Embarkation Party, Saturday, Nov. 22

We boarded Eurodam last Saturday to escort a video crew from the Travel Channel and took a moment to shoot a little video of our own. Here is the embarkation party, fueled by the HAL-Cats playing reggae music with a pool full of youngsters. Since it is the week of the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, it appeared that quite a few families decided to let Holland America cook the turkey and pumpkin pie this year. Indeed, we were told there were 180 kids on board for this sailing.

Congratulations to DJ Jazzy

DJ Jazzy

On Oct. 28 DJ Jazzy celebrated 11 years spinning tunes for guests aboard Holland America Line ships.

Jazzy, whose real name is Jeffery Davis, started his career with HAL in 1997 on Westerdam III. During his years with Holland America Line, he has been the premier deejay, including bringing all four Vista-class ships into service.

DJ Jazzy was born in New Jersey, but now resides in Portland, Ore. Before the move to Portland, Jazzy lived in Chicago where he achieved numerous awards for his deejaying abilities.

He worked at the top-rated Riviera Night Club for many years with such talents as Robert Palmer, Dead or Alive, and Sylvester, and he recorded several music mixes for radio stations in the city. Jazzy had the pleasure of deejaying for Madonna’s birthday in 1989 during the release of the Dick Tracy movie.

DJ Jazzy spins tunes in the Northern Lights dance club aboard Eurodam.

DJ Jazzy’s motto is: “Music makes the world go ’round and creates friendships and relationships at any given moment!”

Congratulations Jazzy!

Let Her Entertain You

Jill Quinlan

Headliner Jill Quinlan is no stranger to the Holland America Line stage. Paul Lasley spoke to Jill about the lifestyle of a shipboard entertainer and the excitement of performing for a live audience.

To listen to this podcast, click on the arrow below.

Meet the Production Cast

Pam went to the theater to snap this photo of the production cast wearing costumes from “Dream Park.” It looks like a bright, high-energy show.

Back row, from left: Lindsey Wild, Erika Tomlinson, Jennifer Killian, Virginia Reid, David Brouwer, Jill Quinlan, Daniel McHugh, Michon Suyama-Brouwer, Christina Marshall and April Leopardi.

Front row, from left: Steven Montalvo, Kenneth Anneberg, Peter Gill and Mario Covacevich.

Line Dancing the Night Away

Pam captured this video of Cruise Director Shane giving Eurodam guests pointers on line dancing in the ship’s Northern Lights Lounge.

Play it Again, Sam

Pam sent us these photos of the Piano Bar last week, but with all of the inaugural activities we saved them for today.

Event Staff Looks Sharp in New Uniforms

The Event Staff just received a makeover of sorts with new uniforms. The Event Staff is part of the Entertainment Department. They are responsible for guest programs for all ages from 3 years old and up. They cover the youth programs, handle library duties in the Explorations Cafe, host the “Dam Dollar” events, pool games and all other social events for Eurodam’s guests.

The Event Staff, from left, Shannon Benge, Susanne Bonnici and Kate Wall.

‘Dream Park’ Rehearsals are Under Way

The Eurodam production cast did a 12-minute show during the Finacantieri yard party, and here are photos from “Dream Park.” Entertainment Director Bill Prince told us a little about the show in an earlier post.

Pam captured these images of what looks like a very cool high-energy production.

Show Lounge is Taking Shape

Here’s the latest photo of the show lounge. And below is a rendering of what it will look like when complete.

It’s Showtime … Nearly!

Chief Officer Andre van Schoonhoven just sent us this updated image of the show lounge. The photo was taken from the raised seating area on Deck 3 looking down into the lounge. Construction is 60 percent complete. Though not really visible in the photo, most of the wall and ceiling are in, and installation of most of the stage equipment, such as lifts and turntables, is nearly complete.