Many people are still put off a cruise by old stories of tacky entertainment. But the new truth is that each modern ship could well be called a Broadway or Hollywood of the sea.
The singers, dancers, comedians, magicians and other artists performing at sea these days are popular performers and true professionals providing passengers with an exciting range of first-class entertainment.
Cruises are a far cry from the days of the solo cabaret singer. Instead, they offer incredible musical shows and variety acts of all kinds - which is one of the main reasons the cruise industry is growing faster than ever.
The Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) estimates that more than 25 million people will go on cruises in 2017, an increase of over 60 per cent from 10 years ago. That is due in part to the high quality music, comedies, magic acts and theatre options available.
Carnival Cruise Line, the industry's largest with almost four million passengers a year, has associated with artists like Carrie Underwood and Tim McGraw for concerts offered as part of its series Carnival LIVE. Comedians like Jay Leno, Chris Tucker and Jeff Foxworthy also appear in this year's events.
In addition, the new Carnival Vista cruise ship offers the first IMAX theatre at sea. The line's association with brands like Dr Seuss and My Little Pony provides special programs for many of the 700,000 youngsters who sail on Carnival Cruise Line every year.
Meanwhile, the super-luxury Seabourn cruiseline stages the best of Broadway. Sir Tom Rice, the Broadway and Hollywood songwriter behind such classics as Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and The Beast, The Lion King and Evita, is creating shows exclusively for holidaymakers aboard Seabourn's four prizewinning ships.
The Holland America Line also sails the waves with unique showbiz innovations. These include contracts with BB King's Blues Club, live music acts aboard in co-operation with Lincoln Center Stage, and decades of chart-topping hits available on Billboard Onboard.
Wild Alaska, a special multimedia production commemorating the 70th anniversary of the state, will also premiere on cruise ships of Holland America Alaska this season.
A study by JD Power & Associates found that 39 per cent of Generation Y and Millennials identify cruises as the best holiday choice, topping holidays on land, which got 14 per cent and all-included resorts with 9 per cent.
The singers, dancers, comedians, magicians and other artists performing at sea these days are popular performers and true professionals providing passengers with an exciting range of first-class entertainment.
Cruises are a far cry from the days of the solo cabaret singer. Instead, they offer incredible musical shows and variety acts of all kinds - which is one of the main reasons the cruise industry is growing faster than ever.
The Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) estimates that more than 25 million people will go on cruises in 2017, an increase of over 60 per cent from 10 years ago. That is due in part to the high quality music, comedies, magic acts and theatre options available.
Carnival Cruise Line, the industry's largest with almost four million passengers a year, has associated with artists like Carrie Underwood and Tim McGraw for concerts offered as part of its series Carnival LIVE. Comedians like Jay Leno, Chris Tucker and Jeff Foxworthy also appear in this year's events.
In addition, the new Carnival Vista cruise ship offers the first IMAX theatre at sea. The line's association with brands like Dr Seuss and My Little Pony provides special programs for many of the 700,000 youngsters who sail on Carnival Cruise Line every year.
Meanwhile, the super-luxury Seabourn cruiseline stages the best of Broadway. Sir Tom Rice, the Broadway and Hollywood songwriter behind such classics as Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and The Beast, The Lion King and Evita, is creating shows exclusively for holidaymakers aboard Seabourn's four prizewinning ships.
The Holland America Line also sails the waves with unique showbiz innovations. These include contracts with BB King's Blues Club, live music acts aboard in co-operation with Lincoln Center Stage, and decades of chart-topping hits available on Billboard Onboard.
Wild Alaska, a special multimedia production commemorating the 70th anniversary of the state, will also premiere on cruise ships of Holland America Alaska this season.
A study by JD Power & Associates found that 39 per cent of Generation Y and Millennials identify cruises as the best holiday choice, topping holidays on land, which got 14 per cent and all-included resorts with 9 per cent.
Source: AAP
