Tired of same production shows on different ships

[shellbeachjim]

I'll bet if you find a Patter from 1985 or so you'll find "Words and Music" on it. :rolleyes:

[SF]

To me it's not as much as the same old production shows as I can understand the lack of a turnover due to the high cost but I have recently been on several Princess ships (some even twice) and I find they are now having the same entertainers. I know the entertainers always switch ships, some during the cruise itself others after a few weeks but I'm talking about a period over several months where we have encountered the same entertainers and the same acts. Getting different entertainers is not as hard or as costly as providing new shows so why haven't they.

[CaliJohn]

What's interesting is that despite the lack of new Production shows the Princess Theater always seems to be full...

 

Management is unlikely to change its thinking as long as this is the case.

[chasetf]

What's interesting is that despite the lack of new Production shows the Princess Theater always seems to be full...

 

Management is unlikely to change its thinking as long as this is the case.

We were told during our backstage tour they have lasted as little as a couple of weeks and a couple of months up to the current Piano Man run. He also stated their popularity determines how long they last.

[Toto2Kansas]

To me it's not as much as the same old production shows as I can understand the lack of a turnover due to the high cost but I have recently been on several Princess ships (some even twice) and I find they are now having the same entertainers. I know the entertainers always switch ships, some during the cruise itself others after a few weeks but I'm talking about a period over several months where we have encountered the same entertainers and the same acts. Getting different entertainers is not as hard or as costly as providing new shows so why haven't they.

I would guess they are under contract! Just moving from ship to ship.

[mikjr]

Sailed about 15 times with different Princess ships. Seems they have the same production numbers on nearly all ships. Since production shows are high priority to me, wondering if I should try HAL or NCL. (been on RCCL nearly 30 times too). Anyone else feel that way?

 

Jumping ship doesn't help... I've seen the "Piano Man" show on Celebrity and HAL, besides multi times on Princess. Same songs and pretty much the same choreography. the only difference... the quality of the talent.

[Putterdude]

We have seen a couple of production shows far to many times but were pleased to see two new ones, at least to us, on the Grand last month, they were "Shake, Rattle & Roll" and "Cinematastic”. One that we haven't seen for a while that we would like to see again is "Let Us Entertain You".

[mikjr]

Sailed about 15 times with different Princess ships. Seems they have the same production numbers on nearly all ships. Since production shows are high priority to me, wondering if I should try HAL or NCL. (been on RCCL nearly 30 times too). Anyone else feel that way?

 

Jumping ship won't help... we've seen the "Piano Man" show several times on Princess... plus the same show on Celebrity and HAL. The same songs and pretty much the same choreography. the only difference was the quality of the talent.

[CaliJohn]

To me it's not as much as the same old production shows as I can understand the lack of a turnover due to the high cost but I have recently been on several Princess ships (some even twice) and I find they are now having the same entertainers. I know the entertainers always switch ships, some during the cruise itself others after a few weeks but I'm talking about a period over several months where we have encountered the same entertainers and the same acts. Getting different entertainers is not as hard or as costly as providing new shows so why haven't they.

 

Actually, casting and signing new production show talent isn't that easy. The shows are a lot of work to learn, casts are assembled that compliment their abilities, and life on a cruise ship as a performer isn't for everyone - many drop out before the end of their contract. Trying to keep all the ship's shows properly casted is quite a balancing act and Princess (like all cruise lines) tends to retain proven talent wherever possible. Since Princess has its own entertainment department and rehearsal facilities it has greater control of show content & talent than cruise lines (e.g. HAL) using talent agencies for contracting performers.

 

We have seen a couple of production shows far to many times but were pleased to see two new ones, at least to us, on the Grand last month, they were "Shake, Rattle & Roll" and "Cinematastic”. One that we haven't seen for a while that we would like to see again is "Let Us Entertain You".

"Shake, Rattle & Roll" and "Cinematastic” have been around for quite a while. Glad they were new to you!

 

Jumping ship won't help... we've seen the "Piano Man" show several times on Princess... plus the same show on Celebrity and HAL. The same songs and pretty much the same choreography. the only difference was the quality of the talent.

