Royal Caribbean is known for its world-class entertainment, but some shows are better than others.
From high-diving spectacles in the AquaTheater to Broadway-caliber productions in the main theater, Royal Caribbean's ships consistently deliver shows that leave spectators speechless. However, not every show lives up to the hype.
One curious cruiser went to Reddit to ask other sailors what performances left a more memorable impression than others.
"What Royal Caribbean shows or entertainment left you in awe during your cruise?" asked papabauer on the r/royalcaribbean thread.
"I'm curious to hear about the performances or entertainment options on Royal Caribbean ships that truly captivated you! Whether it was a Broadway-style musical, an ice skating show, or the stunning Aqua Theater performances, I’d love to know what impressed you the most."
Within one day, the post received over 90 comments, with cruisers passionately sharing their experiences from recent voyages. Some praised the jaw-dropping AquaTheater shows, while others couldn't stop talking about the ice skating shows and musicals.
In no particular order, here are the best Royal Caribbean shows that cruisers can't get enough of.
The Wizard of Oz (Icon of the Seas)
"The Wizard of Oz" is exclusive to Icon of the Seas. This Broadway-style musical brings the beloved classic film to life with stunning costumes, immersive sets, and talented performers.
The show quickly became a favorite among cruisers, with many flocking to the comments of the Reddit post to praise the musical production.
"[We got my dad] to agree to [see the] wizard of oz last month on icon. He stayed awake for the whole show. We are headed out on star soon. I mentioned [that] back to the future is the show scheduled for the trip. He said he would like to see it and was surprised [by] how much he enjoyed [the] wizard of oz. For him that’s a huge compliment for the show," shared oOoOsarahOoOo.
BeagleMom agreed, saying, "The Wizard of [Oz] on Icon was breathtaking."
Aqua80 (Oasis of the Seas)
While BeagleMom was a fan of "The Wizard of Oz," she said nothing compares to Aqua80, the outdoor AquaTheater shows on Oasis of the Seas.
Her opinion was a popular one, with many agreeing that Aqua80 is one of the best shows that Royal Caribbean offers.
"Aqua 80 is the best thing I have ever seen on a ship, mind blowing, phenomenal," said karenmarie303.
sedona71717 wrote, "Aqua 80 on Oasis. I grew up in the 80s and it felt like a time machine. I was crying at several points in the show— it just took me back."
Aside from Aqua80, many comments agreed that any of the AquaTheater shows are worth seeing. For example, tam6767 thought that the aqua show on Symphony of the Seas should have cost extra — it was THAT good.
GermantownTiger also reminisced on their first time seeing an AquaTheater show, writing, "[The show] was incredible. Our first Oasis class ship we sailed was Symphony of the Seas in 2019. HIRO is the name of the show...we'll always remember it."
Someone else added that even though the standard Royal Caribbean performances don't really impress them, they're always awe-struck by the aqua shows.
"[T]he tightrope walkers for the Aqua show do absolutely impress me. Last time I went it was super windy and pouring, yet he got through it like it didn’t even bother him. Incredible," prettycote said.
Back to the Future: The Musical (Star of the Seas)
As the second ship in the ground-breaking Icon Class, you'd expect Royal Caribbean to bring its A-game to Star of the Seas — and they certainly did. Starting in the main theater, multiple cruisers said they were wowed by "Back to the Future: The Musical."
Redditor jonregister couldn't wrap their head around the fact that the entire show took place aboard a moving cruise ship.
"Back to the Future on Star was insane!" agreed TheEverydayStoic.
"Torque, Sol and [Back to the Future] are all insanely good. All would be hundreds for admission on land," said vpat48.
Torque (Star of the Seas)
If musicals aren't your thing, make sure you prioritize seeing the aqua show on Star of the Seas. For many loyal cruisers, it's one of the best ones in the entire fleet.
The AquaTheater on Icon Class vessels was moved to the front of the ship and enclosed within the AquaDome. As such, it's a little smaller than the outdoor venue. Still, the aerial stunts, high-tech visuals, and jaw-dropping dives are no less impressive.
Organic_Question_860 commented, "I was in awe [of Torque] the entire time. So were my kids. They wanted to stay in our seats and watch the next show."
SOL (Star of the Seas)
A lot of passengers also thought that the ice skating show on Star of the Seas was better than the one aboard Icon of the Seas.
"Ice show on Star is better than Icon as it is not interrupted by the magician and then the stunt ramp skate guys are thrilling. It flows better," explained tsmrssmith.
snowflakeFTW was also impressed with the ice skating show, saying, "Just got off Star last week. Back to the Future and SOL were great."
Mamma Mia (Allure of the Seas)
While there's a lot to appreciate about the new Icon Class ships, they aren't the most affordable in the fleet. However, you don't have to worry about sacrificing top-tier entertainment if you cruise on an older vessel.
"Mamma Mia" on Allure of the Seas, for example, is a crowd favorite. And how could it not be? The production features ABBA's greatest hits, including "Dancing Queen," "Super Trouper," and "Mamma Mia," and energetic choreography that delivers the same fun night out atmosphere that made it a global sensation on land.
"We were on Allure for 2 weeks (8d/6d back to back) a few years ago, and saw [Mamma] Mia three times because we enjoyed it so much. Twice on our own, and [then] again with friends who joined us for the second cruise," geko29 commented.
Ice Odyssey (Voyager of the Seas)
Over half of Royal Caribbean's fleet has an ice rink onboard, making its ice-skating productions one of the cruise line’s signature entertainment offerings.
One Redditor argued that Voyager of the Seas' Ice Odyssey showcased some of the best talent that can be found on the high seas.
FearlessKnitter12 claimed that they have seen the ice show on Voyager "many times." Even with different casts, the performances have been "excellent."
Once Upon a Time (Freedom of the Seas)
Older ships that lack Broadway-style musicals don't always have the best reputation, with some in the comments of the Reddit post talking about how they aren't fans of the original productions. "Once Upon a Time," however, is an exception.
This fairytale show is for those "who never abandoned their inner child." Rather than retelling one specific tale, it focuses on popular childhood stories and adds details that the Brothers Grimm and others left out.
"'Once Upon a Time' was astonishingly good. The dancing and singing, yes, but also the tech. I was sure one of the backdrops was just impressively painted, but then parts of it moved and other parts opened like windows," said HawaiianShirtsOR.
Sonic Odyssey (Quantum of the Seas)
Another original production show that's well-received is "Sonic Odyssey" on Quantum of the Seas. From the Earth Harp to the massive drum wall, talented violinist, and harmonizing singers, the show celebrates the power of music in a multisensory way.
"Before sailing on [Quantum] of the Seas I read reviews on the show 'Starwater' how you will either like it or you wont and honestly I [didn't] get [the] hype for people who liked it. I thought it was boring...However Sonic Odyssey in the Royal Theater was fantastic!" wrote ClearCollar7201.
goinhungryyeah agreed, commenting, "There was...a really good one on Quantum (NOT Starwater), it was a guy with huge drums and other interesting instruments."
Flight: Dare to Dream (Symphony of the Seas)
grandmacruises and john4brown both thought that "Flight: Dare to Dream" aboard Symphony of the Seas was worth mentioning, with the latter saying that they really enjoyed it during their cruise.
"Flight: Dare to Dream" is an original show that chronicles the aviation milestones, starting in the near distant future with the land of the world's first-ever aerospace cruiser.
One of the most show-stopping moments, however, comes at the end of the production, with a massive dramatization of the Wright Brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
