All showlounges are non-smoking venues. The entertainment throughout is upbeat (in fact, it is difficult to get away from music and noise), but is typical of the kind of resort hotel found in Las Vegas. Royal Caribbean’s production shows are colorful, fast-paced, high volume razzle-dazzle spectaculars, but with little or no storyline, poor linkage between themes and scenes, and choreography that is more stepping in place than dancing. However, they do entertain and provide a change to the world outside the showlounge. The shows are accompanied by a live band and “click” tracks to make it all sound like a big, professional orchestra. Each ship has its own resident troupe of singers and dancers.

Then there are silly audience participation (summer camp-style, but often funny) events and activities – something that RCI has always done well. These include such things as “How Deep is Your Love” or “The Newly­wed Game,” line dances, and the in­evitable kindergarten-style “Pass the spoon down your dress and up your trousers” routines. Perhaps the Cruise Staff still do the “If I were not upon the Sea…” routine that cruise lines did in the 1960s. Still, it’s good fun stuff for those that haven’t grown up (or don’t want to). At least the daily programs are easy to read.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008