On many popular singing shows, a performance will at times be described as “something you might hear on a cruise ship.” This is generally the kiss of death; the implication being that cruise ship performances are terrible. Is this fair?

Well, like everything else to do with cruising, it depends. It depends on the cruise line, on the specific ship, even on the specific voyage. There are a wide array of different performers out there, plying their craft on the seas, and they vary wildly in talent.

It’s true - not all of the performers are great. But there is some real talent out there. Many of these performers are more than talented enough to be famous. For that matter, fame isn’t exactly synonymous with talent.

Now, I seldom go to the main theater shows when on a cruise. We are “early to bed, early to rise” people. But when I do take in a show, I am often pleasantly surprised. And some of the more interesting shows are in secondary venues. Often you will hear instrumentalists performing during the day or evening, many with real ability. It can be such a relaxing time, sitting with a drink of your choice, admiring the talent it takes to play the violin (or piano, or guitar, or sing….). One of the best shows I saw on a cruise happened in an upstairs lounge late at night - it was a Motown show which was incredible from start to finish!

I would never recommend taking a cruise just to see the shows - it isn’t like some sort of mega music festival with well known headliners. But if you are on a cruise, why not take in a show or two? Despite what you may have heard, cruise ship entertainment isn’t terrible. Some of it is fantastic.