'Twas the Week Before Christmas - Live from the Eurodam

[POA1]

Have you ever been reading a Live From thread and the poster just disappears? You're wondering, "Are they okay?" "Did something bad happen?" "Should I alert the authorities?"

 

 

Rest assured that we're alright. Our Internet connection isn't cooperating, especially in the room. I tried to load a CruiseCritic thread. I gave up after 14 minutes without the page loading. At the retail price of 75 cents per minute, that's over $10. We love you guys, but posting from the room is a little too rich for my blood.

 

 

So...

 

 

I'm going to write up some posts, head to the Crow's Nest and post from there by cutting and pasting.

 

 

======

 

The post below was written two nights ago, around 4:30 AM on my phone while DW slept. I had hoped to be able to post it from St. Thomas using cellular data, but that didn't work out either. I think a fair amount of my "Live From" will be post-trip from Fort Lauderdale where I'll have the kind of Internet speeds that the good Lord intended.

 

======

 

I'm glad we asked about the BBC Frozen Earth show. It was well worth attending. If you are fond of nature documentaries, you'll really enjoy this show. It has a running time of about an hour and covers both the north and south poles. As the film plays in the background, the Lincoln Center group and the house band play the orchestration live. The overall effect is very cool and it's not like anything you're likely to find anywhere. (Unless you grew up going to the cinema before talkies and watched silent movies with a piano accompaniment.)

 

 

DFIL opted out of the show in the main lounge and went to bed early. ("If you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch," I always say.) He may have been afraid that the BBC show would be overly loud. It's not. You've got a piano, two violins, a viola and a cello from Lincoln Center and electric guitar, bass guitar, keyboards and drums from "The Band." The volume doesn't even approach that of a production show.

 

 

Huskerchick and I, pressing ever onward in our quest to report on the ship's entertainment, caught most of the last set in the piano bar/Billboard Onboard. I have a feeling that this is going to be a love it or hate it thing for many long time HAL cruisers. The two pianists encourage the audience to sing along. Sorry if I gave a different impression earlier.

 

 

The new format is more like a piano duet than dueling pianos. Imagine my disappointment. I was hoping for sword play and pistols at twenty paces. The crowds for Billboard Onboard are larger than the crowds were for the old piano bar. However, the space is much bigger and you don't notice the crowd level nearly as much. If you are trying to imagine the space, it's the old piano bar + the casino sports bar + the part of the casino that was between the two. I'll try to get some photos as I meander about today.

 

 

The old piano bar was almost always equipped with a drunk. (No disrespect if you are that person, but there always seemed to be one person, seated at the piano, on what I'll euphemistally call "overload.") The new venue, being more spacious, can accommodate a whole choir of the inebriated. We had not one, not two, but THREE sets of "Woo Girls." If you're like us and consider people watching to be a sport, you're going to like the new piano bar. If you are a Woo Girl, you're going to LOVE Billboard Onboard.

 

 

For the uninitiated, a Woo Girl is a woman who likes to yell, "Woooooo!" at the top of her lungs during performances. Or at a bar. Possibly also at random public events and special occasions. (Although probably not at religious services.) When a Woo Girl is "Woooo!-ing," she will often raise a fist in the air (fist pump.) If a Woo Girl is in full plumage, she will raise both her hands in the air (like she just don't care, of course.)

 

 

From a purely practical standpoint, the replacement piano bar is roomier and more comfortable. There's no more standing in the doorway waiting to pounce on an empty seat. Seating is plentiful and the full sized bar helps improve service.

 

 

There are two performers this trip, Gabriel and Ingrid. Depending on whether they're doing a fixed set or leading an all request show, they'll either work off a set list, or off audience suggestions. During the set we caught, it would have really helped to be a fan of the group Styx, which the Woo Girls most definitely were. (Not to date myself, but most of these songs are from before the time of my high school prom and I graduated more than 35 years ago.) The one glaring omission to the set that was all things Styx was "Mr. Roboto." I was sad.

 

 

Both performers are good, but we give one of them a slight edge. I won't tell you which one, on the outside chance that they or their parents read this. (Can't have people feeling glum for the holidays.)

 

 

DW's dad preferred the old piano bar. I think he liked the more intimate space. (Of the standing in line, jockeying for a seat thing.) We prefer the new Billboard Onboard incarnation of the piano bar.

[POA1]

The steel drum player at the Lido pool is good, but we didn't catch much of him because we were in the cabana. His music doesn't carry quite as well as the blissful and cheery screams of the happy children. (I just know that some of them will grown up to be Woo Girls.) It's a shame that they discontinued the HAL Cats. If you coupled the HAL Cats with the shrieking kids, it would have rally been something. My ears haven't has a good bleed in ages.

