One of the coolest parts of sailing on a brand new cruise ship is being among the first to experience everything that’s new.
However, one of the most exciting entertainment offerings will not be available on Norwegian Aqua’s upcoming 7-night Caribbean cruise that embarks from Port Canaveral, Florida, on July 19, 2025.
Indeed, there will be no performances of “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince” in the Aqua Theater and Club for the duration of the cruise as a new cast will be onboarding and getting used to the main stage theater that week.
Time has flown since the first Prima Plus-class ship debuted at the end of March, which means it really is just about time for a new cast to take the reins from the inaugural performers.
Crew contracts for performers in NCL’s production shows typically last for around four to six months.
“We wanted to give you a quick heads-up about a small change to your entertainment lineup. The show ‘Revolution: A Celebration of Prince’ won’t be featured during your sailing, as it coincides with a scheduled cast rotation and production installation,” Norwegian Cruise Line wrote to booked guests.
“But not to worry, your entertainment schedule is still packed with incredible performances, each one just as exceptional,” the letter continued.
As this show is brand new and the headliner in the three-story theater, I can understand why some will be disappointed to miss the one-hour Prince Tribute.
The performance is supposed to be an incredibly fun, immersive experience that highlights Prince’s rise to fame, his classic hits, and the diversity within the artist’s career.
Guests have the unique option to watch the show from the dance floor with the cast or from traditional theater seats, with energetic performances taking place both on and off the stage.
It’s also not currently performed on any other NCL ship, so the only way to see it would be to book another sailing onboard Norwegian Aqua.
She does offer alternate itineraries, such as 6-8 night voyages to Bermuda out of New York, so it may be worth coming back for round two.
The impacted sailing is port heavy and Caribbean specific, with stops scheduled at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas Island, US Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas.
More Entertainment Onboard
As the cruise line reassured its passengers, there will still be plenty of entertainment onboard to thrill and delight guests.
In addition to the musical Prince Tribute, the cruise line also enhanced a fan-favorite show for its new 156,300-gross ton vessel.
“Evolution,” which first premiered onboard Norwegian Spirit more than a decade ago, has been revamped as “Elements: World Expanded” for the newest addition to the fleet.
This means that the show, which is inspired by the four elements of earth, water, air, and fire, is more immersive with new magic and acrobatics that are blended with music, dance, and other special effects.
Read Also: How to Make Each Cruise a Unique Experience
Additionally, the “Welcome Aboard Show” that features vocalists, dancers, and other entertainers will still be running in the main theater, as will the “Ocean Music Fest,” which is a vibrant jam session and concert experience.
Excitingly, the Aqua Theater and Club can be transformed into a club (as the name suggests) for themed parties and dancing.
Especially for those who are missing the Prince show, they will want to check out “Pop Life,” which is a Prince-inspired club experience and dance party.
Other fan favorites from across the fleet will also still be part of the fun, such as game shows like “The Price is Right LIVE on NCL.”
Sid Norman’s Pour House, which is a more casual and intimate “dive-bar” inspired venue, will also be hosting rock-and-roll tributes to icons like Fleetwood Mac and the Rolling Stones throughout the voyage.
