Cruise lines have come a long way since they put on cheesy cabaret shows and cover bands. Now, theatrics, technology and shows are bigger and better than ever before. From robots to watershows, Toy Story to broadway hits like Gotham, the cruise lines have upped their game to keep guests amazed at how far they can push the boundaries. Cruise Passenger finds the best entertainment on the high seas.

1.    Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas – Starwater
Quantum of the Seas’ Two70 experience transforms floor-to-ceiling walls into an array of imaginary scenes. Using the latest technology, 18 projectors create an ambient surface over 100 feet wide and 20 feet tall. It is this technology which is used for Starwater, which uses robots and human artists. The robot technology was specially designed for Quantum of the Seas.

2.    Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic – Blue Man Group
The edgy group which has performed around the world with their innovative and interactive performance which combines music, movement and pain. The group’s expressionless men communicate only through intense eye contact and gestures. The group performs onboard Norwegian Epic eight times a week.

3.    Disney Cruise Line’s Toy Story
Disney is no stranger to spectacular stage shows including The Golden Mickeys, Disney’s Aladdin  and Toy Story, which is one of the biggest hits on the high seas. The hour-long musical show is based on the Disney Pixar film and is about the story of Woody and Buzz Lightyear’s friendship. And soon, Disney will be bringing Frozen to its cruise ship stage.

4.    P&O’s Centre Stage
It is one of the most popular shows on P&O’s ships – the Centre Stage production is a classic tribute to the best of Broadway with all of the ‘Guys and Dolls’ celebrating the music of Cole Porter, Guy’s West Side, Les Miserables and many more of the all-time favourites.

5.    Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and Allure of the Seas – Aqua Theatre Shows
These shows are set in an amphitheater-style area at the stern of the ships. And these theatres have high-tech music and lighting systems and also include synchronised fountains and a deep freshwater pool. The movable floor can be adjusted to a maximum depth of 18 feet and guests can watch professional swimmers and divers leap off a pair of 30-foot platforms and watch water ballet performances.

6.    Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess – Magic to Do
Princess Cruises recently announced its partnership with three-time Oscar-winner and composer of Wicked, Pippin and Godspell Stephen Schwartz. During his career, he has won four Grammys and three Academy Awards, including Best Song and Best Score for Pocahontas and Best Song for The Prince of Egypt. Magic to Do will combine some of his most famous songs and a brand new song exclusively for Princess. The show will debut aboard Crown Princess later this year.

7.    Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas – We Will Rock You
On Royal Caribbean’s second Quantum-class cruise ship, Anthem of the Seas, guests will be able to enjoy the Broadway hit, We Will Rock You. Based on the music of Queen, guests will also get to experience an after-show party where they will get to meet the cast from the musical. This will be Royal Caribbean’s second big musical after the Mama Mia! production on Quantum of the Seas.

8.    Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity – My Life: The Music of Billy Joel
The line’s newest production, My Life: The Music of Billy Joel started its production run last November and has been a big hit. Following in the footsteps of Rocket Man: A Tribute to Elton John, the line has chosen James Fox to represent Billy Joel. Mr Fox has played Billy Joel’s hits many times on Broadway.