petesfamily

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Make sure and see Jordan in the Piano Bar. He is awesome! BTW - no seahorses in there!

YES! Go see our son, Jordan, in the piano bar! Get there early if you want a seat at the bar!!!

Here is my full review on the Victory: http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=263537

We had a blast and the ship was great. Have fun and tell Jordan HI from his parents!!

That's a given and not even something you have to mention... stopped donating to the casino and instead have been giving to the Piano Man ... well except on our last cruise where the Piano Man was a Piano Woman and she was awful, horrible, didn't even spend 10 minutes in there with her...

 

Probably even more so why I'm super duper excited about having Jordan this cruise... He's gotten great reviews....

So jealous that you are going to get to see him! We can't wait until he comes home in December! Hope you have a GREAT time! I am sure you will!

Thank you so much for a great review. Our family of 7 (maybe more!) will be on Victory Jan 15. Hope Jordan is still performing. As a professional pianist myself I will enjoy hearing him play. We have also booked the aft balcony cabins on deck 8. I heard it was noisy back there but we wanted one of the wrap around balconies so decided to chance it. We have earplugs if necessary. Ha!

Sorry, Jordan is leaving the Victory on 12/14. We loved the aft cabins. Not noisy at all. Still had smokers on the balcony but it was bearable.

Thanks so much for the great review, especially of Jordan :) I have been messaging him on facebook as I will also have the pleasure of him being my "Piano Man" on 11/6..

 

From the messages, videos and some reviews I have seen and read about him, I just know we'll be in the Piano Bar every night... Thanks for the tip about getting there early...we like to sit around the piano if we can get seats there...

 

I have asked Jordan, but I'll also ask you guys (as you know him better than anyone else) but can you please tell me what you think he would like me to bring him that he can't get/find himself...

 

Now I'm how do the kids say it... "really pumped" and getting excited about my upcoming cruise... My last cruise the Piano Lady was such a disappointment and I have a really good feeling about Jordan...

 

Another question... what is Jordan's favorite drink ??? Thanks Jordan's Family :)

He said it was standing room only on this past cruise! Thanks for your offer to take something to him...I am not sure what he would want?? He loves Jimmy Johns!! He loves Nutella also! His favorite drink is Diet Coke or Coke Zero...and both of those mixed with some Jack or White Rum!! Enjoy your cruise, we wish we were going again!!

Thanks for the review. Just off the Summit again Jordan's last week as. He told us you would be joining him on Carnival. We have never sailed Carnival and were interested to read your review. We have sailed with Jordan 3 times on the Summit and adore him. He is wonderful. We are happy he is having a good run on Carnival.

Thanks SO much! He talks about you guys being such great fans of his! Carnival was a really different vibe, but it was fun. Thanks for being so supportive of him, it really means a lot to us all.

Here is the review I submitted to Cruise Critic:

This was our first sailing on Carnival. We have sailed twice on Celebrity twice before. We never started cruising until our son, Jordan Peterson, became a solo pianist/vocalist on cruise ships. He had sailed previously on the Celebrity Summit and the Century. He started this contract in September of this year and he had only been on the ship for a couple of weeks before we invaded him! We had a large group of 10 family members and friends traveling with us.

We arrived Friday evening in Miami from our flight from Omaha. We had a late flight and arrived to the Comfort Suites Miami Airport North just before midnight. We chose this hotel because of the free shuttle to the cruise port, which worked out pretty slick. There were MANY cruisers staying in the hotel, so needless to say, it was busy at the complimentary breakfast. Rooms were basically good, we got a good rate of $99, and we were not really going to be there long, so it was adequate. We boarded the shuttle around 9:45 a.m. and were at the cruise terminal in no time.

Embarkation was very easy as somehow we ended up in Group 1! Not sure how that happened, but we actually boarded the ship before some priority guests. I liked the embarkation process much more on Carnival compared to Celebrity. It seemed much more organized and the whole process was a breeze.

We were impressed with the Victory upon arrival. Grand foyer was very colorful and full of action. Many people complain about ships, I just take them for what they are. Sure, there are things that are worn out, etc., but the ship was clean. There is MUCH more smoking on this ship than on Celebrity (which bans smoking on balconies.)

Upon arrival, we were greeted by Jordan in the lobby. We had a quick drink and headed to our stateroom. We got lucky and were able to get one of the aft cabins on deck 8. We immediately were made aware of the "smoking is ok on the balconies" policy. Got used to it, but it made some of our beautiful views not-so-beautiful. Our cabin was very comfortable with the king bed and the hide-a-way couch that our other son slept on. We were very comfortable with three adults in the room. The bathroom seemed larger compared to Celebrity and he had no issues with anything.

We discovered right away that this was going to be more of a "fun"group, compared to Celebrity, where the average age of the guests is usually above 60! We really enjoyed the layout of the ship compared to others we have been on. The first night we were actually able to watch the Huskers play football at the sports bar.

