Best Piano Entertainer on Carnival? (Part 2)

[CRZCRAZY]

Ron is my favorite, but had a good time with Seth on the Inspiration on the Canal cruise. Going to see him again before he leaves, going back to the Inspiration in May right after we get off the Splendor!

[nbturfman]

Vine Strong was our favorite - the piano bar was always packed. We had him on a couple of cruises but I see he is no longer around. We had a bad cruise on Miracle and moved to Celebrity for our last cruise and the one we are taking in a couple of weeks but we miss the piano bar!!!!!!!!

[JXR]

Vine Strong was our favorite - the piano bar was always packed. We had him on a couple of cruises but I see he is no longer around. We had a bad cruise on Miracle and moved to Celebrity for our last cruise and the one we are taking in a couple of weeks but we miss the piano bar!!!!!!!!

 

I agree that Vince was awesome! He doesn't do a lot of cruises now, but he'll be on the Epic (NCL) in March!

 

Joanne

[oncruisecontrol]

We just disembarked the Imagination on this past Friday, 2/10/12. We had a great time on this 4-day cruise. We especially enjoyed the piano bar with Dana Honey. He had quite a few songs in his repertoire. In his repertoire he had Phil Collins, Journey, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Frank Sinatra, Elton John (complete with props), The Drifters ("Under the Boardwalk"), The Bee Gees, Jim Croce, Harry Chapin ("Cat's in the Cradle"), The Stylistics, ABBA, and he even sang Queen and Bon Jovi.

 

Dana is probably a little older than your average piano bar singer, but that just adds to his charm. I am usually more partial to a piano bar singer that has a lot of rock and hard rock in their repertoire, but Dana had the right mix. And, he does oldies and disco really well. He also has an incredible sense of humor. We were up dancing when he was singing Sinatra and the Stylistics! Plus, he uses props. He had regulars every night, and we were there every night. In the last few years, we've suffered through really bad piano bar singers, but we had a lot of fun in Dana Honey's piano bar.

[buggystuff]

We just disembarked the Imagination on this past Friday, 2/10/12. We had a great time on this 4-day cruise. We especially enjoyed the piano bar with Dana Honey. He had quite a few songs in his repertoire. In his repertoire he had Phil Collins, Journey, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Frank Sinatra, Elton John (complete with props), The Drifters ("Under the Boardwalk"), The Bee Gees, Jim Croce, Harry Chapin ("Cat's in the Cradle"), The Stylistics, ABBA, and he even sang Queen and Bon Jovi.

 

Dana is probably a little older than your average piano bar singer, but that just adds to his charm. I am usually more partial to a piano bar singer that has a lot of rock and hard rock in their repertoire, but Dana had the right mix. And, he does oldies and disco really well. He also has an incredible sense of humor. We were up dancing when he was singing Sinatra and the Stylistics! Plus, he uses props. He had regulars every night, and we were there every night. In the last few years, we've suffered through really bad piano bar singers, but we had a lot of fun in Dana Honey's piano bar.

 

I sailed with Dana on one of his first times on Carnival. I thought he was great! There's a couple folks that have said different, but I don't get it?

Most all of the players I've cruised with have been very good, some stellar, and only one that was so very disappointing.

And apparently I wasn't the only one. I stopped in one night to see if something had changed, and a fella at the bar (one of 8 or so) said "come on in, we've got plenty of room", I replied "I see that, which is odd, since most of the piano bars are packed"

Said piano player gave me the stink eye, so I did the mature thing and put my thumbs in my ears and stuck my tongue out at him.

[funat55]

We just got off the Inspiration on Monday and we fell in love with piano man 'Dale". I usually don't remember people's names, but Dale was so talented that we sought him out. He was playing in the Atrium when we boarded and we took a seat at the bar and we were happy just sitting there listening to his wide range of songs.

[Beppevroomvroom]

Does anyone know who is next on the Glory?

