Nothing beats the thrill of watching a full-scale Broadway production at sea – until you're stuck in the back row behind someone who insists on recording the entire show. After 40+ cruises and countless theater performances from deck 3 to deck 6, I've cracked the code on scoring the best seats for cruise ship entertainment. Here's everything you need to know about show reservations, from the moment you step onboard to curtain call.
Let me be brutally honest: most cruise ship theaters weren't designed by Broadway architects. On Royal Caribbean's Voyager-class ships, the main theater spans three decks, but sight lines from deck 4 balcony seats can be terrible. I learned this the hard way watching "Mamma Mia!" on Mariner of the Seas – half the stage was blocked by the overhang.
The sweet spot? Orchestra level, rows D through H, center sections. You're close enough to see facial expressions but far enough back to take in the full choreography. On Norwegian's newer ships like Norwegian Prima, the Prima Theater's orchestra section has excellent sight lines from virtually any seat, thanks to its stadium-style design.
Avoid these seats at all costs:
Share your theater seating wins and disasters in our Shows & Entertainment forum!
This is where cruise lines differ dramatically, and knowing the system can make or break your entertainment experience.
Royal Caribbean: Show reservations open at 12:01 AM on your sail date through the Royal Caribbean app. Don't wait until you board – popular shows like "The Book of Mormon" on Oasis of the Seas sell out within hours. Premium seats in the orchestra section cost $15-25 per person, but free seats are available in upper levels.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Reservations open 7 days before sailing for suite guests, 5 days for Haven guests, and 3 days for everyone else. Their Broadway shows ("Kinky Boots," "Jersey Boys") charge $15-30 for premium seats. Pro tip: Norwegian often releases additional seats 24 hours before each show.
Celebrity Cruises: Most shows don't require reservations – it's first-come, first-served. However, their specialty acts (like the aerial silk performers on Celebrity Beyond) do require booking through the Celebrity app once onboard.
Princess Cruises: Mix of reserved and general seating. Their "Movies Under the Stars" and "Voice of the Ocean" competitions are free-for-all seating, but guest entertainers require reservations made at the guest services desk.
Here's an insider secret most passengers miss: the guest services desk can work magic for show reservations, especially on embarkation day. I always make a beeline there after the mandatory muster drill.
What to ask for:
Guest services agents often hold back premium seats for VIP guests or technical issues, and these get released throughout the cruise. On Carnival Panorama, I scored front-row center seats for their Playlist Productions show "Soulbound" by checking back on day 3.
Best times to check: Right after breakfast (8-9 AM) and mid-afternoon (2-3 PM) when agents process cancellations and no-shows from the previous night.
Comedy shows operate under completely different rules, and honestly, they're often more entertaining than the big Broadway productions. Most cruise lines offer both family-friendly and adult-only comedy shows.
Norwegian's comedy clubs (like The Social Comedy & Night Club on Norwegian Breakaway) typically don't take reservations – you line up 30 minutes before showtime. Get there early for good seats, especially for the adult shows that start around 10:30 PM.
Royal Caribbean's comedy venues vary by ship. On Anthem-class ships, the Comedy Live venue takes same-day reservations starting at noon. On older ships, it's general admission with a suggested arrival time of 15 minutes early.
Celebrity's comedy shows in their Club venues are walk-up only. Pro tip: grab a drink from the bar first – it guarantees you a seat and supports the bartenders who help manage seating.
Fair warning: Adult comedy shows can get raunchy. I've seen passengers walk out of shows on Carnival ships when comedians target audience members. If you're easily offended, stick to the family-friendly early shows.
This is where you can find real gems that most passengers overlook. Guest entertainers – tribute bands, magicians, solo performers – often put on better shows than the main theater productions.
On my recent Celebrity Edge cruise, the guest pianist in the Grand Plaza was phenomenal, playing everything from classical to Billy Joel. No reservations needed, just grab a cocktail and enjoy. These intimate performances often become the highlight of the cruise.
Special themed nights (80s night, white party, formal night entertainment) usually don't require reservations but can get packed. The deck parties on Norwegian's Bliss-class ships are particularly popular – arrive 20 minutes early for the best viewing spots.
Trivia and game shows are first-come, first-served, but experienced cruisers know to claim tables early. On Royal Caribbean ships, the music trivia in the Schooner Bar gets competitive, and regulars save seats for their teams.
Every major cruise line now has an app, but they're not all created equal for show reservations.
