Entertainment on a cruise

Depending on your experience of cruise travel and what’s usually on offer in your home town, entertainment on cruise ships can either thrill you or appall you.



If you live in New York, for example, and have seen all the latest shows, nothing on board any cruise ship is going to satisfy you. If you live in the heart of the midwest and haven’t seen a decent show in a long time, almost anything offered by the major cruise lines will probably make your trip a very memorable one.



The entertainment you’re going to be offered depends entirely on the type of cruise line you will be sailing with, and whether you enjoy it or not depends entirely on your experience of entertainment and what is offered at home – and of course your personal taste in what makes “quality” entertainment.



The contemporary or budget cruise lines that are continuously recognized for their entertainment are Royal Caribbean International who is often cited as offering the best in entertainment, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival. They offer everything from Broadway shows to nightly presentations inspired by today's popular theatre hits that pay tribute to show biz greats and musical eras.


Premium cruise lines such as Princess, Celebrity and Holland America showcase less elaborate productions but feature celebrity performers and leading popular musicians on selected sailings.



The more luxury of the cruise lines, such as Silversea, Crystal, Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn offer an even higher standard of entertainment and very often present local and regional folkloric troupes on board for performances that are designed to enhance the destination experience.



These cruise lines tend to offer another step up the ladder with stars of classical music as well as the “easy listening” alternatives.



Other cruise lines like those on rivers or the Arctic offer very different entertainment as well.



If cruise ship entertainment is important to you, study the brochures and their web sites very thoroughly to make sure you won’t be disappointed in what is on offer.

Most cruise lines feature smaller lounges and showrooms where cruisers can enjoy cabaret singers, classical quartets and piano recitals. Again, the quality of the performers tends to match the tastes of the majority of passengers that each cruise line caters for.



Depending on the cruise line you sail with, cruise ship entertainment has become much more sophisticated and choices of the type of entertainment on offer is much wider than before.


Cruise Weddings




Having your wedding on a cruise is becoming an even more popular option than ever before.



And there are many reasons for this.



The first and more obvious is that combing your cruise with your wedding offers you the choice of organizing two distinct and very different actual weddings.  One at sea with the roar of the sea behind you as you complete your vows, or one at one of the destinations  - maybe even a tropical beach.  And nothing can be more romantic that that.

Another reason for planning your cruise as the ideal home for your wedding means that your wedding will involve a lot LESS stress than it would entail were you doing it at home. The cruise lines take care of everything, from the flowers to the champagne, to the place on the ship or the location on the shore.



And, very often, a cruise at sea is a cheaper deal than the 500-guest reception in your home town. Yes, you are paying for a cruise, but you would have paid something for a honeymoon, anyway, and generally the marriage at sea is a private affair, so no costs for huge grand weddings packed with friends and relatives you probably won’t see again for many years.



If the wedding on the cruise IS to be attended by family, this too is not going to be added to your wedding account. Sometimes it could be a treat even for close friends and relatives.  And sometimes it does cost something to bring someone you love who really cannot afford the trip.



Also making things relatively easy, most cruise lines are very well organized now to make weddings at sea very easy to create events.  Some cruise lines have their own wedding coordinators. Some, however, do not encourage such events. Some, like Crystal Cruises and Cunard do not even allow them take place. The distinctly luxurious and up-market cruise lines do not offer any special packages or services.



Those cruise lines that do offer the chance to have you wedding on your cruise include 

Princess Cruses who offer what is considered to be the best selection of events and offerings of service, Disney Cruise Line who offers something a little different to the very much more adult stressed themes of other cruise ship  weddings, Norwegian Cruise Line which offers what is considered to be the widest range of packages, and Carnival Cruise Line who also offers a wide range of options.



Planning your wedding on a cruise really is one of the easiest ways to go about the whole process.  And, very often it is one of the cheaper options too.



2 Awards for Norwegian Cruise Line

In the last ten days, Norwegian Cruise Line has been named the “World’s Leading Large Ship Cruise Line” by the World Travel Awards, and has also been honored with a Maritime Safety Award

The 19th World Travel Awards recognize travel companies for delivering an outstanding customer experience and are voted by travel agents worldwide. This is the first time Norwegian, which has received the award for Europe’s Leading Cruise Line for five consecutive years, has been honored on a global scale by the World Travel Awards.

Norwegian Cruise Line is also proud to accept the 2012 Quality Ship Management Award from American Maritime Safety (AMS). This prestigious honor, which was bestowed during the maritime trade association’s annual safety awards in New York City, recognizes Norwegian’s extensive safety standards and pervasive safety culture.

