Thread: ByeBye, Michael's Pub (Piano Bars)

Being told that the 10 of Celebrity's 11 ships that have the Michael's Pub (which functions as their piano bar) will no longer have them. All contracts for Piano Entertainers have been yanked (says a performer who suddenly finds himself without the half year of work he was contracted for). They will become Sports Bars.

Anyone who knows more or can correct this information is welcome to reply. It's sad to see them go, I think. Cruise ships are some of the the last vestiges of classic piano bars.

This is the first I have heard of changing Michaels Club to a Sports Bar.
I guess we will have to wait for a news release to make it official.

It's a shame, not only from the Piano entertainer aspect, but they are very lovely rooms the way they are. I can't see changing the decor to that required of a Sports Bar---lots of TVs!

On the Solstice class ships Michaels is right there with all the Specialty restaurants...the ambiance is more "refined" for want of a better word. I just can't see it there!

dislike if its true love piano bars!!

Decor sure does not work for a sports bar let alone locations on existing Solstice Class ships. So the numbers don't work. I am suspicious, very suspicious.

Now some RCCL ships have some amazing lounges with Pianos in them but then too, a coversion with the current decor is hardly sporty.

I think this is bunk.

Somehow Celebrity and Sports Bar doesnt seem to fit together.

I dont believe this at all until a press release tell me otherwise.

Sad if it's true.

Originally Posted by nealnearnorth

Being told that the 10 of Celebrity's 11 ships that have the Michael's Pub (which functions as their piano bar) will no longer have them. All contracts for Piano Entertainers have been yanked (says a performer who suddenly finds himself without the half year of work he was contracted for). They will become Sports Bars.

Anyone who knows more or can correct this information is welcome to reply. It's sad to see them go, I think. Cruise ships are some of the the last vestiges of classic piano bars.

Actually, using Holland America's Oosterdam as an example, their sports bar is QUITE elegant. There are little mini screens that I seem to remember looking slightly like portholes at the tables bordering the club. It seemed to make it possible for a guy to elegantly enjoy a cocktail with his wife to her complete satisfaction while being able to see "the game".

The issue is more that cruise ship piano bars transcend the simple look of having a grand piano in a room. People who love a certain repertoire that is hard to find most places worldwide sit around the piano with their featured piano/vocalist several hours a night, chatting between songs, and getting to know the player through his interpretations of the songs.

Working on ships as I do in this capacity, I know that several of my closest friends started as random cruisers who loved the right song, and thought to begin chatting with me.

Yes Michael's Club is going to become a sports bar, though a bit upscale. They will serve micro brew beers. And a couple of new dining venues on the Lawn Club deck on the next Solstice class vessel. So said Dan Hannrahan during the last webinar I attended

Hey Mike

Is there anything in writing that we can reference about Michael's Club? It would put to rest the speculation.

Is Celebrity going to make changes as the older ships go in for their "Solsticization"?
When Mercury leavess the fleet I think that makes Century and Infinity the oldest ships and Infinity is the next one to go in for the upgrading.

To change the subject briefly, have you heard anything about when the long expected changes to the Captain's Club loyalty program will be made public? Also, any news on why RCI didn't come out with the Crown & Anchor changes yesterday as they had said they would?

Lots of questions! Thanks!

Originally Posted by Char

Hey Mike

Is there anything in writing that we can reference about Michael's Club? It would put to rest the speculation.

Is Celebrity going to make changes as the older ships go in for their "Solsticization"?
When Mercury leavess the fleet I think that makes Century and Infinity the oldest ships and Infinity is the next one to go in for the upgrading.

To change the subject briefly, have you heard anything about when the long expected changes to the Captain's Club loyalty program will be made public? Also, any news on why RCI didn't come out with the Crown & Anchor changes yesterday as they had said they would?

Lots of questions! Thenks!

Actually the Millie is the oldest of the Millie class ships having entered service 6-26-2000. The Infinity entered service 3-3-2001, Summit 10-2001 and Connie 5-2002.

I speak daily with C&A and Captains Club and as of today there is no news on the changes to either of the programs. I know we are all anxious to hear about the changes and I'm sure we'll hear something soon.

Reggie