Sadly now NCL has the worst entertainment of all major lines

[Menocchio]

I was on the Bliss last week. I really enjoyed Jersey Boys, that was top notch even if I could see the seams where they pared it down from the original production.

 

Icons was not my cup of tea at all. It's just a bunch of songs without any narrative or theme. The singers were talented enough, but the arrangement was poor and the choreography uninspired. Some of the best songs from the last century of American music, all without any of the edge or liveliness that made them immortal.

 

I went to two of the four Beatles shows (the had three representing different eras of the Beatles and one greatest hits show), Sargent Pepper's on the main stage and Let it Be in the Cavern club. I found that a lot of fun, even though I strongly suspect those guys weren't actually the real Beatles. Unlike Icons, they ably and faithfully kept what made that music great instead of merely relying on nostalgia. Some fun patter between numbers.

 

Comedians were fine. I've seen better, I've seen worse. I think one of them was reaching a little to make sure his 18+ show material was actually R rated, but he was fine.

 

I got very frustrated when the host gave the wrong answer to a trivia question. So I think I need to stay away from those shows. I can't trust them to be right or myself to let it go when they aren't. I had a blast with karaoke, even if strangely they didn't provide my best songs (where's the Lizzo?).

 

The house bands were pretty good, though I didn't stick around to really listen to any of them. I particularly liked the country band Big Iron that mostly played in the Q Smokehouse. 

 

So overall, a pretty decent showing on entertainment. But Jersey Boys was really the highlight, and I'm aware it's one of the few full Broadway experiences left on NCL. 

[D_And_K_gocruising]

100% agree with you and I've only been on 1 cruise.. 😄   But as many others have also said, not really the reason I cruise.. Is nice if there is some good entertainment, but not super concerned about big shows.  We're doing Epic in December.. Burn the Floor seems to be the "big" show, and honestly, dont think we'll worry about it.  May try to catch some other shows, if we can.   Loved Choir of Man on Escape.  But if we didnt get to see it, would not have ruined our cruise.. If there was no "big" show, would not have ruined our cruise. 

[barbl123]

SO- Yes the change in entertainment is somewhat disappointing. -but like others - I don't go on the cruise for entertainment -if it's good it's a bonus.  There is always some lounge music somewhere and to be honest my hubby and I are not night people so we do fine. If there is a Howl at the Moon it's our go to show.  Now that being said, on my last cruise in February this year I had the opportunity to talk with the cruise director about the entertainment situation and here is what I learned.  1- the Broadway shows cost them A LOT of money -(yes, I know they get a lot for the cruise but) They hire some equity actors, have to pay for the right to use the shows. they rehearse in NY and then about 2 weeks before going live they get on the ship and rehearse at night to get staging etc down on a moving vessel. 2- They were finding the costs becoming somewhat prohibitive for the payoff. 3-As far as Howl the Moon and The Sid Norman shows the room size has to do with the contract -again, finance comes into play -any larger room for either show would double the contract pricing.  Now I'm not saying this is the best answer for the ship line -just passing on the reasoning as it was told to me.  As far as the game shows -where you have to pay to play - not my thing - I don't watch them at home so not so interested on board.  

So with all this in mind -book what you want -I always say -If you can't have a good time on a cruise there is something wrong with you.  You're not at home, not cooking or cleaning - so just sit back and relax.

[D_And_K_gocruising]

21 minutes ago, barbl123 said:

 

So with all this in mind -book what you want -I always say -If you can't have a good time on a cruise there is something wrong with you.  You're not at home, not cooking or cleaning - so just sit back and relax.

The biggie for me (along with those others) is NO DRIVING!!!   So you can partake is as many adult beverages as you like (while still functioning and not a A-hole) and have zero worries about getting home 😄

[CruiseMH]

I don`t book cruises for the entertainment but what to me is the point especially regarding NCL is that that once were famous for their entertainment and even used it for their advertisements.

This was one of the main points in which NCL stood out from the other cruise lines (except RCCL)

 

[CruiseMH]

Just now, CruiseMH said:

I don`t book cruises for the entertainment but what to me is the point especially regarding NCL is that that once were famous for their entertainment and even used it for their advertisements.This was one of the main points in which NCL stood out from the other cruise lines (except RCCL)

So to me they rob themselves of one of their strengths.

 

 

[pghflyer]

yeah entertainment has tanked - we did 14 days on Star recently and like 5 of the days entertainment on main stage was a house band called "Ice Bucket" ugh....a few days were movies....and only 2 actual full caliber shows.

