The piano bar on a Carnival cruise is often the highlight, and it was definitely the first spot that felt like home on the Carnival Glory. The first several nights of my first transatlantic crossing, I spent all evening there. After several days, I finally ventured out to see other musical acts as well, but I still spent most of my evenings in the piano bar. It was definitely THE PLACE to be late nights throughout the entire journey, and I almost always closed it down.
Piano Bar Players on Carnival Glory Transatlantic
Usually a cruise only has one piano bar player, but the first two cruises had extra entertainment. I loved both of the piano bar entertainers on the first cruise so it was hard to bring myself to do anything else.
Mike Mac was a more traditional piano bar player who also happened to be a rocker back in the 80s. He was an incredible performer and had just the right amount of "I don't give a fuck" to fit the adults-only vibe of the cruise. He was nearing the end of his time with Carnival and left the ship after the first cruise.
Davon was in his first year with Carnival but brought an amazing energy and sense of community to the room. His performances were wonderful, and he constantly pushed himself to learn new songs the crowd requested as he entertained the same people night after night. On the first cruise, the piano bar was more happening than the night club every night. Those of us who traveled all three cruises were lucky to have Davon entertaining us for all three. Of all of the musicians, he was the only one who stayed on the ship the entire time.
Why I Prefer the Piano Bar Over Karaoke When Cruising
Karaoke is about taking turns holding the spotlight and cheering each other on. Piano bar is about singing, clapping, dancing, and banging the bar along to music together. Some people love both. Most people have a preference.
I enjoy karaoke in a bar with friends on land, and I've had a couple good karaoke experiences when cruising. But with a full 43 days to explore the cruise ship, I never went to karaoke.
The piano bar was a musical community, and that was too intoxicating to miss. By the end of the first cruise, the late night piano bar crowd felt a bit like family. The goodbyes in that room at the end of each cruise were all really intense.
For a taste of life at the piano bar, check out Davon's instagram. This post (and the two before it) were recorded during my cruise.
What to Drink at the Piano Bar on a Carnival Cruise
Curious what you should order when hanging out at the piano bar? My go-to drink is the Blue Note. It's just sweet enough and plenty strong so I can drink on.a budget without a drink package.
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