Eric and Connie September 1991
 

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N

CRUISING WITH CONNIE

What a thrill this was going to be, a V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N cruise from New York to Bermuda aboard the MV Horizon with Connie Francis on board to entertain, what more could anyone ask for?

Myself and my dear friend and fellow Connie fan Cora decided this was something we had to do, so with the blessings of our understanding partners (Helen and Joe) we decided all four of us would book this once in a lifetime cruise.

None of us had ever been to New York before so this in itself was a thrill for us all. We arrived in New York from London on the Friday afternoon and after an excitingly sleepless Friday night we arrived at the dock for embarkation on the Saturday afternoon.

At the dock we met for the first time Connie’s then fan club president Mike Giambra who told us Connie was about to arrive at any moment. To our delight Connie’s limo pulled up and out stepped our gal, looking absolutely gorgeous. Connie graciously stood around the embarkation area chatting with fans and friends and allowing everyone one to take snapshots. One fan presented Connie with a beautiful bouquet of red roses.

We boarded the MV Horizon and were soon on our way down the Hudson River. At this time the four of us were on deck sipping cocktails and enjoying the sounds of the live Dixieland band playing, all of us had smiles on our faces as broad as Cheshire cats, we were so happy. I remember thinking to myself, how lucky am I to be here with the people I love, seeing sights I had only ever seen in the movies or on TV. Sights such as The Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline and in the company of Connie Francis a lady I have worshiped since I was nine years old.

The cruise from New York to Hamilton was a little rocky at times, so my friends tell me. I was used to the sea having travelled daily for a number of years on the Irish Sea between the Isle of Man and England and believe me that sea crossing can be extremely rough so this journey was child’s play to me.

Sunday afternoon was rehearsal time for Connie, we were all allowed into the Palladium Theatre for this. Connie appeared on stage dressed in a navy and white polka dot outfit which was short allowing her to show off her shapely legs to great effect.

Sunday night there were two shows scheduled for the Palladium Theatre both starring Connie. Needless to say we attended both shows. Connie made her stage entrance wearing a beautiful white and gold gown with her hair piled high. There was no orchestra to accompany Connie on these shows and she performed with the use of pre-recorded tracks. She opened with “Let Me Try Again” followed by “I Don’t Want To Walk Without You” and “All I See Is You”.

The “Hits” segment followed these opening numbers and Connie had changed into a blue and white cheerleaders outfit for this. With the big screen behind her showing footage of her early TV appearances on the likes of American Bandstand Connie sang about 10 or 12 of her many hits to the delight of the audience.  

After the hits came my favourite section of the show. Connie had changed into a beautiful mid blue sparkling gown, with her long black hair hanging down she truly was a vision of loveliness. During this section Connie sang, “Comme E Bella Stagione”, “Al Di La”,, “Mama” “Old Time Rock ‘N’ Roll”, “Wind Beneath My Wings” and “If I Never Sing Another Song”.

Still another change of outfit to come for the finale; This time Connie appeared on stage wearing her patriotic outfit of white top with blue stripes and red stars, very short red sparkling shorts, red shoes and a red cap. Connie approached the microphone and began to tell us about her entertaining the troops during the Vietnam War and then she closed the show with “God Bless America”.

The second show that Sunday night was the same format as the first only this time Connie wore an elegant white gown with a blue and lilac design on the front and shoulders for the third section.

The next day a meet and greet with Connie was arranged for passengers and many people turned up for this. At long last this was my first opportunity to have my photo taken with my idol and of course Connie had no hesitation in allowing me the privilege to be photographed with her.

We had now docked in Hamilton and it was time to explore but first we had to have our photos developed, after which we strolled around Hamilton and what a delightfully elegant place it is.

At night we would always return to the ship and indulge ourselves in all that wonderful food you only ever seem to get on cruise liners. During the days and nights in Bermuda we would socialise with many other newly met Connie fans, some of whom have become my dearest friends to this day.

Connie’s Mom and Dad were aboard the MV Horizon and what great fun they were, especially Ida. I remember Ida joining us for line dancing one night. She would always stop and chat to us whether on board or whilst strolling around Bermuda, she was so friendly.

From Hamilton we cruised around to St. George’s on the other side of the island. St. George’s is such a quaint little town, so peaceful and quiet. From this location we were able to glimpse one of Bermuda’s pink sand beaches.

Night times in St. George’s were again spent aboard the MV Horizon with yet another meet and greet with Connie, this time it was before the “Captains Dinner” and everyone was dressed to the nines. After dinner we would often go dancing in the ballroom or disco and on one of these occasions in the disco Connie made an appearance with her Mom and Dad. The DJ played many of Connie’s songs and many fans asked Connie to dance with them, which she willingly did.

Friday afternoon we departed Bermuda for New York. Another two shows were scheduled for Friday night and again we were permitted to attend the rehearsal. We attended the first show that night and it was obvious Connie was not at all well but she did do half of the show which was different from the first two shows she performed earlier in the week. Wearing two new gowns; Connie included “Cabaret”, My Mothers Eyes” and “Malaguena” in her performance. Unfortunately Connie was unable to finish the show and therefore the second show that night had to be cancelled.  

We arrived back in New York early Saturday morning, cruising up the Hudson River on a most wonderfully clear crisp Autumnal daybreak. After disembarkation we had a whole day to look around New York before our evening return flight to London so we decided to take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park and then of to Footlights record store. There was so much Connie stuff there, Cora and I thought we were in Santa’s Grotto and it wasn’t long before we had spent our last dollars, with approval of course from our understanding partners.    

  Eric Beesley 

A different side of the cruise.

Pat and Connie in Germany

We all were excited to spend time with Connie on the cruise and people came from all over the world to spend a few quality days with Connie which they did experience and more.

Although I was undoubtedly so happy to meet all the wonderful fans who came and many who have now become close friends, I was more on the other side of the coin. There was a lot of work to be done to get the shows in order and lots of notes and tasks to do. Most of the time I spent with Connie going over things and unfortunately, did not get a chance to eat or relax until often 3 or 4 in the morning, so the midnight buffet was my down time but sometimes I even missed that and once, in fact, had dinner with the crew, all of whom were very nice and kind. Most of the time I had dinner with Connie in her room.
 

We did the shows (2) during a rocky time at the Bermuda triangle and I jokingly remember holding on to the house sound board- we also saw the stage go at a slant while Connie was performing on it...again, rough waters, passing the triangle but she continued as a trooper. I wasn't present at the "Copa Shows" but put all the material together for them.

When we got to Bermuda, I remember spending the whole day with Don Tittle, re-mastering tracks at the only studio in Bermuda- I walked back about 6 o'clock the night before I left the next morning to return to work. It was interesting but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. I managed to have a breakfast or two with friends but again we had a lot of work -my mom spent time with George and Ida and treasures those moments. What gems they were!

Yes, it was a scintillating memory and people will remember this as a unique opportunity in a lifetime.


Patrick Niglio

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