Music on a cruise is a highly overlooked element of the cruising experience. The songs that get stuck in your head during your trip are likely to become the anthems of your adventures and will pop back up in your mind when you are looking back through your photo albums and sharing stories of your escapades with friends. Many cruise lines show Broadway-style musical productions, and this can be a great way to inject a little more music into your vacation and help create the lasting memories that every cruiser wants. To help you pick the best show to compliment your dream vacation, we’ve got a few of the best musicals for experiencing the magic of Broadway at sea.
“Mamma Mia!” – The ABBA-Inspired Sensation
Whenever you experience Broadway at sea, you usually want the musical you see to match the vibe of your overall vacation experience. (Who wants to interrupt fun in the sun and drinks by the pool for a midday showing of Les Misérables?) There are few shows out there that deliver the same kind of unimpeded fun and joyful energy of a cruise vacation better than the famous jukebox musical Mamma Mia!, featuring the songs of ABBA. Royal Caribbean often features this lively hit musical on Allure of the Seas and it is the perfect choice for music on a cruise to keep the party going. Get ready to sing along to your favorite ABBA hits, like Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Money, Money, Money and Take a Chance on Me and watch as the young Sophie tries to determine which of three of her mother’s past partners is her true father!
“Jersey Boys” – A Journey through Rock ‘n’ Roll History
Another jukebox musical, this time featuring the nostalgic music of the Four Seasons, Jersey Boys is a favorite on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss and it is the perfect choice for experiencing Broadway at sea if you’ve got a love for classic rock. This critically acclaimed show tells the inspiring true story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons as they shoot straight from the streets of Jersey all the way to the top of the music charts. Music on a cruise needs to be something that everyone can enjoy, and the classic 1960s rock songs featured in this production make for a perfect vacation soundtrack that no one would mind having stuck in their head for the rest of their voyage. Enjoy a compelling story that highlights the personal and professional tribulations of the group while singing along to favorite songs like Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like A Man, and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.
“Color My World – A Dazzling Celebration of Music and Art
Next, we head back to Carnival Cruise Line aboard Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration to dive into their vibrant production, “Color My World.” This dazzling show blends stunning visuals with captivating choreography to create a kaleidoscope of color and energy. Set to a soundtrack of iconic hits, the talented cast brings this artistic journey to life with breathtaking costumes, creative staging, and incredible performances. “Color My World” is a perfect blend of music, art, and emotion, designed to uplift and inspire cruisers of all ages. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience that celebrates creativity in every scene!
“We Will Rock You” – A Rock ‘n’ Roll Extravaganza
We finish off our list of the best shows for experiencing Broadway at sea with We Will Rock You, a jukebox musical featuring the music of Queen. This West End production continues its tour around the world on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas with 24 of Queen’s greatest hits. The story follows Galileo Figaro and Scaramouche, two young rebels who discover a hidden cache of rock ‘n’ roll in a dystopian future where all music is banned. Fittingly, the musical has seen worldwide success despite not achieving the same level of praise among critics, rebelling against a wall of panning reviews to delight audiences across land and sea. This is another great choice by Royal Caribbean, as it is hard to imagine that there is anyone out there who wouldn’t enjoy Queen’s music on a cruise ship as bombastic as Anthem of the Seas.
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