Opinions on the "Live" Concerts?

[emtnmare2]

Went to the Kansas concert last week in Cozumel. I am not that familiar with the band, but my DW is. We watched the concert for approx one hour. There was only one song that we heard that we knew. They seemed to concentrate on the songs from thier first two records. It was mostly an insturmental concert, that was very loud. After about 30 minutes people starting leaving.

 

We did not plan on going. I think Carnival was having a hard time filling seats and from the time we got on the Breeze they were giving tickets away. We got a couple due to us being Plat.

 

I feel that it would be fun to attend if it's a group that you are fimilar with. The price is hard to beat. It will be initresting to see if it lasts. With the ship being in port for an extra 7 hours Carnival had to lose a lot of money with the Casino being closed.

 

I know a lot of the passengers and crew enjoyed the extra time in port. There was a steady flow of people from and to the ship during the night.

[FlyingCruiserNJ]

Ok, first hand experience talking here. I don't know how the other concerts went in this series but I saw the Martina McBride event on the Ecstasy a few weeks back and was pleasantly surprised.

 

I didn't book this cruise to see the concert and I wasn't even going to pay the $20 to see it but since I got a free ticket as my onboard platinum gift, I figured why not. It was good, she played a good mix of stuff and really interacted with the audience in the main theater. She brought all her own av equipment and her entire 10-member band. The set lasted about 1 and a half hours.

 

Now I believe the meet and greet was before the show and its place and time wasn't really well communicated to the ticketholders. At least that's what I heard other people saying. Personally, $100 for that vip sounded like a ripoff and I doubt it even sold out as they were still selling the tickets for it when we were on final approach to Cozumel. There wasn't really a bad seat in the house and I was in the upper level.

 

Of course there was other stuff going on at the same time as the show, not even factoring in that we were still in port at showtime. I thought attendance was decent and the crowd really got into the show. So, if something like this was offered again in the future I might actually buy a ticket at the prices they were asking.

[FlyingCruiserNJ]

What time did the lounge open before the concert?

Were there waiters serving drinks during the show?

 

On the Ecstasy doors opened an hour prior and seating outside of the VIP section was first come, first serve. Bartenders were really pushing the drinks hard the whole time. I didn't buy anything but I was probably asked a half dozen times if I wanted anything LOL. And I was surprised that they allowed people to take pictures on their own personal devices throughout the show.

[emtnmare2]

Ok, first hand experience talking here. I don't know how the other concerts went in this series but I saw the Martina McBride event on the Ecstasy a few weeks back and was pleasantly surprised.

 

I didn't book this cruise to see the concert and I wasn't even going to pay the $20 to see it but since I got a free ticket as my onboard platinum gift, I figured why not. It was good, she played a good mix of stuff and really interacted with the audience in the main theater. She brought all her own av equipment and her entire 10-member band. The set lasted about 1 and a half hours.

 

Now I believe the meet and greet was before the show and its place and time wasn't really well communicated to the ticketholders. At least that's what I heard other people saying. Personally, $100 for that vip sounded like a ripoff and I doubt it even sold out as they were still selling the tickets for it when we were on final approach to Cozumel. There wasn't really a bad seat in the house and I was in the upper level.

 

Of course there was other stuff going on at the same time as the show, not even factoring in that we were still in port at showtime. I thought attendance was decent and the crowd really got into the show. So, if something like this was offered again in the future I might actually buy a ticket at the prices they were asking.

 

 

I wish she would have been on our cruise. I like her.

[FlyingCruiserNJ]

Don't get too excited about staying Cozumel until 1:00. Mot shops and bars close by 9:00 or 10:00 at the latest.

 

This. There is nothing to do in Cozumel after dark. The island pretty much shuts down and they actually close the other side off completely due to a multitude of reasons. Even if fat tuesday and three amigos stays open late they both suck and aren't worth hanging out at. Pancho's backyard a little further up in the port area is very good for a dinner with the sunset behind the ship in the background. Other than that, I wouldn't even venture outside the port area after dark if the stuff on the main road was open. I headed back to the ship around 5pm and have never stayed in port past about 7 or 8 pm no matter what time the ship actually was scheduled to leave there.

[golfadj]

What live music on deck? :confused:

 

Was wondering about that myself.

[winddawn]

I wish they would get some decent bands, quite honestly I prefer the live music on deck over most the bands feature in the live concerts. I'll be on a styx cruise in October. I don't plan on attending, but I like that the ship is staying in Cozumel until 1:00am that's the biggest perk I think.

That's funny because to me staying in port that late is more of a minus than a plus because everything onboard will have to remain closed until the ship sets sail and gets back into international waters. No casino, no gift shops, etc. For that reason, I would not book a live concert cruise.

 

I second the idea that having free live music on Lido during the day is preferred over the live concerts at night. I still don't understand why Carnival is so resistant to paying a Calypso band for Lido deck. But yet they will pay big name acts to perform concerts.

 

Maybe after the current Carnival management turns over again....

[AtSeaWithChris]

I will second that! Posted this on another thread but will put here too:

 

 

 

Foreigner Review:

 

 

 

Back from the weekend. Wanted to post my thoughts on the concert.

