let us entertain you

"Why do you cruise?" I hear that just as often as the rest of us hear "Why do you want to live in Mexico?," or a variation on Theresa's blog title: "What are you going to do each day?" The presumption appears to be that cruisers are in their 80s and get around either with the assistance of a nurse or a walker. (As you have seen, cruisers come in all shapes, sizes, and ages.)

One of the factors that keeps me getting on cruise ships is live entertainment. The public areas are filled with singers, bands, and pianists -- all providing great music.

But the epitome of entertainment is the nightly show in the theater. This cruise was no exception. There was a tribute to The Temptations -- a talented group of singers who knew how to reach the audience. An acrobat couple who awed us as if they were a major act from Cirque du Soleil. Luis Dalton -- an acrobat juggler who would have been at home in any vaudeville theater. Mark O'Malley -- an Irish pop singer. Maria Neglia -- an amazing violinist who I have seen on several prior cruises. Helvis -- a Portuguese Elvis impersonator who knew his stuff, and added just enough Brazilian flavor to spice up his act. Elaine Lesley -- a British lounge singer. Sergio Rebello -- a Brazilian topical comic whose entire act was in Portuguese. Los Pampas Gauchos -- a gaucho troupe. (I must admit I have my own favorite gaucho group on Royal Caribbean International -- Los Diablos Gauchos, Juan and Eileen Santillan.)

And then were my favorites: the singers and dancers who make up the house cast of each ship. On this cruise they performed two shows: Dancin' Thru the Movies and Ballroom Fever. The material is, at best, mediocre. Each of the singers and dancers has the ability to perform far more challenging material. But the producers who put these shows together have a real problem. Their audiences have a huge range and no one in the audience has chosen the show with the purchase of a ticket. As a result, the material tends to be bland.

But the kids are great. They throw themselves into each number in the hope that they can work their magic with the audience. You can almost feel them reaching out to touch souls in the theater in the hope of sharing that brief shining magical moment when an entertainer and an audience member actually connect.

As for me, I actually felt refreshed after each of these performances.

Why cruise? As my blogger buddy Andee would say: Why not?