Entertainment changes again

[takemewithyou]

Guests onboard Quest right now doing B2Bs.

[uktog]

It would be interesting to know exactly where some of the posters are "hearing" these things from as they ask why there has been no official announcement. Could that be because the sources of these bits of information aren't reliable? Just asking, that's all.

 

 

 

Most are hearing from the staff affected either positively or negatively

 

 

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[takemewithyou]

It just would be great to know, if you are awaiting your next cruise (as we are), what changes you can expect in entertainment before you board on Thurs. There are factual reports from onboard from guests and some info that others are privy to from their contacts on the ship.

 

It would be nice if Bonnie could provide us the official word, that’s all.

[uktog]

It just would be great to know, if you are awaiting your next cruise (as we are), what changes you can expect in entertainment before you board on Thurs. There are factual reports from onboard from guests and some info that others are privy to from their contacts on the ship.

 

 

 

It would be nice if Bonnie could provide us the official word, that’s all.

 

 

 

Yes that’s what’s needed as we are in the usual problem leave a communication vacuum and folks fill it with all sorts

 

 

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[bbqoug]

I know Lee will be finishing on Azamara after the World Voyage and I am presuming that it will be about the same for Matt. It is not a secret as Lee has posted it on his FB page.

 

I will miss him and his Geordie sense of humour very much.

 

It saddens me if Matt will no longer be with Azamara.

His enthusiasm and sense of humor were some of the things we really enjoyed about our Quest cruise.

[ellbon]

Well if MTt and Lee are gone that goes past entertainment. And their office is on deck 4. So rest does effect deck 4 Ann!

 

The rate they are going they could fire the CD and bring in new ones. That are less costly crew.

 

Rumors..no.. most info on Social media

[hubofhockey]

It would be interesting to know exactly where some of the posters are "hearing" these things from as they ask why there has been no official announcement. Could that be because the sources of these bits of information aren't reliable? Just asking, that's all.

 

Lots of regulars on Azamara boards seem to "befriend" key Azamara employees and get the inside scoop.

[nonrev1]

Spoke at length with one of the singers who also supports activities and excursions. Their contract ends at the end of March. No animosity, it is part of the job. Very thankful for the opportunity. The person said that most are looking forward to some time off and some will re-apply ( which they do for every entertainment contract ) for either Celebrity or RCCL. Most other areas (other than entertainment) will be affected more by movement over to the Pursuit.

[uktog]

That was our experience in January on Journey- I said on here at the time how professional those adversely affected were being. It’s hard for them on a personal level as it was for the casino staff. Some had partners in other departments.

 

My expectations also are that other changes are Pursuits related only. Robin not everyone knows whose office is located where, I for one don’t nor really is it my business. I know there are offices on 3,4 and 8 that’s all. However guests know Deck 4 as Guest Relations Concierge and Land Discoveries so could well have misinterpreted your post.

 

Until we hear the much leaked in parts information from Azamara these boards really need to stick to verified facts and Azamara needs to say something even if it’s we’ve delayed the announcement.

[nonrev1]

Lottie, I asked about live evening music and yes there will be live music. The changes sound positive ( especially for repeat cruisers).

[ellbon]

Entertainment office is with land tours, all business offices are deck four,

Think HR us 3 but could be four,

Outside the captain no one really has an office on deck 8.

 

Lauri good to know the production staff is sticking with RCI. It is really the piano players I am upset over. Like the harps it was something I liked.

[BBMacLaird]

It just would be great to know, if you are awaiting your next cruise (as we are), what changes you can expect in entertainment before you board on Thurs. There are factual reports from onboard from guests and some info that others are privy to from their contacts on the ship.

It would be nice if Bonnie could provide us the official word, that’s all.

 

I'm expecting a public announcement on 2/7....tomorrow. (yn)

[takemewithyou]

I'm expecting a public announcement on 2/7....tomorrow. (yn)

Thank you!

[nonrev1]

I get it. I liked the harp too. I used to sit in the front of the dining room so I could eat dinner and listen. But, can’t look back. What I heard about the new plan sounds good. If it comes off as planned, it will satisfy both new and repeat cruisers.

[Rabo]

New opening page on Azamara web site . . . https://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/life-onboard/entertainment-activities

[BBMacLaird]

The link Rabo shared is correct. The new entertainment landing page is live on our website!

