Whether you are a cruise veteran or planning your first-ever holiday aboard a boat, you will be aware that one of the most appealing things about this type of vacation is that the onboard entertainment is legendary.
You can guarantee that you will not be bored aboard the ship. Whatever you enjoy, you will find space and time to do it.
On top of pulling into ports around the world and seeing some of the most iconic tourist sites, the entertainment offered on board ensures that there will never be a dull moment.
Never a Dull Moment
(Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)
If you are wondering what entertainment to expect, it will vary from company to company, but you can expect a packed schedule if that is what you enjoy.
However, if you are more shy and retiring, this is just a reminder that cruise ships do not force entertainment on you, and this is plenty of opportunity for you to be a bookworm or meditator.
It is a case of creating a schedule that fits your mood and tastes, as much or as little as you desire.
Most onboard entertainment is included in the price; however, some exceptions exist.
(Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
This is the case if you book additional land-based activities or want to gamble in the ship’s casino.
As a rough guide, most entertainment, such as nightly shows, live musical performances, kids’ clubs, bingo, fitness classes, and comedy acts, is free.
Health and spa treatments and boutique dining options may cost more unless you have booked an all-inclusive or VIP package.
A Right Royal Experience
(Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)
When it comes to available options, the sky or sea is the limit. Royal Caribbean is renowned for its exceptional offerings.
Ice skating shows feature world-class figure skaters performing dance moves, triple toe-loops, and double salchows onboard an ice rink.
If that sounds chilly, their open-air Aqua Theater hosts water-based acrobatics, synchronized swimming, and diving displays with almost-nightly shows.
Aquatheater in Harmony of the Seas (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)
However, that is only the tip of the iceberg (although maybe it is best not to mention icebergs when discussing ships and floating palaces)!
You can also get a taste of Broadway while out on the high seas. Depending on the program, expect performances of shows like Mamma Mia, Hairspray, Saturday Night Fever, and Greece.
They also put on great live comedy sets inspired by the New York stand-up scene and let you compete in game shows like Love and Marriage and Battles of the Sexes while sipping a cocktail rustled up by a robot mixologist.
Two 70 Lounge (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)
If your head isn’t already spinning, it will be if you cruise on one of their Quantum Class ships, which have expansive Two70 multimedia entertainment centers.
These multimedia theatres combine virtual concerts, aerial shows, robotics, and video projections, while one of their ships has an outer space escape room.
Combine that with an onboard casino, original theatre productions, surf simulators, and the tallest waterslides at sea, and you might find you need to lie down, chill out, and relax.
Fit for a Princess
(Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)
Princess Cruises is consistently awarded prizes for its onboard entertainment packages.
They partnered with the Broadway composers of shows like Wicked, Pippin, and Godspell to create exclusive onboard productions.
Some of the most highly regarded are:
The Secret Silk – a life-size puppet show
Magic to Do – an extravaganza of song and dance
Rock Opera – a musical production that needs no further explanation
However, what sets this cruise company apart is the quality of the casino experience on offer.
(Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)
They scooped up the 2024 World Cruise award with the Enchanted Princess named the World’s Best Cruise Ship for Gambling.
Their Vegas-style casino offers everything from gaming lessons to the latest slot machines and prize tournaments.
Whether you fancy blackjack, Texas Hold ‘Em, or Craps, the casino plays by American rules, so you might want to dust off your knowledge before embarking.
The layout of a craps table can be confusing, American roulette is different from European roulette, and poker isn’t always the same the world over. European roulette has better odds with only one zero while American has two.
So, take advantage of those gaming lessons or read up before placing real money bets.
Their ships are known as floating havens of fun with their wide variety of live music shows, elaborate theatre productions, and hilarious onboard comedy scenes.
Much of their fleet hosts Playlist Production shows, which use special effects and LED screens to enhance the entertainment.
Shows range from Rock to RnB and Motown. They are great for family fun with live game shows like Family Feud and Hasbro, The Game Show.
Go North
(Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)
Norwegian Cruise Line also delivers unmatched live performances and is a favorite with musical theatre buffs.
Customers are wowed by Broadway productions like Priscilla, Queen of The Desert, Rock of Ages, Six, and Choir of Man.
However, it is not all passive entertainment, and there are plenty of opportunities for you to unleash your inner dancing queen.
Entertainment on selected Norwegian Cruise ships goes to a whole other level.
In addition to game shows and comedians, you can find go-karts and laser tags onboard. Its newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, has the first Aqua coaster at sea.
All the World is a Stage
(Photo courtesy of Cunard)
Cunard positions itself in a different league with its luxury image and upper-crust approach.
The entertainment is original and not just a blend of past styles.
The company has partnered with the Royal Shakespeare Company to bring the bard aboard the Queen Mary 2.
An exclusive Boundless as the Sea production is a mashup of some of Shakespeare’s iconic love scenes.
It is performed by the cast, who also participate in workshops and Q and A sessions.
(Photo courtesy of Cunard)
As if that is not special enough, the ship also has an onboard planetarium and has partnered with the American Museum of Natural History’s Hayden Planetarium.
While you won’t find a Shakespeare performance in the Planetarium, the bard was fond of the moon, stars, and sea. Winter’s Tale (Act 1, Scene 2) has them all.
“Swear his thought over By each particular star in heaven and By all their influences, you may as well Forbid the sea for to obey the moon As or by oath, remove or counsel shake The fabric of his folly, whose foundation Is pil’d upon his faith and will continue The standing of his body.”
No matter how you prefer your entertainment, you’ll find plenty of options on the high seas.
Doug Parker is a cruise journalist known for his no-nonsense reporting and in-depth coverage of cruise news, ship launches, and industry trends. With over a decade of experience, he’s earned a reputation as a trusted source for both travelers and industry insiders.
