Pianist dies on MSZuiderdam charter

[Himself]

Thanks for the information TomC. Unfortunately, I don't watch much tv

[NC Medic]

I was on this cruise but not there when Anthony died. We had late dinner so we went to the earlier concert. There was a coded announcement during our dinner which I assumed to be an emergency and we heard after dinner during the dessert extravaganza that he had died. It was a terrible tragedy but the Gaithers did a fantastic job of keeping the passengers upbeat. There was a lot of crying and reminiscing at the remaining concerts but also a lot of joyful music. It was not as depressing as it may seem. There was very little gossip and negativity that usually accompanies an occurence such as this. I understand that the medical crew attempted to resuscitate him for approximately 45 minutes which from my medical knowledge is appropriate, maybe even a little excessive in sudden cardiac arrest situations.

 

As far as the price of the cruise. It was high and I had to stuggle to go. This concert was my cousin's dream vacation. She has MS and wanted to go very badly so I counted my change jar, worked a bunch of overtime and managed to pull it together. Needless to say, I didn't splurge very much during this one. The casino was closed and there was no alcohol displayed but passengers could get a drink if they asked, which I did few times. The bar and beverage staff were bored but a few told me they enjoyed the break. There was also no smoking allowed anywhere except on one side of the midship lido area and in the cabins. In the shop all the alcohol and cigarette displays were covered with brown paper but again, you could buy anything if you asked. One of the bartenders told me, "We are here to make you happy."

 

This was still an enjoyable cruise despite the tragedy. The weather and seas were perfect, the music fantastic, and the food was the best I've ever had. I plan to write a review a little later.

 

Lori

[Max&Tux]

This was our first cruise ever - and truly, the most fantastic week of our lives. Losing Anthony Burger was tragic for those left behind, but just think, being on a wonderful cruise, doing what you love to do, and the next moment, being in the presence of the Lord! What a way to go!

 

Although we have no other cruise to compare this to, I can't imagine one that would be more awesome. The fact that we were with people who had the same basic values that we have, that there was no drinking, no gambling and limited smoking and that wonderful music all week made it worth every penny we spent. In fact, we are encouraging friends to go with us next year! I would gladly give up all the vacations we do during the year to be able to do this all over.

 

The cost is a bit higher - but you know what they say about getting what you pay for.... We met a lady on board who said that this cruise had been her dream for so long, and she sold 3200 pounds of homemade candy to raise the money to afford it. Needless to say, she was overjoyed to be there.

 

The crew of the Zuiderdam has to be the cream of the crop...they were there to make our cruise enjoyable - and they were successful. I felt like a queen all week.

 

In our 42 years of married life, we have experienced some incredible moments - this cruise is right there near the top - I am so grateful that we were blessed with it.

[beaming90]

I am so glad that you all were able to enjoy your cruise. It is nice to hear how the rest of the Gaither family kept going. What a way for him to go. Surrounded by friends and playing a beautiful song! Have a great week everyone!

[kryos]

As far as the price of the cruise. It was high and I had to stuggle to go. This concert was my cousin's dream vacation. She has MS and wanted to go very badly so I counted my change jar, worked a bunch of overtime and managed to pull it together.

I'll look forward to reading your review, Lori.

 

Your cousin is lucky to have someone like you. Dream-makers are rare in today's world ... but you made your cousin's dream a reality. The Lord will surely bless you for that ...

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita