For all of you curious about the guitar player clip, watch this 😂. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/d5pznK-dy9GzgH0.html

Having the ability to sight read music and play it exactly as written with almost no rehearsal time is a true gift. I've always been amazed by musicians who could do that well.

Did the ship gig for 4 years. It's a completely surreal lifestyle once you're in it. You do a really great job of highlighting to pros/cons of it all. I think you have to be in your 20s to fully appreciate the gig for everything that it is, and that it teaches you about "professional" life as a musician. After rehearsing so proficiently on the ship all those years, rehearsals on land all feel painfully long now. I had the pleasure/displeasure of knowing a lot of older guys who did the gig for too long and got very dark about ship life. Your time there largely depends on the people you're surrounded by, and if you surround yourself with positive people it's easy to also be positive and happy all the time, instead of getting dark on the gig. Everyone wants to care about the music, and call "Bolivia" at the open sessions, but you learn to cater the guests and read the room (VERY important entertainment skill). It's a gig for young people to get their chops together and move on to something bigger and better.

First indicator this isn't a good idea - stoked to return to Cleveland

I remember from my Disney boat days. I had saved up over $12,000 cash during a 4 month contract. Meanwhile, most of the rest of the band members blew their pay at casinos and high end excursions, and only had their last paycheck left to their name. So when the contract ended, they were all desperate to jump into something else right away, while I took some time just traveling around the country for a couple of months.

For anyone considering a cruise gig you have to take the size of the ship into account. This dude works on a huge ship with tons of musicians and so he doesn't have to work very much. I'm currently on a small, luxury line with only a few musicians and we work 5+ hours a day.

David nice video, thanks for sharing. I worked on cruise ships for 5 years, and this brings back all the great memories (and the bad), the travel, the people, and the crew bar...wow good times. The money you can save is outrageous. I started out as a photographer, then worked in the gift shop, and finally a few years as art auctioneer (with passenger status). I met my wife on one of the cruises (she was a passenger), and we've been married 12 years now with 2 delightful daughters. Again, great video. You remind me of a few people I was friends with on the ships. Travel safe mate.

That dude playing guitar at 6:40 freaking killed me!...I actually thought it was a comedy sketch at first...

I was a vocalist onboard for Celebrity in the production cast. It was a lot of fun, and I always had a ton of sympathy for y’all as musicians. You’re a fantastic drummer. Congrats on finishing your contract, and good luck to you❤️

Lol nothing like a background 4/4 with a song gala of songs from a guy trying to show every one he can play all their favorites. But you kept it going.

You've effectively convinced me. I wouldn't tolerate this crap for a New York minute. Great video, bro.

When some guy parallel parks a cruise ship better than you can park a car

"Got a nice steady beat goin..." enter guitarist.. "...The Beatles!" guitarist plays like he is just learning the song.... God I laughed out loud so hard my dogs were all like wtf??!! LOL!

David you are such a talented guy, numerous styles, different shows and artists. To read through, rehearse for an hour and play...that's Incredible

So in other words... you got drunk and thought it would be a good idea to play drums at 4am TWICE! LOL

Nice job. I am also a drummer and worked several cruise ships starting when I was 18. This was before the internet. There were 4 or 5 bands on the first ship I was on and we would start a jam session after the last main show. We would play until 5-6 in the morning. Have breakfast and sleep until noon or 1 and then go out in port and rent motorcycles etc. Most of the time was spent with beautiful girls that were passengers and there were different ones every week. Playing jazz, traveling the world and making new friends. You are right! Great experience for playing shows. The only thing is there are not too many gigs like that on land now as there were years ago. I was fortunate to have my own cabin. So I could listen to jazz all day. One time on the way to get on the ship in Florida, I stopped at south of the border. They sell fireworks and they were in South Carolina. I bought a bunch of bottle rockets m80s etc. well 4th of July rolled around and the whole showband went on deck and we lit off all the bottle rockets from the top deck. Well.... at least 50 boats came to rescue us as they thought it was a distress call. We all got fined and confined to our cabins for a week.

