Norwegian Cruise Line Rolls Out New Entertainment on 9 Ships — But It’s Getting Mixed Reviews

Norwegian Cruise Line has introduced new entertainment options on nine of its ships, but the entertainment isn’t being met with universal acclaim.

“Passengers don’t want to spend two hours in a theater watching an elaborate, straight-from-Broadway show,” said Harry Sommer, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, per TheStreet. According to the cruise company’s guest satisfaction ratings, passengers prefer Norwegian’s shorter, unique performances. The cruise line is considering this as it develops new entertainment programs for its fleet.

Through September 2025, the cruise company will launch four new and original NCL entertainment performances on nine ships. The new entertainment options aimed at a worldwide and multigenerational audience include dance performances, immersive concert experiences, and nostalgic tribute events.

Some passengers find the new entertainment choices a little lackluster, despite the cruise line’s claims that the new programming will provide guests with more of what they enjoy, which includes engaging storytelling, top-charting music, and visual spectacle.

“So basically we’ll be getting cover bands as the main entertainment?” wrote one would-be traveler. “So juke box shows with no story? Got it,” wrote another.

The cruise line is also introducing spontaneous “Mini Moments of More” to keep guests entertained with unexpected pop-up performances throughout the ship. These surprise events could take place anywhere — from poolside to dining areas and atriums — with the intent of bringing an extra dose of excitement to the cruise experience. However, not all passengers are on board with the idea. One traveler voiced their concern, saying, “Flash mobs? In the dining room? Please no.”

Norwegian Cruise Line Previously Canceled 35 Sailings

While the popular cruise line is amping its entertainment offerings, the company recently canceled 35 sailings.

In December, Norwegian Cruise Line revealed changes to its deployment plans for the 2025–2026 season, including the cancellation of 35 additional excursions on four ships. The ships to be used for the sailings were to be Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Encore, and Norwegian Joy.

Nine Norwegian Bliss cruises to the Caribbean, West Coast, and Panama Canal that were scheduled to depart on particular days between Nov. 30, 2025, and March 3, 2026, have been canceled.

Ten Norwegian Breakaway excursions were also canceled, including all of the sailings planned for Jan. 6 to Feb. 6, 2026. The ship was scheduled to offer three- and four-night Bahamas excursions during that time, leaving from Port Canaveral.

Norwegian canceled all of its Encore voyages planned to depart between Nov. 30, 2025, and Jan. 16, 2026. The ship was to offer numerous routes to the Caribbean, the West Coast, and the Panama Canal.

Norwegian Cruise Line also canceled nine Norwegian Joy cruises that were supposed to depart between Nov. 29, 2025, and April 11, 2026. The disrupted itineraries were scheduled to depart from Port Canaveral and make stops in Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and Tortola on their way to the Caribbean.