Two Sea Days to Lisbon: Coffee Chat, the Volendam Ball & Feeling Groovy

October 14 – Sea Day and the Volendam Ball

Coffee Chat with Captain Frank

The day began with Coffee Chat, moved from the Ocean Bar to the World Stage to accommodate Captain Frank. Jayme’s interview covered the captain’s 2012 storm near the Falklands, his path from Dutch naval crossings to maritime academy, and years on tankers, ferries, and cargo ships before joining HAL in 1993. Spotting Alexandra in the audience, Jayme invited her up; she shared how they met on a cruise—Frank joked he was “in charge of dishwashers,” technically true since the captain oversees everything. They now live in Germany when ashore, enjoying gardening, house projects, camping in the American Northwest, and dancing. Frank, now 62, plans to retire by 67.

Shore Excursion Briefing

At 1 PM I stopped by the shore excursion talk. Even if you don’t book HAL tours, these sessions offer practical intel. We learned passports must be carried in Egypt and that coaches there travel with police escorts and armed guards.

The Shore Excursion Manager briefed our upcoming ports to a full house

The Volendam Ball

The R-class ships may be smaller, but their World Stage transforms into a true ballroom by removing the lower center seats to create a spacious dance floor, so nearly the whole ship can dance or watch from the balcony.

The evening began with a 30-minute recital by Vivace at 8:30 PM. At 9, the Grand Central Band opened as Captain Frank and Alexandra danced the first number. Officers then invited guests onto the floor—some carried prize cards for sparkling wine or specialty dinners. After about 45 minutes, the Dam Band (led by Kelly Ann) took over; a slow set briefly thinned the floor, but “Dancing Queen” packed it again. The party rolled past 11 and wound down near midnight—lively, well-attended, and full of energy.

October 15 – Final Sea Day and Lisbon Prep

Lisbon Port Briefing

On our last sea day before Lisbon, I went to the port brief with Travel Guide Josh at 11 AM. The theater was full by 10:50. The 45-minute talk gave a solid overview, but recordings weren’t available yet pending subtitles and home-office approval.

Travel Guide Josh briefed our visit to Lisbon

Meet the Artists with Shawn and Tricia

At 4:30 in the Ocean Bar, Jayme hosted Meet the Artists with comedian-magician Shawn McMaster and singer-comedian Tricia Kelly. They reminisced about meeting during resort contracts in 2013, the odd jobs that led to their careers on ships, and the family-friendly schedules. Shawn has been performing magic since the age of six; Tricia shifted from karaoke and a chance gig with Bill Medley into comedy and impressions. The chat was warm, funny, and very “showbiz randomness.”

“Feeling Groovy” Repertory Show

Last night the World Stage Repertory Company performed Feeling Groovy, a brisk 1960s tribute packed with favorites—Beatles hits, Mamas & Papas, Dusty Springfield, Andy Williams, Simon & Garfunkel—and dance numbers like “Dancing in the Street,” “Hippy Hippy Shake,” “Let’s Twist Again,” and “I’m a Believer.” Solo features by Charlotte, Alana, and Kyle punctuated the medleys, and the show wrapped in under 40 minutes. Afterward, the cast greeted guests at the exits; we chatted with dancers Kelly and Will—friendly as ever, and we’re excited for more shows this cruise.