David Curtis - Explorer of the Seas

If you read about my Alaska Cruise, you without a doubt saw David Curtis mentioned several times. If you look at the Cruise Compass he's listed as Piano Entertainment with David Curtis starting at 8:30pm at the Schooner Bar. I remember seeing that and thinking since it says entertainment, he must do more that just play the piano? But I had no idea what.

Then later that day, on formal night, I was making my way out of the Palace Theater with the masses of people. After going up the staircase I found a lot of people crowed around the Schooner Bar watching and singing along to David, who was playing Piano Man and getting the crowed involved to sing along at parts. That was where I got this gem of a clip:

I was passing my with my dad, though after a few minutes he left to go to another event and I ended up listening for another hour or so as I was having such a nice time. That night and the next day I had several people who where there that night comment on how much I was enjoying myself and liked the music, which was so true! Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not really into much pop or modern music, it's all the fun old stuff that I enjoy.

The next night most of the family joined and he brought up my sister Tiana to sing, and there there were Justice and Josh were to other regulars that sang as well and both sounded amazing. 

The way he combines music, improve, props, and the crowd makes for a real magical night. He would also bring up people to sing, often time innocent bystanders who didn't always want to sing at first, but turned out to be awesome. That's what makes it so fun and new every night, as you never what's going to happen or who's going to pass by. The way he plays with and engages the people passing by has to be one of the best parts.

If you ever have the chance to see David, don't pass it up! It'll be worth it, I guarantee.

Alaska: Explorer of the Sea - Day 7 - Victoria

Our last day was spent in Victoria, BC. My parents had been there once a decade ago, but for the rest of it was our first time. Since we were trying to keep it budget friendly we walked to town and spent the morning exploring. I'd love to go to Butchart Gardens the next time we're in Victoria as I hear they're gorgeous! We stopped at Fisherman's Wharf on the way downtown and the weather was so nice we didn't even need jackets. Such a nice change from the previous ports!

Lots of colorful houseboats on the wharf!

The British Columbia Parliament Building

I'd never worn this shirt/skirt combination before, but I'm now a fan!

The gorgeous Empress hotel.

We perused some more, stopped at a drugstore for some insoles for my sister's shoes as her feet were a lot of pain, and stopped in a gift shop before taking a water taxi back to Fisherman's Wharf.

Our gorgeous ship.

My dad always points out pay phones, but this time we got a photo too.

After boarding some and grabbing at late lunch at Windjammers some of our group went to the pool, some others lounged in the sun, and I packed and took some more photos around the Explorer. For me the last days of a trip, and even more so on a cruise, are so sad. You know it's the last day so you try and fit in all that fun stuff you haven't had time to do, but in the back of your head you know that it's practically over. But hey, the almost empty ship is perfect for photographing!

We'd been talking about doing mini-golf for days and we finally fit it in! And for the record, I'm terrible at mini-golf. If I had a dollar for every time my ball brushed by the hole I'd be rich.

Just as we finished mini-golf , about 5:00pm, the Celebrity Solstice pulled in. 

Every night I got a cold soup, gluten and dairy free, and they were all delicious. 

Anthony was showing us how to make a napkin swan.

Our last sunset on board the Explorer.

The trip was finished off with us hanging out at Schooner all evening. The best way to end the trip, for sure.

Alaska: Explorer of the Sea - Day 5 - Endicott Fjord

Originally we were scheduled to go to Tracy Arm Fjord, but due to ice and weather conditions we went to Endicott Fjord instead. We started going through the passage really early in the morning and by 6:30am I met up with the family at Dizzy's. I'm definitely glad I got up early, but boy, I would have liked to sleep a little more! We slowly woke up and enjoyed the view until we got close to the glacier and then we went on deck.

The view from Dizzy's.

After making it through the fjord, the first activity of the day for me was a napkin folding class with Sylvia. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of her, but she's full of energy and fun to be around. This was also something I wanted to do on our last cruise, but it was at the same time as another activity I went to. We learned how to fold napkins a few different ways including a candle, rose, and crown.

Then some of us met up for the Selfie Scavenger Hunt which had us running franticaly through the ship and taking selfies with things.

This one is the best. Who knew asking three strangers to pose funny in your selfie could be so perfect.

Then it was off to lunch at Windjammers before Wii Baseball Tournament. Daniel ended up with a bronze metal. That was followed by 70's Trivia and dinner.

I left my camera with these people while I used the restroom and returned with this on my SD card. They said it was their beached wale pose.

Our assistant waiter, Himi from India, and waiter, Anthony from the Philippines.

I told you weird stuff happens at dinner.

The show for the night was Jesse Hamilton Jr, who was awesome. Near the end he came out dressed like it was the 70's, complete with afro, then he found a couple people from the audience to dance on stage with him. Highly entertaining!

After that, it was off to the piano bar (I'm sure you knew that by now). David has a lot of random props, including this lion and heart glasses!

Then it was up to the Promenade to have a groovy time at the Disco Inferno Street Party. Lots of music and lots of dancing, complete with light up rings! The best part? Getting me up and moving around totally woke me up for the rest of the evening. In fact, it may have given me too much energy.

Then it was back to Schooner Bar. Predictable, no?!