Southampton publicises itself as Sea City 2006. It always goes on about the cruise ships that dock in the city, taking holiday makers around the world in luxury. I have never been on a cruise, but friends of mine have explained in detail about the various entertainment the ships provide to keep its guests entertained. I wanted to see all this for myself, and to discover what it was like to live and work on a cruise ship. OceanaThe Oceana docked in Southampton last Friday and while it was undergoing cleaning I was lucky to be given a tour of the ship. It boasts two theatres, three pools, two night clubs, a large shopping centre, a gym, beauty spa, kids clubs and lots of sun loungers. The ship was preparing for its next voyage, a 14 day Mediterranean cruise, but despite the necessary maintenance that was going on, the ship still seemed glamorous. I didn't realise quite how much like a hotel it would be. The ship offers everything that a hotel would on land, only it changes destination regularly. I realise this is not the most intelligent comment I could make about a cruise ship, but it was my main impression. Entertainers | | Kaliegh Ross and Jon Derikson |
I visited back stage behind one of the ships two theatres and met up with Kaliegh Ross and Jon Derikson. Kaliegh worked in the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton before joining Oceana earlier this year. While Jon was part of the original cast recording of Coco Cabana the West End Hit directed by Barry Manilow. He has worked for cruise ships for six years, although he took gaps between each of these years. I interviewed both of them about what it was like to work on cruise ships, and to perform a wide variety of musical hits. |
