Performers on cruise ships face a unique challenge—entertaining in a wide range of venues, from poolside shows to grand theaters.
However, they might take inspiration and heart from performances in high places such as Eurovision contests. In terms of acts, Eurovision has had plenty that are well worth imitating.
It has distinguished itself with striking stage outfits, deep and emotional songs, and a flexible approach to theming that could be particularly useful for ensuring their performance works in various situations.
The Art of Standing Out
On a cruise, entertainers face constant competition from all the other activities—bars, pools, art shows, etc. Similarly, Eurovision acts must find a way to make themselves stand out in the crowd.
Australia, in particular, has proven itself adept at this, creating performances that are both flamboyant and unforgettable at the same time.
Cruise entertainers can learn from this tactic by utilizing elements such as unexpected outfits in their own performances. The bold approach taken by many of the Australian performers at Eurovision shows that having the courage to wear clothing that stands out is a great way to make yourself memorable and leave an impression on your audience.
Bringing Boldness to the Stage
The Eurovision stand-out performances offer some key insights for cruise entertainers wanting to fill a bigger stage with their acts. It’s not just about dancing correctly or remembering all your lines.
You need to be unique and give your audience something they were never expecting to see. Many of the pieces performed by Australia in Eurovision have done this very well.
Cruise performers can use a similar approach by weaving theater moments into their shows. Including something visual that makes the act stand out, using lighting to draw the viewer’s eye to different parts of the stage, or experimenting with music can set your work apart from everything else and help you craft something truly brilliant.
For example, take the performance on a cruise ship that starts in quiet, intimate acoustic mode and then breaks into a large-scale, choreographed routine reminiscent of some of the best displays of Australia in Eurovision.
This sort of performance keeps the audience on their toes. One moment might bring laughter and the next wild applause, but whatever happens, they know that they’re in for a dynamic and engaging evening.
Crafting the Ultimate Show
In the world of Eurovision, artists have shown how important it is to create a compelling story before even starting the music. Cruise entertainers can learn much from this idea. It is necessary to tell stories in your shows.
Rather than simply performing a song or dance, strive to take the audience on a journey. Music can provide a mood, while movement and aesthetics capture a narrative for viewers to experience.
Conversely, cruise performers who already focus on storytelling in their acts can learn from the way Eurovision acts use lighting to bring the stage to life and capture the mood they are trying to evoke even before the act begins.
When all the components come together, you can make a perfect moment that will stick in people’s minds forever. We all know the staying power that just the right phrase at the right moment can have, as this YouTube video of the greatest mic drop moment in history shows.
The perfect comeback or witty comment can stick in your audience’s minds forever and help you make your mark on the history of entertainment.
Maximizing Performance Opportunities
Modern technology enables a performer to extend their coverage beyond the stage. With social media and video sharing sites, entertainers are able to capture their best moments and show these to a wider audience.
Cruise performers should take the opportunity to demonstrate their talents outside the ship using these means.
By recording their shows, entertainers can expand their audiences from just those watching them physically to reach a far greater crowd. To make amazing online content out of your performances, take a look at this guide for turning cruise photos into video stories.
It allows entertainers to share the life and excitement of their shows with people who were unable to see them personally.
Final Thoughts: Boldness, Creativity, and Unforgettable Performances
Cruise entertainers can learn a lot from Europe’s biggest pop music competition. Finding inspiration from these performances—whether it’s the eye-catching visual images, the stage lighting, or even the creative multimedia integration—is the key for entertainers to create shows that are remembered long afterward.
Cruise performers can take their shows to new heights by daring to innovate and tell stories.
History has shown that the most unforgettable acts—as evidenced by standout performances over Eurovision years—are those that defy expectations and break new ground. Here are some of the ways Eurovision can help inspire that approach in others:
| Key Takeaways | Lessons for Cruise Entertainers | Actionable Tips | Examples from Eurovision |
| Bold, Creative Performances | Push boundaries with creativity and stage design | Dramatic costumes, props, choreography | Australia’s Dami Im – “Sound of Silence” |
| Blending Spectacle and Skill | Perfect technical skill and theatrical flair | Integrate lighting, movement, and music seamlessly | Guy Sebastian – “Tonight Again” |
| Storytelling | Develop an emotional connection through narrative | Emotional or cultural themes in performance | Jessica Mauboy – “Sea of Flags” |
