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Best Piano Entertainer on Carnival? (Part 2)

CC Help Jenn

By CC Help Jenn,
in Carnival Cruise Lines

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Hedle

Hedle

Posted
Posted
Just looking at your signature, you seem to have had some pretty good luck with piano entertainers (excepting the Freedom last year). I see you were on the Inspiration in July 2003. My first cruise on was on the Inspiration, the first week of July 2003. The piano bar entertainer was a Kiwi named Darin MacDonald. He was really good and started my love of Carnival piano bars.

 

Just thought I'd share.

 

Happy Cruising,

 

Laura

 

I was on that cruise also. Darin was not bad, just that me and friends

did not like the location of the PB. I think they should switch teen nightclub and PB on all "tion" ships. We did win a name that tune trivia

contest and split a cheap bottle of chapagne (I don't know which is

cheaper, the bottle or Ship on a Stick). Maybe we did not give the PB

enough of a chance. The entertainer by the casino had that area jumping really well and we hung there a few times. Me and freinds actually slept a few nights under the stars at the back of the ship on that cruise.

Hopefully our paths will cross again someday.

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Anung Un Rama

Anung Un Rama

Posted
Posted

Just posted this over on the Barbarians page but here you go, my review of Peter Brenner.

 

So we just got off the Liberty with Peter Brenner. We’ve grown to love Piano Bars and it’s our first choice for entertainment for an evening on cruises. I was quite apprehensive about having him as a PBE since I had not heard one single positive thing about him. I’ll try to be fail but most importantly honest. He has a pretty good song list (much better than what he has posted to pass around). He is also a decent pianist. He tends to play almost every song a bit too fast though. It’s not a complete turn off but it’s enough to make you pause and think about the tempo. He is not a good singer. I was hoping that maybe he had a specific artist that he specialized with but if he did, we never heard it. He would also make very weird noises/faces mid song and it took a lot of restraint to not laugh.

We tried to engage him in conversation the first night and he didn’t seem that bad. But it all went away as soon as he started playing. It was like he was in a zone and the only one there. No crowd interaction whatsoever. He would try to get the crowd to sing along but would just stop out of nowhere and expect us to be ready. It was awkward with as few of us in there. Only at one point during the entire cruise did I see more than a dozen people in there and that was the first night when our group had 6. He does NO adult/late night songs. This was a complete turn off and a main reason we watched so much comedy this cruise. I walked by the piano bar frequently and very rarely were there more than 5 people in there. I would probably give him a 2 out of 10. I think he might be better suited on a different line that has a different vibe/clientele for their piano bar. He just doesn’t fit in at all with what Carnival is trying to turn it’s PB’s into. I feel bad for anyone who has him as their first experience because I doubt I’d ever go back if he was my first PBE. I know not everyone can be Ron Pass but I don’t understand how someone with no positive reviews can still be employed.

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divetrash

divetrash

Posted
Posted

A switch up on the Legend starting May 16th, Bruce McGhie will be heading there instead of Mike Dardis. And also the next piano man for the Sunshine is a newbie to the Carnival rolls, named Bill Zimmerman

 

Breeze: Ron Pass 11/6/2012 - 6/2/2013 http://www.ronpass.com

Breeze: Ben Gentry 6/2/2013 - 11/17/2013 http://www.pianomanben.com

Conquest: Larry Maconaghy current - 10/13/2013

Dream: Brad Alexander 4/20/2013 - ??? http://www.bradthepianoman.com

Ecstasy: Martin Alex Aucoin 4/13/2013 - 8/12/2013 http://www.martinalexaucoin.com/

