Ditto with the food-we only ate in the Ocean View self-serve restaurant that was always open (except for a few hours at night) and where we found the variety and quality to be excellent but then we’re not “foodies”, and dressing up and being fussed over with table service doesn’t amuse us. Our cabin (pardon me, “stateroom”) was the cheapest, on Deck 2 (lowest), and we liked it very much. It all took a while but the lines kept moving. Suitcases could be handed off to be delivered to the cabins, lighter items could be carried through a TSA-style security check. Just one highlight for the Jazz connoisseurs: Jimmy Cobb at age 88 played just like he did on Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue” in 1959 (he’s the last surviving member of that recording date)!Įmbarkment in Fort Lauderdale went smoothly, even with so many pax of mostly advanced age and limited agility. If that doesn’t tell you what you need to know, maybe the artist names on the website will. The kind of Jazz we heard was not “smooth”, not “contemporary” or “crossover” or “fusion”, not “traditional” as in New Orleans “Trad Jazz” (with a few rare exceptions) or “Glenn Miller Big Band”-it was “real” Jazz, mostly modern, sometimes avantgarde. The performers were scheduled to appear at least three times, many played even more often and in various combinations, so with a bit of planning we could hear all our favorites even though three or more performances were happening at once in the various rooms. Both the musicians and the audience knew their stuff! Most people we talked to were repeaters, some on their 14th Jazz cruise! The highest quality of musicianship among the world-famous performers was matched by the level of knowledge and expertise among the passengers that kept impressing the performing musicians-they could throw out a reference to an iconic recording and be met by approving applause, spontaneously, again and again. We were there for the music, and with four or even five consecutive 90-minute sets a day, sometimes from 11:00 until 01:00 the next day, we got plenty of that. This cruise was preceded by a “Smooth Jazz” cruise and succeeded by a “Blue Note at Sea Contemporary Jazz” cruise.įor details on the ship’s features, creature comforts and services you may wish to look elsewhere, since we didn’t avail ourselves of the shops or optional restaurants etc and can’t comment. This report centers on the main reason for this cruise: The entire ship was chartered by and dedicated to Jazz. Terrazza Triennale: This upscale, romantic spot in Parco Sempione boasts views of the city skyscrapers from a delightful outdoor terrace or glass and girders interior bar.Jazz Cruise 2017 (Jan.Nottingham Forest: Kitschy, eclectic decor and cocktails that are seriously creatively poured and presented make this Porta Monforte haunt worth the hike.N’Ombra de Vin: A cavernous wine cellar with an unmatched selection in Milan, N’Ombra de Vin also does great antipasto plates of salumi and cheese.Rita & Cocktails: This Navigli institution is beloved for its bespoke cocktails and friendly, unpretentious ambiance.Dolce & Gabbana Bar Martini: As sultry and glamourous as a Dolce & Gabbana gown, this sexy bar serves lunch, aperitivo, or Sicilian-inspired dinners on stylish Corso Venezia.GinO12: There's lots to love about Milan's first gin bar, including its industrial-chic Navigli setting, long gin list, and one-of-a-kind cocktails.Dry Milano: Pizza might typically be paired with beer or wine, but at Dry Milano, it's pizza and cocktails in a posh setting-and it works! Near the hotel-laden Porta Nuova and Central Station zones.Radetzky: This classic Milanese bar retains an '80s feel, does a great aperitivo hour, and is kid-friendly-they'll love the hand-cut potato chips.Mag Cafè: A Navigli haunt with artfully poured cocktails, a vintage vibe, and good aperitivo snacks.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |