These days, the show’s the thing at sea as well as on land. Cruise lines are increasingly mirroring the best Broadway, the Las Vegas strip and the theaters of London offer, with stellar shows featuring the latest in technological enhancements. Cruise ship versions may be a bit abridged, with smaller casts and stages, but show tickets are cheaper (usually free), and parking is not a problem.
Big ships are making the biggest splash. The high-water mark in onboard entertainment is well-represented on Royal Caribbean International’s newest vessel, Harmony of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise liner, accommodating up to 5,497 guests per sailing. Harmony of the Seas offers plenty of scintillating options. Passengers can catch a Broadway production of Grease with original choreography and costumes in the 1,380-seat Royal Theater; attend the only ice show offered in the cruise industry, where state-of-the-art video techniques and special effects recreate the roundthe- world adventures of Jules Verne; or visit the AquaTheater, the largest and deepest freshwater pool at sea, where flying acrobats and daredevil divers put on yet another spectacle.
Other big cruise lines present equally ambitious performances. Carnival Cruise Line employs massive LED screens and 3D projections to enhance its musical productions which include elaborate tributes to Motown, Jerry Lee Lewis and Billy Joel. Norwegian Cruise Line offers “cirque” entertainers and complete dining services under “the only Big Top at Sea,” as well as routines performed in smaller venues by The Second City comedy troupe. And Disney Cruise Line regales families with programs and interactive deck parties featuring Disney characters as well as big shows based on its cinematic successes, including Toy Story and Aladdin.
For those seeking a touch of class, passengers on Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 can enjoy musical performances from the National Symphony Orchestra in the largest ballroom at sea, attend Shakespearian plays offered by the cast of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, enjoy stellar shows in the Planetarium or partake of live “Blue Note Jazz at Sea” performances.
The smaller luxury lines are not being completely upstaged, either. Silversea Cruises has introduced seven new shows. A salute to operatic arias fills some evenings; a tribute to the British Invasion of rock bands another. For a more intimate evening of entertainment, Crystal Cruises hosts “Magic Castle at Sea” performances for audiences of just 25 that focus on world-class, close-up magic acts.
From supper-club artistry to blockbuster productions, the latest in entertainment is no longer a pleasure one must forgo when heading out to sea.
Read This Next
Women in Travel
2016
Sep 22, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedGlobal City Guidebook 2025
Jul 12, 2025Expanded Cell Service Coming to More NYC Subway Trains
New Yorkers will be thrilled to learn more cell service will soon be available on parts of select trains in New York City. MTA officials announced the expanded service will come to the 4 and 5 train tunnels from Bowling Green in Manhattan to Borough Hall in Brooklyn.
Sponsored Content
Lech Walesa on Tour: A Conversation with a Man Who Changed the World
Some events change a nation. Some change the world.
Cruises
Jul 12, 2025Windstar Debuts Exclusive Air + Hotel Cruise Offer
Have your Polynesian dreams come true with Windstar Cruises’ new Air + Hotel offer. Receive complimentary economy airfare from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tahiti (PPT) on select 2025/2026 Air + Hotel cruise packages, a value of up to $1,500 per person.
Global City Guidebook 2025
Jul 11, 2025Step Lively in Fashionable Sneakers Designed for City Walking
Morgen Trainers, Black-Gum Colombian craftsmanship meets European-inspired style in Beckett Simonon’s Morgen Trainers. Handmade in Bogotá with full-grain Italian leather exterior and ultra-soft Vachetta leather lining (feel free to go sockless), these low-profile sneakers feature sturdy, vulcanized rubber soles and plush internal padding to withstand all-day city walking. The black-gum colorway feels timeless, but with five additional combinations to choose from, it’s easy to add some of your own personality while maintaining a neutral look that travels well with a variety of outfits. With slow fashion roots and lasting construction, they’re built to go the distance. $270.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
Airlines
Jul 11, 2025Cathay Pacific Launches World’s Best Economy Class Sale
Cathay Pacific celebrates its recent recognition as a Top 3 World’s Best Airline and World’s Best Economy Class in 2025’s Skytrax World Airline Awards with a one-of-a-kind deal.
Park Hyatt Johannesburg Opens
Daily
Jul 11, 2025How to Spend a Summer in Cyprus
Daily
Jul 10, 2025The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago Celebrates 50 Years
Daily
Jul 10, 2025Global City Guidebook: British Virgin Islands
July 2025
Jul 10, 2025Daily
Jul 10, 2025The Oberoi Group Introduces Elements by Oberoi
The Oberoi Group recently reaffirmed its commitment to building a future anchored in sustainability by introducing Elements by Oberoi, a holistic environmental and social responsibility framework.
Sponsored Content
Smarter Business Travel: 12 Tips from IHG Business Edge
For small- and mid-sized businesses, travel is often a necessary part of growth — helping to strengthen client relationships, explore new markets and attend key industry events. But with rising costs and limited resources, keeping business travel efficient and budget-friendly is more important than ever.
Daily
Jul 9, 20255 Fabulous Hotel Breakfasts Around the World
These fabulous hotels around the world prove breakfast really is the most important meal of the day.
ShareThis