Elation: Michael Geier current - 5/9/2013

Elation: Jordan Heppner 5/9/2013 - 11/7/2013

Fantasy: Jim Morris 2/8/2013 - 6/9/2013

Fantasy: Keith Turner 6/9/2013 - 12/9/2013

Fascination: Rob Crucilla 1/19/2013 - 7/18/2013

Freedom: Derek Robertson 3/31/2013 - 5/12/2013

Freedom: Marty Gast 5/12/2013 - 11/10/2013 http://www.*****/MartyGast

Freedom Drydock 11/10/2013 - 11/24/2013

Glory: James Quigley 3/10/2013 - 8/10/2013 http://www.jamespquigley.com

Glory: Dave Filsinger 8/10/2013 - 3/30/2014

Imagination: Hrvoje "Mr. H" Knezevic 2/18/2013 - 9/16/2013

Inspiration: Tom Grable 2/8/2013 - 11/4/2013

Legend: Keith Turner 11/18/2012 - 5/16/2013

Legend: Bruce McGhie 5/16/2013 - 10/10/2013

Liberty: Peter Brenner 3/23/2013 - 7/20/2013

Magic: Milburn Dumas 4/7/2013 -5/12/2013

Magic: "Piano Bar Bob" Berhalter 5/12/2013 - 9/15/2013 http://www.facebook.com/bob.berhalter

Miracle: Dave Filsinger 2/18/2013 - 6/4/2013

Miracle: Doug Ross 6/4/2013 -10/2/2013

Paradise: Angela Johnson 3/14/2013 - 9/16/2013

Pride: Roger Concepcion 2/10/2013 - 12/08/2013

Sensation: Russell Villarin 2/21/2013 - 6/13/2013 http://villarinfamily.wix.com/pinoypianoman

Spirit: Andy Pobjoy 4/21/2013 - 6/17/2013

Splendor: Hailey Wiebe 3/23/2013 - 9/22/2013

Sunshine: Justin Abrams 5/5/2013 - 6/7/2013

Sunshine: Bill Zimmerman 6/7/2013 - 8/18/2013

Triumph: Drydock until 6/13/2013

Triumph: Russell Villarin 6/13/2013 - 2/2/2014 http://villarinfamily.wix.com/pinoypianoman

Valor: Gregory George 3/24/2013 - 7/28/2013]

Victory: Joe Nagy 4/15/2013 - 9/30/2013

 

*** 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.

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stamford57

stamford57

Posted
Posted
This may or may not help you depending when in August you sail. From June 7th to August 18th the piano man will be a newbie to the Carnival lists, Bill Zimmerman. I did a google and this may be him: http://billzimmerman.wix.com/jazzpiano

 

Happy cruising,

 

Laura

 

We are sailing on the 9th so yes it includes us. Thank you for finding out, I just wish we were having a tried and tested pianist. Looks like we will be his last cruise, so he'll either be completely exhausted and wanting to go home or giving it one last push to make sure he gets another contract, hopefully it will be the latter :)

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divetrash

divetrash

Posted
Posted

Brad Alexander had to sign off the Dream for a family emergency, I'm trying to find out who his replacement is. And I got a future date for "Piano Bar Bob" Berhalter, on the Dream, but not until November.

 

Breeze: Ron Pass 11/6/2012 - 6/2/2013 http://www.ronpass.com

Breeze: Ben Gentry 6/2/2013 - 11/17/2013 http://www.pianomanben.com

Conquest: Larry Maconaghy current - 10/13/2013

Dream: ??? 4/27/2013 - 11/2/2013

Dream: "Piano Bar Bob" Berhalter 11/2/2013 - 3/1/2014 http://www.facebook.com/bob.berhalter

Ecstasy: Martin Alex Aucoin 4/13/2013 - 8/12/2013 http://www.martinalexaucoin.com/

