Carnival's Future Entertainment Options

[jimbo5544]

No problem. Thanks for being Captain Cheerleader as usual.

 

I live to serve...... and off set the bashing with facts.

[jimbo5544]

I saw two great performers on Celebrity, both female singers. One was the British equivilent of Patti Lupone, she had starred in the London "Evita" production. I can't remember the other's bio, just that she also had a tremendous voice.

 

Celebrity hires professional entertainers while Carnival uses it's paid guest for lip synch, Marraige Game, and other non professional shows. Can passenger cook offs be far behind?

 

And I'll second the idea of doing the comedy shows in the theater instead of the aft lounge.

 

Pretty sure the issue with the comedy being in the main lounge is how to man the entrances for the "R" rated shows.

[winddawn]

With the decline in good live entertainment, it's no surprise that there's such a large interest in the Dive-in Movie Theater. It is sad though, that instead of having "can't miss" live entertainment in the main theater, we have to resort to watching a movie. As far as watching people lip-synching, I'll pass. To me, it's almost as bad of a choice as the "Legends" shows. Thank goodness Carnival did away with that. What's next for entertainment? Tee P-ing the ship? Making prank phone calls to Guest Services? Dropping water balloons in the Atrium from Deck 9? (Come to think of it, that would be kind of funny.)

Lol. Interesting.

[AHS123]

Pretty sure the issue with the comedy being in the main lounge is how to man the entrances for the "R" rated shows.

 

Speaking of facts you pulled this out of thin air.

[ryano]

I live to serve...... and off set the bashing with facts.

 

Wal Mart and cheerleader. The OP is SO original :rolleyes:

[poobears]

I gave up on trying to watch any of their shows since they insist on inserting disco/strobe or flashing lights into every production even those that it doesn't add to. Not great when you have seizure induced migraines. Maybe now they don't do it as bad as they use to I don't know. Like I said I skip all the shows, not worth it. So I chose I don't care about the entertainment. There was nothing offered I minded missing anyways. I'm not on a cruise to sit inside a crowded theater and watch shows (from the parts I have managed to see I didn't see anything I would consider high quality or wow worthy, just average-stage performances to lame-some of the game shows), I'd much rather see the ocean and relax. Just my preference. Someone else that will enjoy it can have my seat.

[winddawn]

I saw two great performers on Celebrity, both female singers. One was the British equivilent of Patti Lupone, she had starred in the London "Evita" production. I can't remember the other's bio, just that she also had a tremendous voice.

 

Celebrity hires professional entertainers while Carnival uses it's paid guest for lip synch, Marraige Game, and other non professional shows. Can passenger cook offs be far behind?

 

And I'll second the idea of doing the comedy shows in the theater instead of the aft lounge.

I agree with you, evandbob. I prefer good live music too. You have to give Carnival credit for entertaining on a shoestring though. They seem to always be seeking new attempts at entertainment without spending money. And using customers as the entertainment is pretty cheap. At least lip-syncing doesn't subject the rest of us to the pain of karaoke. Lol.

[ryano]

I voted that I dont really care. My evening entertainment on Carnival was listening to the Alterr Band or 50 shades of groove in the Ocean Plaza of an evening or listening to guitar man in Red Frog. I would have been a piano bar man too but while the guy could play really good, he couldnt carry a tune in a bucket. I never went in the main theater though except for Muster drill.

 

Im a live music fan. Even if its just cover music. I saw enough production type shows on Royal. They DO at least use a live band in the theater but I dont really care about shows on a cruise ship or any entertainment other than live music.

Edited September 13, 2016 by ryano

[Kathy Loves Cats]

I'd rather go to Walmart.

 

This thread is about shows. What has Wal-Mart got to do with this and why are you on a Carnival board? And people wonder why so many are leaving here for other places

[ryano]

This thread is about shows. What has Wal-Mart got to do with this and why are you on a Carnival board? And people wonder why so many are leaving here for other places

 

You will soon find out that there are about 2 or 3 trolls on this forum that do nothing but come here to spew their anti Carnival vitriol. They add absolutely nothing to the conversation at hand. Words like "cheerleader" and "wal mart of cruiselines" frequently pop up in their diatribes. The best option for these trolls is the ignore feature............Until someone quotes them and it shows up anyway :cool:

Edited September 13, 2016 by ryano

[ScottsSweetie]

I'll say I'm conflicted on this issue.

 

We LOVED the old shows that featured the live show band. Our kids liked those very much since they all play musical instruments.

 

We always go to the adult comedy shows and have only seen one that was not good (Thea Vidale). Wouldn't be a cruise for us without the comedy club.

