A new entertainment strategy guided by consumer insights and direct passenger feedback is bringing new, original entertainment programming to Norwegian Cruise Line ships this year.
The cruise line aims to enhance passengers’ experiences on board its ships with exclusive, original productions and a wider range of entertainment options, including additional entertainment outside the main theater.
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According to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO Harry Sommer, passengers don’t want to spend two hours in a theater watching an elaborate, straight-from-Broadway show. The cruise line’s guest satisfaction scores show that passengers prefer Norwegian’s shorter, original productions, and the cruise line is leaning into that as it plans new entertainment programming for its fleet.
The cruise line will debut four brand-new and original NCL entertainment productions across nine of its ships, through September 2025. Designed to appeal to multi-generational and global audiences, the new entertainment offerings include nostalgic tribute shows, immersive concert experiences, and dance performances.
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Norwegian Cruise Line is introducing new entertainment programming inside and outside the main theater.
Image source: Norwegian Cruise Line
New Norwegian Cruise Line shows feature nostalgic vibes
British tribute show “Red, White, & British” will celebrate iconic British musical performers and artists who have taken the United States airwaves by storm. The high-energy show will feature a ‘glam rock’ section paying tribute to influential rock ‘n’ roll trendsetters like David Bowie and Queen. “Red, White & British” will premiere on Norwegian Breakaway this March, followed by Norwegian Epic in May, and Norwegian Prima in August.
Norwegian’s first show dedicated entirely to the music of the ’90s, “Bring Back the 90s,” will take passengers on a nostalgic, “Alice in Wonderland”-inspired journey through the iconic moments of the ’90s including songs from Alanis Morissette, Salt-N-Pepa, and Destiny’s Child. “Bring Back the 90s” will debut on Norwegian Getaway this March and Norwegian Joy this July.
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Immersive concert experience “ICONS: The Bands” will bring to life the hits by legendary bands that defined generations. “ICONS: The Bands” will premiere on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Escape this spring.
Dance show “Ignite The Night” will blend the visual appeal of television’s most iconic awards shows and red-carpet events, promising an evening of high-energy excitement, showcasing a vibrant mix of dance, style, and design. “Ignite the Night” will debut on Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Gem this March and September respectively.
Across its fleet, the cruise line also plans to surprise and delight passengers with daily, spontaneous “Mini Moments of More” entertainment pop-ups featuring interactive moments to add an extra element of fun and energy to the cruise experience. Passengers can expect the unexpected with flash mob performances poolside, in dining rooms, atriums, and more.
Passengers react to new entertainment announcement
In the Norwegian Cruise Line community on Reddit, loyal NCL cruisers shared their thoughts on the new shows and pop-up entertainment. Some passengers are glad to see the cruise line adding to its offerings after overhauling its entertainment strategy to step away from Broadway-style musicals and focus on shorter, simpler shows that the cruise line’s passengers have rated highly.
“It’s about time they did something about entertainment after basically gutting their whole program. They’ve fallen woefully behind other cruise lines to save a buck,” illuminated0ne commented. “It’s nice to see them also offering more live performances and music around the ship. Now we just have to wait and see how good these productions are.”
Related: Norwegian Cruise Line passengers reveal why they’re loyal to NCL
While the cruise line says the new entertainment programming will offer passengers more of what they love — captivating stories, chart-topping music, and visual spectacle, some passengers say the new offerings sound a bit underwhelming.
“So basically we’ll be getting cover bands as the main entertainment?” stinky_harriet wrote.
“So juke box shows with no story? Got it,” regreening echoed.
Some passengers aren’t sure about the pop-up entertainment either.
“Flash mobs? In the dining room? Please no,” BeerBoilerCat wrote.
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