 

But, I book cruises primarily to travel so my bigger issue with NCL right now is the lack of reliability in them sticking to the schedule I booked.

[PhillyTravelBug]

Shows are not a make or break for me when selecting a cruise, but it does seem like NCL are trying to sabotage their reputation for their production shows.

[graphicguy]

52 minutes ago, barbl123 said:

 

So with all this in mind -book what you want -I always say -If you can't have a good time on a cruise there is something wrong with you.  You're not at home, not cooking or cleaning - so just sit back and relax.

Amen to that!

[Anoynmous Phoenix]

I hope that all of you who feel this way have informed NCL, in writing, of your feelings.    NCL might look on Cruise Critic but if people bombard them with complaints that might be even more useful.

 

Remember that, during a M&G, the GM always praises Cruise Critic for the way the members make their feeling known to NCL.

 

So get to it.

[Travelling2Some]

35 minutes ago, pghflyer said:

But, I book cruises primarily to travel so my bigger issue with NCL right now is the lack of reliability in them sticking to the schedule I booked.

Yes.  Although the lack of "big" shows was one reason we cancelled it was not the ONLY reason.  I think most of us cancel for a combination of reasons. I'm also ticked about the bogus itinerary changes we've had on 3 of our last NCL cruises and preferred not to get fooled again.  Another factor was that getting to the airport from Galveston is a PITA. 

 

Additionally, we've already seen Burn the Floor several times and we don't enjoy the alternatives (casino, lounge singers, etc.) so lack of shows impacts us more than others who enjoy those evening activities.  I'm not willing to stand in line for an hour for Sid Normans. Somebody with better knees and feet might be able to do that comfortably.  Royal does seem to be snapping back to normal much faster and we love their ice shows and aqua shows, which are in addition to their main theater entertainment. 

[D_And_K_gocruising]

14 minutes ago, Travelling2Some said:

  Royal does seem to be snapping back to normal much faster and we love their ice shows and aqua shows, which are in addition to their main theater entertainment. 

I would love to try RC and we still may, but the dang drinks package is a killer and since I'm a cruise alcoholic, I need my drinks package, period.. 

[wolft927]

4 minutes ago, D_And_K_gocruising said:

I would love to try RC and we still may, but the dang drinks package is a killer and since I'm a cruise alcoholic, I need my drinks package, period.. 

we sailed the symphony of the seas 2 years ago far and away better entertainment than ncl, but your right the drink package is so expensive, think it was $1200 for my wife and I! 

[GuelphCruisers]

1 hour ago, PhillyTravelBug said:

Shows are not a make or break for me when selecting a cruise, but it does seem like NCL are trying to sabotage their reputation for their production shows.

I agree 100%.

The shows are nice, but not a must have.

I do have to say that NCL had the best show I've ever seen on a cruise - Choir of Man.

I've seen it twice, and I would see it again on every future cruise if it was offered.

Its just that good.

The "pay to play" game shows are not appealing to me.

I'm definitely interested in Syd Normans, if my legs hold out for the 1 1/2 hour wait in line. 

[Travelling2Some]

32 minutes ago, D_And_K_gocruising said:

I would love to try RC and we still may, but the dang drinks package is a killer and since I'm a cruise alcoholic, I need my drinks package, period.. 

We've sailed on Royal quite a bit but have never bought their drink package.  Agree that it is very pricey!  Princess Plus is a decent deal as is MSC.

Edited October 17 by Travelling2Some

[D_And_K_gocruising]

7 minutes ago, Travelling2Some said:

We've sailed on Royal quite a bit but have never bought their drink package.  Agree that it is very pricey!  Princess Plus is a decent deal as is MSC.

I have to look at princess more, I dont know if it will fit our style or not.. MSC we have REALLY been looking at hard.   For the price of their yacht club we've thought about doing one in that level just to experience something "special" since it seems to be more in line with our budget (albeit stretching it) compared to other "luxury" accommodations. 

 

[Snate]

I am currently on the Gem in New England on a 7 day cruise.  The main show in the  theater on 4 of the nights was the same comedian.  The music acts around the ship in the evening are pretty horrible also.  Seems to me they are just cutting entertainment to save money. Seems to be the same with food quality and variety. Was on the Prima a year ago and thought the entertainment was really good and some of the best if not the best I had seen on a cruise compared to Princess, Carnival, RCL and Celebrity. 