The current guy is coming off next week and I sail in 6 weeks time :)

 

Love the piano bar, always a great atmosphere and great people in there!

[OSUKNIGHT]

We just disembarked the Imagination on this past Friday, 2/10/12. We had a great time on this 4-day cruise. We especially enjoyed the piano bar with Dana Honey. He had quite a few songs in his repertoire. In his repertoire he had Phil Collins, Journey, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Frank Sinatra, Elton John (complete with props), The Drifters ("Under the Boardwalk"), The Bee Gees, Jim Croce, Harry Chapin ("Cat's in the Cradle"), The Stylistics, ABBA, and he even sang Queen and Bon Jovi.

 

Dana is probably a little older than your average piano bar singer, but that just adds to his charm. I am usually more partial to a piano bar singer that has a lot of rock and hard rock in their repertoire, but Dana had the right mix. And, he does oldies and disco really well. He also has an incredible sense of humor. We were up dancing when he was singing Sinatra and the Stylistics! Plus, he uses props. He had regulars every night, and we were there every night. In the last few years, we've suffered through really bad piano bar singers, but we had a lot of fun in Dana Honey's piano bar.

 

I agree. Dana was good and nice guy too.

[liberty0109]

Can anyone give me a heads up on James Quigley? Just decided to go on the dream yesterday in 2 weeks !

[ceegers]

Can anyone give me a heads up on James Quigley?

I think he's great. I haven't seen some of the big ones people talk about here, but of the approximately 10 people I have seen, I think James is my favorite.

[liberty0109]

I think he's great. I haven't seen some of the big ones people talk about here, but of the approximately 10 people I have seen, I think James is my favorite.

That's good I love the piano bar and was let down big time on our last cruise with Jordan. I love larry he is awesome.

[sk8rpatty]

That's good I love the piano bar and was let down big time on our last cruise with Jordan. I love larry he is awesome.

 

Hmmm Jordan has never been on the Dream. Perhaps it was someone else?

[liberty0109]

Hmmm Jordan has never been on the Dream. Perhaps it was someone else?

I just looked your right it was Justin thanks for correcting me! Wouldn't want the wrong person.

[sk8rpatty]

I just looked your right it was Justin thanks for correcting me! Wouldn't want the wrong person.

 

Thanks for the correction! Jordan thanks you too... ;)

[Lizard -n- Grits]

Any chance that someone knows who will be playing on Destiny 2-25? The only info that I've seen lists up to the 20th as:

Destiny: Rob Crucilla current - 2/20/2012

 

If Rob will still be onboard, anybody have opinions on his performance?

 

Thanks everyone,

 

Kyle

[dcruze]

Wow still nothing on Brendan Villines? C'mon recent Miracle travelers, we are anxiously waiting your review.:D I can't seem to find anything on him.

 

Not good. Brendan could play a good piano. His ability to involve the audience is poor. We went by the bar several times, never seen more than 8 people in he entire bar including our party of 4. Each night we would give it a try but ended up leaving after 30 minutes at the most.

[divetrash]

Any chance that someone knows who will be playing on Destiny 2-25? The only info that I've seen lists up to the 20th as:

Destiny: Rob Crucilla current - 2/20/2012

 

If Rob will still be onboard, anybody have opinions on his performance?

 

Thanks everyone,

 

Kyle

 

Just heard from the ship that they have "Billy" in the piano bar. Which means to me that Billy J. Clay is in there. I sailed with him on the Destiny a couple of years ago and had a really good time. Good repertoire, good interaction with the audience.

 

Happy Cruising,

 

Laura

[divetrash]

I'm getting ready to go on my own cruise a week from Saturday (the Magic with Ron Pass!). I'll work on getting the ones that expire in the next couple of weeks, but no guarantees!

 

Happy Cruising folks!

 

Laura

 

Breeze: Ron Pass 5/21/2012 - 6/27/2012 www.ronpass.com

Conquest: Larry McConaghy 9/12/2011 - 3/4/2012

Destiny: Bill "Billy J. Clay" Barclay 2/20/2012 - ???

