Perry Grant - A Comprehensive Review

My wife and I cruised aboard Constellation from January 23 to February 2. We had first experienced Perry Grant on the same vessel some eleven months prior.

Before anyone says it, I will. Perry's "schtick" remains unchanged. Except for a few staples in his repertoire, each night's performance offers up different popular standards, broadway melodies and an occasional venture into contemporary songs. But the one-liners and the audience participation are virtual encores.

And why should they not be? Perry Grant casts a spell over the standing-room-only crowds every evening when he makes Michael's Club come alive. He puts a smile on even the most stodgy passengers. People arrive more than one hour before showtime to make certain they can have a choice seat.

Perry's popularity continues to soar to new heights. He is center stage in the massive Celebrity Theater one evening per voyage playing to packed houses for each of two 50-minute performances. Listening to him tickle the ivories on a grand piano with the backup of an orchestra puts new life into songs most people know the words to. Perry brought a new majesty onto the stage. "Judy" would be proud.

Perry's DVD and CD are selling in the Constellation gift shop. The DVD is of his Celebrity Theater stage show, not Perry's Michael's Club cabaret act. Many of his patented punch lines are conspicuous by their absence. The cost for the package is $38.00. Both the DVD and the CD can be purchased seperately. Perry will, of course, oblige purchasers with an autograph. Flash photography is encouraged.

The DVD is not a video/audio masterpiece. Clearly, it was shot with a medium-level camera. The sound is via the camera's microphone; it was not piped directly from the theater's sound system. It's quality is mediocre. The CD sounds leagues better.

Perry Grant has been criticzed for being repititous. There is truth in that statement. However, why should he not be? I am 60-years old. I have viewed Jackie Gleason's "Honeymooners" hundreds of times. I still laugh at jokes that were first cracked decades ago.

There was only one Ralph Kramden.

There is only one Perry Grant.

And this 46 voyage veteran cruiser recommends him without a millisecond of hesitation.

Last, a sincere thank you to Mr. Grant. I am not an easy one to make smile. My professional life is chocked full of stress. That is the main reason my wife and I fancy cruising. And we love the days at sea more than those in ports.

Perry Grant puts a smile on my face. Yes, from ear-to-ear. He resurrects a time that was less complicated, more sincere and kinder. His interaction with his audience (and it is HIS audience in the truest sense of the word) builds a kinship. It is no wonder so many people enlist in his legion of loyal fans.

Perry Grant IS the Constellation to many who sail her. A few magic hours per night when a single room on a large ocean going ship becomes a palace of joy and contentment.

I met Perry in the passageway right before we sailed from Ft. Lauderdale. He confirmed that some lunatic attacked him several cruises back. Fortunately, he was unscathed. Sadly though, his beloved mother is not doing too well. I know all who read this will join me in sending their good wishes to both Perry and she.

Thanks for the magic, Perry. As you said when I thanked you on the final evening, our paths will cross again.

Fred and Genny from New Jersey - "Gated," of course!

My husband and I experienced Perry for the first time on the Connie 1/2-1/12/09. Amazing, and great fun! Wonderful talent, and incredible ability to connect with his "fan base." I was honored to be asked to turn on the small ball ;)....Thanks for the memories, Perry. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you around your Mom. Hope to see you again.....Love, Julie & Bill from Katy, TX. (not gated....but we DO have 2 homes...1 in Katy, 1 bay home....both with granite!) :)

Hi Fred & Genny !

Thanks for your very informative report. We enjoy Perry's performances very much. While I may not be as die-hard as some on here, I feel Perry is a great performer. My Parents are crazy about Perry. Just the look of happiness on their faces when Perry performs, is worth the price of the Cruise for me.

As Constellation is facing a her first big itinerary change in several seasons, I am wondering if Perry mentioned if he is planning to stay with Constellation, or move to Equinox, as Equinox is taking over Constellation's itineraries next Winter. A few months ago, some speculated that Perry might be headed to Equinox, but I am wondering if he will be happy with the layout of the Solstice version of Michaels Club. While the room was beautiful, I do not think the L-Shape layout will work very well for a performer like Perry. I wish Celebrity will re-think the layout of Michael's Club on Equinox and future S-Class ships. We will see what happens.

I'm sorry to hear that Perry's Mom is not doing well. I am sure all of us wish the very best for Perry and his Mom. Again, thank you for your fine review !

