On-board cruise entertainment could become a key selling point for agents, according to operators that are adding innovative new shows to their ships’ repertoires.
Cunard this week revealed plans to create a theatre group that will debut on its new ocean liner Queen Elizabeth later this year – bringing Shakespeare to the high seas.
Norwegian Cruise Line will launch its biggest-ever ship Norwegian Epic next week which it believes will take cruise entertainment to the next level.
The ship’s entertainment will feature the Blue Man Group, comedy group The Second City, Cirque Dreams and Dinner, and kids entertainment by Nickelodeon.
Andy Stuart, NCL’s executive vice-president of global sales and passenger services, said: “I hope people on Epic will say they chose their particular trip over another one because of the entertainment.”
As well as shortened versions of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Cunard’s 21-strong Queen Elizabeth Theatre Company will also perform Neil Simon plays.
President Peter Shanks explained that the line had chosen plays that would appeal to both its British and American passengers, and claimed it was a first for the industry that he was sure would be a great success.
Queen Elizabeth will embark on its inaugural voyage in October.
Picture credit: James Porto