Step aside, feathered showgirls. Cruise ship stage shows now rival land-based theater productions, thanks to partnerships with Broadway musicals and big-name entertainers. Outrageous costumes, high-tech effects and creative venues (including water-based and ice skating performances) are now commonplace on many mega-ships. With so many incredible offerings, we had trouble choosing our favorites, but if you're addicted to great theater, you can't go wrong with these top 9 shows on cruise ships today.
On This Page
- "Mamma Mia!" on Royal Caribbean
- "Jersey Boys" on Norwegian Cruise Line
- "Tangled, The Musical" on Disney Cruise Line
- "Magic Castle at Sea" on Crystal Cruises
- Shakespearean Plays on Cunard Line
- Epic Rock on Carnival Cruise Line
- BBC's "Planet Earth II in Concert" on Holland America Line
- Royal Caribbean's AquaTheater Shows
- "Choir of Man" on Norwegian Cruise Line
- The Secret Silk on Princess Cruises
Updated February 7, 2020
1. "Mamma Mia!" on Royal Caribbean
Ship: Allure of the Seas
Why We Love It: ABBA songs, colorful costumes and a silly-yet-sweet plot combine to create a toe-tapping extravaganza -- part of Royal Caribbean's Broadway At Sea program. The Greek Island setting is perfect for a show at sea, and the musical is so well done that many cruisers go back to see "Mamma Mia!" a second time.
Related: Which Shows Are on Which Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships?
2. "Jersey Boys" on Norwegian Cruise Line
Ships: Norwegian Bliss
Why We Love It: Just as it did on Broadway, "Jersey Boys" gets a standing ovation on Norwegian Bliss -- from both Cruise Critic editors and passengers who snag seats to the show. The at-sea rendition of the Tony Award-winning hit, which follows the rise and fall of the Four Seasons and its lead singer Frankie Valli, gives you all the feels. It's joyful, suspenseful and emotional (confession: we teared up at one point) -- all while transporting you back to the '60s and '70s with hits like "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Sherry," "December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)," and "Working My Way Back to You."
Related: Which Shows Are on Which Norwegian Cruise Line Ship?
3. "Tangled, The Musical" on Disney Cruise Line
Ship: Disney Magic
Why We Love It: Disney brings the same entertainment quality to its onboard shows as it does to its park-based productions and animated blockbusters. One of our favorites is "Tangled: The Musical," inspired by the fairytale-turned-Disney-animated-movie story of Rapunzel, who makes new friends (including character favorite Maximus) and falls in love on her journey to discovering she's the missing princess. We don't want to give away too much about the special effects, but we will say the "floating lanterns" scene is one of the most magical moments we've ever witnessed on a Disney ship.
4. "Magic Castle at Sea" on Crystal Cruises
Ships: Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity
Why We Love It: Some lines win with huge high-tech, high-energy shows to standing-room-only crowds. Crystal excels in intimate, high-quality experiences, and its best show follows that credo. Just 20 people at a time can attend this sleight-of-hand magic show, performed by a rotating roster of magicians. Even close-up, you'll be amazed at the tricks these magicians can pull off without you having any idea how they're doing it.
Related: What to Expect on a Luxury Cruise: Nightlife and Evening Entertainment
5. Shakespearean Plays on Cunard Line
Ship: Queen Mary 2
Why We Love It: Take a transatlantic cruise on Queen Mary 2, and you'll be treated to a rarity at sea: serious theater performed by a renowned professional troupe. The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) posts actors onboard ocean crossings to perform hourlong versions of Shakespearean plays, such as "Romeo and Juliet" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The shows change every transatlantic season, but the quality remains outstanding.
6. Epic Rock on Carnival Cruise Line
Ships: Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Glory, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Elation, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend
Why We Love It: Lasers, shooting flames and pyrotechnics set the stage for this high-intensity show, where performers in rock star attire sing and dance to top hits from the '70s and '80s. Kick back and enjoy the sounds of rock legends like Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Guns 'n Roses and Journey, and don't be afraid to sing your heart out.
Related: Which Shows Are on Which Carnival Cruise Line Ship?
7. BBC's "Planet Earth II in Concert" on Holland America Line
Ship: Shown on ships with itineraries lasting more than seven days.
Why We Love It: You'll feel like you're swinging through the jungle in Madagascar or facing off an Antarctic storm with penguins in "Planet Earth II." Live musicians perform dramatic scores onstage as BBC footage from around the world appears on the screen behind them.
8. Royal Caribbean's AquaTheater Shows
Ships: Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas
Why We Love It: The concept of Royal Caribbean's AquaTheater is enough to make your jaw drop: high-diving and aerial performances in an amphitheater-style pool at the back of the ship. Add state-of-the-art lighting and special effects bouncing off the water and two outdoor screens, and it's easy to see why any show at the AquaTheater is on the top of our list. Just be aware: If you're sitting in one of the first few rows, you're bound to get splashed.
9. "Choir of Man" on Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship: Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Encore
Why We Love It: The feel-good show from the UK brings together immensely talented singers for primarily a largely capella performances set in a pub. With a loose plot, but plenty of spirit, the troupe harmonizes its way through tunes from Paul Simon to Adele, Queen to Guns ‘n’ Roses. It’s a theatrical treat that will keep you humming the rest of the cruise.
10. The Secret Silk on Princess Cruises
Ships: Royal Princess and Island Princess (Diamond Princess and Coral Princess will get the show starting in early 2020)
Why We Love It: Through its partnership with Oscar-, Grammy- and Tony Award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz -- known for shows like "Wicked" and "Godspell" -- Princess Cruises has developed arguably the best show in its fleet: "The Secret Silk." The Broadway-caliber show was adapted from the Japanese fable, "The Grateful Crane," and the visuals are unlike any show we've seen on a Princess ship. High-quality special effects commingle with puppets from Jim Henson's creature shop.
