An Unforgettable Journey: Blog from orchestra pianist, Rory Bolton-Azamara Journey!

[dpryo319]

The Crossing: 2nd Half

 

Over the last couple days, the entertainment dept. has been quite active-playing for jazz sets, cocktail parties for Le Club Voyage, and lots of shows! Café del Amor went very well for both shows, not having been able to review it for quite some time. Next night was Tony’s variety show w/ Christine, always a hit with our crowds on board. It will be sad to see Christine leave us when we arrive in France in just a few days times.

 

Today was one of my busiest days ever! Started out on a good note getting paid! J, then moving right into rehearsal with the guest choir because today was going to be the guest talent show. Along w/ the choir, we had 6 other acts performed by 4 of the guests who volunteered to be a part of it. Everyone had such creativity w/ their performance, all very original w/ their own flare, and ending w/ a tribute to the King, Elvis Presley! I had the privilege of accompanying all of the singing acts (including the choir) and sort of emcee-ing throughout the performance. For not having much time to put things together, everything went over very well, and I was extremely pleased w/ the results and turnout of our crowd this afternoon! They loved every bit of it, and the choir concluding the program sounded brilliant for only working about 4 days on their 2 pieces. But the day was just beginning…

 

Soon after the guest talent show, we moved into our jazz set for Le Club Voyage. Lasting just under an hour, we entertained the guests enjoying some cocktails and complimentary drinks for their exclusive membership. Following the jazz, we had rehearsal w/ Elliot Finkle and Jeff Nease for their combined variety shows.

 

Shows went great, and afterwards to top things off, a crew party up in Looking Glass, where a bunch of us were asked to be the entertainment for the night! A great party, great turnout, a great day! What's better? How bout getting asked to give your own private concert the very next day via guest request? Not sure what I'm gonna do yet, but want to give a lil' variety of everything for those that do show up.

 

Seas were a bit rocky today, piano had to be roped off and strapped down, but luckily we all survived!

 

Broadway shows tomorrow night along w/ my private afternoon concert, so will finally be a relief to be on European land in a few days times! Ready for my land legs to come back! :)

[momcat]

We are joining the ship in Rouen and are looking forward to meeting you.

Marcy and Robert

[dpryo319]

Remainder of the Crossing & Rouen (LAND!!!!)

 

Well, we finally wrapped up our Trans-Atlantic crossing, delayed slightly, and didn't arrive into Rouen until about 6pm (vs. 10am as originally predicted). Didn't allow much time to get into Paris (which is still about an hour and a half away from the port), but still managed to get off the ship, kiss the ground, etc...(just kidding!), though it was a relief to be on land.

 

Leading up to the end of the crossing were some busy days at sea. In the afternoon on one sea day near the end, I took part in leading the guest talent show and heading up the music for it w/ the assistance of Chris and Danielle in the vocal cast, leading the guest choir. The afternoon was a huge success, great turnout, and I was very proud of the individual guests (Beverly, Mary, Katherine, and of course "The King" himself, Bob!) to get up on stage as a solo act, you all sounded stupendous and was such a pleasure getting to know and work with you!

 

Following the guest talent show, we had a variety evening w/ Mr. Finkle on the ivories once again sharing the stage w/ Jeff Nease, our comedian on board. A busy day w/ lots of gratitude in the end for everyone!

 

Even got a special request from a choir member who won at bingo for a private concert as his reward! Thanks Nick! So got to entertain he and his wife and their friends up in the Drawing Room while they enjoyed champagne and strawberries, thanks guys for the great afternoon! We followed that evening up w/ a double feature of our Stage Door to Dreams Broadway show, another hit w/ the guests!

 

In the end, it was a great crossing, busy at much of the time, but a lot of fun, met a lot of new faces and had a great time sharing music with them!

 

Now, back to Rouen (port of Paris)...

 

6pm we dock, by 7:30 I'm off the ship and free to walk about the city. Some guys from the casino and I walked to the city center, strolled upon the Notre Dame Cathedrale of Rouen, a massive monument that even at night, is lit up beautifully in its Gothic architecture. Enjoyed dinner at Le Maregraphe, where we got to try some cut of kangaroo (almost like a steak), a plate of escargot, and ended the evening at Le Saxo, tasting some Belgium beers and enjoying some local music. It was nice to have the night off from shows and such.

 

Hopefully next time we're in port, I'll get to either see more of the city during the day, or travel to a nearby city of Giverny (home of the artist Monet), Honfleur, or maybe even make it into Paris!

 

Now, starting a shorter private charter w/ Air Miles company, and starting in our European adventures into Amsterdam, Bruges, Belgium, St. Peter's Port, and ending back in Rouen! Get ready!

 

Au revoir mes amis!

[CruiseChick00]

I have enjoyed reading your posts. We will be on the Journey for the May 29 sailing. Looking forward to the cruise and to meeting you.

Nancy