Entertainment or not

[PokkuJo]

I´ve never been on a cruise before, so I don´t know what to expect. However, I´m surprised to see so many questions about entertainment. I’ve always thought that after a full day in port, doing excursions or exploring, one would be too tired for entertainment. I´m thinking that after a day a shore, I will want to wind down in the stateroom for a while, eat a nice dinner, maybe go for a stroll on the ship, have some hot tea, read a book and then hit the bed. On a sea day I might want something more to do. But even then I could do with sleeping in, eating good, strolling and reading. How do you all have energy for shows, auctions, drinking and partying? Is there anyone else like me in the cruising world or will I be completely out of place?

[John Bull]

It takes all sorts.

We're somewhere in the middle - serviced main dining room dinner, probably a show, perhaps a drink.

Then bed.

That'll be long after you. 😛

But long before those at discos & partying. 😵

 

We use the buffet for a quick breakfast on port days.

But for breakfast on sea days we always try to use the serviced main dining room for a quiet relaxed atmosphere and much better-prepared food.  That's if we're up and about in time - which we often aren't 🙄

 

BTW we used to go to auctions for the free fizz.

But even if there's still free fizz these days we'd rather pay for a drink than waste our time at auctions.

Buy at auction only because you really like something, don't expect a bargain cos you won't get one despite the glib assurances that they're selling well below market value cos they're not.

 

JB 🙂

[9tee2Sea]

Being on a cruise usually doesn't change my sleeping habits.  Up by 7am, in bed by 10pm ( the latest).I honestly can say I have never seen a show on any cruise line that blowed me away.  I think of them as just spending time away from the cabin.

[Flatbush Flyer]

OP: Some mass market lines are obviously trying to have an onboard “destination appeal” that mimics the “real thing.” Floating amusement parks; wannabe live production shows; specialty restaurants (where you pay to get “better” food than what is included in your base fare). The list goes on…

 

Like going to Las Vegas, it’s a fantasy land of imitation for mostly American folks who don’t have the time or means or energy to experience the real Disneyland, Broadway and restaurant runs in New Orleans or San Francisco all in quick succession. 
 

FWIW: There do exist cruise lines that offer the traditions that originally made cruising so appealing: multiple unique destinations, exquisite cuisine and excellent service plus the convenience of an “unpack once” effort to which has been added a selection of tasteful yet limited entertainment. Do the research and you’ll find them. 

[StollyBolly]

What’s nice about cruising is you can do as much or little as you want.  We have friends who did their first cruise with us.  He took a huge book and 4 days in he said he didn’t have time to read!   He found things he liked to do on ship.  Just enjoy! 

[Zach1213]

To each their own. The entertainment on board always sounds miserable to me, and we rarely go (and usually dislike it when we do). We would much rather get some drinks and chill together on our balcony. But it must be super popular if they keep having it and it's such a discussion point. 

[lenquixote66]

We are up at 6 AM and do not go to bed till 2 AM.We enjoy getting the most out of every day on a cruise.

At home we sleep 7 hours a night.

[mjkacmom]

1 hour ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

OP: Some mass market lines are obviously trying to have an onboard “destination appeal” that mimics the “real thing.” Floating amusement parks; wannabe live production shows; specialty restaurants (where you pay to get “better” food than what is included in your base fare). The list goes on…

 

Like going to Las Vegas, it’s a fantasy land of imitation for mostly American folks who don’t have the time or means or energy to experience the real Disneyland, Broadway and restaurant runs in New Orleans or San Francisco all in quick succession. 
 

FWIW: There do exist cruise lines that offer the traditions that originally made cruising so appealing: multiple unique destinations, exquisite cuisine and excellent service plus the convenience of an “unpack once” effort to which has been added a selection of tasteful yet limited entertainment. Do the research and you’ll find them. 

Lol I live 10 miles from Broadway, been to many shows, have been to WDW a dozens times, been to Honolulu, San Diego, DC, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, plus smaller cities. I like mainstream cruising, but don’t compare it to and vacations. Most restaurants in my area are MUCH better than any I can find on a ship. Cruising is just an easy family trip.

