Royal Caribbean is gearing up for the arrival of its Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas to its new homeport: Los Angeles, California.
Both vessels are within Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class of ships, and with the ships’ proximity to Hollywood, it’s no wonder that standards are high for entertainment onboard.
“Royal Caribbean is thrilled to introduce our state-of-the-art productions that have never been seen or experienced in the [North American] market,” said Christi Coachman, the line’s vice president of entertainment, and JP Christensen, senior director of Royal Caribbean Productions. “… Some of our most successful productions have only been seen by the Asia market, so we are very excited to have them debut in the United States.”
Though the process of presenting entertainment is uniform across the fleet, the cruise line makes a point to accommodate varying regions and homeports. Auditions will take place across 75 international cities before rehearsals commence at Royal Caribbean Entertainment Studios in North Miami, Florida.
Guests can expect specific enrichment programming, from regional entertainment to expert lecturers. Quantum’s casts have yet to be finalized, but Ovation of the Seas’ Royal Theatre cast will comprise -one-third Americans, and Two70’s cast will be 20% American.
“Theme nights and parties, as well as Royal Caribbean’s award-winning activity program, will be created for the California/Mexico market,” according to Coachman and Christensen. “This will consist of curated destinations, music, movie trivia, dance classes and karaoke.”
Compared to the region’s existing Navigator of the Seas deployment, Ovation and Quantum will offer more venues. The complete lineup of entertainment will consist of three headlining shows per ship.
Ovation of the Seas in Hong Kong in 2016
Credit: 2025 Royal CaribbeanWhat’s Playing Onboard Ovation of the Seas
On Ovation, “Live. Love. Legs.” will combine aerial acrobatics, next-generation choreography, lavish costumes and video effects to back vocals and special musical arrangements.
Cruisers can also experience “The Beautiful Dream,” which will tell the story of a man “who is visited by his departed soulmate who has come to help him rediscover his passion for life, and his will to love again,” according to Coachman and Christensen.
Finally, “Spectra’s Cabaret” will present the characters of Spectra and the Agents of Rhythm in a multi-dimensional performance conveying invisible realms. The portal will reveal a multimedia menagerie full of “kaleidoscopic sounds, effervescent colors and dazzling movement” employing pulsing music and high technology,” said the Royal Caribbean reps.
Starwater will play onboard Quantum of the Seas.
Credit: 2025 Royal CaribbeanWhat’s Playing Onboard Quantum of the Seas
Onboard Quantum of the Seas, “Sonic Odyssey: A Masterpiece of Unique Sounds” will feature William Close’s custom musical instruments, such as the “Earth harp”. Close was a Season 7 semifinalist on television show, “America’s Got Talent.”
Appropriate to the California homeport — and beyond — will also be “Sequins & Feathers” in celebration of showgirls from LA, New York, Paris and Las Vegas in a production of vibrant choreography, music and beauty.
And lastly, the fan-favorite “Starwater” will engage American audiences for the first time.
“We are really excited for our guests to have the opportunity to see this amazing show,” said Coachman and Christensen, which maximizes the innovative tech of the Two70 venue, including video mapping and robotics to enhance live performances. “Human emotions are explored as our muse brings together the magic of the stars and the mysteries of the seas.”