The Victory has the usual amenities that most ships have, but the pools on were plentiful. The adult only hot tubs on the Sky Deck in the Serenity Lounge, seemed like a great place to relax. The water slide was a nice addition for some extra pool fun! Our grandson enjoyed the kids wading pool, which we only discovered on the LAST day...

Buffet was CROWDED every day and was the average buffet food. Compared to Celebrity, we would have to say the food was better there and the wait time less. Main Dining Room food and service was great. Wait staff learned our names the first night and never forgot them. We had open dining each night and never had to wait for our large party of 10. Each night the staff put on quite a show and we were ready for the "It's Showtime" announcement. Some of the staff really knew how to put on a show!! The 24 hour pizza station by the aft pool was a great place to get a snack at anytime. The quattro formaggi pizza was my personal favorite!

Our favorite place on the ship was the "Irish Seas" piano bar where Jordan performs nightly. We found early that if we did not get there early, we would not find a seat! Each night, more and more people showed up to be entertained by Jordan and to sing along. Actually our favorite thing to do when we watch him perform is to see everyone's reactions to him. He really has a knack for entertaining. We spent every evening there but one, when he had a night off. He had many regulars come back each night to enjoy the great piano bar atmosphere. The wait staff was top-notch also with Wira being our favorite!

One problem I see on the ship is the comedy club, Punchliners. Each evening there is karaoke there and then the club is cleared out before the comedy starts. I am not sure that a line that stretches from one end of the ship to the other is what Carnival is looking for in customer satisfaction. We attempted to go to one of the "adult" shows, but the line was so long, we decided to forget it. We talked to some people the next day and they said, "the wait was not worth it..." I know they are trying to make this a "comedy club" type of atmosphere, but this just is not fun.

We hit the arcade one night, which was fun and reasonable. It is pretty small, but enjoyable. We even hit the "Club Arctic" one night AFTER the piano bar closed and had a pretty good time there. Pretty cool atmosphere for the usual club activities.

We enjoyed the pool deck on sea days and never had a hard time finding a beach recliner. They were plentiful and everyone seemed to have somewhere to relax. The aft pool was a nice change from the busy large pool, so we went there a few times.

We did not sign up for any formal excursions in Jamaica, but decided just to explore on our own. Right in the heart of the shopping areas was "Margaritaville Ocho Rios" which had a beach connected right to it. We decided that this was as good as anywhere to get some swimming in, so we ate there and then had some beach time afterwards. One world of caution, be careful of the sea urchins out side of the roped-off area of the beach, I found this out personally, if you know what I mean. We did some shopping around the area after swimming and then headed back to the ship. Prices were pretty good for souvenirs and the vendors were willing to negotiate some.

We did sign up for the "Snuba Adventure" at the Cayman Islands. What a GREAT time!! My son and two others in our party did this and had a complete blast! They did an excellent job of instructing and guiding us on our 30 minute snuba adventure. We even were able to see a shipwreck and many species of fish, including a stingray. I can't recommend this enough. After the snuba excursion, we the the Green Parrot Bar and Grill and had some AWESOME beer battered fish (fresh grouper) and chips. Sampled the local Caybrew and relaxed while waiting for others in our party to arrive from Victory. We then did some shopping around the port in Cayman Islands, but that is about it.

We "tried" to attend the opening show, but honestly, it was not great. We did attend the Michael Jackson tribute show one night and it was pretty enjoyable, after starting pretty slow. Some people did walk out at the beginning of the show, but it was not too bad.

Disembarkation was clearly the best we have ever experienced. We were in group 12 and once we were called, we were through customs and off of the ship and on the airport shuttle bus within 10 minutes!! Wow.

In summary, we would definitely do this cruise and ship again. We were curious how Carnival would be different from Celebrity, and we found out right away. We honestly felt more at ease and relaxed on this ship-mainly because of the younger crowd-no offense, Celebrity!

As long as our son keeps working on cruise ships, I guess we will just have to follow him around!

Here is a link to images I captured from the Victory: https://www.flickr.com/photos/petesfamily/sets/72157648728210782/

Our son is the current piano bar entertainer on the Victory-I think you will enjoy him:

[YOUTUBE]

We just got off the Victory yesterday from a 5 day Jamaica and Grand Cayman cruise. Our son, Jordan Peterson, is the piano bar entertainer and it was a blast. I plan on writing a complete review this weekend. Here is a video from the piano bar:

[YOUTUBE]

Jordan is loving the big crowds he gets every night!! Enjoy your cruise!

Petesfamily -- We just got back from the last Summit cruise of the Bermuda season. We saw Jordan performing all over the ship -- although I preferred the coffee bar venue, as it has a "real" piano, where he's at his very best. We were pleased to see that Jordan's new CD was available for purchase onboard -- he even autographed mine. :cool:

 

Several of Jordan's more popular performances were sets dedicated to covers of particular artists -- Billy Joel, Elton John, and the Beatles. But, on the last night of the cruise, he was taking general requests during his set at Cellar Masters. He performed "Wish I Had a Reason" for us. I've been listening to his CD, since I got home -- it's amazing! :)

Thanks so much for the kind comments about Jordan!! "Wish I Had a Reason" is my favorite song also. He is coming home for a few days before he goes on the Carnival Victory on 9/25. Can't wait to see him!