 

 

We plan to see the Lincoln Center performance tonight (Wed) before we eat at the De Librije dinner. This will complete our full cycle of entertainment study and we can get down to the serious business of SBP research.

 

 

We don't have a report on the house band, which is creatively called "The Band" now. Seattle really dropped the ball on the naming. They should have totally called them "The Signature Band" because you never get tired of that word. You can sit in your Signature Suite, plan your Signature Dining, have some Signature Cocktails - from your Signature Beverage Package, naturally. And, you can do all this from the Eurodam, a Signature Class ship.

[POA1]

A Public Service Announcement for the baseball caps in the MDR guys:

 

 

You are balding. Own it. Take off the damn hats and move on.

 

 

As my father in law said, "I think some of these people just came out of a cabin in the woods." I'll have to look more closely at the daily program. May it really does say, "Dress Code: Wilderness Casual." And me without anything even approaching flannel.

 

 

Remember how I said that people were fairly dressy on this cruise? Apparently something happened on Day 3 and we went into full blown Carnival Cruise mode. (Not that there's anything wrong with that. People are having fun and everyone's well behaved. It's just that the mode of dress underwent a sea change overnight.)

 

 

Tonight is our second Gala Evening. Huskerchick is laying heavy odds on the under for a tuxedo over-under at 50 gents. (Two of which are me and Poohby Joe.)

 

 

Off to take some pictures.

[POA1]

Really enjoying your review. Are there long lines to get into the BB King blues bar ? Many thanks

 

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

 

No. Try to arrive about 10 minutes early and you shouldn't have trouble getting a seat. The Queen's Lounge holds quite a few people.

[POA1]

 

In response to the worldwide sensation that was "Deck the HAL," 65 Gator requested that I write another Gala Night carol that incorporated baseball caps. Always one to please, I came up with a follow up song that is sung to the tune of "Up on the House Top."

 

 

Up ON MY NOGGIN

Up on my noggin sits a cap,

It's got a logo. The bill's turned back.

I'm gonna wear it. I'm the boss!

It looks so cool, and it hides hair loss.

 

 

Ho, ho, ho! I'm gonna go.

Ho, ho, ho! I'm gonna go.

Down through the hallway - It's not far.

It's Gala Night in the M-D-R!

 

 

Up in the Lido, used to feed.

Suit and tie? I have no need.

When on vacation, it's a drag.

Those fancy clothes weigh down my bag.

 

 

Ho, ho, ho! I'm gonna go.

Ho, ho, ho! I'm gonna go.

Down through the hallway - It's not far.

It's Gala Night in the M-D-R!

 

 

Khakis and collar, are all okay.

Hey MDR, I'm on the way.

Got me lobster fin-al-ly!

These Gala Nights, they're made for me.

 

 

Ho, ho, ho! I'm gonna go.

Ho, ho, ho! I'm gonna go.

Casual me, it's such a treat

Gala Night lobster, I can eat!

 

 

Since our cruise is only 7 nights, this will be our last Gala Night. That's a bummer, because I had a whole 'nother song for these not-quite-formal occasions. This one is sung to the tune of "Silent Night."

 

 

Gala Night

 

 

Gala Night, Casual Night

Didn't stop, wardrobe fights.

'Round the cruise ship the atmosphere's strange.

Gowns, jeans, and flip flops, we've got the whole range.

Wish I'd know how to dre-ess...

Please tell me how I should dress.

 

 

In olden days, it was sure nice.

Knew what to wear. Didn't think twice.

Suit or a tux, a gown or a dress...

Now it's wide open. Oh what a mess!

Please tell me what I should wear...

They tell me that tuxes are square.

 

 

(At this point, I feel that I should pause and tell you how many awesome rhyming opportunities "tux" presets.

Meanwhile back at the carol...)

 

 

Gala Night, Casual Night

Can I wear fishnet tights?

If my skirt is below the knee,

Am I dressed appropriately?

Please dress ap-pro-priate-ly.

Please dress ap-pro-priate-ly.

[POA1]

Assuming that the Evernote sync worked, this link should give you the daily program for St. Thomas. If the sync failed, because the tiny sparrows that carry the data to the cloud one byte at a time didn't make it, just check back on Saturday. If the sync failed, there won't be a program attached to the Evernote note.

