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Princess brings singing competition 'The Voice' to sea

Princess brings singing competition 'The Voice' to sea
Princess Cruises is bringing the excitement and spectacle of television's popular singing competition 'The Voice' to sea.

'The Voice of the Ocean' comes to life throughout the cruise with auditions, mentor rehearsal sessions, the iconic 'I Want You' chairs, three team coaches and, ultimately, a live finale performance where fellow passengers choose the winner.

'The Voice of the Ocean' singing competition aboard Princess includes karaoke try-out sessions at the beginning of each cruise for vocalists who are 16 years or older. There will be two opportunities to audition during open karaoke in one of the ship's lounges or showrooms. Fellow passengers and cruise staff will decide who moves on to compete.

Selected singers are assigned a mentor who will meet with them to rehearse with the Princess Band and backup singers. The mentors will be a Princess musical entertainer or vocalist.

'The Voice of the Ocean Live Show,' hosted by the cruise director on the last night of the cruise, will feature up to nine contestants performing in the Princess Theater for an audience that includes three high-profile team coaches—among them, perhaps, a guest entertainer, the hotel general manager or even the captain.

As on the TV show, the trio of coaches will listen but not see the performer as they decide to turn their 'I Want You' chair to choose the singer to be on their team. Once teams are chosen coaches will then each pick one finalist. From the three finalists, the audience votes for the winner who will be awarded a trophy and the title 'The Voice of the Ocean.'

Adrian Fischer, vp entertainment for Princess, said participants will feel like they're part of the globally popular TV show as they perform on a high-tech set almost identical to the show's, including rotating red chairs and a live band with back-up singers.

The vocal competition will debut aboard Regal Princess in October, followed by Royal Princess and Caribbean Princess in November. Eight additional ships will offer 'The Voice of the Ocean,' rolling out between January and May.