“Daniel was the highlight of our South American cruise, for after a busy day exploring our ports of call, or after a relaxing sea day, we always looked forward to relaxing at the piano bar and Daniel. His talent, and friendly and contagious personality made the end of each day something we looked forward to and enjoyed immensely. Daniel's ability to deliver on requests, as well as his polished, yet informal repertoire provided a varied and most enjoyable performance each evening. By the time our cruise ended, way too soon, we knew we had made a friend of Daniel, as well as the other cruisers who joined us each evening in the piano bar. If you have the opportunity to end your days at sea enjoying Daniel's talent, do it - you won't regret it.”
- John & Barbara Vazquez, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, November/December 2019, Ms Zaandam
“Daniel is one of the most talented piano entertainers I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. He truly is a master of the keyboard, and his voice is intoxicatingly beautiful, adapting his tone to different genres. It is not adequate simply to say how much fun it was in Daniel’s piano bar. He has a huge repertoire of tunes, and if he doesn’t know a song, he will have learned it by his next performance. Daniel makes each person feel special and acknowledged with eye contact and conversation. He gently probes guests to make their requests, either particular favorite songs, artists or genres. He involves the entire audience in singing, clapping or quietly reminiscing. Having spent every night of our 11-day cruise on Holland-America’s Zaandam enjoying Daniel’s talent, I can say that each evening was completely different and unexpected with a variety of songs and atmospheres depending on the crowd that night, and often the crowd was standing room only. It is a very interactive experience! The intimacy of his piano bar is unique, because he connects to guests with his music and infectious personality.
There is something to be said about an entertainer who, despite our visiting all the exotic ports of call and interesting activities offered on a cruise ship, we looked forward all day to hearing each night. My husband and I also look forward to hearing Daniel again soon, as we have already booked a future cruise on which he will be performing, and we will follow him wherever he goes ……he is that good!”
- Jill Allen, November/December 2019, Ms Zaandam
“On our Fall cruise to South America, we had the privilege of hearing Daniel play in the piano bar. We went every evening to hear his beautiful tenor voice & piano expertise. It was so much fun to sing along. Daniel has a unique way of engaging his audience & making everyone feel comfortable & welcome to sing along. He encourages requests. He played a Paul McCartney medley of songs for me that was just wonderful! Our last night I asked if he would play it one more time which he thankfully did. It was amazing & something that I'll truly never forget! We will always remember our evenings with Daniel in the Mix as one of our favorite parts of our cruise.”
- Mary Beth Riesland, November/December 2019, Ms Zaandam
“I am blessed with much and many; however, each year I name someone who has brought me the most joy and helped all negativity dissipate. This year he is Daniel. Being the consummate professional with great additions of humor, I just don’t know how he plays the piano, sings, laughs takes requests and engages his audience so we’ll. His performances will stay with me for years to come. Keep healing us Daniel 🎹. The world needs you!”
- Susan Stevens, 2020
Daniel was our savior on a 33-day cruise. Guess we are not “avid” cruisers but his warmth, repertoire and big smiles were a breath of fresh air on an otherwise very stagnant line-up on the main stage. We always went to the main stage but then gave ourselves a personal ‘lift’ by just sitting and listening to Daniel and his patter. Thank you Daniel, you did it for us with “Morning Train”!
Rod Turnbull, BC, November/December 2019
“My husband John and I really enjoyed Daniel's musical performances at the Mix Bar on the Zaandam during our South American cruise from Rio de Janiero to Santiago. Each night on the 16 day cruise we were delighted not only by the songs performed but also the smooth transition for one artist to another. Daniel demonstrated amazing range and perfection of his craft. When planning our next cruise, we would be delighted if he were a member of the entertainment staff.”
- John & Phyllis Blum, November/December 2019, Ms Zaandam
“I met Daniel on the Ms Zaandam en route to Ushuaia. He's a great pianist and creates a superb atmosphere every evening! He's also a great singer, and he's capable of singing anything that's asked of him. It's fantastic; we've had some very funny evenings at the Mix Bar! I'm lucky to go on a future cruise where he'll be on the Ms Veendam.”
- Béatrice, Paris, France. November/December 2019, Ms Zaandam