Good Host Andy,

Perry did tell me he will remain onboard Connie until an unspecified date this coming May. He did not say what will happen after that. It is unfortunate that Celebrity is loathe to divulge his schedule. We rely on Cruise Critic to know what entertainer is where.

Also, Perry told us he sorely misses his #1 straight-man and ace bar waiter Shelko who is now working on Solstice. The two young ladies (bar keep is also new) presently working Michael's Club do not get into the act.

His "big ball" was out of service and resting under the piano all cruise long. The "small ball" did double duty accordingly.

Smooth sailing,

Fred and Genny

we are cruising the Constellation March 6 to the Caribbean. I hope Perry is on the ship at that time. We were like others who would leave their dessert behind in the MDR just to go early and be sure of getting a seat in the Michael's Club. I read posts that said he was going home in March but hopefully this posting by NJ Fred is correct and he will stay until at least May.

marlene

What other entertainment did you see on the ship NJ Fred. We have cruised the Connie about 12 times and just love that ship. The crew is phenomenal.

Also, Perry told us he sorely misses his #1 straight-man and ace bar waiter Shelko who is now working on Solstice. The two young ladies (bar keep is also new) presently working Michael's Club do not get into the act.

I am sure Perry misses Shelko. What a loss to Perry and actually Michael's Club. He was an amazing waiter. I have no idea how he remebered everyone's preferences. We went to Michael's Club each night before dinner(yes we waited to be dismissed) and usually couldn't get in later in the evening. What fun and happy memories. Thanks for the review.

The only other entertainer during our cruise worth mentioning was the pianist, Brooks Aehron. He was the featured act in the Celebrity Theater one evening and was reprised in a classical concert just before leaving the vessel in Barbados to catch another ship. Brooks has a charming personality and his vignettes about various composers are superb.

The two comics were nothing out of the ordinary.

The acapella group Metro Park? Well, let me be benevolent and simply say "needs work."

Happy cruise, Mardon.

Hi folks,

we are thinking of booking the Connie next year we have sailled on the Summit and think the M class ships are fantastic, is She wearing well or is a dry dock /refurb planned

Thanks

Good Host Andy,

 

Perry did tell me he will remain onboard Connie until an unspecified date this coming May. He did not say what will happen after that. It is unfortunate that Celebrity is loathe to divulge his schedule. We rely on Cruise Critic to know what entertainer is where.

 

Also, Perry told us he sorely misses his #1 straight-man and ace bar waiter Shelko who is now working on Solstice. The two young ladies (bar keep is also new) presently working Michael's Club do not get into the act.

 

His "big ball" was out of service and resting under the piano all cruise long. The "small ball" did double duty accordingly.

 

Smooth sailing,

 

Fred and Genny

Hi Fred !

I agree that it would be great if Celebrity would make it easier to find out performers schedules. On the bright side, we are able to get the info on here, on a timely basis.

As for Zjelko (I am pretty sure thats how he spells it), I think it was a bad idea for him to be separated from Perry, as they were a good fit for each other. Frankly, I cannot understand it. I had the pleasure of seeing Zjelko on Solstice in November. He works in Michaels Club. Zjelko mentioned that he missed being away from Perry. I hope they are re-united soon !

Sorry to hear the "Large Ball" was out of order. Hopefully, one of Celebrity's electricians will come to the rescue :)

Hi Fred !

 

I agree that it would be great if Celebrity would make it easier to find out performers schedules. On the bright side, we are able to get the info on here, on a timely basis.

 

As for Zjelko (I am pretty sure thats how he spells it), I think it was a bad idea for him to be separated from Perry, as they were a good fit for each other. Frankly, I cannot understand it. I had the pleasure of seeing Zjelko on Solstice in November. He works in Michaels Club. Zjelko mentioned that he missed being away from Perry. I hope they are re-united soon !

 

Sorry to hear the "Large Ball" was out of order. Hopefully, one of Celebrity's electricians will come to the rescue :)

The large ball was working on our cruise ( we disembarked yesterday); I mistakenly tried to turn it on when I was called to the "Throne". Mr. Grant is fun for a night or two, but the "shtick" gets old fairly rapidly, IMHO.

We thought that the best entertainer was David Weber, the guitarist, who played everything from Jimmy Buffett and Paul Simon to Joe Crocker on deck 10 in the evernings.

Different strokes....

ok, we finally saw PG for the first time on Connie last month, and i thought he was a hoot. due to our main seating and our 'early to bed' routine we could only catch the last part of his first Michael's Club show.

but can someone explain the giant...ahem...rain gourds, and why he would ask how many bedrooms and if ya had granite on your countertops before handing over a 'pacifier' to the ladies he questioned? i 'get' the pacifier innuendo, but not the bedrooms or granite.

