Malt Shop Memories Cruise—the “Malt Shop Scoop”

When our Malt Shop Memories Cruise 2013 dining/concert seating assignment letter arrived in the mail recently we were delighted, not to mention reminded that in only six months we’ll be boarding one of our favorite ships—Holland America Line’s Eurodam—to relive our (ahem) “youth” through the artists and music of the Malt Shop era. Mel and I are Malt Shop Memories Cruise alumni and the experience just keeps getting better.

To keep us up-to-date and build excitement (as if we needed to be more excited!), our Malt Shop Memories hosts at Entertainment Cruise Productions have introduced the “Malt Shop Scoop”—a newsletter that will offer some special gifts and incentives to participants, and provide some insights about the cruise and the performers. The first newsletter included a trivia question and interview…

Which is the only '60s group to reach the national Top Ten with their first seven single releases?

A. The Beatles
B. The Supremes
C. Gary Lewis and the Playboys
D. The Beach Boys

I have to admit I got that one wrong. If you guessed Gary Lewis and the Playboys, then I want you on my trivia team! And, did you know that Gary Lewis’ father is Jerry Lewis? Yes, that Jerry Lewis!

From the “Malt Shop Scoop” interview with Gary Lewis, which you can read in full here:

That remarkable run of hits began in February 1965 when “This Diamond Ring” knocked “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” out of the top spot on Billboard magazine’s Hot 100. One might think that, like many aspiring rock ’n’ roll stars, Gary had spent years playing in bands. Yet, even though he loved the music from “Hound Dog” on, his actual climb from forming a band to chart-topping act took just one year. 

As for the upcoming 2013 Malt Shop Memories Cruise, Gary can’t wait. “We’re going to have a ball. I love hanging out. I don’t hide. If people want to talk to me, I’ll talk to everybody. It’s very important to me, because the fans put me wherever I am. I care about them; I care about what I do. I realize what a blessing this gift of music is, and I give back to the fans as much as I can.”

Although the Eurodam is already 80% sold out, there are still some cabins available, but probably not for long—Malt Shop Memories Cruise ’12 sold out and the pace of sales for Malt Shop Memories Cruise ’13 is even faster. Cabins remain in the Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah and Outside Cabin categories, but, if you want a different category of cabin, just call the office (888.852.9987) and they will see if you can be accommodated. There are usually cancellations and, sometimes, they can make something happen for you.

In case you’re wondering, here’s the 2013 Line Up of Performers:

• Neil Sedaka
• Four Tops
• Petula Clark
• Bobby Rydell
• Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley
• Little Anthony and The Imperials
• Lesley Gore
• Gary U.S. Bonds
• Shirley Alston Reeves, Original Lead Singer of The Shirelles
• Gary Lewis & The Playboys
• Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon
• Jay Siegel's Tokens
• The Crystals
• Chris Montez
• The Passions
• The Eternals
• The Devotions
• The Emotions
• Jerry Blavat, Emcee Extraordinaire
• Robert Klein, Comedian

The Elvis Tribute Program with:

• Mark Anthony
• Jay Dupuis
• Dwight Icenhower
• Gino Monopoli
• Anthony Von
• Cliff Wright
• Jay Zanier
• EAS Band

More information is available on the Malt shop Memories Cruise web site. Hope to see you on board!

• Relive Malt Shop Memories Cruise ’12 with Cruise Diva: Making Memories At Sea

Image Courtesy of the Malt Shop Memories Cruise