Elation: Michael Geier current - 5/9/2013

Elation: Jordan Heppner 5/9/2013 - 11/7/2013

Fantasy: Jim Morris 2/8/2013 - 6/9/2013

Fantasy: Keith Turner 6/9/2013 - 12/9/2013

Fascination: Rob Crucilla 1/19/2013 - 7/18/2013

Freedom: Derek Robertson 3/31/2013 - 5/12/2013

Freedom: Marty Gast 5/12/2013 - 11/10/2013 http://www.*****/MartyGast

Freedom Drydock 11/10/2013 - 11/24/2013

Glory: James Quigley 3/10/2013 - 8/10/2013 http://www.jamespquigley.com

Glory: Dave Filsinger 8/10/2013 - 3/30/2014

Imagination: Hrvoje "Mr. H" Knezevic 2/18/2013 - 9/16/2013

Inspiration: Tom Grable 2/8/2013 - 11/4/2013

Legend: Keith Turner 11/18/2012 - 5/16/2013

Legend: Bruce McGhie 5/16/2013 - 10/10/2013

Liberty: Peter Brenner 3/23/2013 - 7/20/2013

Magic: Milburn Dumas 4/7/2013 -5/12/2013

Magic: "Piano Bar Bob" Berhalter 5/12/2013 - 9/15/2013 http://www.facebook.com/bob.berhalter

Miracle: Dave Filsinger 2/18/2013 - 6/4/2013

Miracle: Doug Ross 6/4/2013 -10/2/2013

Paradise: Angela Johnson 3/14/2013 - 9/16/2013

Pride: Roger Concepcion 2/10/2013 - 12/08/2013

Sensation: Russell Villarin 2/21/2013 - 6/13/2013 http://villarinfamily.wix.com/pinoypianoman

Spirit: Andy Pobjoy 4/21/2013 - 6/17/2013

Splendor: Hailey Wiebe 3/23/2013 - 9/22/2013

Sunshine: Justin Abrams 5/5/2013 - 6/7/2013

Sunshine: Bill Zimmerman 6/7/2013 - 8/18/2013

Triumph: Drydock until 6/13/2013

Triumph: Russell Villarin 6/13/2013 - 2/2/2014 http://villarinfamily.wix.com/pinoypianoman

Valor: Gregory George 3/24/2013 - 7/28/2013]

Victory: Joe Nagy 4/15/2013 - 9/30/2013

 

*** 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.

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Patty421

Patty421

Posted
Posted

Just off the Splendor and was highly disappointed. Our first experience was with Brad and we loved him and we were really looking forward to hanging out in the piano bar this time around. This time it was a new girl Hailey and it was not the same. Her song choices were terrible and no fun upbeat engery. She kept bringing people up and having them sing for her and it was funny because the guests were actually better. The bar was pretty much empty the entire cruise which was the total opposite of when Brad was there and it was packed every night.

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GROUCHPUSS

GROUCHPUSS

Posted
Posted
Just off the Splendor and was highly disappointed. Our first experience was with Brad and we loved him and we were really looking forward to hanging out in the piano bar this time around. This time it was a new girl Hailey and it was not the same. Her song choices were terrible and no fun upbeat engery. She kept bringing people up and having them sing for her and it was funny because the guests were actually better. The bar was pretty much empty the entire cruise which was the total opposite of when Brad was there and it was packed every night.

 

I had a bad run on PBE's for about 5 years. But now I look at who is going to be on the ship before I go and book a cruise. The PB is my nightly entertainment of choice, so I now make sure I am going to enjoy it.

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  • 2 weeks later...
divetrash

divetrash

Posted
Posted

Still trying to get the Dream entertainer, since Brad Alexander had to leave on a family emergency.

 

Also, the PBE on the Sunshine has also left, so I'm working on getting that one as well. However, we do have the next entertainer for the Sunshine starting in August, Seth Gibson, which should be a treat for all those on the later European Sunshine cruises and the TA.