I know next to nothing about Celebrity but booked a cruise on the Summit next year. It may become a back to back. I am looking for some good pics other than the standard pool deck shots I have found everywhere. Although I will take those too! Reviews with lots of pics are great as well. :)

Here are some of mine from last summer: https://www.flickr.com/gp/petesfamily/2y0ZyJ/

Yes, I am not even sure they knew on the ship until a few minutes ago. That is when Jordan let us know.

Just heard from my son, Jordan, aboard the Summit. They are headed to Florida and then to the Bahamas...thank goodness.

Has anyone heard if Celebrity is re-routing the Summit because of storm?

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I think you should give our son Jordan Peterson a listen when on the Summit. Check him out in Rendezvous and other venues around ship. That crappy Casio keyboard is something they MAKE him play at Sunset Bar. My feeling is most people blow things way out of proportion on here.

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Thanks for sharing it with us:)

 

I have been lucky enough to sail with Jordan twice:D....do you

know if he is going back on Summit next Bermuda Season? (After he

disembarks Millennium)

Thanks for being a FAN! Not sure if he will be on the Summit again or not...has not been offered that contract yet!

Great song & video! Who put the video together? I sure hope Jordan will be on Summit at the end of Feb. beginning of March next year.. It seems every time we are on Summit, he is on vacation!

He will be on the Celebrity Millennium from January - April in 2015, sorry!!

The Century's video production staff put it together.

When my son, Jordan Peterson, was aboard the Celebrity Century, he and other musicians/employees of the ship wrote and recorded this song. Very cool look at what they call "Ship Life." Here is the video by the group, named "Press 1 for English"

I think Celebrity is missing a big opportunity by not having a piano bar on each of their ships. Any ship that I've been on that had a piano bar and a great pianist like Jordan always had lots of people sitting around, and most of them were buying beverages.

 

I was with Lois on a Century B2B in February and any time that Jordan was playing, the Cova tables were full.

 

Jordan has a great repertoire and seemed to be able to play almost anything that was asked of him,

 

He is a great pianist..

 

 

and is often featured in the theatre:

 

 

Great music? That's modern luxury for me. :)

Thanks for the nice comments about our son, Jordan.

I agree with the comments that Celebrity should keep the piano bars. When we were on the Century to Panama Canal in December/January, Michael's Club was packed EVERY night when Jordan was playing. A lot of people really like that kind of intimate space for good music.

"The entertainment on the ship was wonderful, especially Jordan Peterson (big fan!) and the Tenors of Rock, which I believe was a special show for our sailing. I told Jordan Peterson that I had read about him on Cruise Critic because his mom was always posting about him and he told me it is actually his Dad! He was fabulous and he had a big following. I felt bad for the other singer/musician because he would only have a handful of people at his show and then Jordan’s would be packed"

Too funny. Everybody assumes it is his mother!! Not sure why....I have ALWAYS been his self-appointed "manager!" Glad you enjoyed him. His CD will be released tomorrow!! So excited. www.JordanPetersonMusic.com

We are sailing on the Summit 8/3 Will your son Jordon be preforming then ?

Yes, he is on the Summit until Sept. 21st. Back on Celebrity again on the Millenium from January 18 - May, 2015. Hope you enjoy him!

One question about Jordan: his folks recently posted that he has a CD coming out, later this month. Are the "powers that be" on X allowing him to perform any of his own music -- or is he having to stick to his classic cover songs, at this point?

I am guessing that is somebody requested his original music, he would be compelled to perform it-he must please the guests! Hope you enjoy him. We would love to go to Bermuda again!

Piano player was the best. Jordan was as good as it gets. He played to a full house at any of his shows and there were many. He played Billy Joel, Elton John, and just about anyone you could think of. He was the best player I have experienced in 62 Cruises.

Thanks for the nice comments about our son, Jordan. He loves his job! We loved the Summit last year in Bermuda...wish we could go again!!

I'd like to apologize for stronger words than occasion called for when I referred to Jordan Peterson, I did not really have a good day (was let go of my job) and was over stressed strongly. (Plus, obviously - I am NOT a "sweet guy")

Of course, that is strictly my personal opinion that I did not enjoy his play - does not necessarily mean that he is a bad player - it is all subjective.

Again - my apologies for misused words

Dave

Thanks. Music is subjective as you state. Hope you find a new job and enjoy your future cruises!

Petesfamily, we've sailed with Jordan 3 times and he is wonderful, charming, entertaining and you can tell he loves performing. Enjoyed having drinks in the Rendezvous Lounge and listening to Jordan. Please don't listen to that other poster.

 

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Thanks! He does love performing! That is why I was surprised about that other post...he said the Rendezvous was always packed! Thanks for supporting him.