Spectacular original stage productions, derivatives of the highest-rating TV series such as The Voice and Dancing with the Stars – all presented on sound stages that are state-of-the-art. Our newest ships now employ thousands of performers and behind-the-scenes technicians recruited from international showbiz arenas. The level of professionalism is unsurpassed and often the envy of theatres in London’s West End and on New York’s Broadway.
Here’s what’s on offer:
Princess Cruises’ latest show, Magic To Do, will debut on three ships later this year. It is the first of four original musicals created by Stephen Schwartz, the Oscar-winning composer of Pippin, Wicked and Godspell. Stage illusions will be masterminded by Jim Steinmeyer, who has worked with star magician David Copperfield among other illusionist luminaries. Princess is also rolling out The Voice of the Ocean, based on the hugely popular TV show The Voice, on Regal, Royal and Caribbean Princess in October and November this year. Early in 2016 the talent show will be hosted on another eight Princess ships: this could be your chance to shine. And if you’re a fan of TV’s Dancing with the Stars, you can compete on Holland America Line’s shipboard version of the show, Dancing with the Stars: At Sea.
Royal Caribbean premiered We Will Rock You, the phenomenally successful musical featuring megahits by Queen, when it launched its newest ship, Anthem of the Seas, in April. The line also presents the award-winning musicals Cats on Oasis, Mamma Mia! on Quantum and Saturday Night Fever on Liberty of the Seas. The line’s three Quantum-class ships (Quantum, Anthem and the coming Ovation of the Seas) all feature the amazing “transformational” space Two70. Named for its 270-degree ocean views, it is a huge, informal living and cafe venue during the day and the setting for dazzling shows at night. The performances are a thrilling blend of digital projection, high-flying aerialists, music and dance that keep audiences of all ages spellbound.
Holland America will introduce a similar theatre on Koningsdam when it launches early in 2016. The World Stage will have a 270-degree LCD screen surrounding the audience in the main theatre, and the flexible space that can have multiple stage configurations will host five new productions.
Magic is on the menu in Norwegian Getaway’s Illusionarium, a restaurant that hosts a show staged by world-class magicians while you dine. Tables move up and down and seats shake while the spectacle unfolds around you. Getaway’s sister ship, Norwegian Breakaway, offers Cirque Dreams & Dinner Jungle Fantasy in a similar space. This dinner-show features acrobats, jugglers, aerialists and contortionists, held under a colourful Spiegel tent. Meanwhile, NCL’s main events include musical extravaganzas Rock of Ages (Norwegian Breakaway) and Legally Blonde (Norwegian Getaway). Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – The Musical will debut on Norwegian Epic in October.
