STORY BY PAUL HUGHES, FEBRUARY 2023
One thing about a cruise is guaranteed - there is so much entertainment and so many events and activities it is virtually impossible to be bored on board!
While the world's biggest cruise ship "Wonder of the Seas" has more to offer than any other ship, most cruises have plenty of activities to amuse and enjoy, limited only by the size of the ship and the desire of the company to entertain.
During a recent 10-day return cruise from Brisbane to Vanuatu and Noumea we took the opportunity to examine this in greater detail.
We were suprised to to learn that, in addition to permanent features like the pools and spas, casino, bars, cafes and activities like climbing walls, dodgem cars, simulated surfing and sky diving, basketball, the increasingly popular pickle ball, table tennis, laser tag, pinball arcades and so forth (phew!), there were more than 400 other different activities to experience.
The program (below right) is for just one day!
While the world's biggest cruise ship "Wonder of the Seas" has more to offer than any other ship, most cruises have plenty of activities to amuse and enjoy, limited only by the size of the ship and the desire of the company to entertain.
During a recent 10-day return cruise from Brisbane to Vanuatu and Noumea we took the opportunity to examine this in greater detail.
We were suprised to to learn that, in addition to permanent features like the pools and spas, casino, bars, cafes and activities like climbing walls, dodgem cars, simulated surfing and sky diving, basketball, the increasingly popular pickle ball, table tennis, laser tag, pinball arcades and so forth (phew!), there were more than 400 other different activities to experience.
The program (below right) is for just one day!
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Sometimes people just enjoyed a morning stretch with a view over the ocean; a workout in the gym; or jogging many times around the running track that circumnavigates the ship.
There are multiple trivia, suduko and crossword activities; line dancing through to ballroom dancing; bingo; game shows; and even informed lectures or discussions about such topics as the world wide web! Then there were the many recently released movies, both in the theatre and poolside. Music for All Every day and night there was live music in the pubs, lounges, music hall, at poolside and in the theatres. Musical acts (not including shows) included piano and violin soloists, several high quality house bands, guitar and vocal intertainment, and resident DJs presenting everything from ballroom dancing to the latest hits! The 'piece de resistance' for us was the incredibly high quality of the many shows on board. "Quantum" has three permanent signature stage shows that, despite being performed on the open seas, were equal to anything you will find in the world's best theatres. |
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Sequins and Feathers
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This is a brilliant fast-paced celebration of cabaret music from around the world.
With extraordinary costumes and outstanding choreography, the audience had no option but to give standing ovations. |
Starwater
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Starwater an hour-long non-stop theatrical extravaganza.
It combines live performances by amazing singers, dancers, aerialists and musicians with the latest options that light, sound, video and special effects can bring to the stage. It was so spell-binding we had to see it twice! |
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Sonic Odyssey
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In 1999 the Earth Harp was unveiled to the world on America's Got Talent, with its creator William Close being runner-up in the final.
In 2023 it was also unveiled to thousands in the Royal Theatre on Quantum of the Seas is a massive stage show called "Sonic Odyssey". |
In a theatre that holds 1,300 people, the world's largest stringed instrument stretches from the side of the stage to the top floor balconies.
But this imaginative musical creation doesn't end there.
The percussion wall thunders throughout the theatre and is backed by a range of unique musical instruments and amazing singers and dancers.
It's a show that you have to see to comprehend, but completes the trilogy of brilliant set shows on Quantum.
But this imaginative musical creation doesn't end there.
The percussion wall thunders throughout the theatre and is backed by a range of unique musical instruments and amazing singers and dancers.
It's a show that you have to see to comprehend, but completes the trilogy of brilliant set shows on Quantum.
Concert Performances
In addition to the permanent stage shows, Quantum had some brilliant contract shows thoughout the cruise.
These world standard live shows include magicians, comedians and some wonderful musicians who joined the ship for several days before being replaced by new performers mid-cruise, keeping the shows fresh for the length of the holiday.
The show that stood out for us was Jason Singh's "Heaven's Greatest Hits," which ended with resounding standing ovations at every performance.
Read more about Heaven's Greatest Hits, which I have suggested might be the Greatest Show at Sea!
These world standard live shows include magicians, comedians and some wonderful musicians who joined the ship for several days before being replaced by new performers mid-cruise, keeping the shows fresh for the length of the holiday.
The show that stood out for us was Jason Singh's "Heaven's Greatest Hits," which ended with resounding standing ovations at every performance.
Read more about Heaven's Greatest Hits, which I have suggested might be the Greatest Show at Sea!
