Grand New year - Grand New Shows - on Arcadia's Inagural Grand Voyage

James and Sally pictured here with the Headliners Theatre Company at the final rehearsals prior to their premiere performance of 'LIVE 'N' SWINGING'.

Greetings all,

Last night we were sitting with passengers in the Rising Sun - listening to The Joy Jazz Trio - requests came in for Sally to sing - she gave a stunning impromptu jazz performance - it was an added bonus to a great evening’s entertainment.

Earlier in the evening Sally had wowed passengers with her rendition of Birth of the Blues on stage in the Palladium Theatre as she opened the show for Comedian Adrian Walsh. As Sally entered the stage - before she even started singing there were wild shouts and cheers from the passengers who adored her outfit .Sally appeared on stage in a spectacular white crystal beaded evening gown - which shimmered and sparkled with every move. Sally designs her own gowns for the stage. She received rapturous applause to this unexpected and much appreciated performance. Many passengers have said her singing appearances are all too rare!!

A message to our Blog readers from Sally Sagoe -

Whilst discussing our journey so far with James - our combined laughter and merriment cascades down through the atrium. Passengers always comment on the infectious happiness and laughter. All pre planning for this cruise has paid off. Arcadia is a beautiful, elegant, sophisticated cruise ship with endless possibilities- and a fabulous newly upholstered West End style theatre.
All rooms are buzzing - people can’t get into venues – they are all packed - there is far too much to do - and as James says - far too much laughter - too much good food - and the staff are far too happy!! What a fantastic environment in which to work - you can feel the passion and excitement. Passengers are exhausted running to events - they can’t keep up – but then again many have not sailed with James and I before. It would be a challenge to squeeze any more into the packed programme. Often passengers wanting to go to bed find themselves dancing the night away not wanting to miss anything!!!!........

To add to our considerable facilities we now have a Boutique Screening Room - a wonderful addition to Arcadia - the luxurious red leather reclining seats are so inviting! Films are shown from 10am continuously through to midnight .The delicious smell of coffee from Café Vivo filters through cinema curtains when doors are opened...

We have stunning new shows, enviable stage costumes, enticing stage sets, and supreme musical arrangements - this is entertainment at its best. Where else could you get wall to wall day and evening entertainment ? There is a wonderful atmosphere around this happy ship. Renowned for excellent entertainment - our artists are used to receiving standing ovations - artists such as outstanding singer Victor Michael and comedian Adrian Walsh left the stage to shouts of “more“ - having taken 3 curtain calls Passengers have marvelled at our new Headliners Theatre Company. Such is the interest in our entertainment programme - passengers who had been on a 13 hour day trip to Cairo came to the Palladium Theatre evening shows - even though they were tired – once again not wishing to miss anything. The Palladium Theatre is always packed -many passengers arrive 45 minutes in advance to ensure they get a seat. There are no force 9's here - everyone is on CLOUD 9! I look forward to seeing old friends and new in the near future!

My thanks to Sally and her fabulous Entrainment Team for all the hard work, humour and dedication they give day in day out!

Curtain down for the day - evening is just about to begin,

James.

There's no business like show business!