Royal Caribbean app: Most reliable for reservations. Set notifications for show releases and have your payment method saved. The app sometimes crashes during peak booking times, so have the website as backup.
Norwegian app: Clunky but functional. Shows often appear and disappear from availability – if you see something you want, book immediately. Don't wait "to think about it."
Celebrity app: Limited reservation functionality, but great for checking show times and venue locations.
MSC for Me app: Decent for their Cirque du Soleil shows (additional cost, but worth it). Reservations for specialty acts can be made through the app starting 48 hours before each port day.
Here's the truth about show costs: you don't always need to pay for premium seating to get a great experience.
Free alternatives that rival paid shows:
When premium seating is worth it: Broadway-style productions with elaborate sets and costumes. The $20 you spend for good seats during "Chicago" on Norwegian Breakaway is money well spent when you can see every dance move and facial expression.
When to skip premium seating: Comedy shows, piano bar entertainment, and most guest performers. These intimate venues don't have truly "bad" seats.
Some of my best show experiences came from last-minute discoveries. Cruise directors often announce special performances, impromptu deck parties, or guest appearances that aren't in the daily program.
Check these spots daily:
The crew's favorite shows are usually the best ones. On my last Princess cruise, the theater manager told me the guest magician was "the best act we've had all year." She was right – better than the main production shows.
After four decades of cruise ship entertainment, from intimate jazz trios to full Broadway productions, here's my biggest piece of advice: don't over-schedule yourself. The best cruise memories often come from spontaneous discoveries – the amazing guitarist in the atrium, the impromptu dance party on the pool deck, or the comedy show you stumbled into while looking for a nightcap.
Book the shows you're most excited about, but leave room for serendipity. Some of my most memorable cruise entertainment moments happened when I followed my ears instead of my schedule.
Ready to plan your cruise entertainment schedule? Join fellow theater lovers in our Shows & Entertainment forum to share your favorite performances and get insider tips from experienced cruisers!
The Reality of Cruise Ship Theater Seating
Let me be brutally honest: most cruise ship theaters weren't designed by Broadway architects. On Royal Caribbean's Voyager-class ships, the main theater spans three decks, but sight lines from deck 4 balcony seats can be terrible. I learned this the hard way watching "Mamma Mia!" on Mariner of the Seas – half the stage was blocked by the overhang.
The sweet spot? Orchestra level, rows D through H, center sections. You're close enough to see facial expressions but far enough back to take in the full choreography. On Norwegian's newer ships like Norwegian Prima, the Prima Theater's orchestra section has excellent sight lines from virtually any seat, thanks to its stadium-style design.
Avoid these seats at all costs:
- Front row (your neck will hurt from looking up)
- Far side sections on older ships (you'll be watching profiles all night)
- Balcony overhang seats (blocked views guaranteed)
- Wheelchair accessible areas unless needed (often have obstructed views)
Share your theater seating wins and disasters in our Shows & Entertainment forum!
When and Where to Make Reservations
This is where cruise lines differ dramatically, and knowing the system can make or break your entertainment experience.
Royal Caribbean: Show reservations open at 12:01 AM on your sail date through the Royal Caribbean app. Don't wait until you board – popular shows like "The Book of Mormon" on Oasis of the Seas sell out within hours. Premium seats in the orchestra section cost $15-25 per person, but free seats are available in upper levels.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Reservations open 7 days before sailing for suite guests, 5 days for Haven guests, and 3 days for everyone else. Their Broadway shows ("Kinky Boots," "Jersey Boys") charge $15-30 for premium seats. Pro tip: Norwegian often releases additional seats 24 hours before each show.
Celebrity Cruises: Most shows don't require reservations – it's first-come, first-served. However, their specialty acts (like the aerial silk performers on Celebrity Beyond) do require booking through the Celebrity app once onboard.
Princess Cruises: Mix of reserved and general seating. Their "Movies Under the Stars" and "Voice of the Ocean" competitions are free-for-all seating, but guest entertainers require reservations made at the guest services desk.
The Guest Services Desk Strategy
Here's an insider secret most passengers miss: the guest services desk can work magic for show reservations, especially on embarkation day. I always make a beeline there after the mandatory muster drill.
What to ask for:
- "What shows still have orchestra seating available?"
- "Can you put me on a waitlist for [specific show]?"
- "Are there any last-minute cancellations for tonight's show?"
Guest services agents often hold back premium seats for VIP guests or technical issues, and these get released throughout the cruise. On Carnival Panorama, I scored front-row center seats for their Playlist Productions show "Soulbound" by checking back on day 3.
