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Delbert McClinton’s Sandy Beaches Cruise XXV What a week! I heard that a lot. I also heard a lot of singing, laughing, hooting and clapping as we traveled 1,887 miles from Fort Lauderdale to Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and back, on the 25th sailing of Delbert McClinton’s Sandy Beaches Cruises on Holland America. The tone was set from the moment I put a foot onboard, the process was easy as could be. Bags were on their way to our cabins and we were greeted warmly by a line of staff that made us feel like we were the most
“Cruise Mom” Molly Reed put into every facet of our experience. “Oosterdam" became our home for the week as we set sail with over 40 incredible, award winning musical groups, 1,848 or so passionate music fans and 781 officers and crew to spoil us rotten. This beautifully appointed ship has many staterooms that feature private decks that add a whole new dimension to traveling by sea. Fans and musicians alike mix and mingle everywhere! I could hear an artist playing on his balcony a level up as I tried to convince myself this was really happening. You eat meals together, ride elevators and enjoy the
traveling with their families and more relaxed, not having to shlep from gig to gig. There are combinations that organically happen, like, Titan of the Telecaster, Bill Kirchen, who sat in with many groups, much to their and our delight! Fabulous Thunderbirds leader and top Harmonica player, Kim Wilson was another that raised the bar on many sets, both energetically and musically. You never have to worry about missing out on seeing your favorites because they schedule several set times. For instance, the uber popular
Guitarist Anson Funderburgh and drummer Willie McMains
special guests they had ever had. Delbert’s wife Wendy was the first to welcome me with a hug and swag bag that contained the important music schedule and a tremendously well done handbook, (also available online), that described in detail who would be playing with comprehensive bios. Everywhere you venture you feel the personal touches Wendy and
numerous amenities without separation, Marcia Ball is on almost every dance floor when she is not on stage playing! The music starts as we pull away from the dock at 5pm on Saturday and continues, almost round the clock until we call it a night, (or early morning), 7 days later. The performances have a different dynamic to them, the musicians are often
Lech Wierzynski from the California Honeydrops
