There is an enormous amount of top notch entertainment on each Princess Cruise ship which create talented productions from every corner of the ship. No reservations are required and all entertainment is free and is included in your cruise fare. Some cruise lines require you to make advance reservations to attend a show and may charge extra for some specific entertainment. We love the quality of the shows and the flexibility that the Princess entertainment offers.
With dazzling stage sets, artists from around the globe, modern hits and timeless classics, the Princess Theater, which seats over 900 guests, showcases lavish, original productions with dynamic cast members in sumptuous surroundings. In this ultramodern theater, relax in a plush seat with unobstructed sight lines as the velvet curtain goes up, a state-of-the-art lighting system illuminates the stage, talented musicians and singers, and it’s on with the show!
Perhaps the only downfall for the success of these productions is that you have to get to the Princess Theater well ahead of showtime to be assured of finding a seat. Don't plan on showing up 15 minutes before showtime and expect to find a seat. We have witnessed people going to claim their seats an hour before the 7 pm or 9 pm showings! If we wanted to see a particular production we usually went into the theater about 30-45 minutes before showtime and browsed social media or read the news to pass the time before the start of the show. Just relax, you're on vacation.
Hint: - Enter the Princess Theater from Deck 6 as you will tend to sit much closer to the stage and more easily be able to see available seating. If you enter from Deck 7 it may be more difficult to see an open seat.
During our 2020 and 2022 cruise the cruises presented an original production called "Rock Opera" and "Five Skies" both of which were big hits. It appears that these same productions may be featured onboard the Sky Princess for this cruise. All of the entertainment singers and musicians are very talented.
So how do you keep track of all the entertainment options that will be offered to you? In the past, the Princess Patter, the ship's newsletter, was left in your stateroom each evening and showed you the entertainment options for the following day. You now have to request your room steward that this paper copy be left in your stateroom. We often highlight things we want to see and do. Remember to bring along a highlighter pen when you pack for this cruise!
The more modern way to keep track of entertainment options, is to use your MedallionClass app which will allow you to browse and bookmark the upcoming events onboard the ship throughout your vacation to help you plan your days and evenings. It can often be a struggle to decide what you want to do with so many options available to you.
Catch Movies Under the Stars®, (at times referred to as MUTS) with the giant 300-square foot poolside LED movie screen with a 69,000-watt sound system. Take in some of the finest cruise ship entertainment as the screen lights up the top decks day or night with feature films, thrilling concerts and exciting sporting events. During the days, popular movies, concerts, and documentaries are shown and can be viewed as you lounge around the main pool area. During the evenings, recline on a deck lounger, bundle up beneath a provided cozy fleece blanket, feast on popcorn or cookies and milk, and enjoy first run feature films that are currently being shown in theaters.
(It appears that in an effort to reduce cruising costs Princess may not be showing as many first run feature films as in the past)
The Vista Show Lounge at the aft of the ship features an endless variety of world-class entertainers on stage each night—from live bands and comedians to illusionists and musicians. It also features first run feature movies. Snag a spot in an intimate nook for the perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy quality time with friends.
While we have watched several movies and a production show in the Vista Show Lounge, we find it can be difficult to secure a place to sit that allows an unobstructed view of the stage or screen.
One show you don't want to miss, if it is done on this cruise, is a game show similar to the Newlywed game but features newlyweds and older couples that have been married a long time. If I recall, it was called "Mr and Mrs". This show was a blast to watch!
Hint: - If you miss one of your favorite movies shown at Movies Under the Stars® or in the Vista Show Lounge you can watch them on your stateroom TV for the rest of the cruise.
Catch reggae, Top-40 and even mariachi music on deck poolside. Listen to cover bands, torch singers, and even karaoke in the night clubs. You might even catch a string quartet in the Piazza or a sing-along at the piano bar. There is always live music playing somewhere onboard the ship. If you like the music, stop for a while, take in some tunes, rest your feet, and tap your toes.
Relive the roots of jazz each evening with a live trio performing brilliant classics and telling tales of true jazz legends throughout the ages. The only jazz theater as sea, Take 5 comes to life showcasing vintage footage, iconic imagery and intimate conversations that transport you to the heart of the jazz era. Join in on a salsa class during the day, then tap your toes to the fiery rhythms of Afro-Cuban jazz at night.
Live Acts and Spirited Gatherings. Join friends at an intimate table in the spacious Princess Live! and Café, and enjoy your favorite drinks as an ever-changing variety of live performances takes the stage. Sip barista-made coffee or tea from the Café as a fresh comedy act steps into the spotlight. Savor a quick bite while talented artists share their diverse musical styles. You may even encounter a game show that invites you to play along.
The food and drinks are a la carte. The fun and laughs are free.