 

Bingo. Quality of the talent varies from cast to cast and makes a big difference. Plus, life on a ship is conducive to sickness (which tends to spread throught the cast) and on any given night or cruise can affect the show's performance...

[SF]

Originally Posted by SF View Post

To me it's not as much as the same old production shows as I can understand the lack of a turnover due to the high cost but I have recently been on several Princess ships (some even twice) and I find they are now having the same entertainers. I know the entertainers always switch ships, some during the cruise itself others after a few weeks but I'm talking about a period over several months where we have encountered the same entertainers and the same acts. Getting different entertainers is not as hard or as costly as providing new shows so why haven't they.

 

Actually, casting and signing new production show talent isn't that easy. The shows are a lot of work to learn, casts are assembled that compliment their abilities, and life on a cruise ship as a performer isn't for everyone - many drop out before the end of their contract. Trying to keep all the ship's shows properly casted is quite a balancing act and Princess (like all cruise lines) tends to retain proven talent wherever possible. Since Princess has its own entertainment department and rehearsal facilities it has greater control of show content & talent than cruise lines (e.g. HAL) using talent agencies for contracting performers.

 

 

 

 

That's what I original said, I understand why they don't change production shows often too much involved, however, changing comedians, jugglers, singers, etc..... is not as big a deal and lately they haven't even done that. That was my main point above. They just seem to switch them constantly from ship to ship. That's not a problem either but after a few months they should get some new acts. So for those that enjoy cruising and different princess ships they either have to watch the same entertainment acts several times or try another cruise line. We've seen some of the same acts (not counting production shows) many times already. Be nice if they had a way to let passengers booking within two months know who the entertainers would be!!!;)

[CaliJohn]

That's what I original said, I understand why they don't change production shows often too much involved, however, changing comedians, jugglers, singers, etc..... is not as big a deal and lately they haven't even done that. That was my main point above. They just seem to switch them constantly from ship to ship. That's not a problem either but after a few months they should get some new acts. So for those that enjoy cruising and different princess ships they either have to watch the same entertainment acts several times or try another cruise line. We've seen some of the same acts (not counting production shows) many times already. Be nice if they had a way to let passengers booking within two months know who the entertainers would be!!!;)

 

Can't speak with any experience on entertainers, but I agree it should be possible to add new talent easily. Especially in this economy...

[SF]

Yes, totally agree with you. In this economy there are plenty of entertainers (and people) looking for work. Last cruise we were on they had the same comedian we had already seen several times from about two years ago with the same act.......At least get him to change the routine if you are going to keep him under contract. He was funny the first two times we saw him but not after the third.

[NotWthOutablcony]

They aren't exciting shows, that's for sure, I think we've seen them all. We no longer go to the shows, and really enjoy other areas of the ship when a good majority of pax are watching the shows. Its usually a great time to visit the casino as its not too crowded and we're sure to get one of our favorite slots. Or even enjoy some quiet time out on deck, or walking the promenade deck. Sure its a little irritating that after 11 years of cruising, the shows are stillk the same, but we're not complaining, as we always find something to do. I think its more annoying when you've seen the guest acts before and they do the EXACT same act as they did 3 years ago, its like really? 3 years and you couldn't come up with any new material? Lol, when Vegas says "No," the cruiselines will always say "Yes!" :D

[CaliJohn]

Lol, when Vegas says "No," the cruiselines will always say "Yes!" :D

 

Huh? Please clarify.

[NotWthOutablcony]

Huh? Please clarify.

It was a joke I heard regarding cruiseline entertainment, he was talking about these "entertainers," who audition for Vegas reviews, but aren't quite good enough, so they end up on cruise ships. He was really funny, I think we saw him on the Caribbean Princess.

[Dunelm]

Exactly! I think we have such high expections these days because we have seen so much on TV, movies, and so on. In other words, we have been spoiled. There is so much to do on ships that I cannot imagine anyone becoming bored unless that person has just had too much of a good thing. In that case, a change is needed.

[west coast cruiser]

I don't go on a cruise for the shows. I hardly ever go to them on the ship and I sure don't miss them. There are a lot of other things to do.

Some of the lounge shows are pretty good. We had a great piano player in the Crooners on the Island Princess last month.