[Flatbush Flyer]

2 minutes ago, mjkacmom said:

Lol I live 10 miles from Broadway, been to many shows, have been to WDW a dozens times, been to Honolulu, San Diego, DC, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, plus smaller cities. I like mainstream cruising, but don’t compare it to and vacations. Most restaurants in my area are MUCH better than any I can find on a ship. Cruising is just an easy family trip.

Just to clarify: when I mentioned Disneyland, I was talking about the real one (in Anaheim).😉

[George C]

Entertainment is extremely high in picking our cruises, but there is a big difference in sailing Europe and sailing the Caribbean, Europe has long port days without many sea days , our Caribbean cruises have many more sea days , we have a 7 day music charter next year with just 2 ports and 5 sea days .

[mom says]

2 hours ago, PokkuJo said:

Is there anyone else like me in the cruising world or will I be completely out of place?

Yes there are, and no you won't. The whole point is to have options. Different strokes yadda yadda.. Some people just want to vegetate while on board. Others prefer to be more active. Some people like to get up at the butt crack of dawn; others are night owls. Some cruises are port intensive, and may even have overnight ports. Others have a LOT more sea days.  On a longer cruise, you might appreciate having something more to do than read or stare at the waves.

[TheOldBear]

Mrs Bear and I have done three transatlantic round trips, with a fourth booked. You can surmise that we have picked the ship [QM2] and sea days as our preferred vacation.

QM2 does not provide an amusement park, but it does provide the more traditional 'nothing to do; not enough time in the day to do it' experience, where you can do as much or as little as you choose to do [and only unpack once]

[cruisemom42]

It's not that I like the entertainment so much, but I don't go on a cruise to sit in my cabin. I can sit around and read or watch television any time at home. I like to be out and about the ship. I like it when there's a bit of a buzzy atmosphere.

 

It doesn't have to be 4-star entertainment, it can be just talking to other new acquaintances and listening to some live music. Shows bring variety -- I'm certainly not expecting Broadway performances, that has never been the case on cruise lines. More like updated Poconos, lol.

 

 

[Aquahound]

13 hours ago, PokkuJo said:

I´ve never been on a cruise before, so I don´t know what to expect. However, I´m surprised to see so many questions about entertainment. I’ve always thought that after a full day in port, doing excursions or exploring, one would be too tired for entertainment. I´m thinking that after a day a shore, I will want to wind down in the stateroom for a while, eat a nice dinner, maybe go for a stroll on the ship, have some hot tea, read a book and then hit the bed. On a sea day I might want something more to do. But even then I could do with sleeping in, eating good, strolling and reading. How do you all have energy for shows, auctions, drinking and partying? Is there anyone else like me in the cruising world or will I be completely out of place?

 

I think you're perfectly fine in that opinion.  Tak a look at Holland America.  They might be perfect for your tastes.  

 

For me, I love great entertainment on board.  Despite the opinion of some who have never actually been aboard the big lines, some of the entertainment rivals the better shows you'll see on land.  Royal Caribbean puts on some excellent full-length productions of award-winning shows like Mama Mia, Hairspray, etc and frankly, I thought they were better than some larger plays I've seen on land.    

[ldubs]

14 hours ago, PokkuJo said:

I´ve never been on a cruise before, so I don´t know what to expect. However, I´m surprised to see so many questions about entertainment. I’ve always thought that after a full day in port, doing excursions or exploring, one would be too tired for entertainment. I´m thinking that after a day a shore, I will want to wind down in the stateroom for a while, eat a nice dinner, maybe go for a stroll on the ship, have some hot tea, read a book and then hit the bed. On a sea day I might want something more to do. But even then I could do with sleeping in, eating good, strolling and reading. How do you all have energy for shows, auctions, drinking and partying? Is there anyone else like me in the cruising world or will I be completely out of place?