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 44-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.

For more news about all the cruise lines visit Prow's Edge Cruise News

Norwegian Cruise Line Legends in Concert

One of the highlights of a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line on board Norwegian Epic starting in November are the Legends in Concert performances in which tribute artists perform as some of the world's most recognized entertainers – Michael Jackson, Donna Summer and Jimmy Buffet.  

Originating in Las Vegas, a  favorite show on the Las Vegas center strip for over 25 years, Legends in Concert is the pioneer of live tribute shows and has assembled the greatest collection of live tribute artists and celebrity look alikes in all of show business.

"Our guests absolutely love the Legends in Concert performances on board Norwegian Epic. The next round of tribute artists, Michael Jackson, Donna Summer and Jimmy Buffet, three extraordinary performers, are destined to be fan favorites," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer.  "With Norwegian Epic returning to its home port in Miami, this is the perfect time to introduce these three talented performers to guests sailing to the Caribbean."

Legends in Concert on Norwegian Epic features three celebrity tribute performers taking the stage in the Epic Theater for six 45-minute shows over three days during a seven-day cruise. 

In addition, a Legends “Unplugged” show is performed on three additional nights in the Manhattan Room, the ship's New York-inspired supper club, providing an unprecedented dining and entertainment experience. 

The celebrity performers change every four months, keeping the show fresh and exciting.

For more information visit : www2.ncl.com/cruise-ship/epic/overview

For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line and other cruise lines offering amazing Caribbean cruises, take a look at www.prowsedge.com

Norwegian Cruise Line private cabanas

Norwegian Cruise Line have introduced exclusive private cabanas with VIP service and amenities,  on Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s 250-acre private island in the Bahamas.

The launch of “Cabanas on the Cay” marks another significant addition to the island as part of the $25 million dollar enhancement project.

Located to the west of the island’s main beach, these perfectly-appointed private Cabanas boast exclusive service and amenities to provide guests with the ultimate island escape and total relaxation.

Available for $249 per day, each Cabana accommodates up to six guests and is fully furnished with lounge chairs, tables, cooler, beach towels and a shower. Cabana rental also includes a $50 food and beverage credit; up to six all-day passes to the Hippo Waterslide, a $120 value; and one large float, a $25 value; for guests to enjoy during their time on the island.

Guests who reserve one of the 10 “Cabanas on the Cay” will enjoy priority tender service to the island and, upon arrival to their private cabana, will receive six complimentary bottles of water and a refreshing fruit basket. As they relax on one of the comfortable lounge chairs, guests will have the opportunity to use their $50 food and beverage credit towards pre-ordered “Cabanas on the Cay” food and beverage  selections.

For more information visit  www.ncl.com.

Norwegian Cruise Line 3-story sports complex

Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Breakaway will be showcasing unique recreation and lots of fun facilities when it launches in April 2013. 

Offering new and unusual fun and thrills for the entire family, the Norwegian Breakaway top decks will be home to the first Aqua Park at sea complete with 5, fun, full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever to be offered on a cruise ship. 

The  Norwegian Breakaway will also feature a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more. 

Norwegian Cruise Line also announced that the ship will feature Nickelodeon experiences for the whole family and will include a Nickelodeon themed Kids’ Aqua Park and the chance for many more Nickelodeon experiences, including the all-new Pajama Jam Character Breakfast, Dora’s Dance Party, where kids will have the chance to sing and dance to their favorite songs with Dora the Explorer and Team Nick; Nickelodeon Character Meet and Greets; Story Time with Dora; and Nickelodeon Arts and Crafts. Nickelodeon will also be a part of the entertainment offered on the main stage .

Norwegian Cruise Line is recognized as the innovator in cruise travel with a 45-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.

For more information visit the NCL web site at www.ncl.com

Savings on Alaska Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line will launch a One-day Alaska Spectacular Sale on Monday, March 26, 2012, providing guests the opportunity to receive $100 on board credit per stateroom on all Alaska sailings.

Vacationers who make a new Alaska cruise reservation on March 26, 2012, will receive $100 per stateroom to spend on board for exciting Alaska shore excursions; treatments in Norwegian’s award-winning spas; or dinners in any of Norwegian’s Freestyle Dining restaurants.

This incredible Alaska offer is combinable with Norwegian’s Take It to the Next Level Sales Event featuring free up to 4-category stateroom upgrades, including balcony upgrades, and an e-coupon booklet valued at up to $400 in on board savings.

To make take advantage of the One-day Alaska Spectacular Sale limited time offer, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit www.ncl.com.

