On board entertainment

[JimandStan]

A certain percentage of us will attend ANY stage show, good or bad, "after all, dear, we've already paid for it"; and there are many couples for whom an evening of conversation in a Lounge would be just this side of unthinkable.

 

The number of Passengers who are in the Lounge when the Curtain rises is seldom at issue...

 

They adapt the Shows to effect the number who remain (AWAKE) until it is finished.

[pacheco18]

A certain percentage of us will attend ANY stage show, good or bad, "after all, dear, we've already paid for it"; and there are many couples for whom an evening of conversation in a Lounge would be just this side of unthinkable.

 

The number of Passengers who are in the Lounge when the Curtain rises is seldom at issue...

 

They adapt the Shows to effect the number who remain (AWAKE) until it is finished.

 

lol

how true

[hypercafe]

I really find it odd that some people refuse to believe the shows are good. I have only been on the large ships twice so Oceania s not my line of choice, however I think the shows are fine. If I must be negative the show lounge is the problem. The stage is one foot high, the sight lines are terrible and the seats are the worst I have ever sat in, reminds me of my grade school. That said if you want to go and not spend your time in a bar or in a restaurant the shows are good if you can stand the seats IMO.

[pacheco18]

I really find it odd that some people refuse to believe the shows are good. .

 

I find it odd that people like to eat in the GDR.

 

"Refuse to believe" -- must I believe you?

 

I think the shows are awful. My opinion. Love the cruise line. Hate the entertainment.

 

If it's any consolation, the shows on Azamara are even worse.

 

We do not sail for entertainment.

 

Nothing odd about having an opinion. It is based on my frame of reference, my taste, my standards for entertainment. Obviously, your tastes are different from mine.

 

Enjoy the shows along with others who enjoy them.

Edited March 19, 2014 by pacheco18

[hypercafe]

I find it odd that people like to eat in the GDR.

 

"Refuse to believe" -- must I believe you?

 

I think the shows are awful. My opinion. Love the cruise line. Hate the entertainment.

 

If it's any consolation, the shows on Azamara are even worse.

 

We do not sail for entertainment.

 

Nothing odd about having an opinion. It is based on my frame of reference, my taste, my standards for entertainment. Obviously, your tastes are different from mine.

 

Enjoy the shows along with others who enjoy them.

 

 

I have never been on Azamara so I can not comment. I guess it gets down to some of us like to eat, some like to drink, some like to go to the shows and some like to do all in moderation. I think Oceania provides the product to make all happy. People read this that have never been on Oceania, to slam part of the product and come across as a expert helps no one, it is more that having an personal opinion IMO.

[pacheco18]

I find it odd that people like to eat in the GDR.

 

"Refuse to believe" -- must I believe you?

 

I think the shows are awful. My opinion. Love the cruise line. Hate the entertainment.

 

If it's any consolation, the shows on Azamara are even worse.

 

We do not sail for entertainment.

 

Nothing odd about having an opinion. It is based on my frame of reference, my taste, my standards for entertainment. Obviously, your tastes are different from mine.

 

Enjoy the shows along with others who enjoy them.

 

 

I have never been on Azamara so I can not comment. I guess it gets down to some of us like to eat, some like to drink, some like to go to the shows and some like to do all in moderation. I think Oceania provides the product to make all happy. People read this that have never been on Oceania, to slam part of the product and come across as a expert helps no one, it is more that having an personal opinion IMO.

 

Of course it's my opinion. I never said I was an expert. I said I have a different standard and frame of reference from you (and others) for what I consider to be "good" entertainment -- apparently. Many others agree with me -- do a search. As one poster said, it's good that some of us choose not to go to the shows -- that leaves seats for those who do.

 

This site is not just to post glowing opinions of everything on board ship or about any cruise line. We should all tell the truth as we see it.

 

As I have said -- go to the shows or the GDR or wherever and decide for yourself.

 

I am not guided by what others think. I decide for myself. That's what I expect any intelligent person to do. Anyone who would not go to a show because of MY opinion (or go to one because of yours) does not think for himself.

Edited March 19, 2014 by pacheco18

[Balloon Man]

We've been on both sizes of ship in the Oceania fleet and found the shows acceptable but not unmissable. We've also cruised on a couple of mega ships from other lines where the shows have been Broadway/West End quality because they can invest the funds.