Dream: Dave Filsinger 9/3/2011 - 3/3/2012

Dream: James Quigley 2/2/2012 - ???

Ecstasy: Frank Glenn 9/22/2011 - 3/22/2012

Elation: Tom Grable 11/05/2011 - 5/5/2012

Fantasy: Jordan Heppner 12/3/2011 - 5/4/2012

Fascination: Milburn Dumas 10/1/2011- 3/31/2012

Freedom:

Glory: Tom Riccio 8/27/2011 - 2/26/2012

Imagination: Dana Honey 11/4/2011 - 4/2/2012

Inspiration: Seth Gibson 12/3/2011 - 6/04/2012

Legend: Alan Brown current - 7/15/2012

Liberty: "Piano Bar Bob" Berhalter 10/22/2011 - 2/25/2012

Magic: Jerone "Imani" Howard 12/4/2011 - 6/3/2012

Magic: Ron Pass 3/4/2012 - 3/11/2012 Special Appearance for John Heald's Blogger Cruise

Miracle: Brennan Villines current - 7/25/2012

Paradise: Del Clark 12/12/2011 - 6/11/2012

Pride: Roger Concepcion current - 6/27/2012

Sensation: Rick Yerkes 2/9/2012 - ???

Spirit: Keith Turner current - 7/17/2012

Splendor: Ron Pass 1/15/2012 - 2/26/2012 www.ronpass.com

Splendor: Marty Gast 2/26/2012 - 7/??/2012

Triumph: Lorraine Ingle 10/24/2011 -2/23/2012 www.lorraineingle.com

Triumph: Russell Villarin 2/23/2012 - ???

Valor: Brad Alexander 1/21/2012 - 6/17/2012 www.bradalexanderonline.com

Victory: James Morris current - 5/20/2012

 

*** A note about this list: This list is compiled from reports and reviews of current cruisers and reports from the entertainers themselves. There is no guarantee of accuracy. An actual date usually means that the schedule has been confirmed by either the performer or someone inside Carnival. Schedules are subject to change. Also, this list is updated very regularly, so if it's not on the list, we probably don't know it.

[Irishlinny]

Not good. Brendan could play a good piano. His ability to involve the audience is poor. We went by the bar several times, never seen more than 8 people in he entire bar including our party of 4. Each night we would give it a try but ended up leaving after 30 minutes at the most.

That's depressing news:( And not only for the passengers, but I also feel badly for the performer when he doesn't have the ability to engage the audience. Hope he improves by May...will give him a shot...maybe he'll have a revelation of some kind;) Thanks for the update!

 

 

Laura, have a great time on your cruise! I have yet to cruise with Ron, but am hoping maybe he will come back on the Breeze for the US inaugural!

[divetrash]

That's depressing news:( And not only for the passengers, but I also feel badly for the performer when he doesn't have the ability to engage the audience. Hope he improves by May...will give him a shot...maybe he'll have a revelation of some kind;) Thanks for the update!

 

 

Laura, have a great time on your cruise! I have yet to cruise with Ron, but am hoping maybe he will come back on the Breeze for the US inaugural!

 

Keep in mind that Brennan is new to Carnival piano bars, it may take him some time to get in the groove.

 

I'm contemplating doing the first 8 day on the Breeze in November. There's a few of us Ron-touragers going, so there is definitely a possibility that Ron could be on board for it. We are working on it.

 

Happy cruising,

 

Laura

[Irishlinny]

Keep in mind that Brennan is new to Carnival piano bars, it may take him some time to get in the groove.

 

I'm contemplating doing the first 8 day on the Breeze in November. There's a few of us Ron-touragers going, so there is definitely a possibility that Ron could be on board for it. We are working on it.

 

Happy cruising,

 

Laura

Yes, I am hoping that Brennan finds his groove for his sake and ours...I can't imagine how awful it would be to be stuck on a ship and not feeling that connection with my audience night after night.

