Princess Cruises’ Head of Global Entertainment Pulls Back the Curtain on Star Princess’s Shows
When Princess Cruises launched its Sphere Class, the company understood that the ship’s design invited a new approach to its entertainment offerings. With Star Princess heading to Alaska for some of its itineraries, the stunning nature outside the window becomes the backdrop to the captivating shows on the stage. Balancing the two captivating views is difficult, but the Princess Entertainment team is up to the challenge.
Recently, Princess Cruises revealed some details regarding the new entertainment options on Star Princess. In addition to the original content created by Black Skull Entertainment, the ship will offer Candlelight Concerts, exuberant performances in the piazza, and other interactive elements throughout the ship.
During the media event, FlickDirect had an opportunity to chat with Becky Thompson-Foley, Princess Cruises’ Head of Global Entertainment. After the workshop performances had the audience enthusiastically applauding the cast, Thompson-Foley offered insight into how the cruise company brings everything together to make the most memorable vacation.
While Princess Cruises offers luxurious escapes, the new Sphere class appeals to multi-generational guests. The entertainment needs to captivate both young and old. The entertainment team took those demographics in mind when they created the programming.
Thompson-Foley said,
“I think there's two things. First of all, you have to put on fresh programming so that you will attract a new generation. Then, similar to how the culinary team offers a wide menu of food, beverages and restaurants, we give the guests a menu of entertainment options to choose from.”
The new shows offer that variety. She explained how there was a conscious effort to offer that grandiose story set on a beautiful ship, which appeals to an older audience. At the same time, it weaves in pop culture songs that a younger guest knows by heart.
Additionally, the team appreciates that interactive elements heighten the moment. She gave a specific example with Illuminate. Thompson-Foley explained,
“the experience starts outside the Arena to Illuminate. Guests walk into a circus and see it in a fresh way.”
Across all the programming, there is an experience for any guest, any mood, and any moment. Whether it is expressing themselves through graffiti to learning TikTok dances, every element was picked to enhance the overall guest experience.
While the Black Skull Creative team knows how to create a performance that will surprise and delight guests, it is more than 90 minutes watching the stage. The whole goal is to build a connection that lasts far longer than the days on board. Yes, the moments are quite impressive, but they need to etch themselves into people’s memories.
One element that will be the highlight for many people is the Candlelight Concert Series under the dome while cruising throughout Alaska. Thompson-Foley believes that these performances will draw huge crowds.
She explained,
“it is about connectivity. After having a lovely dinner, we can go sit in the glass enclosed dome, listen to string musicians play Coldplay as the stunning Alaskan landscape goes by. It is the cherry on top. Yes, Alaska is amazing, but then you remember the Candlelight Concert Series every time you hear that music.”
Whether it is glaciers and “A Sky Full of Stars” or colorful circus performers and star-crossed lovers, the Princess Entertainment Team has a full program that will surprise and delight guests. Star Princess sparkles and illuminates lasting memories that have everyone exuberantly saying, I love that.
Star Princess from Princess Cruises is set to debut in . Complete programming is available to guests when they book a vacation.
Tags: princess cruises, broadway, becky thompson-foley, live entertainment