Is it worth it to leave home to perform on a cruise ship?

Inside The Music - my vlog about all things relating to my multi-faceted music career and my life in general.
June 28, 2024
With only one more month of our contract onboard the Norwegian Viva, we had a night that made us question whether or not it has been worth it to leave home to be here. Most days, I will absolutely say that it has been worth it. Then there are days like this...
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davidpaigemusic
www.davidpaigemusic.com
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[@pileofstuff]

Yeah, those empty room gigs can be pretty brutal. some of the bands I used to mix for would switch in a few more instrumentals and some new songs that might have needed a bit more practice. At least on the ship gig you aren't arguing with the night manager at 3:00AM about getting paid!

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Couldn’t be more right about that!!

[@christopherjustice4233]

That is really frustrating. Hopefully you were able to discuss this with your management team so that would understand. We were on the Viva for back to back cruises May 25 to June 14th, and were able to see you and Stephanie perform multiple times. We really enjoyed it, and most nights, you had a packed crowd. Thanks for sharing your talent and hard work with us!

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Thank you so much for coming to see us play so many times! It’s for people like you that keep our spirits high after performances like this, because we know you’re going to be there tomorrow and it’s going to be better! Luckily, schedules like this are few and far-between!

[@tarkheenameyer5499]

I get that and it must have been disheartening. But having seen you earlier this year on Viva, I enjoyed you both and still appreciate your music.

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Thank you so much! We love that we connected with you! It’s times like that that are amazing and definitely make the contract worth it.

[@theinfinitesongstress]

Haha thank you for this reality check. Here’s me thinking I’m going to escape pouring my soul out to the empty chairs (or folk more interested in the pokies) at our local RSL club. I’m auditioning for a Cruise Ship position this week, it’s good to go into this with a realistic perspective. Thanks David. You’re right, we’re all in it together … not alone in performing to the bar staff … no matter WHERE in the world we are, we all have to do it sometimes. Thanks so much for sharing. You both sounded awesome in ‘Amazed’ btw, love your harmonies. Keep being you, you’re still making a difference in the world … on land and sea. Much love 💖

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Thank you! It feels better to know we are all in it together and that we aren’t alone in our experiences, be they amazing or otherwise! We are pulling for you to get the gig!! It’s honestly an incredible opportunity and it feels great most of the time!

[@theinfinitesongstress]

@@DavidPaigeMusic thankyou ❤️

[@mwroysan]

David, I was on the ship that day. I must admit Ibiza tired me out. Spent a long time on the beach....I got back and fell asleep in the stateroom. Apologies for being one of those who didn't attend. I did listen to you and Stephanie about 4 or 5 times though. Don't take it personally. You guys are amazing... Royston(We met on the La Ramblas in Barcelona) 👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻😁💪🏼

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

@@mwroysan no worries at all Royston! None of it was taken personally. It was a really long day and so many factors were all taken into consideration. It just made for a difficult afternoon performance for us. We loved getting to meet you, and I’m glad you got a few chances to hear us perform! We hope to cross paths again soon!

[@charleshibberd3329]

One thing I will say is a REALLY appreciate you showing these harder sides of the job, I feel like cruise ship musicians often just post on social media going “look at how amazing our job is!! Best job ever!” When in reality it can be really hard and seeing that sort of content can be so demoralising if you’re on a not so good contract yourself. This is reassuring that we all go through the same struggles with the job

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

I needed to see this comment as much as you needed to see this video! We are all in it together!

[@h5mind373]

Our son just finished his first year playing the piano bar at the Westin Hotel in Valencia. Lovely grand piano and, a beautiful venue, but no advertising. More than once, guests staying at the hotel told us they were unaware there was live music on offer. Some weeks the only audience was the wait staff. Other times, it was packed. He returns this Fall when hopefully they will put a little more effort into promotion.

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

That sounds like an awesome gig (most of the time). It’s a difficult position to be in, for sure. I wouldn’t bank on the hotel doing much! Has he been promoting himself on social media and with Westin-approved posters in the hotel? Perhaps there’s a way he can help take matters into his own hands?

[@h5mind373]

@@DavidPaigeMusic Hi David! The piano bar gig has been a wonderful experience for him. He calls it "A cruise ship minus the ocean." The hotel hired a social media person but it didn't pan out. Fortunately, the guests and management all rave about him. Several other hotels have expressed interest in him playing for them too. In April a TV production company interviewed him to appear on 'El Piano'- Spain's version of the UK show 'The Piano', but their concern was that he's already outstanding and doesn't have a tragic backstory(!). Ps, we suggested the poster idea but it was shot down as "Too commercial". He posts to social media but between classes, rehearsals, and other gigs he's already putting over 40 hours a week into music-related work. You and your wife have been excellent role models for him, thanks!

[@h5mind373]

​@@DavidPaigeMusic Hi David! We suggested a promotional placard, but they felt it would be "too commercial". He does post on social media, but his class and rehearsal schedule keeps him very busy. He said playing the hotel is like a cruise ship minus the ocean. You and your wife are positive role models for him, so thank you!

[@charleshibberd3329]

Again, this is why I fall out with the people who make the schedules on these ships, there’s absolutely no reason to make you work those sets just for the sake of it when you could have been off the ship enjoying the port or just chilling out and conserving your energy and voices. Thankfully the ship I work on most of the time now has a set schedule every day that doesn’t change but I have had too many a meeting with managers about pointless sets just so they can “get their moneys worth out of us”

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

We need to be friends, I think

[@charleshibberd3329]

@@DavidPaigeMusic I would agree!

[@Charldino2345]

One thing people don’t consider is the amount of free time you have as a musician can drive you insane. When you’re not playing your sets there’s literally nothing to do especially on sea days. Ive found a lot of people struggle with their mental health due to the lifestyle. Also you miss out on so many good opportunities on land and become disconnected. I’d say the cruise ship gig is a good experience overall but not sustainable as a career

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Part of why Stephanie loves the gym, and part of why I love making KZbin videos is to keep busy. Plus, a good itinerary can keep you very busy...and can be very expensive. We have only had 2 sea days since the end of April, so between ports, performances, rehearsals, drills, the gym, and youtube videos, we haven't had much time to be bored. The mental health thing is real though. There's NOWHERE to go with any kind of struggles. Between the lack of private spaces and the risk of rumors spreading, it's difficult to find safe outlets on ships. Some cruise lines, like Carnival, offer a 3rd party mental health hotline to support their crew in times of need. That's been a great resource for me in the past!