2.0 Upgrades - Especially Playlist Productions

[taffy12]

Just off Conquest, and here are my two cents: I loved the pool deck bars, Guy's Burgers, and the Blue Iguana Cantina. I found the Hasbro game shows to be flashy but otherwise rather dull. And I was so very disappointed by Playlist Productions and the direction that Carnival is taking its production shows. Rather than an enhancement, I feel that the changes are driven by little more than cost-cutting measures. I miss the Vegas-style shows, the full production and spectacle of it all, the feeling that we're actually watching a show and not just a handful of people singing and kind of dancing. With half of the small cast hired as singer/dancers and half as dancer/singers, I felt that the quality of performance suffered and the overall talent just wasn't up to par with what we're used to, and the lack of backdrops and costume changes made the whole thing feel rather amateurish. We did enjoy Latin Nights and the Divas were ok, but The Brits was terrible and none of them compared to something like Rock Down Broadway or Dancing in the Streets.

 

We were told that all of the ships will have Playlist Productions onboard by 2016. Does anyone know if these are already in place on Dream or when she's supposed to get them? We're hoping to see one last run of the old Carnival style of shows next May.

 

What are your thoughts and opinions?

[Cruising Golfer]

Living in Las Vegas, I get all the first rate shows I will ever need.:)

A cruise to me is about rest and relaxation, recharging the batteries and spending time with my special lady!!!:D

Cost cutting is everywhere now a days and I must say many people are put off by it.

I'm sorry for you that this had an impact on you cruise enjoyment, and hope you find that one last show!!!:cool: C.G.

[rudechuck]

I've never particularly enjoyed the shows, with the exception of "Ticket to Ride". They do serve a purpose, which is to get my wife out of the casino if even only for an hour or so.

 

Having not actually seen any of the Playlist Productions, I can't comment on whether I like them better or worse. Was the quality of the entertainment poor in and of itself, or just not as big a production? If the performers are decent, I may actually enjoy this format better.

 

For those who do enjoy the big productions though, I can see how the change would be a let down.

[Chief yak]

And rumor has it they show them over several nights so overall less entertainment to be seen.

[michigancruiser0715]

As a first time cruiser, I was left underwhelmed by the shows on Breeze. Ship was great, experience was wonderful, however my only letdown was Playlist Productions. Now, going in, I knew the format had changed and the reviews weren't great. BUT, I went into it with an open mind. I'm not going to say it was the worst thing ever or that I had a bad time, it just wasn't spectacular. There is fun to be had, if you allow yourself to have it. :D

 

This isn't a deal breaker for me, as Carnival provides great value and I'll be cruising with them again. However, I would like to experience RCI's Broadway style shows ... when I can afford it. ;)

[dchi72]

Just off the Conquest myself and after watching The Brits we were done. No more shows for our group of 17.

 

No one liked it.

[taffy12]

Having not actually seen any of the Playlist Productions, I can't comment on whether I like them better or worse. Was the quality of the entertainment poor in and of itself, or just not as big a production? If the performers are decent, I may actually enjoy this format better.

 

Generally, the singing was ok. There were some spots where it was cringe-worthy, some where it was impressive enough...and there were spots where the performers were too out-of-breath to be singing and you could hear them gasping for air between each phrase. The dancing was what really suffered, in my opinion...and I suppose, as the whole concept is centered around music now, that's to be expected. Except for one interesting number with a pair doing a contemporary dance in the Divas and the fun water dance in Latin Nights, the dancing was pretty bland and bad.

 

 

And rumor has it they show them over several nights so overall less entertainment to be seen.

 

That's true. They showed each show twice on the night that they premiered, then gave one more performance of each on the last couple of nights. The only other things the theater was used for at night were the Welcome Aboard show, the Hasbro game shows, and the passenger talent show. No magic, no acrobatics, no comedy (all of that was held in a lounge), no guest performers of any sort. And on top of that, the shows have been shortened to just half an hour in length. You show up half an hour early to get a decent seat (important if you're short like me and have problems seeing over heads!), and then get just thirty minutes of performance! Hardly seems worth it.

[Chief yak]

Generally, the singing was ok. There were some spots where it was cringe-worthy, some where it was impressive enough...and there were spots where the performers were too out-of-breath to be singing and you could hear them gasping for air between each phrase. The dancing was what really suffered, in my opinion...and I suppose, as the whole concept is centered around music now, that's to be expected. Except for one interesting number with a pair doing a contemporary dance in the Divas and the fun water dance in Latin Nights, the dancing was pretty bland and bad.

 

 

 

 

That's true. They showed each show twice on the night that they premiered, then gave one more performance of each on the last couple of nights. The only other things the theater was used for at night were the Welcome Aboard show, the Hasbro game shows, and the passenger talent show. No magic, no acrobatics, no comedy (all of that was held in a lounge), no guest performers of any sort. And on top of that, the shows have been shortened to just half an hour in length. You show up half an hour early to get a decent seat (important if you're short like me and have problems seeing over heads!), and then get just thirty minutes of performance! Hardly seems worth it.

 

Wow no flyons would be a huge deal in terms of entertainment.

[Sh1035]

So you would pay let's say 300-900 a cruise for a better show experience????

 

Not sure what people expect for 10-20 bucks???? Last show I saw in Vegas was 300 for 2 and not great seats.

 

On top of that it was Kao and we all slept thru it.

[taffy12]

So you would pay let's say 300-900 a cruise for a better show experience????

 

Not sure what people expect for 10-20 bucks???? Last show I saw in Vegas was 300 for 2 and not great seats.

 

On top of that it was Kao and we all slept thru it.

 

It would be different if this was just the way it was and the way it always has been, but knowing that they're moving away from much better, higher-caliber shows in favor of these less impressive pieces without any change to our cruise fare is disappointing and a bit frustrating.

[bac32708]

Just sailed (June 8) on the Breeze and the Playlist Productions were the biggest disappointment of the cruise. I'm not looking for Vegas-style entertainment, but would expect Carnival's newest ship to have a cast who can sing well. The females were especially bad! I've seen better entertainment on a 3-day Bahamas cruise on a 15 year old ship!

 

Carnival Breeze 6/8/2013

Ruby Princess 9/1/2011

Monarch of the Seas 2/24/2011

Carnival Inspiration 6/23/2011

Monarch of the Seas 8/9/2010

Freedom of the Seas 5/17/2009

Carnival Miracle 6/26/2005

Celebrity Century 5/17/1997

Dolphin Cruise Line 1994

NCL Southward 6/29/1986

[roundthebend]

I've not seen the new shows but have read the bad reviews....and I'm not surprised.

My eldest daughter was a dancer for Carnival for 4 yrs until last year. As soon as the new shows started rolling out she decided it was time to move on. She didn't want to be a part of something that was clearly going to be sub par. It is all about cost cutting.

Such a shame as I have always enjoyed the production shows and the live bands. I'll be coming over in 2015 to cruise with friends on the Breeze and can only hope Carnival will have a change of heart by then.

[jwalk03]

I have not seen the new shows, but honestly this is def not a deal breaker for me. I never rally liked the old shows either. The only show I have ever even stayed through was Ticket to Ride, not that was a good show! Every other Carnival show, eh. I'd rather spend my vacation did doing something me entertaining! And there are lots and lots of better options on board! Comedians, Casino, Movies under the Stars, Sports Bar, etc.

 

I think we will continue to see a reduction in the big stage shows, they are just not that appealing to the younger demographic, compared to the multiple other on board entertainment option.