 

I've seen some of the Playlist stuff - depending on the cast it can be done well. There have been a couple we really liked, and a couple that we cringed through.

 

Not interested at all in the Hasbro stuff (might be if we had kids with us).

 

We saw Legends a time or two, but didn't see it after that. I will say that the theater always seemed to be packed for it, though.

 

We enjoy the lip sync battle TV show occasionally, but not sure how that will transfer to the ship. I'm thinking that is definitely for the younger demographic.

 

More and more we find ourselves not going to the shows and finding something elsewhere - band in the casino area or performer in the Red Frog or atrium. Have yet to do a movie under the stars.

Edited September 13, 2016 by ScottsSweetie

[Karnyval]

From book face

 

More and more live music is coming with more variety and more choice for you with 12 ships getting more very soon.

We believe you like live music and that's why you will see:

More rock and party bands

More live Caribbean music on Lido

More high energy string/classical trios

More "pop up" brass trios and wandering musicians

[shortstop95]

As a long time Carnival cruiser, this is one area where I'm disappointed in the cost cuts that have taken place over time. We used to have a nice dinner and then go to the main show every single night of the cruise. We loved the Vegas like production numbers that were typically showcased on the formal nights. Other nights included fly in entertainment like magicians, jugglers, comedians and various other types of entertainers.

 

These days it seems the entertainment budget has been sacrificed to keep cruise fares lower. Gone are many of the fly in entertainers replaced with fellow passenger entertainment events like the love and marriage show, Hasbro Game Show, Carnival Legends and now lip-syncing. I enjoy these and wish to see them continue but wish they would return to the schedule as late afternoon events.

 

I miss too the show bands. The playlist production shows with soundtracks while more impressive technology wise just aren't as good to us. In the days of show bands, the lead singers performing along live music seemed to be a higher caliber of singers. With a soundtrack blaring, the quality of singing seems to have declined.

 

So back to the original question, I will always welcome new entertainment, but wish it would be supplemental so that they can bring back the hey days of live quality professional entertainment!

Edited September 13, 2016 by shortstop95

[jimbo5544]

Speaking of facts you pulled this out of thin air.

 

True enough, did I say it was a fact.....and I made that clear when I posted it, unlike the bashing (we can debate my facts if you want... and the value I bring to my postings....your call).

[jimbo5544]

You will soon find out that there are about 2 or 3 trolls on this forum that do nothing but come here to spew their anti Carnival vitriol. They add absolutely nothing to the conversation at hand. Words like "cheerleader" and "wal mart of cruiselines" frequently pop up in their diatribes. The best option for these trolls is the ignore feature............Until someone quotes them and it shows up anyway :cool:

 

Sorrry........ I could not resist.:o;)

[jimbo5544]

As a long time Carnival cruiser, this is one area where I'm disappointed in the cost cuts that have taken place over time. We used to have a nice dinner and then go to the main show every single night of the cruise. We loved the Vegas like production numbers that were typically showcased on the formal nights. Other nights included fly in entertainment like magicians, jugglers, comedians and various other types of entertainers.

 

These days it seems the entertainment budget has been sacrificed to keep cruise fares lower. Gone are many of the fly in entertainers replaced with fellow passenger entertainment events like the love and marriage show, Hasbro Game Show, Carnival Legends and now lip-syncing. I enjoy these and wish to see them continue but wish they would return to the schedule as late afternoon events.

 

I miss too the show bands. The playlist production shows with soundtracks while more impressive technology wise just aren't as good to us. In the days of show bands, the lead singers performing along live music seemed to be a higher caliber of singers. With a soundtrack blaring, the quality of singing seems to have declined.

 

So back to the original question, I will always welcome new entertainment, but wish it would be supplemental so that they can bring back the hey days of live quality professional entertainment!

 

When we sailed on Vista, there was a significant infusion of LIVE talent, in many areas. When I discussed this with Matt, his response was that they would be doing the same across the fleet over time.

 

[shortstop95]

When we sailed on Vista, there was a significant infusion of LIVE talent, in many areas. When I discussed this with Matt, his response was that they would be doing the same across the fleet over time.

 

 

We were just on the Vista too and yes there was "live" entertainment in many locations, but that a roving accordion player is not necessarily what I'm looking for while cruising.

 

The point I was trying to make is that we miss the days of a high quality show in the show lounge to accompany the dinner meal. While totally enjoyable, my idea of evening show is not passenger heavy fare like love and marriage and Hasbro game show.

 

It is only one persons opinion, but I feel if they returned to bringing on quality entertainment the show lounges would be full in the evenings.

[Smart Arsenal Fan]

Coming soon:

 

GRAMMARAMA! A night of 5 or 6 grandmas showing slideshow pics and telling stories about their grandkids.