[Travelling2Some]

1 minute ago, D_And_K_gocruising said:

I have to look at princess more, I dont know if it will fit our style or not.. MSC we have REALLY been looking at hard.   For the price of their yacht club we've thought about doing one in that level just to experience something "special" since it seems to be more in line with our budget (albeit stretching it) compared to other "luxury" accommodations. 

 

You have to do the math, of course, but the "Plus" covers the 3 things we would be paying for (drinks, gratuities and wifi) anyway.  We have them booked for Alaska (first time on Princess) and will be trying out MSC for a winter "get a break from the NY weather" in February.  YC didn't seem like value for us.  Maybe we will feel differently after our "trial run" though. 

[DCGuy64]

Shows aren't what we cruise for, but we've actually seen some pretty good ones on NCL: Priscilla Queen of the Desert on one cruise and Six on the last one. Both were extremely good and very entertaining. Maybe because I'm a professional singer myself, I don't really go in for lounge acts or bands while on board. To me it's all about the ports, the spa, the gym, the restaurants, the booze and meeting other people. We don't gamble, either. But hey, to each his own.

[Travelling2Some]

3 hours ago, barbl123 said:

on my last cruise in February this year I had the opportunity to talk with the cruise director about the entertainment situation and here is what I learned.  1- the Broadway shows cost them A LOT of money -(yes, I know they get a lot for the cruise but) They hire some equity actors, have to pay for the right to use the shows. they rehearse in NY and then about 2 weeks before going live they get on the ship and rehearse at night to get staging etc down on a moving vessel. 2- They were finding the costs becoming somewhat prohibitive for the payoff. 3-As far as Howl the Moon and The Sid Norman shows the room size has to do with the contract -again, finance comes into play -any larger room for either show would double the contract pricing.  Now I'm not saying this is the best answer for the ship line -just passing on the reasoning as it was told to me. 

Understood.  I have heard the same explanations/excuses.  Bottom line though is that NCL Corporate has made these choices and created these conditions in order to save money at the expense of passengers' experience.  I actually don't doubt that this might be a good strategy for their bottom line, given that many customers are saying that entertainment does not influence what cruises they book. But, when combined with their other failings, it can be a deal breaker for some.  A 15 night cruise with only one real show was kind of a "last straw thing" for us.

 

Consider also that tiny venues like Syd Normans are "advertising gold" in that they lure people who do not know the reality into booking.  We might be well aware of how hard these tiny venues are to get into but I'm sure the on-board reality disappoints the less experienced.  Another bit of "smoke and mirrors" advertising?

Edited October 17 by Travelling2Some

[Sand and Seas]

I do enjoy a cruise that has Million Dollar Quartet, Choir of Man or Syd Normans.  (I don't mind waiting in line for Syds....you get a chance to talk to a bunch of fun cruisers during that wait!)   Some of the Beatles groups are better than others, but they are always fun.   

 

While we haven't enjoyed every show onboard, we have always just enjoyed being on a ship.  Never a bad day at sea!

 

I am really looking forward to the new Prince Revolution show on Aqua.  Hopefully, it will be an entertaining production😎

[snorklinbarb]

4 hours ago, barbl123 said:

SO- Yes the change in entertainment is somewhat disappointing. -but like others - I don't go on the cruise for entertainment -if it's good it's a bonus.  There is always some lounge music somewhere and to be honest my hubby and I are not night people so we do fine. If there is a Howl at the Moon it's our go to show.  Now that being said, on my last cruise in February this year I had the opportunity to talk with the cruise director about the entertainment situation and here is what I learned.  1- the Broadway shows cost them A LOT of money -(yes, I know they get a lot for the cruise but) They hire some equity actors, have to pay for the right to use the shows. they rehearse in NY and then about 2 weeks before going live they get on the ship and rehearse at night to get staging etc down on a moving vessel. 2- They were finding the costs becoming somewhat prohibitive for the payoff. 3-As far as Howl the Moon and The Sid Norman shows the room size has to do with the contract -again, finance comes into play -any larger room for either show would double the contract pricing.  Now I'm not saying this is the best answer for the ship line -just passing on the reasoning as it was told to me.  As far as the game shows -where you have to pay to play - not my thing - I don't watch them at home so not so interested on board.  

So with all this in mind -book what you want -I always say -If you can't have a good time on a cruise there is something wrong with you.  You're not at home, not cooking or cleaning - so just sit back and relax.

There was so much demand for "Rumours" that NCL did renegotiate.  We'll be on Prima in a few months and it'll be offered in the theater.

 

Syd's will still have the small intimate shows (and with that comes the lines).

 

I also miss the Broadway productions but keep hearing that shoreside is working on new shows.  We shall see.

