7 of the best cruise ship shows to see now

From risqué game shows to West End musicals, Jane Archer showcases some of the best entertainment at sea

1. Miss Behave

This interactive game show epitomises Virgin Voyages’ aim to set itself apart from other cruise lines. The theatre is divided into two by Miss Behave – a fast-talking lady (or gent) with a penchant for swearing – and then it’s a case of anything goes, with points to be won and lost and no one having a clue what’s happening. Huge fun, but stay away if you are easily offended. The show is on Valiant and Resilient Lady.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Choir Of Man

2. Choir of Man

Imagine a pub and a few blokes turning up for a pint or two and bingo, and you have Norwegian Cruise Line’s Choir of Man show, which is currently playing on Norwegian Encore and Escape. There’s nothing too showy or extravagant – just a handful of guys having a good evening out with music, songs and stories.

3. An evening with Tim Rice

This is essentially songs from the shows, but with a Seabourn twist. Namely that they are all from the pen of Tim Rice, who appears as if by magic with anecdotes about the songs and the inspiration for them, before a live rendition by the ships’ singers (often with some dancing thrown in).

Expect a bit of Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Lion King, Chess, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and more. Playing on Seabourn Encore, Ovation, Sojourn and Quest.

4. Bridges

A new show playing on Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Ascent, this makes spectacular use of the LED screens across the back of the stage as well-known cityscapes in London, New York, Venice and Australia fade in and out in super high resolution. Even if you aren’t a fan of song and dance, go along to marvel at the technology.

Sun Princess’s Spellbound

5. Spellbound

See that non-descript door off the atrium of Princess Cruises’ new Sun Princess? That’s your starting point for a fun evening of close-up magic, first at a bar serving colourful cocktails and then in a theatre that holds just 30 people. And that’s all we’re saying – except to add that the venue screams Victoriana.

The show has been created in partnership with Los Angeles-based Magic Castle and the $149 price includes a four-course dinner in a separate part of the main dining room and drinks.

6. Aqua Action

Royal Caribbean has spectacular high-dive shows on all Oasis-class ships, but this one, onboard Icon of the Seas, is the biggest and best. The action takes place in the AquaTheatre, with daring divers plunging from 18m platforms into a tiny pool of water, a splashier version of synchronised swimming and even an aerial pas de deux.

7. Rock Circus

MSC Cruises built the Carousel lounges on MSC Bellissima, Grandiosa, Virtuosa and Meraviglia for Cirque du Soleil and when the theatre company went bust, developed its own high-flying shows.

This one, onboard Meraviglia, pairs rock music with acrobatics and circus acts. There’s probably a story somewhere, but forget that and just sit back and enjoy. The show is 40 minutes and you need to book seats. The cost is €10 in advance or €15 onboard, including one cocktail.

PICTURES: Steve Gregson, Christian Ekren 

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