Amanda PhillipsIn the last series of the X-Factor viewers often heard the acerbic Simon Cowell ask mediocre singing acts if they used to work on a cruise ship. Obviously the pop guru has not found time in his hectic schedule to take time off and witness the sea-change in cruise ship entertainment.
More than any other, two ships have been at the vanguard of taking entertainment to another level. Always the innovator, Royal Caribbean’s ships are paragons when it comes to cutting-edge shows at sea.
Like something out of Las Vegas, ‘Oasis of Dreams’ on Oasis of the Seas and ‘Oceanaria’ aboard Allure of the Seas are staged in purpose-built AquaTheatre pools. With a sell-out crowd guaranteed for every performance, these shows call for a cast of 15 synchronised swimmers, acrobats, and high-divers and are amongst the most awe-inspiring diversions to be found anywhere on the high seas.
You’ll be wowed during full-length productions of ‘Mamma Mia’ on Allure of the Seas; ‘Cats’ on Oasis of the Seas and ‘Grease’ on Independence of the Seas. With sets, directors and some cast members transferred from West End and Broadway productions these are pure showstoppers.
There’ll be no risk of entertainment apathy aboard Norwegian Epic when ‘Cirque Dreams Epicurean’ is showcased from April; in March ‘Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy’ will be appearing on Norwegian Breakaway and in May ‘Cirque Dreams & Steam’ will be a headline show on Norwegian Getaway. These performances by acrobats, contortionists and tightrope walkers are an entertainment zinger with dinner. At the Cavern Club you can step into the legendary Liverpool club for live music and a Beatles cover band. ‘Howl at the Moon’ is probably the World’s Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Duelling Piano Show – it’s contagious and unlike anything else at sea.
Princess Cruises’ bring television’s ‘The Voice’ to the high seas. The contest begins with karaoke try-out sessions for vocalists 16 years or older, then selected singers are assigned a professional mentor before performing at the live final when the audience votes for the ‘The Voice of the Ocean’.
Having performed with Robbie Williams, singer Jonathan Wilkes has brought a new stage production to P&O Cruises’ Azura, featuring songs by Michael Jackson, Coldplay, Sting, Lady Gaga, Elton John and Paloma Faith. The ‘Evolution’ show explores the diversity between the Fabricators and the Humanoids tribes. Think Mad Max meets Avatar and you’re getting close to this electrifying, hi-tech visual show. For more details call our cruise specialists now on 0141 242 1337 or click on www.barrheadtravel.co.uk.