Whilst this is evident across multi-touch points onboard, its entertainment offering takes Princess to the next level, noted Denise Saviss, VP entertainment experience at Princess Cruises, during the naming ceremony in Barcelona on Tuesday.
The ship sports three theatres: Princess Arena, The Dome and The Piazza. Princess Arena, where the naming ceremony took place is a flexible new theater with three configurations: in the round, a 270-degree keyhole or traditional proscenium.
Princess Arena
Saviss called the Arena, with capacity up to 980, ‘a great creation allowing flexibility and with no stage as such to divide the audience from performers, it provides a really interactive experience. Currently, 'Vallora, A Pirate Quest' is the show presented at the Arena which is being well received, said Saviss, adding new production shows are in rehearsal and will come on stream soon. Other performances at the Arena include singers and magic acts.
A glass-enclosed space high above the bridge, The Dome is a multi-dimensional experience, utilised throughout the day and evenings and an atmosphere and ambience that changes with the hours. In the day, the climate-controlled space is perfect for relaxing, reading and sipping drinks on cushioned loungers. in the evening the loungers become upright seats and the set is transformed into a three tiered arena for aerialist and acrobat Cirque Éloize performances.
Saviss explained there are currently three shows featured in the programme with three performances of each across a 10-day sailing: 'Blue,' 'Art Beat' and 'Come Fly Away.' The latter is a Rat Pack-style show, 'Art Beat' is visually stunning with an explosion of colour and 'Blue' is more esoteric based on the oceans and where the sky meets the sea. Eight acrobats feature in all three performances and fully utilise the wide and tall open space as evidence of a 'Blue' performance during the naming festivities.
The Piazza
The Piazza, central to the ship and offering great vistas of the sea, allows viewing of entertainment across three decks and is a real hive of activity with varying performances including singers, dancers and a central round stage that can be raised. ‘This space although basic to look at has the same technology and lighting stacks that feature in the main Princess Arena allowing great flexibility to put on a variety of acts and performances,’ noted Saviss.
Just off the Piazza, hidden behind a black door sporting a simple letter S, is Spellbound by Magic Castle. Saviss said the $149 a head dinner, drinks and magic experience is sold out on current and near-term cruises. Themed on the iconic Hollywood venue, The Magic Castle, a private club for professional magicians since 1963 and only open to outsiders by invitation, the venue is a first for the brand.
Movies Under the Stars
And not forgetting one of Princess Cruises’ signature entertainment features: high above the top lido pool deck is Movies Under the Stars giant screen which Richard Parker, director of newbuild guest experience and product development for Princess Cruises pointed out on a ship tour first debuted aboard Caribbean Princess in 2004. So 20 years on whilst onboard entertainment has gone up a fair few notches, enjoying the latest blockbusters in the open air with cocktails and popcorn is still as popular as ever.
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