 

Here's the press release that's going out in a few minutes:

 

 

AZAMARACLUB CRUISES SETS THE STAGE FOR EVEN MORE MEMORABLE VOYAGES

WITHTHREE NEW ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT CONCEPTS

A New Eraof Entertainment Awaits with Broadway Stars, Theatrical Shorts and ContemporaryOpera

 

MIAMI, FLFebruary 7, 2018 – Today, AzamaraClub Cruises® announces a new onboard entertainment playbill with cabaret style performances and musiciansfrom Feinstein’s/54 Below, as well as short opera vignettes and theatre showsfrom Magic City Opera and City Theatre. The refreshed entertainment conceptsand visiting talents are part of the brand’s commitment to offering guests carefully-curatedonboard experiences. The specialized programming will be offered onboardAzamara Journeyâand Questâstartingin February 2018 as well as the Azamara PursuitSMafter the inaugural sailing in August 2018.

 

“We look forward to providing guests withvibrant onboard entertainment to enhance their experience while sailing with us.Our new entertainment launch will bring to life classic and short plays, alongwith short operas and shows, by using music, Broadway stars and entertainersthat engage and enthrall their audiences,” said Larry Pimentel,President and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. In collaboration with Azamara, Ryan Stana, CEO of RWS EntertainmentGroup also noted, “The cruise line industry has seen a surge of enthusiasm andmomentum behind innovations from itineraries to onboard technologies. Through thepartnership with Azamara Club Cruises and Feinstein’s/54 Below, we are excitedto bring a new view to entertainment programming as well. This is the firstoverarching branded guest entertainer experience at sea and it will be uniqueand different in our industry.” The new experience produced by RWS willtransform the Cabaret Lounge onboard to reflect the elegant and intimateFeinstein’s/54 Below performance space in New York City and will feature drinksinspired by their signature cocktails, service style and ambience.

 

54 Belowat Sea: New York City’s premier cabaret club Feinstein’s/54 Below is bringingtheir talent and over-the-top performances to Azamara, with a collection ofBroadway’s amazing cabaret stars, comedians and instrumentalists. Unliketraditional Broadway shows, performances will be in an intimate setting thatinspires and engages audiences. Top talent includes entertainers DanielReichard, the original Bob Gaudio in Jersey Boys, Christine Pedi radio hostSirius XM – On Broadway, and David Kaplan who New York Times called one of thebest classical music performers.

 

Azamara Club Cruises has also partnered with two extraordinaryentertainment groups: City Theatre and Magic City Opera for a series of short plays and operacabarets. This collaboration further enhances and diversifies Azamara ClubCruises’ entertainment portfolio.

 

CityTheatre: One of Miami’s most famous and critically acclaimed acting troupes willtransport guests with their famous and creative “Shorts on Ships.” Known for being the largest troupe dedicatedto ten-minute plays, the shorts draw on human emotion and culturalconversations to evoke strong audience responses – from laughter and tears tointrospection!

 

MagicCity Opera: This contemporary take on the short opera vignette experience unitesmusic, drama, visual and literary effects. The Magic City Opera continues thegreat tradition of using opera as a social event and hopes to inspire onboardguests to mingle after the show and to discuss the creative arts experience.

 

Aside from the three new entertainment offerings, Azamara will continueto offer entertainment and experiences such as live local entertainment, movienights, AzAmazing Evenings and White Night celebrations, as well as our newmusical trios that will entertain throughout the ship. The Living Room willstill play host to musical evenings including the guest-favorite ABBA Night.

 

About Azamara Club Cruises®

Azamara Club Cruises® is a boutique upmarket cruise line.Azamara’s wide selection of Destination Immersion® signature programming offersguests the opportunity to Stay Longer and Experience More, deliveringguests authentic cultural experiences across the globe. In 2018, Azamara willtake guests to more than 200 ports, in 70 countries, including 170 late nightstays and 114 overnights. Azamara’s commitment to Destination Immersion® cruiseexperiences coupled with exceptional onboard service offers and inclusiveamenities, make for a unique cruise vacation experience. Additional informationcan be found on www.azamara.com

 

About Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruisevacation company that owns and operates three global brands: Royal CaribbeanInternational, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. We are a 50%joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises, a 49% shareholder inthe Spanish brand Pullmantur and a 36% shareholder in the Chinese brand SkySeaCruises. Together, these brands operate a combined total of 49 ships with an additional thirteen on order as of December31, 2017. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call onapproximately 540 destinations on all seven continents. Additionalinformation can be found on:

www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com,www.azamaraclubcruises.com, www.tuicruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, or www.rclinvestor.com

 

