Cruise ship entertainment has come a long way, and now you can enjoy Broadway-style shows while sailing the open seas.
Gone are the days when you had to choose between a luxury cruise and top-of-the-line entertainment – now you can have both. Whether it’s the lively tunes of “Grease” or the breathtaking choreography in “Hairspray” on Royal Caribbean ships, these productions are designed to wow.
Cruise lines are pulling out all the stops with professional performers, impressive sets, and creative staging that make you forget you’re on a ship.
In this guide, we’ll show you how these onboard shows stack up against the legendary theatres of Broadway and the West End, helping you make the most of your next cruise with some unforgettable entertainment.
Which Cruise Lines Offer Musicals
Here is a comprehensive list of current and upcoming theatre and musicals at sea on these cruise lines:
Royal Caribbean
- “Cats” on Oasis of the Seas: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical brings Broadway to the ocean.
- “Grease” on Harmony of the Seas and Independence of the Seas: A fun-filled musical experience with classic hits.
- “Mamma Mia!” on Allure of the Seas: ABBA’s music comes to life in this feel-good production.
- “Hairspray” on Symphony of the Seas: This Tony Award-winning musical transports audiences to the 1960s.
Princess Cruises
- “Rock Opera” on Regal Princess and Majestic Princess: A blend of high fashion and musical theater.
- “5-SKIES” on Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess: A tech-driven production featuring virtual reality elements.
- “The Secret Silk”: Created by Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz, this mystical production captivates with its unique storytelling.
Norwegian Cruise Line
- “Jersey Boys” on Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Breakaway: The story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
- “Choir of Man” on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Escape: An interactive show set in a British pub.
- “Burn The Floor” on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Epic: A high-energy Latin and ballroom dance show.
Carnival Cruise Line
- “Flick” and “America Rocks”: Dynamic Playlist Productions delivering a variety of musical experiences across various Carnival ships.
Holland America Line
- World Stage: Features performances by the Step One Dance Company and the Cantaré vocal quartet on Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Rotterdam. In 2025, Holland America will launch 15 new Broadway-style productions, including shows like “Time” and “Diary of Dreams”.
Disney Cruise Line
- “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” on Disney Wonder: A theatrical adaptation of the beloved animated film.
- “Beauty and the Beast” on Disney Dream: A stunning Broadway-style production.
- “The Golden Mickeys”: An award-show-themed production celebrating Disney films across multiple ships.
Celebrity Cruises
- “Elyria” on Celebrity Edge: An edgy production set in a fantasy world.
- “The Jewel” on Celebrity Eclipse: A high-energy show combining dance and aerial acrobatics.
- “Topper” on Celebrity Reflection: A whimsical show set in a fantastical world.
MSC Cruises
- “Fantasia” on MSC Fantasia: A family-friendly show with a mix of dance, acrobatics, and music.
- “Paris Couture” on MSC Grandiosa: A high-fashion spectacle set against the backdrop of Paris.
- “Wicked Wonderland” on MSC Meraviglia: A dark and mysterious musical production.
Cunard Line
- “Top Hat” on Queen Mary 2: A classic British musical comedy.
- “The Sound of Music” on Queen Elizabeth: A nostalgic production featuring iconic songs from the movie.
- “Becoming the Beatles” on Queen Victoria: A tribute show chronicling the rise of The Beatles.
Virgin Voyages
- “Duel Reality” on Scarlet Lady: A modern, acrobatic retelling of “Romeo and Juliet.”
- “Untitled Dance Party Show Thing”: A high-energy dance and music performance turning the ship into a dance floor.
- “Ships in the Night”: An innovative show using technology to tell a story of love and connection.
Seabourn Cruise Line
- “An Evening with Tim Rice”: A musical production featuring the work of Tim Rice, available on several Seabourn ships.
- “Sir Tim Rice’s Concert”: A live performance narrated by Tim Rice himself.
Azamara
- “Broadway Cabaret”: Intimate Broadway-style performances in the cabaret lounge.
- “Azamara’s White Night Party”: Live music and dance performances under the stars.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- “My Revolution” on Seven Seas Splendor: A musical journey through the 1960s.
- “Across the Universe” on Seven Seas Explorer: A Beatles tribute show.
- “Broadway Tonight”: A revue of hit songs from famous musicals.
Silversea Cruises
- “Voices of Silversea” on Silver Muse: A classical music and opera-themed show.
- “La Dolce Vita” on Silver Spirit: An evening of Italian music and dance.
