Carnival Discontinues Onboard Concert Series

Carnival Cruise Line is calling it quits on their Carnival LIVE concert series, which they have been doing since 2014. 

Artists including Carrie Underwood, LeAnn Rimes, Daughtery, Jay Leno, Journey, and Smokey Robinson performed in Carnival ships’ main theaters, usually while it was docked at a popular Bahamian or Caribbean port. The most recent Carnival LIVE show with pop singer Carly Rae Jepsen on Carnival Splendor this past winter had a unique format, with Jepsen performing on the lido deck for free.

Carnival’s Public Relations Manager Vance Gulliksen said that even though concerts aren’t going to be offered as a scheduled program, they’ll happen “on an ad hoc basis as a surprise-and-delight moment for our guests.”

When Carnival LIVE debuted, tickets cost $20 to $40 with a limited number of VIP tickets available for $100 to $150. The line organized 49 shows in the first year, including concerts by Chicago, Olivia Newton-John, Lady Antebellum, and Martina McBride. 

We have to say, we’re somewhat surprised to hear that Carnival is getting rid of this unique program. Looking through our database of member reviews, the feedback on Carnival LIVE sailings seems overwhelming positive. 

"This was my first cruise and I had a wonderful experience.  I was warned not to cruise with Carnival but chose to do so anyway. I'm happy I ignored the negative comments because they were all wrong!...I highly recommend cruising with Carnival. If you decide to do so, be sure to find a cruise with a live concert!" - NCarolina (read review)

“This cruise was an experience of a lifetime. We decided on the VIP tickets to the REO concert as soon as we heard about them and they were well worth the price.  Meet and greet with champagne and pictures prior to the live show. They were fantastic and fun to meet. Front row seating and the best concert ever. They can still rock better than any other band. The Ecstasy ship is small enough to have all the fun entertainment and thrills but not overly huge or populated. Again... the best vacation ever!” - Birdcruiser (read review)

“I just got back this past Thursday from my Carnival Live cruise with Trace Adkins!!! The whole cruise was wonderful!! Met so many wonderful people and made new friends!!! Trace put on a great show also!!! I can't wait to book my next one!” - TennCruiser (read review)

“This cruise by far was the best cruise I have taken, the service, the dinning, the staff, on board activities, especially the Carnival Live show with Gladys Knight was amazing. And the fact that [you’re] at sea one day and the rest at different ports, I highly recommend this.” - evereguero16 (read review)

Source: Travel Weekly