Thread: Which Cruiseline?

Which Cruiseline has the best entertainment and why?

Wow, that's a really open ended question and I bet you get as many different answers as there are people reading this.

Some people like big production stage shows like Cirque de Soliel or spectacular Broadway type shows, some people like a great comedian or magic act on a smaller stage, some people are really into big name acts. Some people don't like any of that and would rather like sip martinis in a quiet lounge, listening to someone play the piano while singing old Frank Sinatra songs. Some people with kids will go for lively and colorful Disney type performances that some childless couples might rather avoid like the plague!


I'll tell you the best show I ever saw on a ship, and it was none of the above. In Tahiti aboard the Paul Gauguin a family from the little island of Raiatoa came aboard and performed authentic South Pacific songs and dances. All the family was part of the act, from babies to great grandparents. We all sat out on the pool deck (not a big area on that ship) sipping island drinks while enjoying the show...and was it ever wonderful. And they were all so talented and so beautiful...and so sweet...I wanted to take them all home with me!!

That's a very good guestion!!

Not everyone has the same tastes when it comes to entertainment.

For example: Some people like comedians while others don't. And then there are some good comedians and bad ones. Some cruise lines have good production shows while others are just average.

Tough one to call.

I am just hoping that Princess will not have the Broadway show tunes this year. Four years in a row was enough of that. I like a variety of performers. We saw a singer named Tony B. a couple of years ago and enjoyed him very much.

There is usually a range of entertainment. On our last cruise there was a group of Hawaiian children who came aboard during the Honolulu port stop and performed. We missed it but the kids were taken to it and I heard only compliments. We saw one of the production style shows that featured song selections from many Broadway musicals. I'm the only one in my family who was familiar with most of the songs but my hubby and little one enjoyed it too. We also saw a guitarist/musician who entertained. My hubby, who's been practicing his guitar even on the ship, was impressed with the guy's playing. We also sat in one of the specialty restaurants (after dinner) and listened to a pianist for a while.

A rule of thumb is that if you're not into corniness, avoid the big production shows. If you're picky about high class entertainment, avoid the "Newlywed and other game shows" type of fare. If you don't want to be around crowds, check out the little lounges. Often there's a musician playing quiet music.

Of course, there are many exceptions. You may be missing out on some fun shows.

I have enjoed the production shows on the 3 lines I have been on, RCI, Celebrity, and Princess. I especially like the dance numbers. I wouldn't say any were GREAT, but I was entertained and that is why I went!!!!

I did really like a string quartett while on Celebrity, they were near the coffee bar and a pleasure to listen to.

I remember when we went to a comedian's show (I think on Carnival) and the guy was funny in our book. He had a lot of jokes aimed toward more big cities (a bit of drug humor, too) that apparently went over many passengers' heads. I noticed many weren't laughing. I think the cruiseline's entertainment director should have let the guy know what his audience was going to be.

I have only sailed Carnival and to me it is only entertainment,
not always everyone's cup of tea...

I love the entertainment onboard. I'm not a big drinker, and I don't like to gamble, so I enjoy going to the shows. Of course I have found some better than others; but as a general rule, all of the lines offer enough variety so there is usually something for everyone.

Our most unique experience was onboard the Tahitian Princess. Because there is no huge theater onboard, all of the main shows were in the big lounge. It was very close to being like a theater in the round. You were seated up close and personal. The performers were so close that you could have touched some of them if you wanted.

I agree with Texashorselady about the Children of Raiatea. They were fantastic, and since they performed in the round, as I described, it was even better. It is amazing what those children could do. The little one on the left, was not quite 3 years old!