Royal Caribbean Ends Grease on Harmony and Independence of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has ended performances of the stage musical “Grease” on Harmony of the Seas and Independence of the Seas, closing out a run that began in 2016. A Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed the show is no longer being performed on either ship, adding that “we will have an update soon on the next production” that will replace it.

Where “Grease” was staged, and how long it ran

“Grease” has been pulled from the Royal Theater entertainment lineup on Harmony of the Seas and Independence of the Seas. The musical first arrived in July 2016 as part of Harmony of the Seas’ original entertainment offering, and it was later added to Independence of the Seas during a ship upgrade, where it became that vessel’s featured theater show.

The title was a long-running headline production on both ships, making it one of Royal Caribbean’s rarer Broadway-style shows to be staged across two vessels at the same time.

What Royal Caribbean has said, and what appears to be filling the slot

Royal Caribbean has not announced a permanent replacement for “Grease” on either ship, beyond the spokesperson’s statement that an update is coming.

In the meantime, “Voices” has appeared in the theater schedule in place of “Grease” on at least one sailing, and it has been temporarily added to Harmony of the Seas’ schedule. “Voices” is an original Royal Caribbean production that first debuted on Wonder of the Seas and has since appeared on additional ships. The show blends live vocal and dance performances with digital and virtual elements.

No official explanation, but timing and licensing are part of the discussion

Royal Caribbean has not provided a public reason for removing “Grease” from the two ships’ entertainment programs, and no official statement explaining the decision was included in available reports beyond confirmation that the show is no longer being staged.

Among frequent cruisers discussing the change, some pointed to common behind-the-scenes factors that can affect shipboard productions, including the costs and terms involved in licensing well-known theatrical titles. Others focused on ship scheduling, noting that Harmony of the Seas is slated for a major refurbishment in 2026 and suggesting the timing could have influenced entertainment planning.

Why “Grease” became a fleet outlier

Broadway-style shows have long been a hallmark of Royal Caribbean’s onboard entertainment, with the cruise line introducing its first full Broadway show at sea, “Hairspray,” more than a decade ago and later adding other titles including “We Will Rock You” and “Mamma Mia.”

“Grease” was chosen for its broad familiarity and sing-along energy, with the storyline following Sandy and Danny as they navigate love and social hierarchies at Rydell High. It also became a notable example of the practical constraints that come with licensed productions. A former head of entertainment for Royal Caribbean previously described how the company landed on “Grease” during a conversation with Tony Edge, a director associated with another Royal Caribbean stage production. In recounting that discussion, the former executive recalled being asked, “So what’s your next Broadway show gonna be?” and said the suggestion “Grease would be perfect!” quickly clicked as a next step.

That same account also highlighted how licensing arrangements can impose detailed requirements on presentation and branding. One example shared was a requirement that each new “Grease” production use a distinct logo design, which influenced Royal Caribbean’s branding for the shipboard version.

Passenger reaction: some ready for change, others wary of what comes next

The removal prompted an active response among cruise fans who closely follow onboard entertainment. Some guests welcomed the shift, describing “Grease” as a long-running staple and saying they were ready to see the theater lineup refreshed after years of performances.

Other passengers expressed uncertainty about what might come next, including whether any replacement will be as broadly appealing, and whether “Voices,” if it continues to appear as a stopgap, could become the longer-term option.

Other large-scale productions still sailing across Royal Caribbean’s fleet

While “Grease” has exited Harmony of the Seas and Independence of the Seas, Royal Caribbean continues to feature major theatrical titles and large-scale productions on other ships. Current and upcoming examples cited include:

• “The Wizard of Oz” on Icon of the Seas
• “Back to the Future: The Musical” on Star of the Seas
• “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” scheduled to debut on Legend of the Seas

For now, guests booked on Harmony of the Seas or Independence of the Seas may want to check the most recent sailing schedule in the cruise planner or onboard daily program to see which production is currently slotted into the main theater time blocks, as Royal Caribbean works toward naming a long-term replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did Royal Caribbean remove “Grease” from Harmony of the Seas and Independence of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean has not provided an official reason in available reports. Cruise fans discussing the change have pointed to factors that can affect shipboard productions, including licensing costs and terms, and the timing of Harmony of the Seas’ scheduled major refurbishment in 2026.

What show is replacing “Grease” on Harmony of the Seas and Independence of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean has not announced a permanent replacement. The cruise line said “we will have an update soon on the next production,” and “Voices” has appeared in the theater schedule in place of “Grease” at least temporarily.

What makes “Voices” different from a licensed Broadway-style musical?

“Voices” is an original Royal Caribbean production that combines live vocal and dance performances with digital and virtual elements. It debuted on Wonder of the Seas and has since appeared on additional ships.

Will Royal Caribbean continue to feature Broadway-style shows on other ships?

Yes. Royal Caribbean continues to stage major theatrical titles and large-scale productions across the fleet, including “The Wizard of Oz” on Icon of the Seas and “Back to the Future: The Musical” on Star of the Seas, with “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” scheduled to debut on Legend of the Seas.

When is Harmony of the Seas scheduled for its next major refurbishment?

Harmony of the Seas is slated for a major refurbishment in 2026, a timing that some cruisers have cited when discussing why entertainment planning may be shifting now.