Freedom Schooner Bar Andy Cruickshank review

[Betsynh]

We love spending time in the Schooner Bar on our RCCL cruises, and the style of the pianist determines whether we hang out there or find another spot. For those that remember Henry Saxby or Paul O'Shea, we love pianists that sing without fancy techno accompaniment... just pure voices and great piano playing.

 

We're just wrapping up an 8-day Eastern on the Freedom and I'm pleased to report that Andy Cruickshank was a pleasant surprise. This is apparently his first contract on Royal and he's the "old school" pianist with a great voice. He's got a deep raspy tone with a slight reggae vibe and is really enjoyable. Crowds have regularly been drawn in as they head to/from the casino, and the bar has been filled to capacity every night.

 

Great choice RCCL! I always try to find piano bar reviews before I sail, so wanted to share my feedback for any other enthusiasts out there! Happy sailing!

[TheCount]

We love spending time in the Schooner Bar on our RCCL cruises, and the style of the pianist determines whether we hang out there or find another spot. For those that remember Henry Saxby or Paul O'Shea, we love pianists that sing without fancy techno accompaniment... just pure voices and great piano playing.

 

We're just wrapping up an 8-day Eastern on the Freedom and I'm pleased to report that Andy Cruickshank was a pleasant surprise. This is apparently his first contract on Royal and he's the "old school" pianist with a great voice. He's got a deep raspy tone with a slight reggae vibe and is really enjoyable. Crowds have regularly been drawn in as they head to/from the casino, and the bar has been filled to capacity every night.

 

Great choice RCCL! I always try to find piano bar reviews before I sail, so wanted to share my feedback for any other enthusiasts out there! Happy sailing!

 

Great to know. Will he be there at the end of February? We are Freedom bound for the same 8 day trip.

Thanks:)

[WhiteSoxFan]

This is great to hear. We board next Saturday.

[remrph]

On 1/14/2017 at 4:17 PM, Betsynh said:

We love spending time in the Schooner Bar on our RCCL cruises, and the style of the pianist determines whether we hang out there or find another spot. For those that remember Henry Saxby or Paul O'Shea, we love pianists that sing without fancy techno accompaniment... just pure voices and great piano playing.

 

We're just wrapping up an 8-day Eastern on the Freedom and I'm pleased to report that Andy Cruickshank was a pleasant surprise. This is apparently his first contract on Royal and he's the "old school" pianist with a great voice. He's got a deep raspy tone with a slight reggae vibe and is really enjoyable. Crowds have regularly been drawn in as they head to/from the casino, and the bar has been filled to capacity every night.

 

Great choice RCCL! I always try to find piano bar reviews before I sail, so wanted to share my feedback for any other enthusiasts out there! Happy sailing!

 

Hi Betsy,

 

Just saw this post while looking up info on Andy Cruickshank.  He will on our Navigator cruise 3/1/19.

Had to respond and hope you see this.  We had Henry Saxby on one of our RCCL cruises (can't remember which one) and he was outstanding.  Kept trying to find another one like him on future cruises but to no avail (walked in then out of Schooner Bar each time because no one was there) until we met Paul on our Freedom TA in 2017.  Hoping Andy fits the bill.  So much fun with a packed great and fun entertainer.

 

Also, we keep looking for RCCL loyal cruisers in our neighborhood. Not many out there.  We live in

Hooksett.

 

Take care,

Bob

[The Fun Researcher]

44 minutes ago, remrph said:

Just saw this post while looking up info on Andy Cruickshank.  He will on our Navigator cruise 3/1/19.

Take care,

Bob

 

Any way to find out if he is on the March 15 sailing?

Dan

[Betsynh]

On 2/26/2019 at 11:07 AM, remrph said:

 

Hi Betsy,

 

Just saw this post while looking up info on Andy Cruickshank.  He will on our Navigator cruise 3/1/19.

Had to respond and hope you see this.  We had Henry Saxby on one of our RCCL cruises (can't remember which one) and he was outstanding.  Kept trying to find another one like him on future cruises but to no avail (walked in then out of Schooner Bar each time because no one was there) until we met Paul on our Freedom TA in 2017.  Hoping Andy fits the bill.  So much fun with a packed great and fun entertainer.

 

Also, we keep looking for RCCL loyal cruisers in our neighborhood. Not many out there.  We live in

Hooksett.

 

Take care,

Bob

 

[Betsynh]

On 2/26/2019 at 11:07 AM, remrph said:

Hey Bob!

So happy to meet another cruiser from NH. I always try to provide as much "inside scoop" as I can about our different cruise experiences, but many don't share info about the piano bars. Hope you have an amazing time. If I'm reading correctly, you are embarking today! How I wish I was escaping the cold here...

Hubby and I sailed on the Celebrity Edge in January (he's a CPA, so I make sure we have a January vacation every year) and it was amazing. Feel free to check out my other reviews if you think any would be helpful.

Happy Sailing!

Betsy

 

On 2/26/2019 at 11:07 AM, remrph said:

Hi Betsy,

 

Just saw this post while looking up info on Andy Cruickshank.  He will on our Navigator cruise 3/1/19.

Had to respond and hope you see this.  We had Henry Saxby on one of our RCCL cruises (can't remember which one) and he was outstanding.  Kept trying to find another one like him on future cruises but to no avail (walked in then out of Schooner Bar each time because no one was there) until we met Paul on our Freedom TA in 2017.  Hoping Andy fits the bill.  So much fun with a packed great and fun entertainer.

 

Also, we keep looking for RCCL loyal cruisers in our neighborhood. Not many out there.  We live in

Hooksett.

 

Take care,

Bob