 

Breeze: Ron Pass 11/6/2012 - 6/2/2013 http://www.ronpass.com

Breeze: Ben Gentry 6/2/2013 - 11/17/2013 http://www.pianomanben.com

Conquest: Larry Maconaghy current - 10/13/2013

Dream: ??? 4/27/2013 - 11/2/2013

Dream: "Piano Bar Bob" Berhalter 11/2/2013 - 3/1/2014 http://www.facebook.com/bob.berhalter

Ecstasy: Martin Alex Aucoin 4/13/2013 - 8/12/2013 http://www.martinalexaucoin.com/

Elation: Jordan Heppner 5/9/2013 - 11/7/2013

Fantasy: Jim Morris 2/8/2013 - 6/9/2013

Fantasy: Keith Turner 6/9/2013 - 12/9/2013

Fascination: Rob Crucilla 1/19/2013 - 7/18/2013

Freedom: Marty Gast 5/12/2013 - 11/10/2013 http://www.*****/MartyGast

Freedom Drydock 11/10/2013 - 11/24/2013

Glory: James Quigley 3/10/2013 - 8/10/2013 http://www.jamespquigley.com

Glory: Dave Filsinger 8/10/2013 - 3/30/2014

Imagination: Hrvoje "Mr. H" Knezevic 2/18/2013 - 9/16/2013

Inspiration: Tom Grable 2/8/2013 - 11/4/2013

Legend: Bruce McGhie 5/16/2013 - 10/10/2013

Liberty: Peter Brenner 3/23/2013 - 7/20/2013

Magic: "Piano Bar Bob" Berhalter 5/12/2013 - 9/15/2013 http://www.facebook.com/bob.berhalter

Miracle: Dave Filsinger 2/18/2013 - 6/4/2013

Miracle: Doug Ross 6/4/2013 -10/2/2013

Paradise: Angela Johnson 3/14/2013 - 9/16/2013

Pride: Roger Concepcion 2/10/2013 - 12/08/2013

Sensation: Russell Villarin 2/21/2013 - 6/13/2013 http://villarinfamily.wix.com/pinoypianoman

Spirit: Andy Pobjoy 4/21/2013 - 6/17/2013

Splendor: Hailey Wiebe 3/23/2013 - 9/22/2013

Sunshine: ??? until 6/7/2013

Sunshine: Bill Zimmerman 6/7/2013 - 8/18/2013

Sunshine: Seth Gibson 8/18/2013 - 11/17/2013 http://www.sethgibsonmusic.com

Triumph: Drydock until 6/13/2013

Triumph: Russell Villarin 6/13/2013 - 2/2/2014 http://villarinfamily.wix.com/pinoypianoman

Valor: Gregory George 3/24/2013 - 7/28/2013]

Victory: Joe Nagy 4/15/2013 - 9/30/2013

 

*** 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.

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jimbo5544 "Live from...." Rare

jimbo5544

Posted
Posted
Just off the Splendor and was highly disappointed. Our first experience was with Brad and we loved him and we were really looking forward to hanging out in the piano bar this time around. This time it was a new girl Hailey and it was not the same. Her song choices were terrible and no fun upbeat engery. She kept bringing people up and having them sing for her and it was funny because the guests were actually better. The bar was pretty much empty the entire cruise which was the total opposite of when Brad was there and it was packed every night.

Ouch....our next cruise is on the Splendor in August.

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John F

John F

Posted
Posted

We will be going on the Freedom (10/5/13) and was wondering from all of the Marty Gast fans, does he like to do an shot or two while he entertains us in the piano bar?? Thanks.

John & Priscilla :) :)

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Piano Man Ron

Piano Man Ron

Posted
Posted

Hey John! I assure you, Marty will be fine with that! LOL

 

Ron

 

We will be going on the Freedom (10/5/13) and was wondering from all of the Marty Gast fans, does he like to do an shot or two while he entertains us in the piano bar?? Thanks.

John & Priscilla :) :)

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puntacana

puntacana

Posted
Posted

Marty was very fun, got the crowd going. If you were not there early you would have to stand. Most came and stayed for most his night shift, so seating is at a premium.

He sure does like to do a few shots, a lot of songs are changed with adult content. Have a great time!