 

That would be great! After years on this thread, I could finally meet you! I'm with Floatie's group...love that lady! I'm hoping Ron comes along...would love to finally hear him:)

[Lizard -n- Grits]

Thanks for the info Laura. We set sail on the Destiny this weekend and can't wait.

 

Looking forward to having a great time.

 

Kyle

[divetrash]

It's been brought to my attention that "Piano Bar Bob" on the Liberty has extended through the end of April. Good news for the Liberty folks as he seems to be getting good reviews. And I'm just waiting to hear from Buggystuff or someone else who has taken over the Freedom.

 

Breeze: Ron Pass 5/21/2012 - 6/27/2012 www.ronpass.com

Conquest: Larry McConaghy 9/12/2011 - 3/4/2012

Destiny: Bill "Billy J. Clay" Barclay 2/20/2012 - ???

Dream: Dave Filsinger 9/3/2011 - 3/3/2012

Dream: James Quigley 2/2/2012 - ???

Ecstasy: Frank Glenn 9/22/2011 - 3/22/2012

Elation: Tom Grable 11/05/2011 - 5/5/2012

Fantasy: Jordan Heppner 12/3/2011 - 5/4/2012

Fascination: Milburn Dumas 10/1/2011- 3/31/2012

Freedom:

Glory: Tom Riccio 8/27/2011 - 2/26/2012

Imagination: Dana Honey 11/4/2011 - 4/2/2012

Inspiration: Seth Gibson 12/3/2011 - 6/04/2012

Legend: Alan Brown current - 7/15/2012

Liberty: "Piano Bar Bob" Berhalter 10/22/2011 - 4/28/2012

Magic: Jerone "Imani" Howard 12/4/2011 - 6/3/2012

Magic: Ron Pass 3/4/2012 - 3/11/2012 Special Appearance for John Heald's Blogger Cruise

Miracle: Brennan Villines current - 7/25/2012

Paradise: Del Clark 12/12/2011 - 6/11/2012

Pride: Roger Concepcion current - 6/27/2012

Sensation: Rick Yerkes 2/9/2012 - ???

Spirit: Keith Turner current - 7/17/2012

Splendor: Marty Gast 2/26/2012 - 7/??/2012

Triumph: Russell Villarin 2/23/2012 - ???

Valor: Brad Alexander 1/21/2012 - 6/17/2012 www.bradalexanderonline.com

Victory: James Morris current - 5/20/2012

 

*** A note about this list: This list is compiled from reports and reviews of current cruisers and reports from the entertainers themselves. There is no guarantee of accuracy. An actual date usually means that the schedule has been confirmed by either the performer or someone inside Carnival. Schedules are subject to change. Also, this list is updated very regularly, so if it's not on the list, we probably don't know it.

[Cool Breeze Cruiser]

We just got off the Fascination & LOVED the Piano Bar on this cruise. Milburn Dumas was WONDERFUL & played such a huge variety of songs. He is quite the character & kept us all entertained with his antics. The Piano Bar on our last cruise on the Miracle was such a disappointment because the Piano Man took himself way to seriously but Milburn really encouraged us to all sing along (& believe me I can not sing)! He played everything we requested & seemed to have as good a time as we did. He is a man of many hats & let us borrow some of his props for this Kodak moment! :D

 

[buggystuff]

Sean is the entertainer on the Freedom until mid July.

He is an older gentleman from New Orleans, and has played with and opened for many stars, Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, Liberace and more.

Not quite the Carnival type of player, but he's brand new to this venue.

Very talented on the keys and vocals, but plays slower than many of you are used to.

He also talks quite a bit.

Does have an outgoing personality, so perhaps he will improve with experience with Carnival.

The pb is not very busy, and I hope they bring that to his attention.

 

On another note, the Freedom has more live entertainment otherwise than the Dream did, Latin band, the singer in the Casino is great, and they do have a Lido band again!