August 2013 Newsletter
COUNTRY MUSIC CRUISE CONNECTION - AUGUST 2013
While hopefully you are enjoying your summer, we here at ECP are hard at work planning every last detail for the upcoming sailing of The Country Music Cruise. From artist performances to special events to menus and everything in between, there are a thousand things to get right and we are committed to doing just that.
We sail Jan. 19, 2014, and as the cruise approaches, we continue to have a number of important announcements, including updates on the availability of cabins, news on special payment plans and pricing, as well as a special offer for Florida residents.
In each edition of the Country Music Cruise Connection, we’ll also feature a chat with one of your favorite stars joining us on the cruise. To figure out who this month’s interviewee is, take a guess using the following hints. This artist was born in Robbinsville, N.C., is a classically trained musician and has worked with artists as varied as J.J. Cale, Ray Charles and Elvis Presley. Did I mention that this artist also has 40 No. 1 singles?
Did you guess correctly? Read the interview to find out...
Verandah and Oceanview Cabins Remain Available
Though a few suites are available, the best selection of remaining cabins are the Deluxe Staterooms with Verandahs and the Oceanview Cabins. Cabin sales are very brisk at this point, so now is the time to reserve your place on the cruise.
Cabin Rate Update and Special Florida Residents’ Offer
Fan Favorite Pricing:
We have just announced that the CMC Fan Favorite Pricing, starting at $1,925 for the Deluxe Inside Staterooms, will be extended to Sept. 30, 2013, or as long as those cabins last.
These prices are “cruise only” and are quoted per person based upon double occupancy, except for “Singles,” and do not include port charges, airfare, ground transportation, onboard purchases, purchased drinks onboard or excursions. It does include all meals, shows and onboard events produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.
Payment Plans:
With the cruise six months from now, there is ample time to set up a payment plan for your stateroom. Numerous plans are in place, but we can try to create a plan just for you. Contact us and let’s see what we can do.
Special Offer for Florida Residents:
If you reside in Central or Southern Florida, we will pick you up, take you right to the pier for The Country Music Cruise and take you home when the cruise is over ... for free! The Country Music Cruise Motor Coaches will pick up Guests at four Florida locations: Sarasota, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Daytona and Jupiter. The precise locations will be identified shortly. But if you are interested, just contact the office at 888.852.9987 or write to reservations@ecpcruises.com.
In Memory of George Jones: Special Cruise Event
Nancy Jones to Sail on the Country Music Cruise
As you all know, we lost one of the true mega-stars in country music recently when George Jones passed away this past April. Our partners at Time-Life have included George in virtually all their important music releases during the years and we felt that no Country Music Cruise would be complete without recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of one of America’s great treasures. So we reached out to George’s widow, Nancy, and asked her to join us on the cruise and maybe give the fans a chance to show their love and support. Anyone who knows Nancy knows that she adds her special touch to any gathering, and she is now helping us plan a George Jones Tribute Night during which our artists can come and sing their favorite - and everyone has one - George song. We will keep you updated as this develops, and we are so very grateful to Ms. Jones.
Updates on the Programming
The onboard programming for The Country Music Cruise continues to build.
In addition to music performances by country music’s most beloved stars Vince Gill, Kenny Rogers, Ronnie Milsap, Larry Gatlin, Patty Loveless, Jo Dee Messina, Restless Heart, Andy Griggs, Wade Hayes, Ty Herndon, Jamie O’Neal, The Warren Brothers, Bryan White, Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys, everyone’s favorite TV personality Lorianne Crook and comedian Jon Reep, all kinds of other activities have just been announced.
We are putting the final touches on everyone’s favorite event: the Gospel Hour, which will be hosted by Larry Gatlin and features Bryan White and Jamie O’Neal, among others. This will be a very moving hour. Also, Lorianne Crook and Patty Loveless are planning a special cooking demonstration. Everyone gets a taste! This is in addition to Patty performing twice. And we will have The Warren Brothers doing a songwriting seminar; given their personalities and success on that front, this promises to be a great event. Stay tuned for much more to come.
An interview with Ronnie Milsap
The answer to our quiz is country and crossover star Ronnie Milsap.
Have you ever performed on a cruise?
I went out on one other cruise. Enjoyed it a whole lot, and I'm really looking forward to meeting my fans and maybe making some new ones on this cruise. I think it's going to be a lot of fun for everyone.
You know everyone and this cruise features some of your old friends.
I know so many of these artists. We're all friends, have been for years. Vince Gill was out at my house just a few weeks back. We played records, talked about songs, musicians, and so forth. I guess that's a hobby for all of us. I told Vince about working in Memphis, playing sessions for Elvis, playing his parties.
I just did some shows with Larry Gatlin and the boys. Man, what a talented bunch. I'm not sure many people remember this, but we both had theaters in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We both thought we were in at the start of something there, but it proved not to be the case. Sure had a lot of fun there, though.
Patty Loveless, what a talent. I've known her for ages and I've known her husband, Emory Gordy, longer than that. We were both in Atlanta together back when we were starting out. I was in Atlanta when a producer told me I should come to Memphis, and that's where I got to meet Elvis and play with him. But I've stayed friends with Emory all these years, and of course he went on to work for Elvis as well.
Jo Dee Messina, she and I just did some shows in California. I'm a great fan of hers; in fact, everyone you've got on this cruise. It's going to be a whole lot of fun.
You were a classically trained musician. How has that influenced your career?
I think my background in classical music — I studied it for 12 years — helped me make it through every change I've made in my music. It was just invaluable and a fabulous part of my life. Without it, I don't know where I'd be today.