Entertainers—including musicians, bandleaders, dancers, singers, magicians, jugglers, puppeteers, comedians, and other performers—are employed on cruise ships in a variety of venues, including showrooms, bars or lounges, and nightclubs. Musicians, singers, and dancers usually are signed to contracts that may run as long as six months, while specialty and featured acts may be signed on for only one or two performances.
Musicians are expected to be familiar with a variety of musical styles, including rock, jazz, Motown, popular, country, blues, classical, ballroom, show, and other types of music. Although the musicians will have rehearsals, musicians are expected to be able to sight-read music. The piano, electric bass, drums, trumpet, saxophone, trombone, and guitar are the instruments most often used on board, with the saxophone player doubling on clarinet and flute.
A musical director leads the ship’s main orchestra, which backs all shows and performers on the main stage. A typical cruise might consist of three different hour-long Broadwaystyle revue shows and four variety shows. Usually there are two shows each evening. Musicians are expected to have their own tuxedos for work on larger ships. Ships may provide a day uniform. Cruise lines rarely insure musical instruments, so entertainers should carry their own coverage.
Depending on the venue, a performer may be a featured act or may be part of an ensemble or revue. As part of the ensemble company, a show director usually coordinates all the acts, scheduling who will appear in what order and how long the act will be. He or she coordinates with musicians, lighting and special effects technicians, and costume designers to create a theme throughout the entire evening’s entertainment.
Singers may be required to perform pop, country, classical, Broadway, rock, and other genres. Similarly, dancers may be asked to perform hip-hop, tap, ballet, or other styles of dance. In the case of chorus singers and dancers, the show producer, director, or choreographer will create the production numbers, teach them to the performers, and guide them through rehearsals until the show is ready to present to an audience.
Performances usually are scheduled in the evening, with some specialty Entertainers (balloon artists, magicians, jugglers) performing and interacting with the passengers during the day. Shipboard Entertainers must be able to perform onstage in possibly rough sea conditions. Entertainers, other than musicians, may be asked to do cruise staff duties, including assisting in shipboard activities. Entertainers should have a passport that is good beyond the end of their contract. They may also be required to obtain visas and vaccination certificates, which the cruise line or hiring company will help obtain, although they do not cover these costs.
Ships provide meals and accommodations. Entertainers usually share a cabin with another Entertainer (where one smokes and the other does not, the no-smoking rule applies). Maid service is provided on larger ships. Known performers receive better accommodations than those who are just starting in the business.
Modern ships come equipped with a gym, theater, pool, and Internet access. At times the Entertainers will use the same facilities as the passengers; at other times they will have their own facilities, including a 24-hour lounge for night owls. All Entertainers are expected to participate in passenger and staff boat drills. There may also be special training periods for staff and crew that Entertainers must attend.
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