A key reason many travelers chose to spend their precious vacation time at sea is the simple fact that they can be entertained 24x7 with minimal effort. Even though diverse entertainment options and abundant stress-relieving activities are already readily available, cruise lines are constantly coming up with new attractions for guests. In fact, some ships are becoming entertainment powerhouses leaving guests torn between a day onboard and a day ashore.

The Big Blue Ocean Welcomes Blue Man Group

Award-winning, thought-provoking and incredibly popular, Blue Man Group sets sail on Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Norwegian Epic, launching in the summer of 2010. Blue Man Group has never before performed at sea so guests of the Norwegian Epic will be the first to enjoy their captivating performance while cruising. As if Blue Man Group wasn’t enough, the Norwegian Epic is positively teeming with entertainment. The side-splitting improvisational comedy of The Second City can also be seen in the Epic Theater and Cirque Dreams and Dinner will fascinate guests with majestic Broadway-style acrobatics and breathtaking costumes in an unforgettable feast of the senses. Other activities include top-notch live music, Norwegian Cruise Line’s biggest casino and an array of nightlife venues including Ice Bar modeled after ice hotels in Scandinavia.

Theme Cruises - From Photography to Fine Wine

If the idea of learning something while you’re away tickles your fancy, we recommend Crystal Cruises’ Experiences of Discovery Theme Cruises. A cruise vacation with onboard experts, lectures and hands-on participation can inspire passion for a hobby or creative outlet that will last a lifetime. Wine and Food themed cruises grant access to exclusive tastings, instruction from celebrated chefs and informative shore excursions. Music, Fashion and Theater themed cruises wow guests with top-performing musical acts, ballroom dancing lessons, fabulous fashion shows and award-winning theater performances. A wide assortment of Culture and Enrichment themed cruises offer educational experiences including lessons from esteemed photographers, lectures and shore excursions on ancient civilizations and even a cruise focused on science and technology.

Focus on Fitness and Fun

The concept of cruising is changing and active travelers can set sail with schedules so full they won’t have time for that nap on a deck chair. For those anxious to dive right in, literally, Windstar Cruises offers a veritable fitness-lover’s paradise. Because Windstar ships are motor-sail-yachts, which are smaller and more dexterous than the larger liners, Windstar Cruises can dock and let guests enjoy the crystal blue waters right off the boat’s Water Sports Platform. Guests on all Windstar ships can take pleasure in free water sports including waterskiing, kayaking and windsurfing.  In addition each vessel is equipped with a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center and offers a variety of health and fitness consultations and personal training programs. Travelers will find practicing yoga, Pilates and meditation techniques while surrounded by the ocean waves makes for an extraordinarily relaxing and revitalizing experience.