 

Remote Control Master: One lucky man selected from the showroom audience gets to be in charge of the television remote for the big screen. Great for all ages, all walks of life, as he will be constantly changing channels...

 

R U Serious? Via a live feed helmet cam, main showroom gets a live POV from Guest Service Desk perspective... If majority of audience presses their vote button, the Guest walks the plank. Be sure to look out for your grumpy table mates!

 

:rolleyes:

[jimbo5544]

We were just on the Vista too and yes there was "live" entertainment in many locations, but that a roving accordion player is not necessarily what I'm looking for while cruising.

 

 

 

The point I was trying to make is that we miss the days of a high quality show in the show lounge to accompany the dinner meal. While totally enjoyable, my idea of evening show is not passenger heavy fare like love and marriage and Hasbro game show.

 

 

 

It is only one persons opinion, but I feel if they returned to bringing on quality entertainment the show lounges would be full in the evenings.

 

 

I think I got your point. The Vista had 3 shows (with a five piece band) , entertainment in the atrium by 4 violinists, a band on oceans plaza, live entertainment on deck and in Red Frog. The Hasbro stuff (which I don't enjoy) is such a small piece of it and is an option.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone

[ScottsSweetie]

We were just on the Vista too and yes there was "live" entertainment in many locations, but that a roving accordion player is not necessarily what I'm looking for while cruising.

 

The point I was trying to make is that we miss the days of a high quality show in the show lounge to accompany the dinner meal. While totally enjoyable, my idea of evening show is not passenger heavy fare like love and marriage and Hasbro game show.

 

It is only one persons opinion, but I feel if they returned to bringing on quality entertainment the show lounges would be full in the evenings.

 

Most of the sailings we are on, the show lounges are full (we usually peek in even when not attending).

 

Coming soon:

 

GRAMMARAMA! A night of 5 or 6 grandmas showing slideshow pics and telling stories about their grandkids.

 

Remote Control Master: One lucky man selected from the showroom audience gets to be in charge of the television remote for the big screen. Great for all ages, all walks of life, as he will be constantly changing channels...

 

R U Serious? Via a live feed helmet cam, main showroom gets a live POV from Guest Service Desk perspective... If majority of audience presses their vote button, the Guest walks the plank. Be sure to look out for your grumpy table mates!

 

:rolleyes:

 

Now I would LOVE to play that last one! But, only as an audience member, not a participant. :p

[StolidCruiser]

Not a fan of my fellow passenger as the evening's entertainment. Its cheap.

 

Playlist Productions in my experience have been ok, not great. The quality of the singers has been quite good, but the canned music takes it to amusement park level.

 

Since I voted with the fourth option, I would love to see a return to live music being used for the theater shows.

 

Carnival does a lot of things well and some things better than others, but compared to the other lines we sail, they are dead last for live entertainment.

 

You're right - a passenger-based form of entertainment is cheap. And I love every minute of it.

 

The band-backed live performer shows on Carnival had never been of a caliber much above an average high school production.

 

When one understands Carnival's brand and demographic, the entertainment changes make sense. The "Fun Ships" moniker denotes a different vibe than other cruise lines. I, for one, get exactly what I expect when I choose to sail with Carnival.

 

I can appreciate the opinions of those who want quality production shows. Carnival never was, and should never be, the line that provides it.

[sanmarcosman]

I feel if they returned to bringing on quality entertainment the show lounges would be full in the evenings.

 

I think Carnival wants guests out of the shows and in the casinos and bars spending money so they place entertainers outside the casinos and in bar venues purposely.

[leftgit6]

We are going on our fifth Carnival cruise in May '17. We will be on the Magic out of Port Canaveral. No Playlist if I'm correct. Having said that,being a musician, I've always enjoyed the live bands. Main show room, lounges, decks, everywhere. Pre-recorded music for paid professional singers is not anything more than glorified karaoke, no matter how many lights and speakers you have. Nothing wrong with karaoke for the passengers but for main showroom entertainment, I'll pass. I enjoy the comedy clubs and Dive-in movies are ok. Just my two cents worth, which is not worth a plug nickel. BTW, I've never had a bad time on a Carnival cruise. Ever.

[Kathy Loves Cats]

John Heald just wrote that Carnival was adding more live music and went on to list some of the features

[shipbound2]

From book face

 

More and more live music is coming with more variety and more choice for you with 12 ships getting more very soon.

We believe you like live music and that's why you will see:

More rock and party bands

More live Caribbean music on Lido

More high energy string/classical trios

More "pop up" brass trios and wandering musicians

 

If what you said is true that will be a good thing, even though I'm older I still like to dance to good music.

 

Gary