Cruise Theatres & Cinema
Cruise Theatres & Cinema
A big screen at sea? Yes please! More and more, cinema screens are joining theatre performances and Broadway-style shows as prime entertainment options onboard your fave fleets. Whether it’s old classics or brand-new blockbusters, cruise lines have been really rolling out the red carpet for their guests’ silver screen experiences – and in a big way too.
As for theatre options, an all-singing, all-dancing array of stage shows are just waiting in the wings to delight crowds across the seas. And with more variety that you can shake a mic stand at, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes.
So, what can you expect from watching a film or show on the ocean waves? It all depends on the cruise line of course. Not every cruise cinema or theatre is created equal, so let’s take a look at our pick of the best – they could be coming to a holiday near you very soon!
The best cruise ship cinemas
Princess Cruises’ Movies Under the Stars
Debuting in 2004, Princess’ Movies Under the Stars is now a marquee feature of many of its ships, and it’s easy to see why. An open-air, poolside experience like no other, the top deck becomes an all-day, all-night amphitheatre showing the best in feature films, concerts and even live sports.
At 300 square feet, you’ll have no problem getting a great view. And with a 69,000-watt sound system, the sound comes in loud and clear even when it’s full steam ahead. The line adds comfy cloth liners to its loungers, while the fleece blankets make it great to cuddle up to your loved ones if there’s a chill in the air.
And the best bit: free popcorn in the evening for you to chomp on – because no cinema-going experience is complete without it. Perfect for a spot of lights, camera, relax-tion.
Disney Cruise Line’s Buena Vista Theatre
An amazing cinema offering from Disney? We’d never have guessed. Nevertheless, the iconic cruise line has some real treats in store for guests young and old. Little ones will love the selection of films on show, including classics and first-run films from the beloved Disney library, while adults are sure to be wowed by the Art Deco-style décor straight out of the ‘20s and ‘30s.
The first line to show 3D movies onboard its fleet of ships, the extra dimension adds another level of immersion, bringing Disney’s legendary creations to life like never before. Stepped up with hi-tech sound technology, your favourites are going to look and sound better than ever. Even if you’ve seen them hundreds of times before, this is the best way to experience them all over again!
Carnival Cruises’ IMAX Theatre and Dive-In Movies
Speaking of immersive, we couldn’t not include what’s onboard Carnival. The first – and still the only – cruise line to offer a full IMAX experience, this could well be the way to watch films at sea.
The screens are bigger, the definitions higher and the sound is seat-shaking, in the best possible way of course. Plus, with the best first-run films, recent hits and documentaries around, you’ll have your pick of the bunch during your time at sea.
That’s not all, you’ll also get to pull up a poolside chair at Dive-In Movies. It’s not just a clever name either. Get your trunks, costume or bikini on, hop into the pool and watch your favourites while you’re in the water. It might seem like an odd mix, but hey, when in Rome…
Royal Caribbean’s Onboard-way classics
When you’re the only cruise line putting on Tony Award-winning shows at sea, you know your theatre credentials are really something. Picture the most iconic names you can think of. Royal Caribbean’s slate of entertainment is basically a who’s who of what’s in your head right now.
For starters, Grease needs no introduction. But for a trip back to the age of slicked-back hair and summer lovin’, there’s really nothing like it. It’s all paws on deck for CATS, the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic that’s sure to get guests of all ages feline fine. Or how about the record-breaking, toe-tapping tale of Hairspray? Another beloved Broadway icon, Royal Caribbean’s take on the show is bigger than ever – and we’re not just talking about the cast’s wigs!
There’s a whole host of original productions from their own in-house production company to be wowed by too. In The Air celebrates the thinkers, inventors and artists from history in real style. Ever wanted to see Da Vinci soar across the stage? Now’s your chance! For those who want to take a trip to Sin City (minus the sinning, of course), there’s Jackpot, an unbelievable combination of Vegas’ glitz, glamour and storied performances. Who says what happens in Vegas has to stay there?
Celebrity Cruises’ all-star selection
When it comes to choice, Celebrity Cruises’ theatre offerings mean there are some big decisions to make. Packed with plenty of options, the line’s entertainment has something for just about everyone. It’s another award winner too, so whatever you go for, you’ll be glad you did.
With a Hot Summer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s tale gets a 21st-century retelling thanks to a fusion of music, incredible acrobatics, and dazzling colours. You won’t have seen the Bard’s story like this before.
For another twist on the classics, there’s Amade, a remixed reimagining of Mozart’s genius. See how his – and other legendary composers – work traces a path towards the Top 10. A story of musical evolution, it’s a journey that’s perfect for scholars and shape throwers alike.
What else? Rock City and Broken Strings turn things up to eleven, while Elysium’s fairytale magic tells the story of the struggle between good and evil as they seek to regain control of a far-off land – perfect for family fun. But for mum and dad, there’s Elyria, a tale of love and excitement on an exotic island that treats all the senses. And – ooh la la – it’s adults only!
Norwegian Cruise Line’s non-stop excitement
Eyes and ears are in for a treat onboard Norwegian Cruise Line. Blending Broadway shows with original productions, there are some big name shows across their ships, and they’re all as mesmerising as the last.
Calling yourself the “best entertainment at sea” might be a bold claim, but when the line-up’s this good, they can definitely back it up. Here you’ll find Footloose and live bands vying for your attention, tribute acts up against the best stand-ups at sea, and a whole load more.
The legendary Kinky Boots is here too. A proper tale of heart and soul, this Broadway icon has won every major Best Musical award you can think of. Not to be outdone, Six retells the tale of Henry VIII’s six wives, girl power-style. Now a pop group, Six’s fierce and fiery cast turn the fates of the monarchy’s most infamous divorces into an all-singing, all-dancing story that’s had audiences across the world losing their heads. Not one to be missed!
Sensational shows at sea on MSC
Be among the first to see brand-new, awe-inspiring entertainment onboard MSC cruises. You’re in for a real treat with their cruise lines offering spectacular performances twelve times a week. They’ve brought together acrobatics, dance, and music to create a unique multi-sensory entertainment experience bursting with light and sound – what more could you want?
From their Rock Circus merging the best of rock with the best of circus to the emotional and colourful journey of Myüt – their seven exclusive theatre shows are truly extraordinary.