Norwegian Cruise Line Ends Two Broadway Shows

Norwegian Cruise Line will close two of its Broadway-style productions as part of a broader strategy to refresh onboard entertainment across its fleet.
“Jersey Boys” will take its final bow aboard Norwegian Bliss on February 8, 2026, during a seven-day sailing from Los Angeles. “Beetlejuice” will conclude its run on Norwegian Viva on March 21, 2026, on a cruise departing from Galveston, Texas.
The move is part of what the company describes as a multi-year initiative to evolve its entertainment programming, with a greater emphasis on original productions and expanded onboard experiences. While Broadway adaptations have been a signature feature of Norwegian’s entertainment lineup, the cruise line is now shifting toward proprietary shows and interactive offerings.
“Jersey Boys” debuted on Norwegian Bliss in 2018 and quickly became a guest favorite, featuring the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. “Beetlejuice,” based on the hit Broadway musical inspired by the Tim Burton film, launched with Norwegian Viva in 2023 as part of the ship’s inaugural entertainment program.
Norwegian Cruise Line has gradually phased out several other Broadway productions in recent years, including “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical,” “Six,” “Footloose” and “Kinky Boots.” The latest closures signal a continued pivot away from licensed Broadway content in favor of in-house productions that can be more easily adapted across multiple ships.
The company plans to expand popular existing shows such as “Choir of Man” and “Syd Norman’s Presents: Rumours” to additional vessels. These productions blend live music, audience interaction and immersive staging designed specifically for the cruise environment.
In a statement, an NCL spokesperson said the brand remains committed to delivering high-quality theatrical entertainment while also enhancing daily programming. The company is investing in more robust activities and experiential offerings to complement evening performances and broaden the overall guest experience.
As Norwegian Cruise Line reshapes its entertainment strategy, the changes reflect shifting passenger preferences and the cruise industry’s ongoing effort to balance large-scale productions with flexible, ship-specific programming.
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