 

http://www.evernote.com/l/AFjDH69gL_FEH6FGeEznZFVgnHYE3jOUe9o/

[Happily@Sea]

The steel drum player at the Lido pool is good, but we didn't catch much of him because we were in the cabana. His music doesn't carry quite as well as the blissful and cheery screams of the happy children. (I just know that some of them will grown up to be Woo Girls.) It's a shame that they discontinued the HAL Cats. If you coupled the HAL Cats with the shrieking kids, it would have rally been something. My ears haven't has a good bleed in ages.

 

 

 

We have Darlene and The HALcats here on the Amsterdam, so they are still around. Do not despair. :D

[sue1898]

Assuming that the Evernote sync worked, this link should give you the daily program for St. Thomas. If the sync failed, because the tiny sparrows that carry the data to the cloud one byte at a time didn't make it, just check back on Saturday. If the sync failed, there won't be a program attached to the Evernote note.

 

http://www.evernote.com/l/AFjDH69gL_FEH6FGeEznZFVgnHYE3jOUe9o/

 

It worked! Thanks to you and the sparrows. Loving following along with your journey!

[kazu]

LOL at your Gala carols, POA1 - well done:D

 

I feel your pain on the internet issues. I've encountered a couple of those myself and it's no fun when you are trying to do a live thread.

 

Thanks for persevering. Always a joy to read your updates. :)

 

Enjoy your Gala night and do report back;)

[ski ww]

Thanks for your amusing daily up dates, makes my day something to smile about keep up the good work and enjoy your cruise.

Allan

[frankc98376]

Have you ever been reading a Live From thread and the poster just disappears? You're wondering, "Are they okay?" "Did something bad happen?" "Should I alert the authorities?"

 

Thought we had a real life "404" on our hands :D

Edited December 22, 2016 by frankc98376

[Krazy Kruizers]

Understand about the internet.

Finally got caught up with all the reports you are finally able to give us.

[erewhon]

Thanks for all your updates.

Great "Gala" night carols.

[65 Gator]

She Who Must Be Obeyed and I are sitting here with tears of laughter over the Christmas carol about the caps and Gala Nights... You, Sir, are a Master...

 

The problem is that it is TRUE... Thank God you didn't use a rhyme for tux...

 

Keep up the good work!

 

Leon

[easyboy]

Love reading your posts!

[POA1]

Regarding Lincoln Center Stage:

 

 

All I can say is Wow! Not to take anything away from the Adigio Strings/Duo, but these musicians are on such a higher level that it really doesn't even warrant a comparison.

 

 

The group is two violins, a viola, and a cello - accompanied by a pianist. The strings are all women and the pianist is a gentleman. Sadly, I didn't have time to get their names because we had to dash on over to our De Librije dinner as soon as their set was finished. The show we saw was entitled "All America" and was essentially an American songbook.

 

 

The six pieces they played were:

"Hoedown" by Aaron Copeland (1)

The opening from "West Side Story" by Leonard Bernstein (2)

An arrangement, by the pianist, of "Ants Marching" by The Dave Matthews Band

"Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin

"Dream a Little Dream of Me" (3)

"Appalachian Spring" also by Copeland (4)

 

 

The violinists switched off first chair, usually on each number. Sadly, I didn't get the performers' names but I'll see what I can find. All five of them were outstanding. Both Huskerchick and I looked at each other at the end of the show and said, "Wow!"

 

 

I know that there are people who used to like to go to the Explorer's Lounge for after dinner cordials (and sometimes a snooze before bed.) At Lincoln Center Stage, the focus is on the music. If you want a cordial before dinner, the Pinnacle Bar is right next door. Just go to the bar a few minutes early and carry your drink with you. There are some small tables between the chairs, which are lined up theater style. You can rest your drink there. All it takes is a little advanced planning.

 

 

Just "Wow."

 

 

Notes:

 

 

(1) - It's used in the "Beef. That's what's for dinner commercial.

(2) - This piece has an actual name, but I can't remember it and it's not worth trying to connect to the Internet to find out. It's the number where all the Jets are snapping their fingers at the beginning of the play and movie.

(3) - Can't remember who wrote it, but Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald made it famous.

(4) - You'd know it if you heard it. "Lord of the Dance" is a recurring theme in the piece. You know the one: "Dance, dance, wherever you may be, I am the Lord of the Dance said he...."

[POA1]

The Culinary Operations Manager, Ronny Pieter, was nice enough to provide me with copies of the menus. When I get back home (approximately 15 minutes after disembarkation, neener-neener) I'll get them posted. All the food we've had so far has been great. The only minor disappointment I can think of is the Seared Kingfish at dinner a few nights ago. It's a culinary council menu item (David Burke) so I thought I'd give it a try. As an FYI, Kingfish is actually Amberjack. Think swordfish consistency and taste and you're right on target. As soon as my dinner came out, I looked at my wife and said, "Guess which dish didn't move tonight?" It had the "I'm a fish no one's heard about going up against Prime Rib" look to it. The center of the fillet was moist and tender. The outside edges were a little dry. Other than that, everything's been very good.