For more experiences on cruise ships in Alaska take a look at Alaska cruise experiences at Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine Cruise Experiences

100th Birthday on Norwegian Sky

Norwegian Sky had a lot to celebrate last week. On January 1, 2012, the ship rang in the New Year and the 100th birthday of Mrs. Zara Holtz.

Mrs. Holtz, originally from Queens, NY, now residing in Fort Lauderdale, FL, was sailing on board Norwegian Sky with her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. She was not expecting a birthday celebration on board, especially one as large as this. To help her commemorate her 100th birthday, Norwegian Sky’s more than 2,000 guests were invited to the pool deck for a special sail away party. There, they witnessed Master Ice Carver Ronaldo carve an enormous block of ice into a huge “100.” Then, Mrs. Holtz was brought on stage, presented with a birthday cake and saluted by her fellow guests, officers and crew who sang “Happy Birthday” in her honor.

This celebration came as a complete surprise to Mrs.Holtz and her family. When asked to say a few words to the crowd, she stated that at no point in her life would she have expected to live up to 100 and wished everyone the same. A former travel agent, Mrs. Holtz has traveled a great deal, and she closed her speech by saying she wished everyone could be sailing on their birthday, and if they do, it should only be on board Norwegian Cruise Line.

Following her pool deck celebration, Mrs. Holtz and her family were invited by the Captain, officers and crew to a special birthday dinner in Cagney’s Steakhouse. While dining, Mrs. Holtz thanked Jean-Michel Dhélin, Norwegian Sky’s hotel director, and told him that although she has travelled a lot in the past, Norwegian Sky and her crew provided the very best cruise experience she could recall to date!

For more about Norwegian Cruise Line visit the page dedicated to this cruise line at Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine

Norwegian Cruise Line Jumpstarts Wave Season

Norwegian Cruise Lines has jumped the gun on the cruise industry’s traditional Wave Season – the period between January and March when savvy cruisers cash in on great cruise deals.

Traditionally there’s more than low prices on offer. To celebrate Wave Season cruise lines sweeten the pot with mouth-watering perks, among them credits for shipboard spending, free cabin/suite upgrades, free airfares and early booking discounts.

Norwegian Cruise Line is offering a jumpstart on the savings by launching its “Norwegians Take it to the Next Level” sales event. All new cruise reservations on all ships booked through March 31, 2012, will receive a free upgrade within the same stateroom category, along with e-coupons providing on-board savings worth $400 (for sailings taking place before December 31, 2012). Once booked and checked in online, guests will receive electronic coupons for spa treatments, internet minutes and a complimentary dinner in a specialty restaurant.

Through December 18, 2011, as a special bonus, Norwegian Cruise Line is offering cruisers the opportunity to “take it to the next level” with a mini-suite for the price of a balcony; balcony staterooms for the price of an oceanview, and oceanview staterooms for the price of inside staterooms on all ships and destinations. Cruise deposits during this time for sailings of three days or longer are reduced by 50 percent.

For more details on the “Norwegians Take it to the Next Level” sales event, including promotion details, visit www.ncl.com.

There is much more about cruises and cruise lines at Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine, your favourite Internet cruise magazine source at www.ProwsEdge.com

Norwegian Cruise Line To Raise Fares

Norwegian Cruise Line today announced that it plans to raise cruise fares up to ten percent on April 1, 2011.

The cruise line has also announced, however, that the company also announced it will extend its “Free Upgrades For All” Sales Event through March 31, 2011.

This popular Wave Season promotion provides up to a four-category upgrade on select sailings, along with e-coupons in on-board savings of up to $400. This extension will give those planning to book a cruise extra time to take advantage of this offer prior to price increases which will take effect on April 1, 2011.

“We’ve seen exceptional demand spurred by our Wave Season promotion, particularly for the popular summer destinations. In fact, we surpassed our weekly booking record three times in the last eight weeks,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “Based on this demand, we will increase our fares on April 1. We wanted to give consumers and travel agents the opportunity to take advantage of these offers before the price increase.”

Norwegian’s signature Freestyle Cruising provides extraordinary value by offering premium deployments on one of the youngest fleets in the industry, and includes an unparalleled variety of dining options along with non-stop entertainment experiences.

For an overview of Norwegian Cruise Line visit the Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine Cruise Line Profile - Norwegian Cruise Line or for more information on Norwegian or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian at 866-234-7350 or visit www.ncl.com

NCL Design Award

Norwegian Cruise Line is the first in the cruise industry to be honored by Travel + Leisure, the popular guide for world travelers with the largest audience of any travel magazine, with its distinguished Design Award. The recipients of the seventh annual award represent the best new examples of design in a range of categories from hotels and transportation to luggage and travel fashion.

