Seven Showstopping Reasons to Set Sail on The Broadway Cruise

Fun in the sun is never a bad idea, so heading to Miami, Mexico, and the Bahamas on the Norwegian Jewel from April 15-20 on an entertainment-filled cruise (not to mention a food-filled one) seems like a no-brainer. But just in case you’re waffling about going, here’s seven good reasons to come aboard.

1. EVERYTHING’S COMING UP PATTI
Few of us have ever had the opportunity to be up close and personal with the three-time Tony Award-winning legend, but now is your chance. LuPone will headline two shows and will join famed journalist Gordon Cox for a “Questions from a Hat” session with the no-holds-barred star of Evita and Gypsy. And for added fun, fans of the singular actor can participate in a special “theme night” by dressing up as their favorite LuPone character or re-creating one of her iconic looks. (You can also come as you are!) Does anyone still wear a hat?

2. DREAM A LITTE DREAM OF DARREN
Whether you’re a Gleek who has always wanted to see Darren Criss in person, or you’ve seen the Broadway star in shows like Hedwig and the Angry Inch, American Buffalo, and Maybe Happy Ending, your dream to hear him in a candid conversation can now come true. He’ll also headline two concerts on board.

3. WELCOME BACK TO THE ’60s
You may (or may not) be old enough to remember this decade, but not only can you dress like you do—from beehives to mini-skirts—at one of the cruise’s special dance nights, but there’s also a special panel about the formative ’60s-set musical Hairspray, featuring writer Marc Shaiman, choreographer Jerry Mitchell, and stars Marissa Jaret Winokur, Laura Bell Bendy, and Kerry Butler (who will also perform their celebrated revue, Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now.

4. NORM!
Never mind “Cheers,” the Norm who should be your favorite regular is the multi-talented singer (and former Phantom of the Opera) Norm Lewis, who will present a special concert in the ship’s Stardust Theater. Lewis is also set to participate in the star-studded panel, “From First Bow to Fresh Take | Originating a Role vs Honoring a Legacy” alongside such luminaries as Norbert Leo Butz, Carrie St. Louis, and Eden Espinosa, all of whom will perform shows of their own during the week.

5. FOSSE! FOSSE! FOSSE!
Have you ever wanted to shimmy and shake like Velma in Chicago, do the “Rich Man’s Frug,” or figure out who’s got the pain when you do the mambo? Now, you can learn the incredible moves created by the one-and-only director and choreographer Bob Fosse in this special class taught by Broadway Barbara. Make sure to bring your jazz hands!

6. SING! SING! SING!
Do you want to lift your voice (and maybe get discovered)? The Broadway cruise gives you plenty of chances to show off your vocal talents from special karaoke sessions to piano bar sing-alongs to movie musical sing-alongs. As Patti used to shout (at least on stage): “Sing out, Louise!”

7. SIGN OF THE TIMES
With so many great stars on board, what you may want most of all is their autographs. Rest assured, there will be general admission sessions where you can say hi, get their signatures, and come home with both marvelous memories and proof that at least you were there with these Broadway legends.

Watch highlights from the Broadway Cruise below: