Creating Royal Caribbean shows takes 18 months

Royal Caribbean International has long been celebrated for its exceptional entertainment offerings on its cruise ships. Recently, Christine Coachman, the newly appointed Vice President of Entertainment, shared exclusive insights into the extensive process involved in creating live shows for their fleet. With more than 30 years of experience in the cruise line’s entertainment sector, Coachman discussed various aspects of show production, including the time frame required to develop a show, the balance between original productions and existing favorites, and the logistics of smoothly running entertainment on new ships.

According to Coachman, the creation of a new Royal Caribbean show takes approximately 18 months from concept to performance. The preparations begin well before a ship's launch, often using an existing "idea bank" to generate fresh content. For example, the preparations for the current Utopia of the Seas went into overdrive after the completion of the Icon show, which underscored the fast-paced nature of the entertainment demand in the cruise industry.

The Process of Creating a Show

The timeline for creating an original show is rigorous and requires intensive brainstorming, scripting, staging, and choreography. Coachman underscored that, despite this considerable timeframe, the process is invigorating as it allows creative teams to come together to generate unique theatrical productions. Each show must also resonate with the specific demographic expected to board the ship, which necessitates collaboration among various artists to ensure that every performance meets artistic standards.

Future of Original Productions

Royal Caribbean is committed to delivering both original productions and Broadway-style favorites in their entertainment programming. While the recent Icon of the Seas features an adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz," Coachman confirmed that there remains a strong focus on creating original content. This commitment reflects not only the artistic vision of the entertainment team but also the desires of the cruise line to continually diversify the entertainment offerings available to guests.

Exciting Talent and Collaborations

The entertainment team consists of a blend of seasoned professionals and newer talent, fostering an environment ripe for creativity. Collaborating with renowned writers, musicians, and designers enriches the production process. Such collaborations ensure new shows feature original music, choreography, and costume design, capturing the imagination of guests sailing on Royal Caribbean ships.

Adaptation and Feedback

As each new ship is launched, the entertainment team is directly involved in ensuring smooth operations. Coachman highlighted that the launch of Utopia of the Seas was particularly seamless, in part due to meticulous planning and real-time adjustments during the first few sailings. Continuous feedback from guests also plays a crucial role in refining performances and enhancing the overall guest experience.

Current Royal Caribbean Shows

Royal Caribbean currently boasts an impressive array of 38 original productions, not all of which are featured on every ship. The diverse shows available range from musical extravaganzas to ensemble performances. Some highlights of the entertainment lineup include:

• All In!: Featured on Utopia of the Seas

• The Effectors I: Featured on Odyssey of the Seas

• Flight: Featured on Symphony of the Seas

• Blue Planet: Featured on Allure of the Seas

• Voices: Featured on Wonder of the Seas

Full List of Shows and Ships

Here is a complete overview of the shows and the corresponding Royal Caribbean ships on which they can be found:

• All In!: Utopia of the Seas

• The Effectors I: Odyssey of the Seas

• The Effectors II: Wonder of the Seas

• Live. Love. Legs: Ovation of the Seas

• Flight: Symphony of the Seas

• The Gift: Anthem of the Seas

• Sonic Odyssey: Quantum of the Seas

• The Beautiful Dream: Ovation of the Seas

• Blue Planet: Allure of the Seas

• Invitation to Dance: Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Independence of the Seas

• Wild, Cool, and Swinging: Explorer of the Seas

• Ballroom Fever: Rhapsody of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas

• Piano Man: Radiance of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas

• City of Dreams: Jewel of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas

• Once Upon a Time: Freedom of the Seas, Independence of the Seas

• Fast Forward: Explorer of the Seas

• Tango Buenos Aires: Jewel of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas

• Columbus: The Musical: Harmony of the Seas

• Pure Country: Rhapsody of the Seas

• Center Stage: Brilliance of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas

• Vibeology: Serenade of the Seas

• Boogie Wonderland: Vision of the Seas

• Music in Pictures: Voyager of the Seas

• Spectra's Cabaret: Anthem of the Seas

• Can't Stop the Rock: Adventure of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas

• Star Water: Quantum of the Seas

• In the Air: Liberty of the Seas

• One Sky: Oasis of the Seas

• Showgirl: Navigator of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas

• The Silk Road: Spectrum of the Seas

• Voices: Wonder of the Seas

• Sequins and Feathers: Quantum of the Seas

• Jackpot: Adventure of the Seas

• Gallery of Dreams: Mariner of the Seas

• Marquee: Freedom of the Seas

• Stage to Screen: Enchantment of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas

• Now and Forever: Brilliance of the Seas

• West End to Broadway: Jewel of the Seas

The Future of Royal Caribbean Entertainment

Royal Caribbean continues to place a strong emphasis on innovation within its entertainment offerings. By prioritizing original productions, the company aims to create genres of entertainment that are specific to each cruise experience.

As they move forward with new ship concepts, including the upcoming Star of the Seas, the entertainment team is excited to pursue fresh ideas and ensure that their productions remain vibrant and engaging. The emphasis on collaboration, creativity, and artistic talent is paramount in enhancing the overall cruise experience.

Conclusion

With a dedicated entertainment team that recognizes the value of creativity and innovation, Royal Caribbean successfully enriches its guests' experiences on board. The company's commitment to original productions, coupled with its willingness to adapt based on feedback, lays the foundation for a future filled with engaging performances. As the entertainment industry aboard cruise ships evolves, Royal Caribbean looks set to remain at the forefront of captivating guests with thrilling shows and unforgettable experiences.

FAQs about Royal Caribbean Entertainment

1. How long does it take to create a new show for Royal Caribbean?

It typically takes about 18 months to develop a new show from initial brainstorming through to final performance.

2. What types of shows can I see on Royal Caribbean ships?

Royal Caribbean offers a wide array of productions, including original musicals, theatrical performances, and collaborations with Broadway shows.

3. How many original shows does Royal Caribbean have?

Currently, Royal Caribbean has 38 original shows in production across its fleet of ships.

4. Are all Royal Caribbean ships equipped with the same shows?

No, not all ships feature the same shows. Each ship has its specific entertainment offerings based on various factors, including demographics and itineraries.

5. Can I provide feedback on shows I see on board?

Yes, the entertainment team at Royal Caribbean encourages guest feedback to continuously improve performances and enhance the overall experience.