Hilda High-quality production shows were once the hallmark of cruise entertainment. Each evening, you could look forward to a new headliner show, whether it be a Broadway show, a new variety act, or the in-house singers and dancers.
After cruising in recent years, there’s a trend that’s been hard to ignore. Cruise lines seem to be cutting corners when it comes to onboard entertainment. In fact, I’d argue that cruise lines have become downright lazy with their entertainment in the last few years.
Remember the days when setting sail meant being treated to dazzling Broadway-style productions and a variety of live performances? It feels like those golden days of cruising are fading, replaced by a more monotonous lineup that leaves much to be desired. It’s not uncommon to see game shows replacing a Broadway musical, forcing guests to essentially entertain one another with the help of a host.
The decline of quality entertainment on cruise ships
Take Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), for instance. They’ve been making headlines for scaling back on their entertainment offerings recently. The cruise line was once renowned for its entertainment but has quickly fallen from grace with its extreme cutbacks.
Reports have surfaced about the discontinuation of acclaimed shows like “Kinky Boots” and “Jersey Boys” on Norwegian’s biggest and newest cruise ships, along with other Broadway shows. This move is part of a broader effort to reduce costs, which unfortunately includes laying off talented cast members mid-contract. It’s disheartening to think that the vibrant performances we once looked forward to are being sidelined.
In place of these high-caliber shows, there’s been a noticeable uptick in game shows and other low-cost entertainment options. While interactive activities can be fun, the over-reliance on them has led to a repetitive experience for many passengers. A discussion on Cruise Critic highlighted concerns about the reduction in professional entertainment, with some guests experiencing multiple nights devoid of quality shows. It’s like the unique charm of live theater is being swapped out for cookie-cutter activities that lack the same allure.
Passenger discontent
This shift hasn’t gone unnoticed by the cruising community. Many seasoned travelers have expressed their disappointment over these changes. Comments from cruise forums reveal a growing sentiment that the reduction in entertainment quality is diminishing the overall cruise experience. With a decline in entertainment and an increase in cruise pricing, many are frustrated by the cost-cutting measures.
Throughout my cruises this year, I’ve witnessed this firsthand. In particular, some of my cruises with Norwegian Cruise Line have been bare bones with entertainment. Some evenings lacked any sort of headliner or production shows! This has been shocking for longtime cruisers like myself, who have grown accustomed to nightly entertainment.
When Royal Caribbean announced Utopia of the Seas’s entertainment, social media users voiced this same frustration.
Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, recently debuted as the latest Oasis class ship. The cruise line hyped the upcoming entertainment lineup, featuring standard game shows like “Battle of the Sexes” and “Crazy Quest.” Many cruisers were confused by the supposed excitement they should feel about these being advertised as highlighted entertainment on a brand-new vessel.
“This ship is a big bust for us. An overpriced version of a Carnival cruise except on an Oasis class ship for a 3-4 day sailing for a 6-7 day sailing price? Plus no new Broadway style show. Royal is losing its loyal customers fast with things like this,” said one user.
“It makes you wonder if they are getting away from the big splashy Broadway shows. The licensing is very expensive. Carnival dumb downed their production shows years ago as a cost cutting measure. NCL is doing the same now. Going with much less expensive, audience-participation style shows and game shows. They are frankly not for me but to each his own. I was disappointed that Nick Weir left Royal. He had such a passion for entertainment. Their loss for sure.”
“This is the first time I’ve seen the game shows being promoted as part of the entertainment line-up.”
“Very Carnival. Game shows are the backbone of Carnival’s current entertainment lineup. Cost cutting for certain.”
The rise of repetitive and lackluster options
Reducing entertainment seems to be a strategy used by most of the mainstream cruise lines. Norwegian’s CEO stated the recent removal of Broadway shows was driven by customer survey feedback, which seems unlikely. Guests are hoping to get their money’s worth while cruising. Who wants to pay more to receive less?
This has certainly created broader implications for the cruise experience – without nightly entertainment, how does one spend their evening? Instead, the cruise lines want you to send money onboard: shopping in the shops, drinking at the bars, and gambling in the casino. While ships are at sea, this is the only time onboard shops and casinos can be open for eager spending. This is likely why we see cruise lines adding more sea days to itineraries as well.
Do you think cruise lines are cutting back on entertainment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
