Norwegian removes Broadway show from cruise ship

Norwegian is removing a popular Broadway musical from one of its ships. However, a replacement show is on the way. 

Jersey Boys has been on the Norwegian Bliss since 2018, but the curtain will be closing on the long-running production in February. 

A cruiser confirmed the change on the NCL Reddit thread, sharing the email communication that they received from the cruise line:

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"'Jersey Boys' will be concluding its run in the Bliss Theater. While we know this change may come as a disappointment, we are refreshing our offerings with a rotating collection of performers chosen to surprise, delight, and keep your evenings just as memorable."

These rotating performances include comedians, magicians, jugglers, and other specialty acts that will "bring their own spark to the stage." 

That said, other passengers claim that The Choir of Man is available on the NCL mobile app for Norwegian Bliss sailings beginning around March 5. 

Read more: Is Norwegian in trouble? Why the cruise line’s reputation may be slipping

Why is Norwegian scaling back its entertainment offerings?

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The email did not give a specific reason for the cancellation. Cruisers, however, have speculated that the move is part of a broader shift in Norwegian’s cost-saving entertainment strategy.

All Broadway shows performed on a cruise ship must be licensed, and those licenses aren't cheap. They've removed Broadway musicals from other ships, too, including SIX, Kinky Boots, and The Donna Summer Musical.

Additionally, casting the role of Frankie Valli is difficult since the required vocal range and stamina significantly narrows the applicant pool. 

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quipsNshade commented, "Moving away from broadway style shows is a huge bummer for me. They’re not setting themselves apart from the other lines."

"I know at least in this case it's being replaced by another show, but I'm so bummed about the trend away from Broadway shows on cruises. I've been lucky enough to see Jersey Boys, Choir of Man and Beetlejuice and it's always been a packed house. There's clearly demand for these types of shows, so I hope NCL continues to offer them," piratesswoop added. 

What is Jersey Boys about?

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Jersey Boys is a jukebox musical that focuses on the creation, success, and eventual breakup of the 1960s band the Four Seasons. Popular songs featured in the musical include "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," "Walk Like A Man," and "Rag Doll."

Each of the four "seasons" is narrated by a different band member who gives their own personal account on its history and music. 

Jersey Boys first premiered at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego in 2004. Its Broadway run lasted from 2005 to 2017, while its West End run opened in 2008 and ran until 2024. A film adaptation was released in 2014. 

Norwegian Bliss cruise ship facts

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Norwegian Bliss is a Breakaway Plus Class cruise ship that debuted in 2018. She measures 168,028 gross tons and has a passenger capacity of 4,004 at double occupancy. 

Through October, the ship will offer sailings from the West Coast and Alaska, visiting destinations such as Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Juneau, and Ketchikan. 

After a 19-night repositioning sailing in October, Norwegian Bliss will homeport in New York City through the spring before returning to Seattle for a seasonal stint in Alaska.