On January 13, 2008, clowns
from all over the United States and Canada gathered on board the
cruise ship Carnival Valor for Clown Cruise 2008, the second annual “Clowning
at Sea” event. This cruise for clowns, hosted by Linda and
Bobbi, featured an ensemble cast of world famous instructors starring
former Ringling Bros clown Earl “Mr. Clown” Chaney. For
7 warm days we sailed around the Eastern Caribbean to Nassau, St.
Thomas and St. Maaretn. This private event included hands-on workshops,
nightly jam sessions, a walk-around, photo session and a charity
auction.
Workshops were presented for clowns of all levels. Nicole Portwood, a former
Ringling Brothers clown, taught two juggling workshops. The beginners used
colorful scarves first and then they graduated to juggling balls. Her second
class was geared toward intermediate and advanced jugglers and included learning
to spin plates and juggle rings and boxes. Jimbo Hunsinger and Bethany Lopez
taught 3 balloon workshops. From simple balloon animals and swords to more
advanced sculptures such as Tweedy Bird, Bugs Bunny, Spiderman, the multi layer
Birthday Cake with a Candle and a Princess’ Crown, the clowns had ample
opportunities to improve their ballooning skills. World famous artist and former
Ringling Brothers clown, Jim Howle gave two Make Up demonstrations. In the
first session Jim created a two-faced clown teaching us how with a few simple
strokes the face changes from happy to sad. In the second class Jim developed
a face for first time clown, Linda Wolf, and also a new look for Beppie, Bethany
Lopez. Lori Soto demonstrated her innovative Face Painting techniques. One
of the things she showed us was how a simple alteration to the brush can paint
on the most beautiful butterflies in just seconds! Master Clown-Shoemaker Marti
Scott brought a cache of crafty items to the work tables for her “ Make
It and Take It Props” workshop. Earl Chaney and Jimbo taught two magic
classes. Everyone was given tricks to learn in class and to take home. Earl
and Jimbo are master magicians and patient instructors! Earl also taught a
workshop on Clowning at Day Care Centers and Senior Centers. Nicole and Lori
taught a workshop on clowning at children’s birthday parties. As the
cruise was winding down, the instructors sat down together for an Open Forum
Q & A. The clowns asked many candid questions and our teachers gave some
very animated answers.
Friday afternoon was our day in clown. It began with the clowns being invited
on stage to introduce themselves and talk about their clown character. We had
a photo session with the Ships’ Photographer where both individual and
group photos were taken. Afterwards the clowns walked around the Promenade
Deck bringing smiles to faces young and old. The clowns made their way up to
the Pool Deck where they danced to the Caribbean sounds of the ship’s
band.
The majority of our group dined at 6:15pm so that they had plenty of time to
eat dinner leisurely, enjoy the ship’s shows and other evening entertainment,
including Karaoke, and attend clown jam sessions until the wee hours.
When class was not in session the clowns enjoyed their fabulous floating resort.
The food was delicious and plentiful; the evening shows were lavish and exciting;
and the pools, gym and spa offered excellent opportunities for relaxing. The
weather in the Bahamas and Caribbean was warm and sunny… in the 80’s.
In port the clowns went to the beach, did lots of sightseeing and shopping
and took a lot of pretty pictures of Nassau, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. White
sandy beaches with warm turquoise waters provided the perfect vacation getaway
for so many of our clowns who live in cold (brrrrrr) climates.
The 3rd Annual Clown Cruise will take place January 10-17, 2009 on the brand
new Ruby Princess, sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale to the Western Caribbean.
We have some new additions to our Continuing Education Program for Clowns designed
to enhance and revitalize your clowning skills.
Clown Cruise 2009 must be booked through Cruises Cruises Cruises, Inc in order
to attend the clown events. The Clown Event Fee is $100 per person. Book early
for best cruise rates. Rates are capacity controlled and will go up.
Clown Cruise 2008 was a weeklong clown cruise extravaganza chocked full of
education, hilarious clown shenanigans, fun people, new friends and warm, exotic
ports of call. What more could a shipload of clowns ask for?
Cruises Cruises Cruises, Inc – 1-800-745-7545 – 818-346-7003 -
(CST# 1013661-40)
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