By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL
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| cruisecritic.com |
Previous articles have dealt with on-board dining, shore excursions and even some of the on-board activities such as relaxing by the pool, shopping and of course the casino.
This week I will discuss the wide variety of on-board entertainment, most of which is free, although you may need reservations for the most popular shows. Standard entertainment options such as musical revues and poolside bands still thrive, but cruise lines are upping their game with things like that's rock concerts, aerial shows, big-name lecturers, Disney character meet 'n' greets or performances by Julliard-trained musicians.
The following is a sample of what some of the more popular cruise lines offer that will prevent even the hardest to please from being bored!
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean always promises innovative cruise ship entertainment, introducing unique offerings never before seen at sea on its new ships over the years. It's the first (and only) line to offer ice skating shows in an onboard rink and water-based acrobatic shows in a pool-based stage area.
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| Royal Caribbean.com |
Plus, it's brought Broadway to the high seas with shows like "Momma Mia", "Grease," and "Hairspray”. A multimedia theater that combines virtual concerts, robotics, aerial shows and video projection provides technology-enhanced spectacles like "Spectra's Cabaret." on select sailings.
The Comedy LIVE venue hosts two headliner comedians with sets inspired by NYC's stand-up clubs, while The Attic offers late-night comedy shows for adults. Royal Caribbean has also expanded vertically with the transformation of the popular Centrum areas aboard Vision-class ships into chic bars and performance spaces, which feature dazzling acrobatic displays that take place in the air above the audience.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line has recently upped its investment in cruise ship entertainment including the addition of Broadway shows such as "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”, "Rock of Ages" and “Jersey Boys" to name a few. A Las Vegas-favorite, "Legends in Concert" feature cover bands for the some of the most legendary musical performers ever. Several ships feature a sizzling Latin and ballroom dance team “Burn the Floor."
Shows even take place during mealtime with the "Cirque Dreams" dinner show, an interactive entertainment-and-dining experience that intersperses dinner courses with music.
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| cruisecritic.com |
Other entertainment highlights include: Fat Cats Jazz & Blues Club, Howl at the Moon dueling piano show, The Beatles-inspired Cavern Club, Levity Entertainment comedy clubs and live music at the Jimmy Buffett-themed 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar. Truly something for everybody.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival offers a wide variety of live music performances, elaborate and splashy production shows and top-rated comedy acts. Carnival's music-driven Playlist Productions, found aboard many of the line's ships uses LED screens and assorted special effects to enhance the singing and dancing onstage. Three to four different stage shows are performed aboard each Playlist Productions-equipped ship, with themes such as Motown and R&B and rock-inspired piano tunes.
One of wife and mine’s favorite way to spend an evening on any line is a piano bar. They are a popular musical attraction available fleetwide, especially for those who enjoy sing-alongs. and many ships feature live musical performances in lounges and in the atrium.
Punchliner Comedy Clubs can be found fleetwide with early-evening family-friendly shows and later adults-only comedy sets.
Disney Cruise Line
Of course, I couldn’t leave Disney off this list! Disney Cruise Line knows how to entertain kids of all ages. From big production shows to Disney character interactions with starstruck kids at breakfast, the line does its utmost to keep everyone happy on vacation.
Start the day off right with character breakfasts where kids can share a laugh with Goofy or a hug with Snow White. Come dinner time, several of the restaurants -- including Animator's Palate, Tiana's Place and Rapunzel's Royal Table -- offer mealtime shows as well.
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| simplytraveldirect.com |
At night, Disney film favorites are brought to life on shipboard stages in kid-friendly 45- to 60-minute Broadway-style performances. Longtime favorites, such as "Beauty and the Beast," and new hits like "Frozen, a Musical Spectacular" are all part of the fun. Other production shows feature song highlights from a mix of favorite Disney movies.
One night on each cruise, Disney features a deck party with an interactive musical show, dance parties and at-sea fireworks. Adults are not forgotten either and can watch newly released Disney movies on the big screen in the theater or pool deck and enjoy adult-focused entertainment in the nightlife districts aboard all four ships.
Holland America
Holland America features a trio of impressive partnerships that bring world-class entertainment to its Music Walk complex on every night of every sailing on select ships. The shows include classical music in conjunction with Lincoln Center Stage and Memphis-style blues courtesy of B.B. King's Blues Club. Plus, passengers can enjoy popular hits played by dueling pianos, thanks to a partnership with Billboard. Also, the cruise line has made great use of technology bringing the quality of its theater productions up a notch. The two-story World Stage has a 270-degree LED projection screen that lends energy and light to stage shows.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises partnered with three-time Oscar-winning composer Stephen Schwartz -- known for musicals such as "Wicked," "Pippin" and "Godspell" -- in 2015 to create production shows exclusively for the cruise line. So far, three shows have been rolled out, including one -- "The Secret Silk" -- that uses life-size puppetry from the famed Jim Henson's Creature Shop.
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| cruisecritic.com |
All Princess ships feature "The Voice of the Ocean," an at-sea version of "The Voice" TV show, in which passengers audition to compete in an end-of-sailing grand finale; you'll even find the iconic rotating chairs at this officially licensed show. Also, on all ships are guest acts that might include comedians, magicians and live music acts.
Clients have different criteria when picking a cruise. Sometimes, on-board entertainment is at or near the top of the list. Not all options are available on every ship, so let your travel consultant find the right cruise and the right ship for your family.
What is your dream vacation destination? Chances are there is a cruise ship going that way!
Visit my website www.landorseatravel.com or call me 1-844-TRAVEL and discover the allure of cruising!
Mike Franks is an owner/operator of Cruise Planners in Orange Park, FL. Cruise Planners specializes in ocean and river cruises, land tours and resort vacations.
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