KatKd

A few random pictures (1980)

On 4/22/2022 at 1:48 PM, Bimmer09 said:

KatKd, that was the Patrick I knew. 

Here is a shot from one of our many lunches at the Sans Souci Hotel in Ocho Rios in 1986.

 Patrick at center. I'm at right. The others are (L-R) Sue, a British Purser, Oscar a Ukrainian croupier and Cindy, between Patrick and me, a dancer from Canada.

Happy Days!

 

Norris

Thanks for sharing!  Good looking group! I'm betting there are a lot of good memories. How did you find your way to being a cruise musician?  Do you still play?

When we did the cruise, I was just a 17-year-old kid. My extended family went as a group and being the “baby” of the family, one of my best friends did the trip with us so that I didn’t have to hang out with all the “old folks”.  Our summer jobs and a little help from our parents made it possible.

We were at that age where we were fearless and a bit foolish. The adults in the group probably trusted us a little more than they should have to just go off on our own while on the ship, but it definitely made for an amazing and memorable experience. The people we met were even more wonderful than the places we visited and Patrick made a lasting impression.  His description of Barbados as a “kiss me ass paradise” had my 17-year-old heart convinced that I would travel there before I turned 25. However, life comes along and the best of plans change.  So, I did not make it to Barbados while I was still young and foolish!  But ... it is on the proverbial “bucket list” while I start planning for an early retirement.

Really appreciate you taking the time to respond.  It has brought back some great memories! 

7 hours ago, Bimmer09 said:

KatKd, I think during my 2 contracts I knew 3 steel bands and all were from Barbados and I hung out with a drummer called Stanley and a guitar player called Cecil. Also a bass player called Patrick. There was a drummer called Spider that I liked but I don't remember Caleb at this time. They were all nice people, well mannered and easy-going. Instantly likable.

 

Norris

Norris ... There was a Patrick who played bass and sang (at the same time Caleb was the drummer) when we cruised in 1980. Sweet guy who, at the time looked a bit like Michael Jackson ... before all the surgery. Spent quite a bit of time talking with him and Caleb on their breaks. Have pictures of them playing poolside and in the "Lounge of the Midnight Sun". Kept in touch via mail for a while ... sometimes wonder where they are now.

On 12/19/2009 at 6:40 PM, Bimmer09 said:

 

Belated congratulations!!

I recall playing for maybe a dozen weddings on board. I wonder if that still goes on?

 

There was live music by the pool on the SON- a steel drum band from the islands played all of their shows there(apart from Caribbean night in the MDR), including a night time one when we would leave Cozumel late. I had to play with them for a week as well as my own shows when their drummer was sent home for trying to bring some herbs aboard at Ocho Rios. I gather that live music by the pool is no longer a "given" on cruise ships, but it should be as it adds to the party atmosphere and the bands don't work long hours.

 

The SON didn't always sail at capacity which I think was 1100. I don't think the line dropped the prices then at the last minute to fill the cabins.

 

I thank everyone who takes the time to review on CC- it has been quite an eye-opener to see some of the cut-backs cruise lines have made over the years. Service and friendliness don't cost much-it's all a matter of leadership and instilling a can-do attitude.

 

Bimmer09

Can't help but wonder if the steel drum band you refer to was the one I knew from our cruise on SON in 1980. At least one or two of the 4 guys were from Barbados. We spent quite a bit of time with them.... fun group.. And the drummer (Caleb) would definitely been one to "bring som herbs aboard". So many good memories from that cruise. Curious if you recall any other details about that band.