anyone going on the broadway cruise

[rachelfran]

Posted: 1/17/20 at 12:37pm

I'm considering it .. my sister in law is going with her friend and so they might upgrade to a mini suite so i could sleep on a sofa bed rather than a pull down bed -- i'm too old for that .. LOL..

Just wondering if anyone from here is going or has gone?  The line up is amazing.

 

https://www.thebroadwaycruise.com/

 

Rachel

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 1/17/20 at 4:17pm

I have probably taken about 20 cruises and I never have taken Norwegian Cruise Line (usually go on Royal Caribbean or Princess, have done Holland America and Disney once each) due to people I know having bad experience with them. Reviews I have read of this ship have been mixed, check them out and see what you think of them. Going to Bermuda is a plus, it is beautiful and fun. Weather in October should still be warm but remember you are in hurricane season. The Broadway lineup looks fantastic and that is the main reason you want to go so take it from there. Hopefully others from this board have gone on one so you can get their opinion.

Updated On: 1/17/20 at 04:17 PM

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 1/17/20 at 4:23pm

Nope. The lineup is amazing but it seems a little crazy to spend that much money for 2 days at sea and one morning to early evening in the port of call. If you have that much disposal income, there are other ways to spend it... 54 Below concerts, Broadwaycon, etc. that would probably be a better experience/value overall.

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 1/17/20 at 6:32pm

They sell out or are incredibly close for every cruise, so clearly they know what they’re doing. It’s a luxury cruise, of course it’ll attract a certain audience with a lot of money.

Bumping this for anyone who has attended. My husband and I have considered but don’t know anyone whose done it. Would appreciate reviews from those who have gone.

[amaklo]

Posted: 1/17/20 at 10:34pm

Never done a Broadway cruise, but we went on a jazz-themed cruise last winter and loved it.  It's a lot of money, but where else are you going to see all of those big names in one place? Also, on our cruise when they weren't performing the artists were out and about on the ship like everyone else. I had some nice conversations with artists I really enjoy.  It's a short cruise and it'll be over in a flash, but I say go for it.

[MarkBearSF]

Posted: 1/18/20 at 12:31am

Actually, NCL is far from a luxury cruise line, (and personally, the fact that it's a 4 day cruise works in its favor in this regard). NCL's offerings on their older, smaller ships in particular, aren't all that great, but there's enough variety that the onboard cruise aspect will be fine for 4 days (We leave for our 36th cruise this Wednesday, so I'm pretty familiar with ships and cruising)

Yes, we'll be going, The lineup is amazing. Laura Benanti, Alan Cumming, Norm Lewis, Norbert Leo Butz, Lena Hall, Jean Collela, Sierra Bogess. Plus cruising into and out of Manhattan (The view of the early morning sunlight streaming down the cross street canyons, right after passing the Statue of Liberty is amazing. It's been 20 years since we've seen it - we leave most often from Red Hook these days).  Especially for those of us from out of town, a great opportunity to add a few days of Broadway on either side of the cruise. We're catching Music Man in its final preview week before the cruise and opening night is right after. 

It ain't cheap, but the production company, SIxthman, has a long, and very positive record of doing these full-ship charters, primarily for rock themes. I think the fact that they know the Norwegian Pearl well and that the Broadway cruise has Sixthman cruises before and after will result in a well-integrated experience (FYI, I think that in order to get a NY start/end, the crew deadheads to and from NY from their usual port in MIA, which is part of the reason for the short itinerary).

We're looking forward to it!

 

Updated On: 1/18/20 at 12:31 AM

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 1/18/20 at 8:37am

While not a huge fan of the cruise scene but I’m drawn to this one for the performers. Please report your thoughts and enjoy your vacation!

[AuroratheGeek]

Posted: 1/18/20 at 11:32am

I haven't been on one of these Broadway cruises (hard to justify the price for us), but we do a decent amount of cruises. Norwegian has been solid (though going downhill) for us. This ship (Norwegian Pearl) is the sister ship of our favorite: the Gem. I find these ships the perfect size. Everyone has enough space, but not that many people on the ship. A nice size to randomly run into performers!

 

Has anyone done the Playbill cruises? If so, what was your experience? My impression that there are now two different groups running these Broadway cruises.

[PatrickDC]

Posted: 1/18/20 at 2:28pm

I’m curious, and this may be obvious, but do the actors hang out and mingle around the ship? Like I said might be obvious they do. They don’t stayed holed up in their staterooms unless performing! LOL

I’d think that might be challenging and/or draining for a prominent actor to be trapped (in a way) and spend four whole days meeting fans and some who might be more needy or clingy. I get they’re paid, it’s a job, a gig and a vacation of sorts. But it’s different from stage door when you can meet and greet and get away from the crowd after a short amount of time. I suppose those actors who sign on know what they’re getting into. 