P&O Cruises
- “Astonishing”: A magic and illusion show on Britannia and other ships.
- “Festival” on Iona: A celebration of world music and dance.
- “The House of Magic” on Iona: An immersive magic experience
Quality of the Productions
If you’re interested in the quality and scale of the productions – how they compare to Broadway or West End shows, here’s our comparison list.
- Professional Performers: Many cruise lines employ highly trained actors, singers, and dancers, often with backgrounds in Broadway or West End productions.
- High Production Values: Cruise ship productions feature sophisticated lighting, sound systems, and special effects that rival those in major land-based theaters.
- Elaborate Sets: The sets are often grand and intricate, designed to create immersive environments despite the space constraints of a ship.
- Detailed Costumes: Costumes are crafted with attention to detail, ensuring they are both visually stunning and functional for the unique conditions at sea.
- Choreography and Direction: The choreography and direction are on par with professional theater productions, bringing dynamic and engaging performances to the audience.
- Innovation at Sea: Some cruise lines incorporate cutting-edge technology and innovative stage designs, such as rotating stages and interactive screens, to enhance the theatrical experience.
Schedule and Availability of Cruise Ship Shows
When you’re on a cruise, knowing when and where the shows are happening is super important for planning your evenings. Cruise lines usually have a variety of performances spread out across the trip, so you’ll want to check the schedule early on.
You can typically find the showtimes in the ship’s daily newsletter or through the cruise line’s app. These schedules will tell you everything you need to know—like what shows are playing, where they’re happening, and what time they start. For example, if you’re sailing with Royal Caribbean, you might have several chances to see “Mamma Mia!” throughout the week, letting you pick the best time that fits your plans.
Since popular shows can fill up fast, cruise lines often run multiple performances on different nights. This gives you the flexibility to catch a show without missing out on other activities like dining or shore excursions. Plus, some cruises let you reserve seats in advance, which is a good idea if you want to guarantee a spot for something like Disney’s “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular.”
Booking and Seating for Cruise Ship Shows
For high-demand shows, such as Broadway-style productions on Royal Caribbean or Disney Cruise Line’s musicals, it’s a good idea to make reservations as soon as you board.
As for seating, many ships have large theaters with tiered seating, meaning every spot offers a decent view. However, if you’re aiming for front-row or center-stage seats, booking early is key. Some cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line, offer premium seating options that might come with an additional cost, but these are often bundled with dining packages or special experiences.
In most cases, attending these shows is included in your cruise fare, but there might be extra charges for special events or exclusive seating areas
Top 10 biggest theaters on cruise ships
These theaters are among the largest at sea and provide state-of-the-art facilities for Broadway-style productions, musicals, and various other entertainment options.
| Cruise Line | Ship | Theater Name | Seating Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Oasis of the Seas | Opal Theater | 1,380 |
| Royal Caribbean | Symphony of the Seas | Royal Theater | 1,401 |
| Disney Cruise Line | Disney Dream | Walt Disney Theatre | 1,340 |
| Disney Cruise Line | Disney Fantasy | Walt Disney Theatre | 1,340 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Epic | Epic Theater | 1,081 |
| MSC Cruises | MSC Meraviglia | The Broadway Theatre | 985 |
| Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Vista | Liquid Lounge | 895 |
| Princess Cruises | Regal Princess | Princess Theater | 925 |
| Holland America Line | Nieuw Statendam | World Stage | 890 |
| Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Edge | The Theatre | 900 |
Extras and Tips
When you’re catching a show on a cruise, it’s not just about the performance—there are tons of extras and enhancements that can take your experience to the next level.
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Themed Dining: Imagine dining on a meal that’s inspired by the show you’re about to see. Some cruises offer themed dinners where the menu and decor match the, how cool is that!
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Meet-and-Greets: If you’re a fan of the performers, you might get the chance to meet them! Some cruises set up meet-and-greet sessions where you can chat with the cast, snap some photos, and even get autographs. These are often part of special packages, so keep an eye out for them.
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VIP Packages: Want to feel like a star yourself? VIP packages can hook you up with the best seats in the house, plus perks like free drinks, access to exclusive areas, and maybe even a behind-the-scenes tour. It’s all about making your night out even more memorable.
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Exclusive Access: Some ships have private lounges or special seating areas where you can watch the show in style. These spots usually come with comfy seats, great views, and personalized service, so you can relax and enjoy the show to the fullest.
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