Royal Caribbean International: Entertainment on the High Seas

Despite uncertain economic times throughout the World and the recent tragedy with the Costa cruise, the Cruise Industry has shown that it is possible to grow in this challenging economic environment. Cruise Market Watch predicts an annual passenger compound annual growth rate of 7.38% from 1990 – 2015. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines which boasts two of the Largest Cruise Ships in the World in the Oasis and Allure of the Seas has been a Market Leader and is poised for even more growth.

In an exclusive Interview with Isha Roy, News and Entertainment Reporter for Isha Roy Media & Entertainment and Global India Newswire, Royal Caribbean International Cruise Director, Mitch Merucci explains what this Cruise Line is doing to maintain their status as the Cruise Line of choice.

Tell us about some of the Duties and Responsibilities of a Cruise Director?

More than likely, you’ll see a Cruise Director out and around the Ship as they are considered the Face of the Ship to all the Guests. Cruise Directors are in charge of the overall entertainment and guest activities on board the ship. On the Enchantment of the Seas, I oversee a team of 78 People. This includes everyone from Entertainers, Royal Caribbean Singers and Dancers, Musicians, Staff, the Technical Team, and finally the Production Staff. It’s my job to work with my Team to set up and schedule all the Activities for the Guests including the Nightly Shows and Entertainment. I also host all the Stage Shows and the Nightly Dance Parties.

What are the different types of activities on the Ship and how does Royal Caribbean keep their guests entertained for 7 days on board the ship?

As far as keeping our Guests entertained for 7 Days, we have an internal program called Activities 360. The Activities 360 Program was rolled out last year and was based on 2 Years of Market Research Data from Guests who have cruised with Royal Caribbean before also those who have never been on any type of Cruise before. We really wanted to understand from our Guests perspective what type of Activities they would like to see onboard Royal Caribbean’s ships. The Activities 360 Program not only encompasses Entertainment on Board the Ship, but is also extends to our Food & Beverage Team and also our Housekeeping Team. Ultimately, we are trying to provide all of our Guests with a variety of activities they would be interested in. We strive to encourage our Guests to do something different and come out of their shell and loose any inhibitions. This goes hand in hand with our current Marketing Campaign of the Nation of Why Not. So Why Not try Something New and Exciting!

Cruises are known for their elaborate Broadway Style Show Productions. Speak to us about what goes into putting together the Shows and also the Performers Backgrounds?

All of the Production Shows that star Royal Caribbean’s singers and dancers are produced in Hollywood, FL. Royal Caribbean is actually the only Cruise Line in the world that creates their own shows and puts them together in house. The cast will rehearse the shows for 6-8 weeks in Florida and then come on the ship to perform for our guests. The casts will perform the show for 6-8 months at a time which allows the integrity of the show to stay intact. Our Cast comes from all over the world. Our Talent Scouts travel to cities such as Sydney, London, New York, Chicago, Los Angles, Vancouver and Toronto to audition hundreds of dancers and singers. On some of our newer ships like the Oasis of the Seas, we are rolling out full length Broadway shows. Shows like Hairspray, Chicago and Saturday Night Fever are being performed on these ships.

Who are some of your favorite Celebrity Entertainers you have worked with onboard Royal Caribbean’s ships?

The most memorable show I’ve been part of was the Rihanna performance on our Inauguration of the Oasis of the Seas. Another show that comes to mind was Taylor Swift’s recent show on the Allure of the Seas. Other memorable shows by celebrities include Country Music Star, Martina McBride, the Osmond Brothers and the Drifters. We’ve also had performances from several famous Comics & Entertainers who have been seen on shows like Americas Got Talent and Last Comic Standing.


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