[ArtMan]

Posted: 1/18/20 at 7:14pm

Is it difficult to get to Times Square by subway from the port.  I am taking a 12 day Southern Caribbean cruise in 2021 that starts in Miami and ends in NYC.  Cruise ends on a Saturday, so I thought I would spend one night and see shows on Saturday and Sunday.  Thanks in advance.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 1/18/20 at 7:14pm

double

Updated On: 1/18/20 at 07:14 PM

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 1/18/20 at 9:10pm

"I am taking a 12 day Southern Caribbean cruise in 2021 that starts in Miami and ends in NYC.  "

Sound like a great cruise, would love to do the Southern Caribbean one day. I have taken a few cruises leaving Miami and enjoyed being there.

[bowtie7]

Posted: 1/18/20 at 9:45pm

This cruise is different than the Playbill (and some other) luxury cruises. This appears to be a full ship charter of the NCL Pearl with a goal of 2,300+ people on the cruise. The Playbill cruises tend to use much smaller and upscale cruise lines like Silverseas. On these smaller ships you are more likely to be able to casually interact with the talent. With 2,000 plus guests things will have to be much more structured--though random encounters are always a possibility. With the larger ship you are likely to to see a larger line-up of talent and a wider range of cruise fare. (Also on this mass market ship you will have to pay for more items individually (drinks, specialty dining, service gratuity, room service, internet--Silverseas includes these items in the cruise price.)

[rachelfran]

Posted: 1/20/20 at 4:33pm

I just wanted to thank you for the replies ..

I am familiar with cruises and would not be judging this one based on traditional cruise requirements .. It would really be all about the entertainment. I don't really care about meeting the performers - I just would want to see them all perform .. We are friendly with one of the entertainers  - so I am sure we'll visit with him over the cruise..

Regardless, I opted out .. I didn't really want to be a third wheel on my sister - in - law's trip and I forgot all about it being hurricane season -- which would be unpleasant if the seas were bad.  I've been to Bermuda before so not really a draw, either.

@MarkBearSF have a great time!

@ArtMan it's a short cab ride to times square from the port in manhattan

Thanks again for the feedback.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 1/20/20 at 5:36pm

Thanks, rachelfran for the info.

[Piparoo]

Posted: 1/22/20 at 3:01pm

After seeing it here, I decided to book it.  The lineup is pretty incredible.

[Pashacar]

Posted: 1/22/20 at 4:46pm

ArtMan said: "Is it difficult to get to Times Square by subway from the port. I am taking a 12 day Southern Caribbean cruise in 2021 that starts in Miami and ends in NYC. Cruise ends on a Saturday, so I thought I would spend one night and see shows on Saturday and Sunday. Thanks in advance."

There is no subway connection but you don't really need one. It's about a 15-minute walk to times Square, or a short ride on the M42 bus.

[JSquared2]

Posted: 1/22/20 at 5:02pm

Pashacar said: "ArtMan said: "Is it difficult to get to Times Square by subway from the port. I am taking a 12 day Southern Caribbean cruise in 2021 that starts in Miami and ends in NYC. Cruise ends on a Saturday, so I thought I would spend one night and see shows on Saturday and Sunday. Thanks in advance."

There is no subway connection but you don't really need one. It's about a 15-minute walk to times Square, or a short ride on the M42 bus."

Or, if one is already paying at least $10,000-$15,000 for one of these cruises -- why not really splurge and pay the extra $10 bucks for an Uber!

[rachelfran]

Posted: 1/22/20 at 5:29pm

JSquared2 said: "Pashacar said: "ArtMan said: "Is it difficult to get to Times Square by subway from the port. I am taking a 12 day Southern Caribbean cruise in 2021 that starts in Miami and ends in NYC. Cruise ends on a Saturday, so I thought I would spend one night and see shows on Saturday and Sunday. Thanks in advance."

There is no subway connection but you don't really need one. It's about a 15-minute walk to times Square, or a short ride on the M42 bus."

Or, if one is already paying at least $10,000-$15,000 for one of these cruises -- why not really splurge and pay the extra $10 bucks for an Uber!"


I wonder why you think it's 10-15k  a cruise like that ... more like $1000-$2500 PP depending on cabin (excluding suites)

 

 

 

[ArtMan]

Posted: 1/22/20 at 6:00pm

Thanks Pashacar, for the info.  Rachelfran, you are 100% correct.  $10,000 to 15,000????  The cruise I'm taking, Norwegian Pearl,  is $1900 total (paying double) if I go by myself.  Or $1,000 total per person if I go with someone.

[herewegoabc]

Posted: 1/22/20 at 6:45pm

I have been on two Sixthman cruises (Barenaked Ladies) via Norwegian. The cruises are short and somewhat pricey for the length. However, you get so much great entertainment that it feels more than worth the price. The bands (several were onboard in addition to BNL) were all over the place when not performing. They definitely hung out at the pools, bars, activities, etc.

This lineup sounds amazing, and you'll get 4 days of entertainment in addition to the normal cruise activities. You'll also get to hang out with other Broadway fans and possibly meet some new friends.

[MarkBearSF]

Posted: 1/22/20 at 8:44pm

I saw a note on the cruise's Facebook page that they'll have a booth at BroadwayCon - so if anyone has questions and is attending, you can get more info there.