 

However we've just returned from sailing around Cuba on Louis Cristal (note the spelling of Cristal - not Crystal). It's an up-market ferry that normally cruises the Greek islands. Best shows we have ever seen on a ship. At almost every port there was an early show staring local talent, then a later show featuring quite a large permanent cast. All backed by a terrific Cuban orchestra.

 

You haven't seen a great cruise ship show until you have seen the Cristal's equivalent of Cirque du Soleil at sea. :D Pity about the food :rolleyes:

Edited March 19, 2014 by Balloon Man

[kiawahdon]

I am surprised that no one has commented on one of our entertainment gripes- or should I say lack of entertainment from about 9:15 to 10:30+-. If one would just like to have an after-dinner drink/nightcap and listen to some piano, guitar, etc. music, there is nada, none available- at least on Marina.

Not everyone will find the night's show lounge entertainment their cup of tea. And, the lounges only hold a little less that half the passengers. So, why no alternative venue?

[JimandStan]

I am surprised that no one has commented on one of our entertainment gripes- or should I say lack of entertainment from about 9:15 to 10:30+-. If one would just like to have an after-dinner drink/nightcap and listen to some piano, guitar, etc. music, there is nada, none available- at least on Marina.

Not everyone will find the night's show lounge entertainment their cup of tea. And, the lounges only hold a little less that half the passengers. So, why no alternative venue?

 

On every Oceania Cruise, a cocktail Pianist tinkles the ivories in Martini's from about 6PM until well after midnight.

That goes for the big ships as well as the small ships, although this photo is from the Marina.

[LHT28]

I am surprised that no one has commented on one of our entertainment gripes- or should I say lack of entertainment from about 9:15 to 10:30+-. If one would just like to have an after-dinner drink/nightcap and listen to some piano, guitar, etc. music, there is nada, none available- at least on Marina.

 

Maybe you just hit the bar at the wrong time ..we had Jerry Blaine at the piano on our Marina cruise a few years ago & other piano players on the R-ships over the years

One time they had a small trio in Martinis after dinner

[kiawahdon]

Maybe you just hit the bar at the wrong time ..we had Jerry Blaine at the piano on our Marina cruise a few years ago & other piano players on the R-ships over the years

One time they had a small trio in Martinis after dinner

 

All I can say is there was zero entertainment during the shows from Jan22-Feb23.

Edited March 19, 2014 by kiawahdon

[JimandStan]

All I can say is there was zero entertainment during the shows from Jan22-Feb23.

 

Something is rotten in Denmark

 

It's always possible that a performer cancelled at the last minute, and of course the Entertainers perform subject to Union Regulations, so they don't play incessantly, but if you knew what Oceania paid to install that Piano, you would know that they would never leave it dark for an entire cruise-

 

I'd be interested to see one or two of the Currents from your voyage.

[edgee]

On recent Riviera cruise, entertainment was of quality and format equivalent to what one would see on most larger cruise lines, albeit with less elaborate effects and staging due to smaller theatre. For some shows they had two performances; the usual 9:45 one and also at 6:15. IMHO if you like the Andrew Lloyd Webber, Broadway reviews, 60s retro shows similar to those on larger cruise lines you will enjoy the shows on the O ships. If not…you will not. During show times,as I recall, the previously mentioned piano was silent, which we found rather odd.

Edited March 19, 2014 by edgee

[kiawahdon]

Something is rotten in Denmark

 

It's always possible that a performer cancelled at the last minute, and of course the Entertainers perform subject to Union Regulations, so they don't play incessantly, but if you knew what Oceania paid to install that Piano, you would know that they would never leave it dark for an entire cruise-

 

I'd be interested to see one or two of the Currents from your voyage.

 

Never said it was "dark for an entire cruise". Just dark for about an hour every night during shows. Go back and re-read my posts.

[pacheco18]

On recent Riviera cruise, entertainment was of quality and format equivalent to what one would see on most larger cruise lines, albeit with less elaborate effects and staging due to smaller theatre. For some shows they had two performances; the usual 9:45 one and also at 6:15. During show times,as I recall, the previously mentioned piano was silent, which we found rather odd.

 

Not on my recent Riviera cruise (December).

We stopped in to the shows with the "hope" of seeing something acceptable.

