A new Cirque du Soleil has landed and not somewhere you would normally expect to see it… Aboard a cruise ship!
Designed to create a unique experience and change the world of entertainment on cruise ships, MSC have collaborated with Cirque du Soleil to create an entertainment lounge with a difference. Normally frequenting theatres and circuses around the globe, Cirque du Soleil is a synthesis of circus styles from around the world with live music, performers and breath-taking acrobatics. MSC Meraviglia (one of the largest cruise ships in the world) set on its maiden voyage last June, launching with it the first in the world Cirque du Soleil at sea.
When on board you are able to view two different Cirque du Soleil performances: Sonor and Viaggio. Both are completely unique, telling a different story and presenting a rare atmosphere so that you can enjoy both shows with the multi-talented actors performing completely different roles between them. These are performed twice-nightly over six nights.
The lounge is custom built for the show and very intimate, seating significantly less than the number of guests on board with just 413 spaces. Because of this, it is important you reserve your seat to guarantee entry to the performance – believe us you really do not want to miss it during your cruise!
Pre-purchase your tickets for MSC cruises Cirque du Soleil to enjoy a complimentary signature cocktail during the show and if you would like to treat yourself to a really special evening, you can book in for a three-course dinner too.
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On our time aboard MSC Meraviglia we opted for the Dinner and Show package which is a must in our eyes.
Dining in the lounge is as atmospheric as it is charming; a musician performs live on the stage while you relax with a glass of wine and catch up with your loved ones on the days activities and excursions. The staff are quick to attend to your every need, giving a thorough breakdown of the courses before you tuck in. A unique aspect to this package is that the food is kept a secret until the show, as it corresponds to what is happening on stage – making for a truly one of a kind experience. From the starter to the main and the desserts, the flavours of each course complimented each other faultlessly, teasing our taste buds – it was a gastronomic delight. Everything was presented nicely, and it was clear that courses, table setting, and music had been thought out specifically to complement the show. Although the menu options are limited they made sure the food was as good as the performance.
The show we saw was Viaggio, which is described as: “The story of a passionate and eccentric artist who hears the call of his Faceless Muse. Mysterious and seductive, she beckons him into the vivid world of his unbridled imagination to complete his masterpiece. With each stroke of his paintbrush, the Painter reveals the details of his grandiose tableau. Electrifying colours fill the space with intriguing motifs and rich textures. Majestic acts transform the theatre into a living canvas. Before our very eyes, a masterpiece comes to life.”
As we watched the show it soon became clear there wasn’t anything the performers couldn’t do. The atmosphere was electric and at points the entire lounge held their breath – particularly when one performer balanced another on his shoulders while keeping a ladder upright unsupported! But that’s exactly what brings such joy and excitement when watching the show. It combines optical illusion, trickery, lighting and so many moments you can’t quite believe what you are seeing with your own eyes. Utterly sensational, performers switch from being suspended on straps soaring round the ceiling to juggling on bicycles, flipping through hoops and creating breath-taking human towers.
Contortionists, acrobats, smoke and fire, the costumes, acts and dances are performed with a dramatic yet poetic grace. The trickery, the acrobats, and the mind-boggling skills culminate to a show unlike anything you have ever seen – and unlike anything you will ever see again. Add to the mix that they are on the sea and it’s just mind blowing – a true professional and master in performance. With MSC Cruises Cirque du Soleil, you struggle to get your head round this is on a cruise ship in the middle of the sea, it feels like it is in a main London arena or theatre. And if you are lucky enough to catch one of the shows on board, you really won’t see it anywhere else. This is because the Cirque du Soleil shows on board the MCS Meraviglia are exclusive to the ship.
When on board a cruise ship, entertainment is such a huge factor and one that can make a big difference to your vacation – and this is truly blown out of the water with Cirque du Soleil on board. This is real next level entertainment and something which takes cruise ship activities way above expectations. Cirque du Soleil is something known and loved worldwide and to get the chance to experience this on a holiday of a lifetime makes for a trip to truly remember.
We were so impressed with this performance – not only was the show spell bounding, but the food delicious and the ship extremely impressive. (Let’s face it, if a ship has a staircase made entirely of Swarovski crystals how couldn’t it be?!) If you are looking to book your first cruise or are looking for something different, we highly recommend you book yourself onto MSC Meraviglia and experience the MSC Cruises Cirque du Soleil.#
To book into MSC cruises Cirque du Soleil click the link here
I was lucky enough to watch viaggio whilst on the ship in November for my honeymoon and was her impressed. I have seen a cirque show done in a bigger format, and it was just as amazing to see a smaller intimate show. From the start you was surrounded with performers, engaging with the audience and making you laugh and smile all the time. I loved the concept of the story seeing through the eyes of the artist.
This is a total must to go and see whilst on board.
we unfortunately never got to see sonor due to technical issues so can’t comment but if it was performed In the same professional entertaining standard as viaggio then I am sure it is fantastic.
Reading your article was great. What you describe is just what I was wanting to see and experience.
managed to dine and see both shows which was enjoyable and worth while. Throughly enjoyed both the food service and entertainment in unique setting. Would recommend to all. I personally enjoyed sonor as the slightly better show
and will go again in February 2018 when we return.