A different kind of review today as I try to shift my mindset out of holiday mode after stepping off P&O’s 80s cruise yesterday. No, I’m not moving into travel writing, but music played such a central part in this cruise that I couldn’t resist telling you about it. My husband and I have done a few of P&O’s three-night taster cruises. We’ve indulged on a food and wine cruise and laughed ourselves silly on comedy cruises, but we’ve never had as much fun as we did on this weekend’s 80s cruise.
I think one of the key reasons this was so much fun is that everyone embraces the theme. As we filed onto the Pacific Adventure we were surrounded by people wearing their best, or worst, 80s outfits. 80s music was pumping from the PA systems. The daily schedule promised 80s trivia and 80s name that tune. Instead of the standard white night, we were preparing for neon night instead. We were surrounded by the 80s, and if like me you love that decade, it was an absolute joy.
Normally my husband and I avoid the big theatre shows, preferring instead to watch performers in smaller venues. But most cruises don’t have the talent that P&O brought on board. On the second night we were treated to the double headliners of Scott Carne from Kids in Kitchen and Dave Sterry from Real Life. They’re the sort of artists that I probably wouldn’t have gone out of my way to see ordinarily. However, I knew I’d enjoy watching them perform the big hits, so we went along. Honestly, it was excellent! Of course I loved singing along to “Send Me An Angel,” “Current Stand,” and “Change in Mood, although they were brilliant. But seeing these guys revelling in the response from the packed theatre was an unexpected delight. Scott said he was with “his people”, and watching the big fans down the front singing along to every word I got to thinking what a step up this must be from the RSL circuit. Dave and Scott have such an easy rapport and they seemed to relish the opportunity to sing together after tag-teaming as solo artists. We all sang along to choice covers like “Out of Mind Out of Sight” and Gary Numan’s “Cars”. Such fun!
On the final night of the cruise, Prinnie Stevens performed a loving tribute to the iconic Tina Turner. This was a big theatre production with a full band, costume changes, and incredible back-up dancers. It celebrated all the phases of Tina’s career, but on a cruise like this the 80s material would always get the biggest cheers. What impressed me most was the way Prinnie commanded the stage. I’ve only ever seen her in a supporting role, doing back-up vocals for Mahalia Barnes and as part of the ensemble for Hair, so seeing her in the spotlight was a real revelation. Tina Turner was an absolute icon, but Prinnie stepped comfortably into her high heels. She embodied Tina, giving those of us who never had the chance to see her live the next best thing. This show keeps her legacy alive and is really something special.
Before my husband and I disembarked, we were already making plans to join a friend on another 80s cruise next year. That’s how much fun we had. I can’t wait to do it all again.
Images: Stephen Katulka
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