Music Festivals at Sea

We have had an e-mail from Stephannie Williams, who has contracted with P&O to present light, classical music theme cruises for 33 years. The original idea came from Lord Stirling, one time Chairman of the line and was introduced by the late Richard Baker (BBC). These cruises have and continue to be very well supported, helping to fill ships during the 'low seasons'.

It appears that P&O are holding back on the 2018 contract, hundreds of us are waiting to book for next year. Is this an example of the type of senior management P&O now have, who are more interested in scantily dressed dancers than decent singers and musicians!

We have enjoyed many Music Festivals at Sea over the years.

I would like to correct your statement on Richard Baker. He is still around and enjoying his retirement.

Brian

Just a thought, but perhaps P&O are considering a new presenter, rather than ditching the concept?

It would be an advantage to the organisers of MFAS, if those in favour of such theme cruises contacted them expressing their support.

Contact, swartists@gmail.com

Well our next Music Festival at Sea would have been Adonia on March 30 2018, so that's now cancelled. However, on Oriana, the Headliners were our Choirmasters for Oriana Vocalists and it was really good fun.

Oh dear. We emailed P & O to ask about 2018 music festivals and we were told that due to the disposal of Adonia, the festival schedule would be 'rearrranged'. Which means nothing of course. But the Adonia festival was the only one arranged for 2018 in any event, I think. That alone may tell us something. It would be a great shame. The music festival brought the cruise away from the standard singing and dancing regime, where we see and hear much the same, albeit with differing levels of talent. Some of the programme last year went well beyond light classical - it was demanding. What pressure can we place on P & O, apart from not booking...?

Hi David W, may I suggest that you E-mail your support for MFAS to swartists@gmail.com. The more who do so will strengthen our endeavour to have future MFAS.

Sort of connected to this thread...we were very disappointed to find that there was no classical musician on board our Oceana Med late September fly/cruise this year.

2 years ago we listened to a talented young Romanian pianist on each of our 4 sea days on a similar cruise on Oceana.

Dumbing down by P&O do you think?