A Message from the Executive Producer Alan Rubens
I first would like to thank each and every one of you who sailed on the inaugural 2016 Flower power Cruise for being part of something that became so very special. It was by far the most successful initial sailing of a theme cruise that StarVista LIVE has had.
The feeling started on deck during the sail-away party with host Joe Johnson, and lasted through the final performance of the week late into the night on Friday with Mark Lindsay.
As the producer of this cruise, I would like to share with you a very personal reflection. When I came up with the Flower Power concept and started developing the plan and the experience I wanted to create- from the talent, the programming, the panels, the guest speakers, the games and the theme nights - I had a dream of how I hoped it would all come together. I am overjoyed to say that the Flower Power Cruise far exceeded those hopes, dreams-- it was even more than I hoped it would be and seemed to take on a life of its own. It brought us back to a very special time in most of our lives with a passion and feeling of pure joy that is difficult to explain to someone who was not there to share it with us.
The amazing performances included Peter Noone showing us what a phenomenal entertaining class act he is, Jefferson Starship made us all remember what the Woodstock era was all about. We also had Blood Sweat & Tears, The Guess Who and Felix Cavaliere each having us singing along to all of their enormous list of hit songs in the main theater. Mark Lindsay, Gary Puckett and, of course, the Family Stone rocked the pool deck and allowed us to feel we were part of a real Flower Power festival. Jukebox and British Beat also had us singing along with Beatles songs and Peter Asher had an extremely entertaining yet emotional and educational show. In addition to all of the music, there were fascinating presentations from Bethel Woods Museum Director and Senior Curator Wade Lawrence on Woodstock and TV Guide’s Matt Roush, there were trivia contests, karaoke, Q&As, wine tasting, cooking demonstrations and many, many more enjoyable events that made us feel part of the Love Generation all over again.
Like many guests, I had a chance to meet new friends that were captivated by the music and mood onboard which made the experience that much better. I am now looking forward to next year’ Flower Power cruise with one purpose in mind, to bring back this phenomenal experience again for 2017 and make it even better than this year.
Cabins for 2017 are booking up fast and word is getting out, so please book today and join me again on next year’s Flower Power Cruise - the Grooviest Trip at Sea!