Princess Cruises Unveils Broadway-Caliber Shows Aboard Star Princess

The Original Love Boat sets the stage with dramatic flair.

While today’s cruise ships are far different from the classic vacation that Captain Stubing oversaw, Princess Cruises understands that guests long for those breathtaking moments. The dining table offers impeccable food and spirited conversation. The ports of call bring excitement to adventurous exploration. In the theater, the storytelling compels the audience to dream and escape into a world where happiness is always possible.

Princess Cruises often touts a simple phrase with its vacation experience: “I Love This.” While couples can rekindle their romance on those starlit nights, every experience is meant to evoke a connection, enjoyment, and falling in love with the overall experience. The live theater is an essential part of that total package.

Ahead of the debut of Princess Cruises’ Star Princess, the entertainment team held a showcase at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. During the media event, Black Skull Creative revealed select numbers from the Star Princess shows, Meridian. The BAFTA award-winning production team created two original shows for the new ship.

Still in workshop, Illuminate is a glimpse into the vibrant circus world. As aerialists fly and performers dazzle with their skills, the colorful big top team invites guests into this immersive space. Given that Black Skull Creative revived Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, the team will honor the tradition of circus performers with a modernized take. Although not confirmed by the team, it should be the perfect balance of grandiose Barnum meets Pippin’s musical poignancy.

During the Princess Cruises media preview, the Star Princess cast performed a few pieces from Meridian. This musical combines old-world glamour, a discussion on societal status, and the power of true love. Blending new original pieces with popular songs, the storyline connects with the audience. Family complexities, epic adventure, and true love are all sentiments that engage and captivate.

Today’s cruise ship audiences are savvy. They expect a Broadway-esque performance. From this preview, Meridian will deliver. In a way, it is like bringing together the high energy of &Juliet with the heart of Come From Away and the sweeping visuals of Phantom of the Opera.

While theater lovers will appreciate all the nuances, it is the music that ensures all ages will be on the edge of their seats. People will clap along with popular music and swoon over the original pieces. By the end of the show, everyone will be on their feet, and they will be replaying those melodies in their memories.

As seen in the preview, the real selling point of this show is the performances. The talented actors bring the story to life with heart. One performer said that everyone brings out the light in each other. In a way, that sentiment captures how this sparkling moment leads to the dazzling experience guests will have on Star Princess.

Reflecting on this particular show, the name Meridian deserves a moment of contemplation. Yes, it can be a line delineating the globe into two parts, but that can also be a pathway where energy flows. This show can turn separation into a forever bond. Learning how to turn a line into a door is a metaphor that is an idea that is even more important in today’s divided world.

The four pieces shown in the workshop capture the diversity musical. Classic old-school musical numbers where characters set the stage with sung dialogue open the piece. It is a welcoming moment that is familiar yet engaging.

High-energy dance pieces excite the audience. The familiar songs transformed into the plot are seamless. Everyone will be clapping along and almost ready to jump up and dance themselves.

Lastly, the romantic ballads are the moments that truly resonate. Love, in all its forms, is what fills the heart. When the two leads capture both the high notes and the tender moments, no one can take their eyes off the stage.

While Meridian is still in the rehearsal process, the first glimpse proved that Princess Cruises and Black Skull Creative have the foundation to prove that these original productions will be as good as a Broadway show. Other cruise brands have brought their onboard productions to the theater stage. Maybe Princess Cruises could be next.

For those guests who have booked a vacation on Star Princess, the theatrical productions are a must-see. Even if the days are full of adventure, the perfect nightcap to the day is waiting at the Arena Theater.

Star Princess debuts in October 2025. A window to the world is waiting, and the experience is as bright as a supernova. Visit the official site for more information.