 

There are many times when my day is pretty much exactly as you describe.  Shows are fun.  But not mandatory.  There will also be a lot of music in the various lounge areas.  Various trivia or name that tune type games happening too.  And, best of all it is easy to sit back and relax.   Just pick and choose what you will enjoy.   

[Honolulu Blue]

20 hours ago, PokkuJo said:

I´ve never been on a cruise before, so I don´t know what to expect. However, I´m surprised to see so many questions about entertainment. I’ve always thought that after a full day in port, doing excursions or exploring, one would be too tired for entertainment. I´m thinking that after a day a shore, I will want to wind down in the stateroom for a while, eat a nice dinner, maybe go for a stroll on the ship, have some hot tea, read a book and then hit the bed. On a sea day I might want something more to do. But even then I could do with sleeping in, eating good, strolling and reading. How do you all have energy for shows, auctions, drinking and partying? Is there anyone else like me in the cruising world or will I be completely out of place?

As mentioned by others in this thread, you're not alone. There will be many like you on any cruise. I'm glad that cruises have so many entertainment options. That's why I've taken so many.

 

Some days I find are a little more packed than others. Those days I try to plan out more in advance. If there's some can't miss entertainment that evening, maybe I'll take a quicker excursion that day (if we're in port), maybe I'll find a quicker meal option, maybe I'll plan to take an afternoon nap.

 

17 hours ago, George C said:

Entertainment is extremely high in picking our cruises, but there is a big difference in sailing Europe and sailing the Caribbean, Europe has long port days without many sea days , our Caribbean cruises have many more sea days , we have a 7 day music charter next year with just 2 ports and 5 sea days .

I've done several cruises out of San Juan that had only one sea day in a week, so there's definitely port heavy options in the Caribbean.

 

On my ordinary non themed cruises, entertainment isn't that important to me. I can't think of any cruise I picked because of a particular show or comedian. Itinerary is usually more important.

 

On my themed cruises, everything flips. The theme and the shows are EVERYTHING, and itinerary barely matters. I might not bother getting off in port at all if I thought it would interfere with my enjoyment of the shows.

 

P.S. @George Cis going to get tired of me mentioning it, but we'll be on the same music charter next year, which sails in 10 months. Can't wait! 😃

[PokkuJo]

Thanks for your answers. I guess than in my mind, the cruise has been secondary, more of a floating hotel 🙂 Personally I would probably never go on a cruise only for cruising, it would always be about the itenerary. But sure, why not both 🙂

 

I will probably try go-carts and pickleball, and whatever else my group will want to do, but the ports are still my main focus 🙂

 

[Mum2Mercury]

23 hours ago, PokkuJo said:

I´ve never been on a cruise before, so I don´t know what to expect. However, I´m surprised to see so many questions about entertainment. I’ve always thought that after a full day in port, doing excursions or exploring, one would be too tired for entertainment.

I don't think most people spend "a full day in port". 

How I think the majority of cruisers spend their island days:  Most people seem to be up and out fairly early, complete whatever activity they have planned, and then are back on the ship early afternoon ... you see a lot of people having a late lunch in the Windjammer.  Afternoon is for showering and resting up from the island, leaving the evening for fun.  I think this is average for most cruisers.  

 

Evening activities vary:  You can find a show every evening, but people also enjoy the casino, Movies Under the Stars, Dancing and Karaoke.  The pools and hot tubs are still open.  

22 hours ago, John Bull said:

We use the buffet for a quick breakfast on port days.

I think most people do, but you really can get in/out of the main dining room in about 30 minutes on an island day.  

22 hours ago, John Bull said:

But even if there's still free fizz these days we'd rather pay for a drink than waste our time at auctions.

I really enjoy the art auction, but you'll never see my hand in the air to buy anything!  

