Cruise Ship entertainment is undergoing a monumental shift

Cruise holidays offer people the chance to slow down and enjoy an afternoon relaxing by the pool. Now, only 33% of people like to sunbathe, and stats indicate that people are more drawn to cultural experiences.

Familiar Activities Are Going Digital

The Royal Caribbean’s Two70 venue provides an unobstructed view of the sea, but at night, the cruise ship transforms into a multimedia centre. Robotic screens alongside aerial performances and digital imagery make the surroundings part of the production. Other activities include downloading an app that functions as a controller, so guests can vote on what happens next.

Norwegian’s Galaxy Pavilion has a VR experience and simulator, so guests can explore as well as enjoy stage productions, comedy, and music.

Princess cruise ships offer digital bingo experiences. Bingo is growing in popularity and is expected to grow at a CAGR rate of 6.6% from 2025 to 2030.

Part of this growth can be attributed to sites being creative with their online bingo offer. Some sites now offer access to themed bingo rooms and daily free bingo, which lowers the entry point for people who have never played before.

Even though there's still room for those who want to have a quiet, relaxing afternoon looking out at the water, those who want more activities can now choose to take advantage of that. Cruises are also changing to ensure people don’t have to leave the ship in order to access this kind of entertainment, which results in more money for the operator.

Huge Investments Are Being Made

Cruise ships are also making huge investments, which involve building full-scale attractions on upper decks. West-end and tribute productions are also becoming a focus. Major lines are investing in land-based rehearsal studios, with one example being the Royal Caribbean Group Entertainment studio, which is in Miami.

MSC Creative Studio is used to train cast members and operates as a practice venue for tribute acts. Some ships are going so far as to incorporate hidden experiences. Marella Cruises' password-protected speakeasy can only be accessed through a red telephone box.

Zoned social hubs and interactive spaces that can be used for gaming and socialising are also becoming the norm. Instead of confining people to a single theatre for two hours, which takes traffic away from the rest of the cruise ships, many operators are making structural adjustments.

Atriums, open-air decks, and lounges are used for smaller performances. Not only does this provide more flexibility for those who don’t want to attend a show at night, but it also helps cruise ships manage staff better, as rotations can be spread throughout the whole ship, rather than in a singular area just because there’s an event on.

Lines are even pairing more with household names. Royal Caribbean, for example, brought a live version of American’s Got Talent to people who were on certain cruises, and others have tribute nights with artist approval. Examples like this not only strengthen entertainment, but also lean into the cultural shift we are seeing right now.