Norwegian Epic was awarded “Best Transportation” for its innovative Studio staterooms, a private key-card access complex on two decks consisting of 128 staterooms and the Studio Lounge.

The concept was pioneered by Norwegian and designed and priced specifically for solo travelers, allowing them the comfort and convenience to travel without the industry’s single supplement cruise price. Priestmangoode, a design firm in the United Kingdom, designed the Studios for Norwegian.

“The Studio staterooms on Norwegian Epic have been extremely well received and we are pleased to be able to offer solo traveler’s an opportunity to visit great destinations while experiencing Freestyle Cruising on board our most innovative ship,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer.

Each Studio stateroom, at approximately 100 square feet of living space, features a contemporary design with a full-size bed and separate areas for the bathroom, sink and shower.

In addition, guests in the Studios have private access to the exclusive Studio Lounge. Here, guests can grab a cup of coffee in the morning, meet up with fellow cruisers and plan their day or relax with a drink in the evening. Since many of the Studio staterooms are connecting, there is also the opportunity for friends to travel together while giving each their own private space.

For more about Norwegian Cruise Line take a look at Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine Cruise Line Profile - Norwegian Cruise Line, or visit the NCL web site at http://www2.ncl.com/

Norwegian Breaks Booking Record

Norwegian Cruise Line broke its single-day booking record on Monday, January 24, 2011 as it saw continued growing demand for its fleet of 11 Freestyle Cruising ships, particularly for its newest and most innovative ship, Norwegian Epic. Overall bookings rose substantially above the company’s previous best booking day and Norwegian Epic achieved the highest number of individual reservations in a single day since her launch.

On January 31, Norwegian will continue with its popular Wave Season promotion “Free Upgrades For All” (www.ncl.com/upgrade) by offering balcony upgrades on its Alaska sailings. New reservations booked through March 27, 2011 receive up to a four-category upgrade, along with e-coupons in on-board savings of up to $400. In addition, bi-weekly special offers on select ships and destinations will continue featuring Hawai’i, Bermuda, Bahamas and Florida, as well as another Epic offer.

For an UPDATED overview of Norwegian Cruise Line visit the Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine Cruise Line Profile section.

Guests can make a reservation on any of the line’s 11 Freestyle Cruising ships by calling Norwegian at 866-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), visiting www.ncl.com, or contacting a travel professional

Norwegian Cruise Line to air 44 regular season football games

If you just don't want to leave the game behind – Norwegian Cruise Line will be the host of America’s favorite pastime as the National Football League (NFL) season kicks off this fall. Norwegian will broadcast 44 NFL regular season games including three exciting match ups on Thanksgiving Day.

In addition to the Sunday and Thursday night games, eight playoff games, the NFC and the AFC conference championships, and the ultimate battle for the championship ring, the Super Bowl, will be broadcast on the line’s fleet of Freestyle Cruising ships (except Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem while in Europe).

Guests can pack their jerseys and support their favorite NFL teams while relaxing in one of the many Freestyle venues on board Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Spirit and Pride of America.

To book a cruise call Norwegian at 866-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), visit www.ncl.com, or contact a travel professional.

For a brief overview of NCL, see the PROW'S EDGE CRUISE MAGAZINE NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE PROFILE.

Norwegian Epic sets off on First Caribbean Cruise

Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest and largest Freestyle Cruising ship ever, sets sail today from Miami on its first Caribbean cruise to the Eastern Caribbean, following the ship’s successful inaugural festivities. Starting today, the ship is sailing alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries every Saturday and is home ported in Miami through April 2011.

The 153,000 gross tons, 4,100-passenger vessel is the first new ship to homeport in Miami in three years. Norwegian Epic billed as the world's largest floating entertainment venue with world-class entertainment unlike anything before seen at sea, made its successful maiden transatlantic voyage from Southampton, UK on June 24 and arrived in New York on July 1. The ship was christened by country music superstar Reba MeEntire on July 2, before setting sail on a two-day preview cruise. It returned to New York to host the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® Spectacular and then departed for Miami on July 5.

“We are thrilled to have Norwegian Epic set sail on its first Caribbean voyage,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “Reviews have been overwhelmingly positive so far and we are looking forward to a really strong and successful inaugural season.”

The ship will sail alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Its first voyage will be to the Eastern Caribbean, with stops in St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau, Bahamas. In the Western Caribbean, Norwegian Epic will visit Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan, Honduras.