Did it for 5 years... was a great experience.

Lock this man up!!! He absolutely murdered that kit!!

First time watcher. Dude, sweet beats! We want you to come to Oregon and replace our drummer. You can break the news to him when you get here. Tell him you saw bigfoot outside and then point to the woods. He will run out to see and then you come inside and lock him out. Deal?

so i found your channel from Gabe (drum beats online) and I have to say david that i have a ton of respect for you and A LOT of props to you for being able to sight read music and doing that with different genres all the time. that is flat out TALENT!!! no other way to put it. idk how you don't have atleast 100k subs!!! i love your channel and love the content!!!

Cool and informative. I was a contract bassist on Disney and Princess ships. But in the party bands, not the orchestra. I cant read a note...but I have a heck of an ear! You stressed the same things I would. Musos can eat at the buffet, and use the guest gym, except when crowded. Its all common sense stuff. It can be a lucrative gig if you are smart, and dont blow your paychecks at casinos and fancy restaurants in port. Eat on the ship, its FREE! Sheesh!

DAVID!!!!! I'm so stinkin' proud of you!!! How sweet of you to include me in your vid!!! I love watching your life and career evolve!!! Love you!!! ❤️😘❤️

Not a drummer "guitarist", but I must say this was awesome to see how things work for musicians. You are living a fantastic experience as I'm sure you know already. Definitely beats playing the same venues in the same ol town for the same ol pay then sitting on the couch watching life pass you by. Well done.

Worked for Royal Caribbean in the 90's. Your description sounds pretty accurate. It was crazy. Heinekens were seventy cents. The musicians are given a lot more liberties than some of the other employees. I wish I had taken it a bit more seriously.

I was a regionally touring musician for some time and gave up music all together about 5 years ago. I can totally relate to your positive attitude about the experiences you're getting. Thanks for sharing your story, it's refreshing. (also a Cle native myself)

6:41 That one friend you have that thinks he can play the guitar, but really he knows like 2 or 3 riffs and plays them completely off beat

You know why you work three hours a day?? Because you have a TALENT that nobody else has. And you should be proud. Sightread through for an hour and play 2 shows? Not many could do that.

You went straight metal on "Let The Sunshine In". I respect that.

My wife and I took our first cruise this past summer. I was AMAZED how TIGHT the band (aka "Cruise orchestra") was for the different shows/genres that were played. With playing all the genres, styles, unexpected changes (when you may have committed your bloopers) REALLY gave you a solid all around background in not becoming a great drummer, but an ACCOMPLISHED percussionist. Good luck to you, I believe you are onto a very interesting and successful career!

Excellent video and nice playing. Been a solo entertainer for RCCL, Norwegian, and Disney for years. Can't believe they pay us to do this. Lol. Subscribed. You've probably seen his channel but check out Where is Danny Black.

You smile a lot when you talk

David Cola, I'm Arnie Odell, and I play the drums. This is this first I've heard/seen of you but I'm already a fan. You seem like a really cool dude and this video was fascinating. Thank you for sharing this insight into what a cruise ship musician goes through day to day. I come from a punk/metal background and I've never even thought about this side of a "touring musician". Truly inspiring man.

I played Royal Carribbean cruises 1991-1992. I was 21 years old. I loved the experience but it also was lonely even know I was constantly with different women and got to see different ports. The funny thing is that while performing I had fun but also felt like it was not very challenging and kind of robotic. Just a hired gun. But now years later, still playing professionally, when I meet new folks and tell them I have been playing professionally for 30 years and mention having played cruise ships, they always say "oh wow, cruise ships? You must be pretty good." Lol. But to me, I could name countless achievements and performances that I would rank ahead of that experience.

Thank you for posting. This is good preparation for my planned retirement gig - "cruise ship gigolo".

Good drummer. I knew a guy who played on ships. Wild man and he loved every minute. Crazy guy. You also sound like you are having fun too.