WCC

[NotWthOutablcony]

Exactly! I think we have such high expections these days because we have seen so much on TV, movies, and so on. In other words, we have been spoiled. There is so much to do on ships that I cannot imagine anyone becoming bored unless that person has just had too much of a good thing. In that case, a change is needed.

Lol, I'm thoroughly entertained just staring at the water, sad to say, but I think about 40% of my cruise, is doing just that! Like I said, we don't go to the shows anymore, been there, done that, though we no longer do the formal nights either, and I never have felt as though we were missing anything by sitting out on either. We always enjoy our time spent on the ships, and find much resolve in just sitting and enjoying eachothers company.

[Gotribe]

Getting different entertainers is not as hard or as costly as providing new shows so why haven't they.

 

Cruise passengers are hyper-critical and pleasing them isn't easy. The cruise lines try out lots of new acts who don't go over. When they get acts that work out they stick with them. The vast majority of the crowd each week is seeing them for the first time.

[GottaLuvCruising]

Entertainment, particularly the full-scale productions, is one of our favorite things about cruising. For this reason, we have chosen to sail a variety of cruise lines.

 

In two weeks we are going to Las Vegas. We booked a different show for every night and we spent WAY more money on this vacation than we typically do on cruises.

[cantwaitfornextcruise]

. I think its more annoying when you've seen the guest acts before and they do the EXACT same act as they did 3 years ago, its like really? 3 years and you couldn't come up with any new material? Lol,

 

I agree although Billy Vader makes me laugh, just by looking at him, he really needs to change his act, it’s lazy if a comedian can’t come up with new material

[SF]

Cruise passengers are hyper-critical and pleasing them isn't easy. The cruise lines try out lots of new acts who don't go over. When they get acts that work out they stick with them. The vast majority of the crowd each week is seeing them for the first time.

 

I don't consider cruise passengers... nor myself....hyper-critical as you so unkindly mentioned just because they don't appreciate seeing the same entertainer with the same act three years later on the same ship or one of the other ships in Princess' fleet.

 

You want hyper-critical..... those are the people that complain about a small tear in a carpet that thousands walk over each day, the weather that is not in our control, how everything was terrible.......... food, service etc...

 

For your information there are many people who are loyal to Princess and are fortunate to cruise often and yes, forgive us for thinking after many months or years they'd have new entertainment or at least have the same entertainer change their act. Production shows I can understand and agree it costs to much to change but really...how hard is it to sign another comedian or singer!!! Just because as you say half of the people probably haven't seen that act they also wouldn't have probably seen the new act or re-vised one but by doing this Princess would be keeping their loyal travelers happy too. If Princess is going to keep the same entertainers because like you say most people haven't seen the act then IMHO they are going to lose loyal passengers as they will cruise other lines for the variety.

[cruisinnorth]

Having watched a show on MSNBC that I think was called "Business On the Seas" about the business end of cruising... it was mentioned that the cost to use these production shows can run as high as 1,000,000 dollars each, that is to acquire the rights to use these shows. The person who was being interviewed stated that there was no direct income to be had from the shows and that they were being run solely for entertainment of the passengers. If this is accurate information then I can understand cruise lines using these shows for as long as they possibly can.

In an effort to reduce these costs I am told by a very good friend's daughter who works for NCL in their show production department that NCL is going to start producing their own shows from scratch and not depend on buying the shows from another party. It will be interesting to see how this works out and whether or not the product is any better.

Dave

[CaliJohn]

Having watched a show on MSNBC that I think was called "Business On the Seas" about the business end of cruising... it was mentioned that the cost to use these production shows can run as high as 1,000,000 dollars each, that is to acquire the rights to use these shows. The person who was being interviewed stated that there was no direct income to be had from the shows and that they were being run solely for entertainment of the passengers. If this is accurate information then I can understand cruise lines using these shows for as long as they possibly can.

 

Great special wasn't it? As you mentioned, cruise lines are basically offering a "freebee" and will get as much mileage as possible out of the shows to offset development/production costs. And they have on occasion scheduled 3 shows per night due to demand...

[SF]

Yes, that was a great show, very informative and the costs for production shows can add up to big numbers so it is understandable how they would want to keep a show for several years.

 

However, this isn't the case with the individual acts and others may not agree but I feel those need to change more often. Just my two cents worth.;)