About Feinstein’s/54 Below

Feinstein’s/54 Below, Broadway’s Supper Club & Private Event Destination, is aperformance venue in the grand tradition of New York City nightlife. A fewblocks from the heart of Times Square and just below the legendary Studio 54,Feinstein’s/54 Below is a classically designed state-of-the art nightclub inthe theatre district that hosts audiences with warmth and style. Feinstein’s/54Below presents iconic and rising stars from the worlds of Broadway and popularmusic and has set a new standard for culinary excellence worthy of theworld-class entertainment on the stage. In their description of thevenue, The New York Times writes, “Feinstein’s/54 Below hasthe intimacy of a large living room with unimpeded views and impeccable sound;there is not a bad seat in the house. Its sultry after-hours ambience isenhanced by brocade-patterned wall panels planted with orange-shaded lanterns.And the atmosphere is warmer and sexier than in Manhattan’s other major supperclubs.” Feinstein’s/54 Below is owned and operated by Broadway producersTom Viertel, Richard Frankel, Steve Baruch and Marc Routh. The Creative and ProgrammingDirector is Jennifer Ashley Tepper. In 2015, Michael Feinstein became aCreative Partner and the club was re-named to reflect his essential role in theclub’s continued growth and success. Located at 254 West 54th Street, Feinstein’s/54 Below features up to three shows nightly withcover charges ranging from $5- $105. www.54Below.com/Feinsteins

 

 

 

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https://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/int/life-onboard/entertainment-activities

[Jem 12]

Well as somebody from the Uk I don’t read much to inspire me, I sadly don’t understand American humour.

The only experience I have had of guest entertainers being brought onboard were some Spanish dancers in Seville on our first Azamara cruise, who I am sorry to say were pretty dire, the cruise director said they were the best, when I queried this with him, he laughingly told me that they were the best he could get hold of.

We cruise in June so we will have to wait and see how it pans out.

I do think some changes needed to be made, I loved Eric’s show and jokes the first time but by the third time they were a little boring.

We will really miss the dancers and the classes that they taught, I know that this is not everyone’s cup of tea.

 

 

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[takemewithyou]

Not very inspired, either.

Opera vignettes?

Oh well, I just hope we see the promised live music.

Will try to keep a hopeful open mind as we board Quest.

[excitedofharpenden]

I’ve had a read and have to say I’m looking forward to the change. It seems to be much more up to date. Of course the proof of the pudding is in the eating, but I’m not sure I could sit through another 'Voices' and much as I love Eric's showmanship, another rendition of The Surrey With the Fringe On Top with a willing volunteer on his lap may have sent me over the edge.

 

It will be interesting to see what the live trio is all about. If they are good then that will be a winner I think.

 

Phil

[uktog]

Yes its not floating my boat as they say (well not yet) but in March I will experience it for real and will understand better what it is and maybe I will have a different view then. I too was ready for a change, Voices was different when it was first shown but never worked for me, unlike others Opera or good light opera might work. How about some Gilbert and Sullivan, that would be fun.

Bonnie, can you pick up on the gaps that Lottie asked about earlier - I am interested in how White Nights will run, will these guests supplement Eric/Russ/Tony or what will happen. Also as we no longer have the dancers and some of the singers how are the day to day activities being run particularly on cruises with a lot of sea days are we have coming up.

Thanks

[Grandma Cruising]

Sounds interesting and different - looking forwards to seeing what it’s like in July. Will certainly be better than watching Voices again, good as it was the first time!

 

 

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[oddjob16]

Yes its not floating my boat as they say (well not yet) but in March I will experience it for real and will understand better what it is and maybe I will have a different view then. I too was ready for a change, Voices was different when it was first shown but never worked for me, unlike others Opera or good light opera might work. How about some Gilbert and Sullivan, that would be fun.

Bonnie, can you pick up on the gaps that Lottie asked about earlier - I am interested in how White Nights will run, will these guests supplement Eric/Russ/Tony or what will happen. Also as we no longer have the dancers and some of the singers how are the day to day activities being run particularly on cruises with a lot of sea days are we have coming up.

Thanks

I think the announcement is all positive and smells of quality. I am looking forward to seeing what will be going on thru the ship and her different venues. Thank you, Bonnie. Let’s not be all grumpy when Azamara is attempting to put it’s best foot forward. ;p

[uktog]

I think the announcement is all positive and smells of quality. I am looking forward to seeing what will be going on thru the ship and her different venues. Thank you, Bonnie. Let’s not be all grumpy when Azamara is attempting to put it’s best foot forward. ;p

Not grumpy here just not quite ready to go overboard with enthusiasm :)

[takemewithyou]

Not grumpy here just not quite ready to go overboard with enthusiasm :)

Exactly! We shall see soon enough!

Assuming that there is no gap on Quest between the new entertainment and the older forms of entertainment, as we board Thurs. Current guests onboard say they have bid farewell to singers and dancers and other entertainers. Earnest, new assistant CD is onboard and ready to perform.

[Riocca]

Certainly sounds ambitious, entertainment isn’t top of the list for importance but we will be interested to have a look with an open mind. Of more interest to us will be the timing of the entertainment not being early diners it’s often impossible to enjoy a leisurely meal and get to see a show.

 

 

 

 

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