Motown-inspired These Guys and Broadway's Lovena B. Fox.
Of course, onboard live entertainment goes beyond just the Princess Theater.
We enjoyed the Rhapsody Trio, which played pre-dinner classical music in the atrium most evenings. At other times, a British singer/acoustic guitarist performed early 70s songs by the likes of James Taylor, Cat Stevens and Neil Young there.
Frank Sinatra's house pianist, Ray Coussins, brought lots of great stories from his life to his piano mastery in Crooners Bar.
And there's live music for dancing, whether you prefer rock, country, ballroom or salsa in varoous venues around the ship.
By choosing among the great entertainment options as well as excursions on shore, you personalize your vacation for you. You are the most important director of entertainment in your episode of "The Love Boat." Make it the vacation of your dreams.
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