[mking8288]

To each her/his own, this is a diverse board of critics, and let's respect differences in personal opinion, mostly not scientific but rather, based on what you choose to see, do, believe, think and interpret as factual and truthful.  Hence, agree to disagree, especially as this thread is about some of our recent experience sailing NCL ... and, elsewhere.  DH and I, as Latitudes Diamond, started sailing NCL 25 years ago; and, seen-experienced-dealt with the changes.  

 

OP, you do not have to "totally" switched to other lines ahead.  For perspectives, the grass isn't necessary greener with other competing options out there.  But, chatters elsewhere on another CC board (and, quoting - a brief abstract) "some of us are giving money to competitors. It’s a great time to try an affordable cruise.  On what ever line"

 

Sadly, we see things differently, it is - surprised or not, more than entertainment with NCL ... taken, collectively as a whole.  And, haven't cruise other lines lately, really should be eye-opening.  It is more than just the cookies, hash browns, once a day housekeeping routine, and other cost cutting measures, not the optimal "Norwegian Way" to help offset managerial failure to manage fuel costs, spinning "More At Sea" 

 

One can argue until sunrise, changes are good and agree, just as NCL is humming "More At Sea" - we are too, and to get More At Sea with our dollars, we are not biting or buying.  What is important to someone else is irrelevant to us, especially when I am not convinced and sold on those ideas ... as in to sail and sustain, and for convenience (who's ??)   I am probably one of the tens of thousands cruisers being polled once in a while as part of the NCL Inner Circle, sure ... and, so what, useless and doesn't mean a thing.  

 

More At Sea is a nice sounding slogan, except - to us, translate into, More is Less.  

 

The CEO of Royal Caribbean see matters differently ahead and spoke about it recently.  And, yes, prices are rising and demands are up - and, we have choices.  Other brands aren't struggling with fuel costs and/or use it as the basis for unforseen circumstances after final payment.  Carnival deals with rising fuel costs too, we're on Cunard and she was doing 22 to 24 kts sailing Alaska, we had much longer port times than the NCL ships there and there was no surprised fuel surcharge to pay.  We paid less for DSC and less for Starlink WiFi that's 10X faster than NCL's WiFi.  

 

We have 4 cruises planned / booked for 2025. (next 12 months) at this moment, down to 1 with NCL - changes can happen.  Cancelling, of course is an option.  A group of us already placed NCL on suspension. 

 

Vote with the wallets.  

 

P.S.  There is no need to quote, strictly our collective opinions as a small clan.  

Edited October 17 by mking8288

[chefchick]

Wether you consider entertainment when choosing your cruise line or not, Norwegian USED TO have some of the best at sea and I, for one, am very sad to see how far they’ve fallen in that respect. I cruise about 5 or 6 times a year, often solo, and nightly entertainment is high on my priority list.  I prefer to listen to a great band in a smaller venue, but also love a piano bar singalong, a comedian, a big Broadway style show, a goofy old fashion cruise classic like the marriage show or liars club if the cruise director is a particularly good or funny host.  I also am not loyal to just one line.  In the last year or so, I have enjoyed my entertainment choices on Celebrity and HAL (mostly consisting of small musical groups of different genres) and the comedians and piano bars on Carnival cannot be beat.  But honestly, the overall winner is Virgin Voyages.  They have great musicians, interesting shows, and the vibe is fun.  Is it for everyone?  Of course not, but if entertainment IS important to you when cruising, then I suggest you expand past NCL for the time being.  And yes, if every ship had dueling piano/howl at the moon I’d probably spend even more time on NCL ships than I currently do 😎, but I need more than that to entice me onto a ship.

[living at the beach]

Although I usually choose NCL primarily because I now cruise solo and NCL does it best for that, and I am Sapphire so I get nice benefits,  because I go solo I like to go to entertainment options after dinner. And so NCL’s cutbacks do affect me. Again, asI stated, I am booked on the Pearl on January 5 next year because the itinerary is perfect for me. 14 nights on board and 12 wonderful ports to explore, or if not two large pools and an observation area . And I can amuse myself with books and games. But it would be so much better if there were a few entertainment options, not just Broadway shows but even some song and dance production shows with decent singers and dancers. 
  And I am hoping for some new options by then. I have always loved Jersey Boys and  Choir of Men, neither which require a huge cast and orchestra. And despite what has been posted here, in other posts people who have been on cruises re have said that the pay and play game shows have been so poorly attended that they have been canceled. Just asking for a few more live musical options