We are die hard Perry Grant fans! We have booked a b2b in November and hoping Perry will still be there! Perry, prayer for your Mom.

Nancie and Jim

I'm booked on the Constellation for October 16th, a 14 day sailing from Cape Liberty to Canada/New England.

My late husband Frank and I sailed with Perry Grant twice, both times on Holland America in the 90's.

I certainly hope that Perry is still onboard the Constellation when I sail this October, as I have wonderful memories of him. I was a nightly regular at the Piano Bar, while my husband was in the casino, and Perry was convinced that there was no Frank, that he was only a figment of my imagination. One evening Frank did show up and Perry referred to him from that point on as "Clark", like in Gable, as Frank did have a resemblance to Clark Gable.

Perry didn't like my name Ginnie, and renamed me Jean.

His showmanship is incredible and I loved his ever changing act.

It's been many years since I saw Perry, and I doubt if he remembers me from the Holland America days.

We sailed Holland America many times after Perry's departure from the line, and one of the officers that was seated at our table on our last cruise on the Noordam told me the details of Perry's departure from that line.

All I can say to you Perry is "good for you"!!

Perry, if you read this I'm thinking of you, and pray that your dear mother will get well again.

I know all too well how much it hurts when you lose a loved one.

Ginnie, aka Jean

Hi Fred & Genny !

 

Thanks for your very informative report. We enjoy Perry's performances very much. While I may not be as die-hard as some on here, I feel Perry is a great performer. My Parents are crazy about Perry. Just the look of happiness on their faces when Perry performs, is worth the price of the Cruise for me.

 

As Constellation is facing a her first big itinerary change in several seasons, I am wondering if Perry mentioned if he is planning to stay with Constellation, or move to Equinox, as Equinox is taking over Constellation's itineraries next Winter. A few months ago, some speculated that Perry might be headed to Equinox, but I am wondering if he will be happy with the layout of the Solstice version of Michaels Club. While the room was beautiful, I do not think the L-Shape layout will work very well for a performer like Perry. I wish Celebrity will re-think the layout of Michael's Club on Equinox and future S-Class ships. We will see what happens.

 

I'm sorry to hear that Perry's Mom is not doing well. I am sure all of us wish the very best for Perry and his Mom. Again, thank you for your fine review !

Andy, you've got my hopes sky high. I will be sailing on the Equinox December 4, 2009 for it's 10-night Southern Caribbean and I do hope Perry Grant will be on the ship.

I saw him many moons ago on the Connie on it's 13-night Canada/New England cruise and always wanted to see him again.

On the Equinox I'm sailing with two other couples, with one couple who I know will enjoy Perry's personality and act. Judy....Judy...Judy.... I told them about him, but we haven't been on the Connie since. I hope he's on the Equinox and I can keep it a surprise for them.

Keep us posted if you hear anything about it.

Been on the Solstice and loved the new ship, looking forward to the Equinox.

Sorry to hear that his mother is not doing well. I'm sure it's a difficult time and I wish them the best.

Andy, you've got my hopes sky high. I will be sailing on the Equinox December 4, 2009 for it's 10-night Southern Caribbean and I do hope Perry Grant will be on the ship.

 

I saw him many moons ago on the Connie on it's 13-night Canada/New England cruise and always wanted to see him again.

 

On the Equinox I'm sailing with two other couples, with one couple who I know will enjoy Perry's personality and act. Judy....Judy...Judy.... I told them about him, but we haven't been on the Connie since. I hope he's on the Equinox and I can keep it a surprise for them.

 

Keep us posted if you hear anything about it.

 

Been on the Solstice and loved the new ship, looking forward to the Equinox.

Hi Cathy !

Just a quick update. My last post in this thread was several months ago. I had the pleasure of sailing with Perry, 5 weeks ago, on Constellation. Perry mentioned that he was going on vacation soon (he's probably on vacation by now), and he planned to return to Constellation.

I realize this isn't what you want to hear, but unless something changes, I do not expect Perry to move to Equinox. Enjoy your Cruise !

I met Perry many years ago on Holland America. He was in the Piano Bar on the Statendam the first time, and the following year on the Ryndam.

Those ships have great Piano bars. When we sailed the Ryndam again the following year Perry had left Holland America and had moved over to Celebrity.

A girlfriend and I are sailing the Constellation October 16th of this year, and I hope that Perry will be on board.