The "talent" was not impressive IMO.

I find the productions extremely amateurish and costumes like those in a high school musical. Sorry, doesn't cut it for us.

 

My only experience on a larger line is Celebrity and IMO Oceania's shows don't come close. In fact, we never missed a show on Celebrity.

 

To each his own. There will NEVER be agreement about the quality of entertainment any more than there will be about food. I am glad so many of you enjoy the shows and that we have the option not to go to them. There is something (or not) for everyone on Oceania. That's why we love the line.

[LHT28]

All I can say is there was zero entertainment during the shows from Jan22-Feb23.

 

I guess they were on other ships then

 

On our Jan Riviera cruise there was a band playing most evenings in Horizons for 45min between 9pm & 10:30 pm the times varied each night so you had to check the Currents

 

The string quartet played in the Grand Hall until 9 pm

 

I guess since they moved evening trivia to Martinis at 8:45pm the piano player was on earlier or much later

 

Too bad they did not have anything for your cruise

 

Lyn

[LHT28]

Turned out we were blown away by the performance which imitated Elvis's Televised shows....you remember, the black leather outfit from the early show and then the most watched Hawaii show with the white jewel encrusted suit. Turns out that he was one of only 30 or so performers licensed by Elvis productions to do this show. His mannerisms, make up, voice, costumes - everything about him was excellent. Even his jokes when he stepped out of character were entertaining.

 

Terry

 

Was it Patrick Dunn ?

We had him on the Jan cruise & he was very good as were the young ladies

 

Lyn

[Terryd444]

Yes Lynn - Patrick Dunn! Thanks for jogging my poor memory.....

 

Terry

[edgee]

Not on my recent Riviera cruise (December).

We stopped in to the shows with the "hope" of seeing something acceptable.

The "talent" was not impressive IMO.

I find the productions extremely amateurish and costumes like those in a high school musical. Sorry, doesn't cut it for us.

 

My only experience on a larger line is Celebrity and IMO Oceania's shows don't come close. In fact, we never missed a show on Celebrity.

 

To each his own. There will NEVER be agreement about the quality of entertainment any more than there will be about food. I am glad so many of you enjoy the shows and that we have the option not to go to them. There is something (or not) for everyone on Oceania. That's why we love the line.

 

 

As to your comment, I do agree about the bare bones nature of the costuming and staging. We found sheer talent to be quite good, indeed more consistent than Celebrity and bordering on Cunard's West End performers at times. You were on Riviera in December we saw the same talent on their last cruise before a handover of the entire cast to new talent. So we can completely agree that there will NEVER be agreement about quality of entertainment (and probably food, also.) :)

[CintiPam]

Patrick Dunn is a very talented young man. He was the star of the three production shows we saw and did an excellent solo Elvis show.

Edited March 21, 2014 by CintiPam

[edgee]

Patrick Dunn is a very talented young man. He was the star of the three production shows we saw and did an excellent solo Elvis show.

 

Agree. And also a very personable young man.

[JimandStan]

Patrick Dunn is a very talented young man. He was the star of the three production shows we saw and did an excellent solo Elvis show.

 

Yes Pam, he's a Connecticut boy. as you may know.

And we know him from his post grad days at the Minetta Lane, when he was just the most talented kid in town.

[CTLeeA]

Thanks Pam! What you described is EXACTLY what I had hoped.....:

The best of both worlds what Hawaiidan prefers and what DrJW [ me ;) ]

enjoys...so...everyone is happy!

 

Hi...we happen to agree with you. On the Azamara cruise we took (AZAmara ships are twins to the Regatta), they were able to produce production like shows without an actual stage. Chairs surrounded the dance floor and we were treated to being within inches of some of the dancers. We love the itinerary on our upcoming Regatta cruise, but if the entertainment is essentially nonexistant, we'll think twice about rebooking.

[vrogers]

Looking forward to my upcoming cruise and hope to get to some shows, our last cruise on Marina was port intensive and unfortunately so tired in bed by 9:30pm, missed out visiting the casino as well, so both are on my list for this cruise. Hopefully my luck will be in at the casino!:rolleyes:

[ohmark]

and that we have the option not to go to them. There is something (or not) for everyone on Oceania. That's why we love the line.

I didn't know that some lines had mandatory attendance at the shows.