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This week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, I am proud to welcome Josh Christina, Recording Artist, scene-stealing, piano-wielding frontman, and veteran headliner of several cruise lines. Listeners know I am as passionate about music and comedy as I am about cruising so when I get a chance to have a conversation with someone who has performed on cruise ships, I am in my glory.

Josh Christina is a dynamic and passionate musician whose love for piano rock has taken him on an incredible journey. His musical story began at the age of 7, inspired by the iconic sounds of Elvis Presley in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch. It wasn’t until age 15, after seeing the Broadway show Million Dollar Quartet and discovering the electrifying Jerry Lee Lewis, that Josh began playing piano, igniting his path as a pianist and performer. Josh’s talents caught the attention of Grammy-nominated producer Kent Wells, who has worked with legends like Dolly Parton and Reba McIntire. Kent describes Josh as “such an old soul,” praising the way “the music just pours out of him.” This connection led to Josh recording in Nashville, creating music that resonates with the soul of classic rock and boogie-woogie.

His single “Kayla Ann” topped several independent radio charts, and Josh’s album Instincts (recorded at the historic Sam Phillips Recording in Memphis, TN) was a testament to his mastery. Produced by Josh and Grammy-winning pianist Jon Carroll, Instincts received high praise, with Jon calling Josh a performer who “does it real well and means every note.” Josh’s high-energy performances have taken him across the globe, including a UK tour where he graced the stage of Ireland's Late Late Show. He’s headlined major cruise lines, bringing his piano rock show to fans of all ages worldwide. He’s also shared the stage with some of the world’s top boogie-woogie and rock ‘n’ roll pianists, earning admiration from both peers and fans for keeping the genre alive.

His latest album, UFO’s Over Phoenix, recorded live at Stages Music and Arts in Maryland, has already captured attention for its unique sound. Daryl Davis, former bandleader and pianist for Chuck Berry, describes the album as striking “the perfect balance of a scent of the familiar while being creatively and refreshingly new.” Josh Christina’s infectious energy, undeniable talent, and deep respect for rock and roll history have earned him a dedicated following. His music is a celebration of the past, present, and future of piano rock.

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This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast I am delighted to welcome Gian and Angie, two cruisers living out two amazing stories on a cruise ship. That’s right, two amazing stories. The first is living on a cruise ship, Villa Vie Odyssey for the next three years, circumnavigating the globe and in the process visiting 147 countries across all seven continents—425 port stops in all. Anyone who is a regular listener of The Joy of Cruising Podcast knows I wouldn’t hesitate to host Gian & Angie on the show at some point during their dream voyage. There’s a second amazing story Gian & Angie are a part of—it became world news—and it is how they came to my attention.

For background, Villa Vie Odyssey was originally due to sail from Belfast, Ireland in May 2024. Two passengers, who did not know each other, Angela Harsanyi from Colorado, and Gian Perroni, from Canada were awaiting sail away day when shortly before, an urgent need for some major repairs were uncovered, that would take several months. Some of the passengers chose discounted vacations around Europe; others remained in Belfast and worked remotely—including both Gian and Angie, who still had not met. Some time during the ensuing months Gian and Angie found each other; then they found love. Villa Vie Odyssey finally sailed in September 2024. When the ship stopped at Costa Rica, a couple of dozen friends and family members joined the several hundred passengers aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey for Gian and Angie wedding.

Gian Perroni is from Vancouver, Canada, and prior to embarking on the Odyssey spent the previous 6 years living in Costa Rica. He is still working full time in the online marketing space and has a dedicated office with a great view onboard the ship. Gian has 2 adult children from a previous marriage, both of whom were in the wedding party. Angie Harsanyi, now Perroni, is from Colorado, and was a successful salon owner for more than three decades. She’s an avid outdoors person that loves to spend winters snow-biking, and summers exploring nature, including living for a time in both Yellowstone and Alaska. Neither Gian or Angie were cruisers in the past, and neither joined the Odyssey expecting to find love, but rather simply looking for an exciting change in their lives. As it turned out, the delayed launch of the ship gave them the time to explore Belfast together and become great friends before they became a couple. Their back-to-back weddings onboard couldn’t have been more perfect!

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This week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, I am delighted to welcome Jodi Murphy, Director, Strategic Partnerships,Regent Seven Seas Cruises. I have long had desire a desire to sail Regent Seven Seas, stemming from my research in my first cruising book, The Joy of Cruising amzn.to/3lAfyON, where I research an organization, Friends of Festival at Seawhich organizes very high-end group cruises to exotic locations, many on Regent, which at the time I wasn’t very familiar with. Since then, Regent Seven Seas has been on my bucket list.

Jodi Murphy is a seasoned travel industry professional with 25 years of experience at Regent Seven Seas Cruises, where she currently serves as Director, Strategic Accounts. In her role, she collaborates with travel advisors to bring Regent’s ultra-luxury, all-inclusive experiences to discerning travelers. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is truly Unrivaled at Sea, offering immersive exploration, world-class hospitality, luxurious space, and exceptional cuisine—qualities that define its new brand campaign, Nobody Does It Better.

Jodi is passionate about luxury cruising and believes in the transformative power of travel. One of her most memorable Regent experiences was sailing to Alaska aboard Seven Seas Explorer with her children in July 2024, an adventure that deepened her love for exploration and the unparalleled service Regent provides.

Find Jodi, Regent Seven Seas online

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RegentSevenSeasCruises

TikTok: @regentsevenseascruises

Instagram: @regentcruises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/regentsevenseascruises

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