When it comes to glitz & glamour, cruise ships are the ultimate stars on the travel scene. From intimate piano concerts to breathtaking acrobatic shows or impressive Broadway productions, everything is possible on a cruise ship.
In this final week of the #ChooseCruise month we are having a look at the latest entertainment concepts on board cruise ships.
WELCOME TO THE THEATRE
Cruise ships may have started out offering amateur coverbands and high-school musicals as part of their onboard entertainment, but those days are long gone. Nowadays cruise lines spend tons of money to offer guests the best entertainment in the world in venues that can rival – in size and technological equipment – with any theater on land. In most cases – like Two70 onboard Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class and The Carousel Lounge onboard MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia Class ships – the onboard theaters are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that would make land based venues turn green with envy.
BROADWAY AT SEA
Traditional, or should we say old-fashioned, forms of entertainment have been thrown overboard and replaced with modern showstoppers. In the evening, passengers can enjoy hit shows such as Mamma Mia!, Grease and Jersey Boys. For those who aren’t big fans of the musical genre there are shows in collaboration with international names including Cirque du Soleil, Liverpool’s Cavern Club for Beatles’ tribute bands and BB King’s Blues Club, to name just a few.
FROM CLASSIC TO ROCK… AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
Most cruise lines also present an entertainment line-up featuring international singers such as Katherine Jenkins and Andrea Bocelli, alongside rockers like Journey, Kiss and Foreigner. Although large shows are a decisive factor in cruise entertainment, there are also quieter alternatives with classical music concerts – such as Holland America Line’s Lincoln Center Stage – and folk performances by local artists.
DIY AND BECOME THE NEXT BIG STAR
For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the entertainment cruise ships offer karaoke bars or they can take part in The Voice, Strictly Come Dancing or Pop Idol, shows based on the original TV-programs. Afterwards you can hit the dancefloor in a silent disco, shake to the tunes of live tribute bands or stay up all night in one of the nightclubs.
A TOUCH OF CULTURE
Cruise ships a primarily designed to celebrate holidays with lots of fun. But more and more cruise lines also offer programs where renowned guests speakers give inspiring lectures on various topics such as art, history, music and the various destinations. Furthermore most cruise lines collaborate with well-known fine art galleries and offer floating art galleries and ‘buy at sea’ art auctions.
As you can see, the entertainment options – in addition to the family, culinary and wellness facilities – are one of the many aspects that make a cruise vacation the perfect vacation.
To find out more on the many benefits of a cruise make sure to have a look at “Five reasons why a cruise is perfect for foodies” and “Five reasons why a cruise is the perfect family vacation“. To learn more about the special wellness and fitness options for women, men and adolescents visit “Wellness cruises: creating a healthy mind in a healthy body“.
Do you offer the opportunity for guests who are amateur musicians to perform/jam (perhaps with others)?
Hi Susan, thanks for that interesting question. While cruise lines have professional entertainers on board (performing under contract), there are (almost) always crew and guest talent shows in which you can showcase your talents. Otherwise we think most cruise directors will gladly assist and offer the opportunity to perform or jam with other guests. So definitely get in touch with them on the first day and ask so they can set it up.