Great insight as to what a musician's life is like aboard ship. I spent 33 years in the Canadian military and had friends encourage me to do cruise ships after I retired. One of my good friends is a drummer and Berkley grad but much before your time. Another has been doing cruise ships as a drummer for years. Wishing you the best!

I did a SOLO act for Carnival Cruise Lines ( 6 contracts from 2005 through 2008 ) It was a wonderful experience for the 1st four contracts. The attitude of the staff varies from ship to ship. You could not get me back on the Carnival Ecstasy at Gun Point !! The Conquest was really nice !

You're a fine, well-versed drummer. Enjoyed watching your playing clips! Best of luck with a continuing successful career!

I don't even play drums and I watched both videos. Fascinating.

Thanks for this post David. I was on the 'Mariner of the Seas' as part of a cocktail band, played with the same guys for 4 months and no need to sight read. However the perks were that, even though we were classed as crew, we weren't restricted as to where we could eat and got staff discount. great times.

Ya man I know. I was a staff drummer for N.C.L. on the Norway for 12 yrs. It was such a great learning exp. Honored to be Cruise Ship Drummer. Great time. Keep on Doing it.

That Beatles, stones medley was blood curdling 😂

If anyone's interested in taking a contract with Carnival Cruise Line, I'll be posting some vlogs in the coming weeks and months about their cover band position. I'm in rehearsals right now so I am able to cover the entire process from start to finish.

One of the most important but also fun parts of drumming is sight reading so it’s good that you get to do that

Ahhh...Galactic. Seen 'em 3 times. Awesome band! Stanton Moore is the man!

Great video, enjoyed it ! I'm a guitarist and always wondered what it would be like to play on a cruise ship. Now I know I never want to do it, lol. Way to go, You Rock !

My buddy does a "dueling pianos" thing on ships - you may have run into him, Tommy Orr. He also just finished a Balkan and a Mediterranean cruise. Anyway, he says it is how you say it is but he gets out more. Maybe it's the cruise line but I'm pretty sure he can use anything the guests are using (the crowding issue stands, of course). But a deck chair outside or by the pool or hanging out with guests seems to keep him tanned.

great drumming ♫♫ from age 11 my first private teacher only took students who would start reading lessons before picking up a stick and pad.. from then to now I carry one of the drum bibles, Stick Control with me and other music charts and practice reading where ever I am. So now having almost mastered (not really but close) "Prima Vista" (great sight reading) I have become a session drummer making a good living recording everything including 12 second radio bumper music/jingles, and occasionally playing trios out at uppity private parties and weddings, always with diff musicians almost every time and handed new charts. The cruise angle never dawned on me.???

Wow! Your subject was far from my thoughts, but when I clicked on your video looking for a completely different subject, and began hearing you speak about your life as a musician on a cruise ship, your manner and personality grabbed my attention, I wanted to hear more and I did...very interesting life my friend, very interesting indeed, I don't even know you and I felt proud for you doing what you love, thank you for sharing...

Oh my gosh as a musician 7:05 was the funniest thing Ive seen in a while. Im still laughing.

My first cruise was with a mat. We did it on the cheap and had an internal cabin. It’s amazing what you don’t know about people until you share a small enclosed space with them, like, oh I don’t know, he has really bad guts and farts constantly. I swear he was the root cause of my asthma....

It obviously takes a lot of talent, patience, and work to handle a gig like this. I've always been curious about how it works for the contracted ship musicians, so it's cool to hear it first hand from a drummer actually doing it. I'm sure it has it's moments but it appears that you're having more fun than not, so keep it up and enjoy your travels. Great drumming!

Hey Dude! This is the only time I (a keyboard player) has EVER been in envy of a drummer (and I have played with some GREAT drummers). I can't imagine the degree of accommodation that you can bring to the variety of styles that you are asked to accompany. If I were just a few years younger (@ 70 - Never Too Old Too Rock & Roll If You're Too Young Too Die) I would be looking to snag just this gig!

I had that gig in my late twenties, got laid a lot. Great memories.

Nice video - I've only done 4 contracts and they were nice and short on quite a posh ship. Enjoyed the clips from your gigs. Nice editing! And playing, obviously!

I'm a drummer since '82, and a few years later joined the Navy and was stationed on the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier, I had no windows in my berthing either! We did have sailor musicians and even a drum kit onboard. 6,000 people on my ship!

I played on the ships in the 70s in the lounge band. 3 and 4 nights to the Bahamas. Brings back some fond memories.

Great vid and very accurate run-down of what the gig is generally like. I'm a drummer from Cleveland originally and worked on ships about ten years (several on Celebrity). I've seen your vids playing with big Mike and really like your playing. Wish I could have gotten a chance to hang in Cle with you. Looking forward to hearing what your next gig is.

Man, your experience is exactly like mine. I played drums on NCL for a while, and had the time of my life! Can’t believe it’s been almost 10 years since my last contract. You’re lucky you got 10 days of rehearsals before your contract! I got zero rehearsal and got thrown into the show that most of the cast already had been playing for months on my first day! I have a wife and kids now, but it would be awesome to do another contract sometime. Keep it up David! I’m subscribed now.

Enjoyed this! What I enjoyed the most is your personality! You are also a skilled musician. (Musician myself) I hope you realize how skilled you are? Not anyone can sight read, then play.....Please don't let an "employer" exploit your skill. You deserve better treatment from your employer. Not only your skill, but your flexibility. How many musicians do you know are not diva enough to change up their style and play outside their box!?! You know!?! If I were putting together a band, I would look for you!

Great summary of what goes on in the life a cruise ship musician. My son is recently back from his first cruise ship contract as a a drummer and what you say here very much lines up with what he described to me. He even sent me a photo of that square in Cadiz :) Fortunately he was never ever seasick - it would be a major issue if you were I guess! You have to be good at what you do and dedicated to it to survive in this role I think and you clearly are both. I'm sure the work will keep coming in for you!

You keep saying "no sunlight" like I am not a vampire that loves conplete darkness in my room 24/7 Lol

HAHAHA i used to work for celebrity ! When i saw Dom i laugh so much !!!

I've played drums since 5th grade, in multiple hobby bands (nothing serious), and always wondered what it would have been like if I had applied myself seriously to a career. This video pretty much convinced me that (a) I had a long way to go to be qualified for it; and (b) the grind would have killed me. I got seasick just seeing the windowless room you're in -- seriously. And I probably would have walked offstage during the dude you're backing at 6:40. Wow. Anyway, great video man -- thanks for posting it up.

Very great video and it’s so nice to see a video edited where there is NOT jump cut every three words. It’s refreshing to see someone able to eloquently talk to the audience for more than one second at a time.

My name is David Cola, and I play drums *weird dab*

Solid, descriptive and fun video man!

I'm from right down the road from you in Youngstown, Ohio! When I was your age, I was afforded the opportunity to tour North America with a professional show/cover band as their guitarist when I was just out of high school, back in 1985. I learned sooooooooooooo much from playing and touring with older professionals which I carried with me throughout my musical career. I would recommend touring or doing cruise ships for all musicians. There's a wealth of knowledge in learning and playing multiple styles of music (as well as the sights you'll see!) that you won't necessarily get from staying local. Keep rockin' David!

I did the boats 1992 and 1998-9. Adventure of a lifetime and I was glad to come home with a wealth of experience and travels. The money wasn't great but I was young.. Recommended to all young musicians to get a boat gig.

Did you say Galactic!? Damn...they are righteous

Great post!!!! You are a fantastic musician and deserve all the perks in the world.

