When was the last time you went to a retreat or seminar event that included entertainment? Cruise entertainment includes a variety of world class entertainment options and at no extra charge. Not up for the broadway review? No problem. You will have choices of comedians, variety programs, and possibly one of your favorite acts from the 60s or 70s. On some upscale cruises you may have guest lecturers on a variety of subjects.
Several years ago we got to play jeopardy with the original host Art Fleming. During one of our cruises there was a visible comet over the Mediterranean. On board to lecture on comets was David Levy one of the discoverers of the Shoemaker Levy comet. On most cruises, at some point, guests usually become part of the cruise entertainment. Whether it’s the not so newlywed game, bingo, or ship-wide scavenger hunts, it can be as much fun to watch as they are to participate in.
With so many cruise ship options available, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. One important consideration that you should factor into your decision-making process is the type of entertainment that will be available on the ship.
Cruise Ship Casinos
Cruise ships are full of amenities. If you feel like gambling, there’s no shortage of options. Most cruise lines offer casinos with slot machines, table games, and poker rooms. There’s often also a sports book and race and horse betting room where you can wager on upcoming sporting events as well as horse races. Some casinos also have special VIP suites for guests who want to spend time in luxury.
Cruise Night Clubs
On larger ships, such as Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas or Carnival’s Mardi Gras, you’ll find several clubs that host fun activities and events. Some are adults-only, while others will admit all ages. If you like dancing and socializing in groups, it may be worth exploring them; if not, they aren’t likely to appeal to you. Common activities at these clubs include karaoke or dance competitions as well as other types of music performances and club nights.
Cruise Entertainment
One of the first things to look for when deciding on what type of cruise entertainment you want to enjoy aboard your next cruise is whether there will be live shows. The most notable thing about live shows aboard a cruise ship is that they’re typically held in multiple areas, each with its own ambiance. Cruise ships typically have entertainment spaces for 100-2000 people.
Discos/dance parties
Most cruises feature nightly discos with live music, dancing, and often drink specials. Themed parties are popular too—themed to everything from ’80s pop culture to world music. Karaoke/open mic nights: Singing isn’t just for amateur hour at karaoke bars anymore. There are plenty of ships that offer karaoke all night long, complete with backing tracks, dance routines and even professional performers to guide you along if your voice hasn’t quite developed yet.
Karaoke lounges
Karaoke isn’t just for dive bars anymore. Cruise ships—big and small—frequently have karaoke lounges, which you can find listed in your daily shipboard program or on a television channel that features live, late-night performances. If you’re shy about singing, no worries: many karaoke lounges have private rooms or seating areas for singers who don’t want to be exposed to an audience.
Movies on Cruise Shops
One of your options for entertaining yourself in your stateroom when you’re not sunning on deck or enjoying a special event, movies are fun for all ages. All cruises offer movies; often you can choose from various categories, such as comedies, action/adventure and foreign films.
Bowling alleys on Ships
Most cruise ships have bowling alleys, but these are often used for special functions or children’s parties. Each boat will also have at least one pool table and ping pong tables, which offer up fun family games that are easy to learn and involve minimal equipment. Some vessels may even have arcade games like air hockey or basketball hoops.
