Photos By Alisa B. Cherry
By Lee Zimmerman
“When we talk about surviving the ’70s, are we talking about the decade or a certain age?”
That comment from John Hall, the erstwhile leader of the band Orleans, made during a panel discussion about the impact of music from that particular decade drew several chuckles, but it was nevertheless relevant given the very nature of this particular musical venture, broadly entitled the “’70s Rock & Romance Cruise.” Indeed, while it was seeped in nostalgia and enjoyed by mostly now-mature passengers obviously eager to revisit the soundtrack of their youth, there was every indication that like the ’60s, the ’70s still resonated with those who once experienced it firsthand.
Like most musically themed cruises, Rock & Romance had its headline acts, among them such powerful draws as Peter Frampton, America, Little River Band, Christopher Cross, Orleans, Firefall, Ambrosia, Stephen Bishop, Chuck Negron (once of Three Dog Night), and the Orchestra (a band featuring two former members of ELO along with more recent recruits). Inevitably, most of the aforementioned ensembles were missing key original players, but given the fact most of their careers had extended several decades on, that was to be expected. Indeed, it was the music that mattered, and regardless of whether they performed in the host ship’s Celebrity Theater, in the more intimate Revelations Lounge or on the ever-popular pool deck, the crowd seemed to enjoy every minute, frequently rewarding the performers with standing ovations or simply showing their appreciation by taking to the floor to dance.
Produced by StarVista Live, a company that shares the same corporate umbrella as Time Life (with multitudes of collections that have graced TV screens for decades)—and whose diverse array of cruise options include a Southern Rock Cruise, the Country Music Cruise, a Soul Train cruise, and the ’60s-themed Flower Power Cruise—Rock & Romance proved a stunning success its first time out. The ports of call in Cozumel and Key West (not to mention Celebrity Cruises’ ship, the Summit, with its superb service and its always ample buffet) provided added enticement to be sure, but it was also clear that the main draw was an opportunity to see an eclectic collection of ’70s road warriors, all of whom were welcomed as if they were old friends. It was, in a very real sense, a homecoming of sorts.
Though certain artists remained out of reach, others could be seen freely roaming the decks and open to selfies and conversation. Special guest Barry Williams, of Brady Bunch fame, was as amiable as one might expect, and he made it clear from day one that he wasn’t camera shy or adverse to seizing on the ’70s nostalgia. In fact, all the references were warranted, from frequent tributes to the likes of Cher, Stevie Nicks, the Bee Gees, and the Blues Brothers, to artists and ensembles whose main purpose was to celebrate the music of the Beatles and the Eagles while filling in the gaps between the headliner’s shows. Costume contests, which frequently found cruisers adorned in bellbottoms, fright wigs and attire befitting an evening at Studio 54, drew the more adventurous, with frequent disco parties providing opportunity to revisit their vintage moves.
There were certainly ample activities to keep the passengers entertained when the ship was at sea, but unlike many cruises, there was also opportunity to relax between shows without the need to hurry from one venue to the next. And even if some artists suffered minor setbacks—a hoarse voice or overexertion—the audience’s enthusiasm never wavered. Even the tribute bands — Hotel California (the Eagles), and All You Need Is Love (the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen), etc., —received an enthusiastic response, suggesting that it was emulation and not necessarily imitation that added to their efficiency.
Given its initial success, the ’70s Rock & Romance Cruise is poised to become an annual tradition, with several stars—Styx, the Guess Who and Poco, among them—already announced for 2018. So no matter whether one is 70-something or simply ’70s-oriented, it’s worth the trip back in time.
(Click for information on next year’s cruise)
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