 

 

 

We absolutely loved the show! Foreigner was high energy, fantastic sound (they brought their own sound system) and good showmanship!

 

 

 

Yes, this is music we grew up with, and no, there were no original members there (Mick Jones has apparently been unwell the past couple months). However, the current band are all excellent musicians and the show was fantastic.

 

 

 

They played for about an hour and 20 minutes. The set sounded like a run through of their greatest hits. Every song was a hit and had the crowd singing along.

 

 

 

The show was in the main show room - the Fantasia lounge - which seats about 1300 (I didn't realize it was that large until I looked it up!). They were promoting the tickets during boarding, and announced shortly after departing that the show was sold out. Bought ours when I booked.

 

 

 

As many know, the sight lines are not great in the Fantasy class ship main show rooms. We planned to get there early, but wound up arriving after the doors had opened (they open 1 hour before showtime). By then, the room was over 1/2 full, but we wound up upstairs on the end of an aisle about 4 rows back from the glass. Our seats allowed us to stand without blocking anyone behind, and we did in fact stand through most of the show.

 

 

 

The VIP seats looked to fill most of the floor level main seating - the first 5-6 rows (I thought I had heard that the VIP area would only be the first couple of rows, but that was not the case).

 

 

 

So to summarize, we loved the show! Our experience would actually encourage us to book another cruise for the concert.

 

__________________

 

 

I'm sorry but I have to say this. But first great review as well as the others above.

Ok, if there are no original members of the band then they aren't THE band but just another band. I would feel cheated and discouraged from booking a cruise for the concert.

 

Just sayin'

 

 

 

 

Fist-pumping gleeful rum runner!!!

[TPFKAH]

I'm sorry but I have to say this. But first great review as well as the others above.

Ok, if there are no original members of the band then they aren't THE band but just another band. I would feel cheated and discouraged from booking a cruise for the concert.

 

Just sayin'

 

 

 

 

Fist-pumping gleeful rum runner!!!

 

Probably if I had to pay for it. But all I see is a lot of tickets given out free. Had I paid, I would be asking for a refund. As far as I'm concerned a bunch of people just playing a bands songs is nothing more than a cover band.

[PAPERBKWRITER]

Wish this program was on longer cruises. Transportation costs from where we live make it hard to justify the short cruises. would love to attend the concerts.

[BallFour4]

One thing I found interesting about the Youtube video is that they are bringing in a high end sound system. I thought they may be using the house system as it is a very good quality theater system (EAW speakers, MIDAS mixing board).

 

Couldn't agree more. Even the older Fantasy class ships have been retrofitted with top notch systems. The Conquest started out with a monster set of gear as well.

 

Perhaps they should create an array using props. It looks good and costs a fraction.

 

I just oversaw a great array setup and Bose reinforcement for our church. After 17 years in the sound booth I can sit with my wife and run the LS-9 from my iPad. Geeks rule...

 

.

Edited May 29, 2014 by BallFour4

[jimbo5544]

I'm sorry but I have to say this. But first great review as well as the others above.

Ok, if there are no original members of the band then they aren't THE band but just another band. I would feel cheated and discouraged from booking a cruise for the concert.

 

Just sayin'

 

 

 

 

Fist-pumping gleeful rum runner!!!

 

I guess your thoughts on seeing bands with only original members would eliminate 90% of all actual bands playing today. I cannot think of one band over 5 years old that still has only original members. I have seen Foreigner live last year and they were pretty good, same for Chicago, same for Journey and it goes on and on....

 

Just sayin;)

[TPFKAH]

I guess your thoughts on seeing bands with only original members would eliminate 90% of all actual bands playing today. I cannot think of one band over 5 years old that still has only original members. I have seen Foreigner live last year and they were pretty good, same for Chicago, same for Journey and it goes on and on....

 

Just sayin;)

 

It actually depends in the band. There are those that some have no clue who was ever in the band, and some where the band members matter. Chicago and foreigner, I probably could have named two members in their hey day, journey, maybe three, and REO Speedwagon maybe 4. I may have to dust off my old Circus magazines.

 

But you only get awY with this being a B or C band. A bands could never. Even though there are some where members have died, the replacements are never featured, unless they continued to be successful as a next generation band.

 

And then there's Yes.

[AtSeaWithChris]

It actually depends in the band. There are those that some have no clue who was ever in the band, and some where the band members matter. Chicago and foreigner, I probably could have named two members in their hey day, journey, maybe three, and REO Speedwagon maybe 4. I may have to dust off my old Circus magazines.

 

 

 

But you only get awY with this being a B or C band. A bands could never. Even though there are some where members have died, the replacements are never featured, unless they continued to be successful as a next generation band.

 

 

 

And then there's Yes.

 

Love Yes!

 

 

 

 

 

Fist-pumping gleeful rum runner!!!

[jimbo5544]

It actually depends in the band. There are those that some have no clue who was ever in the band, and some where the band members matter. Chicago and foreigner, I probably could have named two members in their hey day, journey, maybe three, and REO Speedwagon maybe 4. I may have to dust off my old Circus magazines.

 

But you only get awY with this being a B or C band. A bands could never. Even though there are some where members have died, the replacements are never featured, unless they continued to be successful as a next generation band.

 

And then there's Yes.

 

LOL on the Yes comment. Chicago is not a A band? It's all perspective. Journey has had many members, but for most it is Steve Perry or Arnel Pineda who is actually very good (but not Steve Perry). I would agree with the point that most would not know the difference with any.

[Midwestgal]

Give me Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Joey Kramer, Tom Hamilton & Brad Whitford...... AEROSMITH .....I'll be on that cruise

[AtSeaWithChris]

I guess your thoughts on seeing bands with only original members would eliminate 90% of all actual bands playing today. I cannot think of one band over 5 years old that still has only original members. I have seen Foreigner live last year and they were pretty good, same for Chicago, same for Journey and it goes on and on....

 

 

 

Just sayin;)

 

I'm ok with a substitute member or two that for various reasons aren't in the band anymore but NO original member means the band is dead. It's usually one or more stars that make the essence of a band. Once that's gone, they are just a band.

 

Doesn't mean they don't have talent but I certainly wouldn't book a cruise for it, or pay for a meet and greet. I can do that at the local club any given night, often without a cover charge.

 

 

 

Fist-pumping gleeful rum runner!!!

[zqvol]

Ok, first hand experience talking here. I don't know how the other concerts went in this series but I saw the Martina McBride event on the Ecstasy a few weeks back and was pleasantly surprised.

 

I didn't book this cruise to see the concert and I wasn't even going to pay the $20 to see it but since I got a free ticket as my onboard platinum gift, I figured why not. It was good, she played a good mix of stuff and really interacted with the audience in the main theater. She brought all her own av equipment and her entire 10-member band. The set lasted about 1 and a half hours.

 

Now I believe the meet and greet was before the show and its place and time wasn't really well communicated to the ticketholders. At least that's what I heard other people saying. Personally, $100 for that vip sounded like a ripoff and I doubt it even sold out as they were still selling the tickets for it when we were on final approach to Cozumel. There wasn't really a bad seat in the house and I was in the upper level.

 

Of course there was other stuff going on at the same time as the show, not even factoring in that we were still in port at showtime. I thought attendance was decent and the crowd really got into the show. So, if something like this was offered again in the future I might actually buy a ticket at the prices they were asking.

 

A couple of notes. The meet and greet time and location was on the ticket. It was about 90 minutes before the show, in a bar on deck 9, and was a typical meet and greet. Carnival took the pictures, and each person was provided a meet and greet photo free of charge. Carnival provided as much free champagne as you wanted. You could stay as long as you wanted.

 

Martina had her own band but used all of Carnival's AV equipment. The sound and lights were nothing like her usual shore based concerts, but they were fine. The sound was good and that is what mattered.

 

The price of $100 for VIP was in line, if not a bit cheaper, than most country music concerts. VIP seats were exceptional and photos were encouraged, in fact VIPs were allowed to stand at the edge of the stage. At the end Martina even signed a few autographs.

 

Other than the show there was almost nothing going on during that time. Dinner was open seating for the entire ship that night.

Edited May 30, 2014 by zqvol

[jimbo5544]

I'm ok with a substitute member or two that for various reasons aren't in the band anymore but NO original member means the band is dead. It's usually one or more stars that make the essence of a band. Once that's gone, they are just a band.

 

Doesn't mean they don't have talent but I certainly wouldn't book a cruise for it, or pay for a meet and greet. I can do that at the local club any given night, often without a cover charge.

 

 

 

Fist-pumping gleeful rum runner!!!

 

I am not aware (and no expert) of which one that does not have any original members.

[Pine Bluff]

I am not aware (and no expert) of which one that does not have any original members.

 

Foreigner

[lovermonkey]

We actually got the last two vip tickets for LadyA in Nov. We can't wait. I thought their autograph was included but I have heard that we won't happen. But the picture would be nice. I guess we will find out in Nov.

Edited May 30, 2014 by lovermonkey

[jimbo5544]

Foreigner

 

I am pretty sure Mick Jones is an original member. I saw a recent concert of them (last year taping I believe) on Paladia. Actually quite good, although Kelly Hansen is not quite Lou Gramme.

[jimbo5544]

We actually got the last two vip tickets for LadyA in Nov. We can't wait. I thought their autograph was included but I have heard that we won't happen. But the picture would be nice. I guess we will find out in Nov.

 

I would love to see Lady A. Isn't Hillary Scott going to have a baby soon (or already happened)?.

Edited May 30, 2014 by jimbo5544

[Pine Bluff]

I am pretty sure Mick Jones is an original member. I saw a recent concert of them (last year taping I believe) on Paladia. Actually quite good, although Kelly Hansen is not quite Lou Gramme.

 

Mick is out right now due to illness.

[jimbo5544]

Mick is out right now due to illness.

 

Thought that was a couple of years ago. Saw him on this induction into the songwriters hall of fame and he looked fine. At any rate still an original member and with the band.