He didn't like my first name "Ginnie" and called me "Gene" instead. He said that it was more fitting for me.

On occasion, sitting around the piano bar, he would hand me the mike and asked me to sing Lili Marlen in German,as I am German born and speak the language.

Well, my singing days are over now, but I would love to see Perry again.

I will say a prayer for his dear mother.

Ginnie

We sailed on Constelaltion 4/6-17 and Perry was set to do the Transatlantic which was 4/17-5/2 and then take a 6 week vacation at his home in London. He has 2 homes one in Fort Lauderdale and one in London. After that he will return to Constellation.

The CD on the cruise told me that Perry has been offered to perform on any Celebrity ship in any venue he wants, all he has to do is say the word. For now he wishes to remain on Constellation.

Cruised Connie in March. I did not care for Mr Grant. A little of his style of humor is enough to cause me to move on. I can understand why his style might be offensive to some. This is just my opinion and the Fan Club can worship all they like.

Hello Cruising Chick,

What an affirmation of Perry's talent and draw. Imagine, a "blank check" as to what venue he so desires. Clearly, Celebrity recognizes they have a winner in Perry Grant.

As some point out, Perry is not for everyone. Neither is Jay Leno, American Idol (Ted Mack Amateur Hour vulgarization!), etc. But no one can deny that he draws repeat business for our beloved X.

Unfortunately, my darling bride and I opted for a 12-day Mercury voyage this coming January. Out of sheer luck, I caught the cruise when it was first posted on X's website and secured a sunset veranda for just about $3200 total. And the fact that Baltimore is drivable didn't hurt either. We all know that negative airline experiences can put the damper on a vacation.

Perry Grant has talent. Nonetheless, we were startled to experience the noticable difference between his cabaret in Michael's versus the style used when he was in The Celebrity Theater. Had we only seen him in The Theater, I do not think we would be as enamored with his talent as we are.

Bravo to Host Andy for raising the question about whether or not Perry's appeal will change if he works onboard a Solstice-class vessel where the layout of his venue might not lend itself to the intimacy he builds with his audience.

If you read this Perry, know that you added to our enjoyment of Constellation. The smiles you put on our faces were broad and genuine. Dozens of others who made Michael's Club SRO (standing room only) certainly concur with our opinion.

Again, thank you Mr. Grant. Our prayers are still with your mother..

Fred & Genny

at The Jersey Shore

Gated, Guarded and Granite!

I did not care for Mr Grant.

Perry's performance is not for everyone. Just imagine if 2,000 people on board all wanted to get a seat in Michael's Club. Certain repeat fans are given their own "handle": we are the "Dutch Couple" in Perry's Club. There is no other venue on any ship where you become part of the entertainment as you do with Perry. You know the punch line but we enjoy laughing at ourselves as we watch others get "Perrified". "Positions Everyone!"

Unfortunately, my darling bride and I opted for a 12-day Mercury voyage this coming January.

Hi Fred, my hsuband was trying to talk me into that cruise, but we are not big fans of Mercury. First off, their Martini bar is basically non-existent. We love the M Class ships, especially Constellation.

Besides Summit is coming to NJ in April, 2010 and we are 58 miles from Bayonne, so .............I just wish they'd keep her or another M Class ship in Cape Liberty all year long.

Anne Maria

My wife and I were on the 3/27 Connie sailing and are now confirmed PG fans ! It's good to hear he is so valued by X. Our next X voyage is on Infinity, and be assured we will miss his unique style. I surely wish he had sung Lille Marlene though.

Dick & Pat

Central Connecticut

Older double-wide;

2 pick-ups (1 on cinder blocks);

Peeling formica;

a big old hound that can't hear that well.

Love ya PG!

Dick & Pat

Central Connecticut

Older double-wide;

2 pick-ups (1 on cinder blocks);

Peeling formica;

a big old hound that can't hear that well.

 

Love ya PG!

Not the F-Word!! :eek:

I had been reading about Perry Grant for years and was delighted when we booked a cruise on Constellation in Feb 09. What a disappointment!

He plays only one volume - loud! the amplified music in the small Michael's Club was like a hard rock concert for the Geritol Set (I'm elderly too!)

In charity let me say that he is not a very good musician, but to a large fan base, he is a great entertainer.

Thank goodness for a variety of music and musicians on Celebrity ships! There is something for everyone, and as long as Perry brings 'em in, Celebrity should keep him aboard - just let me know where he is so I can make a wide detour.