On the Bayou

We were amazed at the transformation of the Universe Lounge from when we left it at 5:30pm to when we returned at 7pm. The sets for On the Bayou were in place; kudzu hung from the ceiling and Mardi Gras beads adorned the back of the theater. Although On the Bayou was performed three times (7pm, 8:30pm and 10pm), we sailed at 8:30pm and wanted to be on our balcony for that, and knew that the 10pm show wasn't even a remote possibility for us.

The show began with a New Orleans funeral procession, and the dearly departed knocking on the coffin top wanting to be let out. The crux of the show is the deceased recounting his life and times in New Orleans.

When I first heard about this new show, I wasn't sure just how many songs New Orleans had inspired. Other than When the Saints Go Marching In, I couldn't think of a single one. Well, there are plenty. My favorite part was when male singer Sincee sang House of the Rising Sun. At some point, G looked at me and mouthed "WOW".

By the end of 45 minutes, after the Mardi Gras-type ending when the performers exited down the aisles of the Universe Lounge, the audience was on its feet. We were so thrilled to see a new show, a different type of show, a creative show with really talented performers that we can't wait to see it again next cruise.

We had just enough time to stop by the Bayou Cafe Lounge to listen to a few live jazz songs before it was time for the ship to sail.

We picked up coffees to go from the Patisserie, grabbed some cheeses, bread and grapes from the buffet, and once again camped out on our balcony for sail away from Skagway. Just as we saw the sunrise this morning, we were on the sunset side when we left. I can highly recommend a balcony cabin on the starboard side of the ship for this northbound itinerary!