All showlounges are non-smoking venues. The company has little cohesive policy regarding big production shows, and cannot seem to get them right. With different standards of productions aboard its ships, there is no consistency. While some are quite decent, with good costuming and lighting, they are, for the most part, dated and are presented without story line, flow or connectivity. Each ship carries its own resident troupe of singers/dancers and audio-visual support staff. Bar service, which is supplied throughout shows, disrupts concentration.

With the exception of the Cirque du Soleil shows, there is little to distinguish Celebrity Cruises in the entertainment department. While some cabaret acts are good, they are the same ones seen aboard many ships of the Big 7. The ships have a variety of bands and small musical units, although there is very little music for social dancing, other than disco and pop music.

Then there are the silly (summer camp-style) audience participation events and activities that are unbecoming to Celebrity’s quality of food and service, and degrade the product. There are the usual culprits, such as “The Newlywed Game” or “King of the Ship” (poolside games), and a Passenger Talent show. It’s time for some new ones; how about “I’m a Celebrity Passenger – Get Me Out of Here?” There are also the inevitable country line dances, and playschool-style “Pass the spoon down your dress and up your trousers” routines. It may be fun stuff for those who haven’t grown up (or don’t want to) or who haven’t seen it yet, but otherwise it’s amateurish. On days at sea the daily program is crammed with things to do, and revenue-enhancing activities (such as art auctions, giant jackpot bingo, and horse racing) featured in larger type size.

Things may be improving, though. Celebrity Cruises has embarked on a six-year alliance with Cirque du Soleil that is expected to bring benefits to Celebrity’s entertainment shows and programs, and to help differentiate the company in the race for brand recognition (perhaps it could market itself as Celebrity Circus Cruises?).

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008