I am somewhat of a cruise-o-holic and a musician to boot. Watched part 1 and 2. It looks like David spent some time w/ Royal Caribbean, perhaps Anthem of the Seas, right out of Bayonne, NJ. Certainly looks like the Anthem concert hall. So, I found this very interesting. David seems like a very decent guy and an excellent drummer. The guys in the ship orchestra are typically the A-Plus musicians on board. Sight reading on the fly as he is doing dictates a high level of musicianship. Preparation is minimum, as explained. It is much easier to be one of the solo or lounge/party group entertainers. Anyway, viewer commentary in video PT 1/2 that this guy is an average drummer is absolutely ludicrous. Very professional guy for such a young player. He has the right attitude and kept it going when the guitarist/talent went out of time. Awesome look behind the scenes.

You're such a good drummer!!

You have to learn 20 new songs a day? That's crazy.

Interesting video the fact that you play so many genres so effortlessly is cool.

That "Day Tripper" riff that dragged like 7 clicks at 6:47 was epic - brought back some memories!

Being a drummer is playing anything and everything. Starting with listening. But that's a hard lesson.

6:40, sounds like the guitarist has been playing guitar for about 7 months lol.

You are really talented. I love your passion and ability to play a variety of styles well.

Good job David! I did that for two years on the President Cleveland, 1970 to 1972 ship's organist. Had a little more freedom than you, free run of the ship and hosted a table in the dining room and complete access to the passengers. I had a solo room, below water line and next to the prop screws. The drone sound all night made you sleep like a baby. I basically went from the S.F. West coast to the Orient, out and back in six weeks. Every eight months six weeks off with pay. Most famous passengers, John Lennon and Yoko Ono for two weeks.. I was 28 then, best two years of my life.

7:00 guitar player is thinking "its the drummers fault."

Was Kimberly Nichole there? People usually work 11 to 12 hours in a ship. Incluide myself. To work 4- 5 hours it would be perfect.

Great video! We've played with tons of cruise musicians over the years and you guys are awesome and generous performers! It's nice to know what you go through when you're not around the shows!

The first thing I was thinking when you showed the footage of you playing a gig was "boy, you better be changing out that snare head soon!" and then about 2 clips later, you punched a hole in it. I spit Coke Zero all over my bed when I saw that, especially with the "oh shit!" look on your face. Haha. Keep being you, man. You seem like a really good player and, most importantly, a great person to be playing with.

what did you do after the snare's head broke?

Fuego❤️

That cabin would be paradise for me. 😊 I need it dark for sleeping. Great vid. You’ll be working steady with your drumming and being a quick study.

I often miss Cleveland (home town) as well. Great city. Totally underrated. Ship touring sure has evolved a lot over the years.

DavidColaDrums Let's talk about...your ears. Do you wear ear plugs? Professional or just cheap foam ones? I looked for them, but couldnt see any. (But, I realise that they can be invisible in some cases.) I hope you do, because, if you have 3 hours of loud drumming EVERY single night, and do that for years, you will be pretty hard of hearing by the age of 35. You'll be straining to hear sibilance. (Also- look after the liver with milk thistle)

Really informative video, man. And your playing sounds great. Did you go through one of the staffing agencies, or did you audition for one of the lines directly?

What an amazing experience, getting paid to see the world and play music.

Soooo...it's like being a sailor (Navy vet here); work hard, play hard. Visit cool places, learning how to deal with pressure, etc etc. Sounds legit!

I just realized that I’m definitely not talented enough to be a cruise ship drummer!!!!

i got 2 interviews for musician jobs on cruise

My old roommate and friend Gabe, from Pittsburg Pa became a drummer on a cruise ship. He’s awesome.

I did my first cruise ship contract in 1979 and it's still a great way to get some paid travel PLUS it really stretches you as a player while you make lifelong relationships. I recommend it to young competent players who I teach.

I just subscribed to your KZfaq channel. Really cool video!

Wow!!!!!!!! That guitarist Sucks!

Dude, you are a GREAT player. Can't wait to see how far you go with this. Good luck to you. Really nice playing!

Did this twice as a lark (not a pro musician). The band got free tickets for playing, from a travel agent friend. The best was playing by the pool during the day. Turns out any time you play "Hot Hot Hot" on a ship a conga line of half naked drunks spontaneously forms.