The most popular part of a cruise holiday for many passengers is the dining experience. After that, what they look forward to is the entertainment. Experienced cruisers will have noticed more changes being made when it comes to the ship’s entertainment styles.

Here is an array of what is happening now or on the horizon with the major cruise lines:

Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Lines is introducing a new feature for entertainment in 2014. They are splashing the waves with their innovative series of concerts called ‘Carnival Live’.

This idea cropped up in an attempt to restore the image of Carnival after a few problems last year. The brand is hoping to restore confidence in many ways, one of which is bringing in the concerts.

The first to open in this series is Jennifer Hudson. Before her winning stretch of both a Golden Globe and Academy Award for the film ‘Dreamgirls’, Jennifer Hudson sang on a Disney Cruise Line ship.

Jennifer Hudson in Dream Girls

Carnival Ecstasy is the ship that will debut the first concert with Ms. Hudson on the 18th of June. There’s a repeat performance the next evening onboard the Carnival Breeze in Cozumel, Mexico, one of Carnival’s most beloved port of calls.

The Carnival Live concert series line-up also includes Trace Adkins, Chicago, Leann Rimes, Daughtry, Foreigner, Olivia Newton-John, Gavin DeGraw, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, REO Speedwagon, Jewel, Kansas, Styx and .38 Special.

Cunard

Cunard has had longstanding partnerships with the National Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and the Juilliard School of Music. In the Royal Court Theatre, located on all ships, passengers can catch a bit of culture with ballet or classic theatre of Shakespearean classics as well as production shows and a good variety of cabaret.

The theatre has a unique feature that is a first and not found anywhere else at sea. It contains private box seats that can be reserved prior to a performance for a fee.

orchestra

MSC

One of the most famous bands of the 60’s, The Moody Blues are going to thrill their fans with a special themed cruise that is based on the Isle of Wight Festival from 1970.

For 5 nights commencing on the 2nd of April, cruisers onboard the MSC Divina will get to hear music from the band as well as several special guests, including Roger Daltrey of The Who, The Zombies, The Electric Light Orchestra, Starship and the Little River Band. There will also be a Question and Answer segment for those who want to know all about these famous artists.

Electric Light Orchestra

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian cruise line was always the innovator in entertainment on their long decommissioned classic flagship, the Norway. Since the introduction of the Norwegian Epic and more recently the Breakaway, Norwegian has come up with original entertainment options at sea.

Catch familiar names such as Blue Man Group as well as introducing ground breaking concepts like the Cirque Dreams and Dinner Show.

For the 5th year in a row, music legend Kid Rock will be hosting the Kid Rock’s Redneck Paradise special, commencing on the 3rd of March. This will take place on the Norwegian Pearl departing out of Miami.

The line-up, which is being selected by Kid Rock himself, will be held throughout the week. There will also be daily concerts and two special shows held by the pool deck.

Kid Rock

Royal Caribbean International

In the past, you never knew who would be on-board in the evening. However Royal Caribbean began to introduce other forms of live entertainment such as ice extravaganzas held in an onboard rink. RCCL was the first to bring West End shows on to the waterways with shows such as “Hairspray”, “Mamma Mia” and “Chicago”.

Chicago

Heavy metal fans across the world are celebrating at this moment the ‘70,000 Tons of Metal’. Over forty celebrated heavy metal bands are performing on the Majesty of the Seas. Names include Carcass, Dark Tranquility, Death Angel and Dirty Rotten Imbeciles.

It may be too late for Heavy Metal fans to experience this for 2014, but gear up as this specialised cruise holiday is bound to be on-board for 2015.

Cruise lines continue to seek the exceptional in the field of entertainment. It really does benefit the passengers who gain an even more fun and enjoyable time away from home.

What Artist or Band would you like to see on your cruise holiday? Tell us below.

Written by Veronica Shine