For more news on the Norwegian Epci take a look at the Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine news item at NORWEGIAN EPIC READY TO SET SAIL - Final sea trials completed for Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship

It's All ABout the Kids with Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line kicks off its Summer Blockbuster event on Monday, April 19, 2010 with a three-day preview for its Latitudes members (past guests) beginning on Friday, April 16, 2010.

One of the big features of this event is that kid’s can cruise for as little as $99 each when booked as third through eight guests on select 2010 sailings for new reservations made now through May 31, 2010.

Families can experience the ultimate summer vacation on any of Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising ships to popular destinations such as Alaska, Canada & New England, Bahamas & Florida, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Hawai’i and Europe.

“When you're Freestyle Cruising on Norwegian Cruise Line, you get what you want and so do your kids. With plunging waterslides, a two-story Wii wall, and Nickelodeon at Sea, there's something for everyone, no matter what their age,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “With Norwegian’s complimentary Kid’s Crew supervised children’s program, parents are able to sneak away to the spa for a few hours or even a romantic dinner. We also offer family-friendly accommodations including interconnecting staterooms and multi-room Suites and Villas.”

On April 24, 2010, Norwegian Jewel will begin offering its exclusive Nickelodeon at Sea activities and shows on board each and every cruise year-round, in addition to all the current on-board programming already offered. This programming will also be available on Norwegian Epic when the ship launches this summer. Hints of Nickelodeon will be discovered ship-wide with programs that include signature Nickelodeon activities, popular characters and interactive game shows the entire family can enjoy together.

Specifically, Nickelodeon will offer its Slime Time Live! and Nick Live! Poolside interactive shows; Story Time with Dora where guests are invited to gather around to hear stories about some of their favorite Dora the Explorer characters; Dora’s Dance Party where kids will join Dora and the Nickelodeon cast to dance and sing along with all of Dora’s favorite party songs; character breakfasts; meet and greets around the ship with Nickelodeon characters; Nickelodeon-themed arts and crafts, along with special enhancements to Norwegian’s Kids Crew programming.

For more information on Norwegian or to book a cruise, call 866-234-7350, visit www.ncl.com or phone a travel professional.

Norwegian will announce several other promotional offers over the six-week Summer Blockbuster event which ends on May 31.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE SAVINGS DURING WORLD’S LARGEST CRUISE NIGHT

Norwegian Cruise Line offers special savings on more than 300 popular cruises around the world as part of World’s Largest Cruise Night (WLCN), the centerpiece of October’s National Cruise Vacation Month, on Wednesday, October 14, with a preview day on Tuesday, October 13. The offer, available through October 20, provides half off standard cruise deposits and up to $250 in on-board credit per stateroom, based on cruise length and category.

The on-board credit can be used to purchase anything from shore excursions and spa treatments; to specialty fitness classes like yoga and spinning; gifts in the duty free shop and can even be used in the casino. The amount is based on the length of the cruise and the category of stateroom booked. Guests who book sailings of up to five days in a Garden Villa receive $100 per stateroom in spending credit; $75 for suites; $50 for mini-suites; $40 for balcony staterooms; $20 for oceanview and $15 for inside staterooms. For sailings of six days and longer, guests sailing in a Garden Villa receive $250 per stateroom in on-board spending credit; $150 for suites; $100 for mini-suites and deluxe balcony staterooms; $75 for balcony staterooms; $50 for oceanview and $25 for inside staterooms.

WLCN is part of a series of innovative initiatives launched in celebration of October's National Cruise Vacation Month, a North American celebration of the cruise experience. Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) member travel agencies across the U.S. and Canada will focus their promotional efforts to educate travelers on the value and diversity of today's cruise vacations.

For news about special savings from Norwegian Cruise Lines and other cruise lines take a look at http://www.prowsedge.com/cruises-news-021009-Cruise-Lines-International-Association-CLIA.html at Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine online.

PLEASE, SIR - CAN I HAVE SOME MORE ... POP?

Maybe not the healthiest promotion on offer in the cruise industry (I mean, who needs more sugar, right?) but the new promotion from Norwegian Cruise Line is bound to please.

"Pop” addicts booking a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line before October 15 this year, for sailings through 2010, is that NCL and Pepsi are offering up to two complimentary soda packages per stateroom on any seven-night sailing or longer.

The package includes a Norwegian and Pepsi brand souvenir cup and unlimited access to complimentary soda refills (including Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew or Sierra Mist) at any bar, lounge or restaurant on the ship.

Not bad for anyone who wants to satisfy their soda pop cravings! And all week long too.

Passengers can request the Pepsi Summer Cup promotion at the time of booking by referencing promotion code PGPOP.