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maggieworkman

maggieworkman

Posted
Posted
Just off the Splendor and was highly disappointed. Our first experience was with Brad and we loved him and we were really looking forward to hanging out in the piano bar this time around. This time it was a new girl Hailey and it was not the same. Her song choices were terrible and no fun upbeat engery. She kept bringing people up and having them sing for her and it was funny because the guests were actually better. The bar was pretty much empty the entire cruise which was the total opposite of when Brad was there and it was packed every night.

 

This is sad news. We are on the Splendor in June. :(

 

Maggie

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divetrash

divetrash

Posted
Posted

A few updates courtesy of John Heald and his blog...

 

Breeze: Ron Pass 11/6/2012 - 6/2/2013 http://www.ronpass.com

Breeze: Ben Gentry 6/2/2013 - 11/17/2013 http://www.pianomanben.com

Conquest: Larry Maconaghy current - 10/13/2013

Dream: Rick Yerkes 4/27/2013 - 11/2/2013

Dream: "Piano Bar Bob" Berhalter 11/2/2013 - 3/1/2014 http://www.facebook.com/bob.berhalter

Ecstasy: Martin Alex Aucoin 4/13/2013 - 8/12/2013 http://www.martinalexaucoin.com/

Elation: Michael Geier current - 6/6/2013

Elation: Jordan Heppner 6/6/2013 - 11/7/2013

Fantasy: Jim Morris 2/8/2013 - 6/9/2013

Fantasy: Keith Turner 6/9/2013 - 12/9/2013

Fascination: Rob Crucilla 1/19/2013 - 7/18/2013

Freedom: Marty Gast 5/12/2013 - 11/10/2013 http://www.*****/MartyGast

Freedom Drydock 11/10/2013 - 11/24/2013

Glory: James Quigley 3/10/2013 - 8/10/2013 http://www.jamespquigley.com

Glory: Dave Filsinger 8/10/2013 - 3/30/2014

Imagination: Hrvoje "Mr. H" Knezevic 2/18/2013 - 9/16/2013

Inspiration: Tom Grable 2/8/2013 - 11/4/2013

Legend: Bruce McGhie 5/16/2013 - 10/10/2013

Liberty: Peter Brenner 3/23/2013 - 6/29/2013

Liberty: Jim Morris 6/29/2013 - ???

Magic: "Piano Bar Bob" Berhalter 5/12/2013 - 9/15/2013 http://www.facebook.com/bob.berhalter

Miracle: Dave Filsinger 2/18/2013 - 6/4/2013

Miracle: Doug Ross 6/4/2013 -10/2/2013

Paradise: Angela Johnson 3/14/2013 - 9/16/2013

Pride: Roger Concepcion 2/10/2013 - 12/08/2013

Sensation: Russell Villarin 2/21/2013 - 6/13/2013 http://villarinfamily.wix.com/pinoypianoman

Spirit: Andy Pobjoy 4/21/2013 - 9/15/2013

Splendor: Hailey Wiebe 3/23/2013 - 9/22/2013

Sunshine: Billy Reid current - 8/18/2013

Sunshine: Seth Gibson 8/18/2013 - 11/17/2013http://www.sethgibsonmusic.com

Triumph: Drydock until 6/13/2013

Triumph: Russell Villarin 6/13/2013 - 2/2/2014 http://villarinfamily.wix.com/pinoypianoman

Valor: Lizl Strauss current - 7/28/2013]

Valor: Dana Honey 7/28/2013 - ???

Victory: Joe Nagy 4/15/2013 - 9/30/2013

 

*** 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.

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Anung Un Rama

Anung Un Rama

Posted
Posted

If we can't get Joe on the Sunshine for end of the year, it'd be great to sail with Marty. It times out pretty good with his current contract. Just sayin ;)

 

Also interesting to see that Peter's contract is being shortened. Is Carnival actually listening to feedback?

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