 

 

So, check back in on this thread between Christmas and New Year's and you should have answers to all your 7 day Caribbean menu questions. Just bear in mind that there may be some seasonal substitutions and your menu might not be exactly the same.

[POA1]

The second Sea Day daily Program:

 

http://www.evernote.com/l/AFicHJ7ISU1Mb7dotUOhycUtzKZ1yAuLtbw/

[BruhnSisters]

My sister and I leave on our Westerdam Mexican Riviera Holiday cruise this Saturday!

 

It will be fun to read your Caribbean Menus when we return and compare. Thanks for taking the time to obtain and post them.

 

P.S. You really should be a professional travel writer!

[cruisemom42]

Wonderful reports. In the style of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"....

 

 

Please bring us more awesome cruise tales

Please bring us more awesome cruise tales

Please bring us more awesome cruise tales

From the Institute of Cheer.

 

Fun tidings you bring, to us at our screens

Fun tidings of Eurodam and Poohby Joe Bear.

[POA1]

 

 

Our mission on Half Moon Cay is to investigate the HMC Lobster Shack. We'll take a look at the menu and try to get some photos of the facilities. We will not, however, partake in any of the lobsters.*As you may recall, we lived in Maine for a number of years. We're partial to cold water lobster and there's no way that we're paying a supplement for warm water crustaceans. (We won't even eat them if they're free. *You get spoiled when you have access to Maine lobster that was caught fresh that morning.) However, we do want to provide you, dear reader, with some basic information on the new lobster restaurant on Half Moon Cay.*

 

 

Other than that, we don't have much in the way of Half Moon Cay plans. We'll probably head back to the ship for lunch. In the past, we would have rented a cabana on HMC, but since we have one on the ship, it seems kind of redundant. (I will miss the little watermelon whale though.)

 

 

As this is our last night on the cruise, may I humbly present a little homage to "We Three Kings."

 

 

We Three Drunks on Eurodam Are

 

 

We three drunks on Eurodam are

 

Spending Christmas eve in a bar.

 

Talking loudly, being rowdy,

 

We're hated by one and all.

 

 

O-oh... Order Wang Wangs, cool and tall.

 

Order more and drink them all.

 

Corks are popping, never stopping,

 

'Til off our stools we fall.

 

 

We three drunks on Eurodam are

 

Running up huge tabs at the bar

 

Beer, wine, whiskey, feeling frisky.

 

Our behavior is quite bizarre.

 

 

O-oh... Order Wang Wangs, cool and tall.

 

Order more and drink them all.

 

Corks are popping, never stopping,

 

'Til off our stools we fall.

 

 

We three drunks hungover next day

 

We were loud, or so people say.

 

Overloading, head's exploding

 

Make the pain go away.

 

 

O-oh... Alka Seltzer bring it on..

 

Least until the headache's gone.

 

Too much drinking. Stomach's sinking.

 

We're looking woebegone.

[POA1]

We actually have good 4G data on Half Moon Cay, so I am able to post a bit while we're here.

 

Here's a photo of the Lobster Shack. It's located right next to the Wish I Could Stay Here Forever bar.

 

 

If you want to be picky about it, it's really more of a Lobster Pavilion because it's got no sides. They cook the lobsters right there. The cost is $20 + 7.5% VAT, which comes to around $22.

 

We are the only ship here, so it's not crowded at all. The sea is as calm as I've ever seen it here, which made for an easy tender ride.

 

I'm starting to come down with a bit of a cold, so I had to dip into the MacGyver Medicine Bag for some Sudafed. I'm avoiding too much time in the sun because that leads to more congestion. I'm a little bummed about the cold because I've been taking my vitamins, including several glasses of vitamin B (Bourbon) each evening. I may have to order a Wang Wang. That's got citrus juice in it, right?

[ski ww]

Thanks for taking us along on your cruise. Enjoyed your write ups. We get on her on 31 Dec. Merry Christmas to you & yours, hope your medicine works on curing what ails you.

Allan

[POA1]

Huskerchick's over / under odds (75) on tuxedos was a sucker's bet. If we hit 30, I'd be surprised. And that's counting me, Poohby Joe, and a couple marginal calls on guys in black suits with bow ties.

[kazu]

Oh dear, I am so sorry to hear about the cold. Hopefully the Wang, Wang will help.

 

Still laughing at the "we three drunks of the Eurodam are".

 

You are very clever and talented :)