Best times to check: Right after breakfast (8-9 AM) and mid-afternoon (2-3 PM) when agents process cancellations and no-shows from the previous night.
Comedy Show Reservations: A Different Game
Comedy shows operate under completely different rules, and honestly, they're often more entertaining than the big Broadway productions. Most cruise lines offer both family-friendly and adult-only comedy shows.
Norwegian's comedy clubs (like The Social Comedy & Night Club on Norwegian Breakaway) typically don't take reservations – you line up 30 minutes before showtime. Get there early for good seats, especially for the adult shows that start around 10:30 PM.
Royal Caribbean's comedy venues vary by ship. On Anthem-class ships, the Comedy Live venue takes same-day reservations starting at noon. On older ships, it's general admission with a suggested arrival time of 15 minutes early.
Celebrity's comedy shows in their Club venues are walk-up only. Pro tip: grab a drink from the bar first – it guarantees you a seat and supports the bartenders who help manage seating.
Fair warning: Adult comedy shows can get raunchy. I've seen passengers walk out of shows on Carnival ships when comedians target audience members. If you're easily offended, stick to the family-friendly early shows.
Special Events and Guest Entertainers
This is where you can find real gems that most passengers overlook. Guest entertainers – tribute bands, magicians, solo performers – often put on better shows than the main theater productions.
On my recent Celebrity Edge cruise, the guest pianist in the Grand Plaza was phenomenal, playing everything from classical to Billy Joel. No reservations needed, just grab a cocktail and enjoy. These intimate performances often become the highlight of the cruise.
Special themed nights (80s night, white party, formal night entertainment) usually don't require reservations but can get packed. The deck parties on Norwegian's Bliss-class ships are particularly popular – arrive 20 minutes early for the best viewing spots.
Trivia and game shows are first-come, first-served, but experienced cruisers know to claim tables early. On Royal Caribbean ships, the music trivia in the Schooner Bar gets competitive, and regulars save seats for their teams.
Technology Tips and App Strategies
Every major cruise line now has an app, but they're not all created equal for show reservations.
Royal Caribbean app: Most reliable for reservations. Set notifications for show releases and have your payment method saved. The app sometimes crashes during peak booking times, so have the website as backup.
Norwegian app: Clunky but functional. Shows often appear and disappear from availability – if you see something you want, book immediately. Don't wait "to think about it."
Celebrity app: Limited reservation functionality, but great for checking show times and venue locations.
MSC for Me app: Decent for their Cirque du Soleil shows (additional cost, but worth it). Reservations for specialty acts can be made through the app starting 48 hours before each port day.
Money-Saving Strategies
Here's the truth about show costs: you don't always need to pay for premium seating to get a great experience.
Free alternatives that rival paid shows:
- Deck parties and poolside entertainment
- Piano bar performances (especially on Holland America)
- Guest lecturer presentations (often brilliant on longer cruises)
- Cultural shows in port-heavy itineraries
When premium seating is worth it: Broadway-style productions with elaborate sets and costumes. The $20 you spend for good seats during "Chicago" on Norwegian Breakaway is money well spent when you can see every dance move and facial expression.
When to skip premium seating: Comedy shows, piano bar entertainment, and most guest performers. These intimate venues don't have truly "bad" seats.
Last-Minute and Onboard Strategies
Some of my best show experiences came from last-minute discoveries. Cruise directors often announce special performances, impromptu deck parties, or guest appearances that aren't in the daily program.
Check these spots daily:
- Guest services desk for cancellations
- Cruise director announcements (usually around 11 AM)
- Your cabin's daily program for schedule changes
- Staff recommendations – they know which shows are worth your time
The crew's favorite shows are usually the best ones. On my last Princess cruise, the theater manager told me the guest magician was "the best act we've had all year." She was right – better than the main production shows.
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Cruise Entertainment
After four decades of cruise ship entertainment, from intimate jazz trios to full Broadway productions, here's my biggest piece of advice: don't over-schedule yourself. The best cruise memories often come from spontaneous discoveries – the amazing guitarist in the atrium, the impromptu dance party on the pool deck, or the comedy show you stumbled into while looking for a nightcap.
Book the shows you're most excited about, but leave room for serendipity. Some of my most memorable cruise entertainment moments happened when I followed my ears instead of my schedule.
Ready to plan your cruise entertainment schedule? Join fellow theater lovers in our Shows & Entertainment forum to share your favorite performances and get insider tips from experienced cruisers!