Edited May 10, 2023 by Mum2Mercury

[Flatbush Flyer]

9 minutes ago, PokkuJo said:

Thanks for your answers. I guess than in my mind, the cruise has been secondary, more of a floating hotel 🙂 Personally I would probably never go on a cruise only for cruising, it would always be about the itenerary. But sure, why not both 🙂

 

I will probably try go-carts and pickleball, and whatever else my group will want to do, but the ports are still my main focus 🙂

 

For a lot of cruising “regulars” on their “preferred” cruise line, who, like us, may spend a total of 2-3 months per year on that line’s ships (yes, in large part because of the wide array of unique/unusual itineraries), the reality still remains that the “ship” has become their de facto “vacation home.” And so, the quality of the shipboard experience takes on significant importance.

[sparks1093]

We enjoy cruising and the more options onboard the better. We know that if we wanted the "real" thing vis a vis entertainment that we could travel to a place known for it, but we've no desire for that at all. The shows don't last that long and even if we are tired from being in port it's still possible to see the show without a large investment in time or energy. One of the pleasures of cruising is being as busy or not busy as we feel like in the moment.

[ontheweb]

4 hours ago, Mum2Mercury said:

I don't think most people spend "a full day in port". 

How I think the majority of cruisers spend their island days:  Most people seem to be up and out fairly early, complete whatever activity they have planned, and then are back on the ship early afternoon ... you see a lot of people having a late lunch in the Windjammer.  Afternoon is for showering and resting up from the island, leaving the evening for fun.  I think this is average for most cruisers.  

 

Evening activities vary:  You can find a show every evening, but people also enjoy the casino, Movies Under the Stars, Dancing and Karaoke.  The pools and hot tubs are still open.  

I think most people do, but you really can get in/out of the main dining room in about 30 minutes on an island day.  

I really enjoy the art auction, but you'll never see my hand in the air to buy anything!  

Spending a full day in port is much more likely for European ports than for ports in the Caribbean.

[Hlitner]

On 5/9/2023 at 9:39 AM, PokkuJo said:

I´ve never been on a cruise before, so I don´t know what to expect. However, I´m surprised to see so many questions about entertainment. I’ve always thought that after a full day in port, doing excursions or exploring, one would be too tired for entertainment. I´m thinking that after a day a shore, I will want to wind down in the stateroom for a while, eat a nice dinner, maybe go for a stroll on the ship, have some hot tea, read a book and then hit the bed. On a sea day I might want something more to do. But even then I could do with sleeping in, eating good, strolling and reading. How do you all have energy for shows, auctions, drinking and partying? Is there anyone else like me in the cruising world or will I be completely out of place?

You are not alone.  Simply go on a longer HAL cruise and you will discover a large majority of passengers are up by 7 and in their cabins by 9.  HAL is a more subdued line that tends to attract an older more sedate crowd.

 

Hank

[George C]

8 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

You are not alone.  Simply go on a longer HAL cruise and you will discover a large majority of passengers are up by 7 and in their cabins by 9.  HAL is a more subdued line that tends to attract an older more sedate crowd.

 

Hank

I haven’t sailed hal recently but do remember they had some violin players in a room about 8 pm and half the audience was asleep in there chairs.

[cruisemom42]

5 hours ago, PokkuJo said:

Thanks for your answers. I guess than in my mind, the cruise has been secondary, more of a floating hotel 🙂 Personally I would probably never go on a cruise only for cruising, it would always be about the itenerary. But sure, why not both 🙂

 

You won't find a more dedicated seer of sights than I am, and it is primarily why I travel. But I am also an evening person and I want some entertainment (or at least stimulating conversation) at night too.

 

Sitting in my room watching TV is -- to me -- depressing on a vacation. 

 

[Hlitner]

1 hour ago, George C said:

I haven’t sailed hal recently but do remember they had some violin players in a room about 8 pm and half the audience was asleep in there chairs.

HAL is going through a period of change with their entertainment.  Those violins had been replaced (several years ago) by the Lincoln Center Stage which provided classical entertainment via a contract with the Lincoln Center.  They recently discontinued that program (on a shipwide basis) and are reportable working on some kind of classical music replacement option. They recently replaced their BB King Groups with what they call the Rolling Stone Lounge Band.  On our recent HAL cruise, all the live entertainment ended by 11.

 

Hank