"All the world's a stage", the saying goes! And on your cruise - the ship is the stage for a world of colorful entertainment and night-time enjoyment! And best of all, there is no cover charge, no tickets to buy or reserve, no waiting in line.

Dazzling musical revues salute the very best of Hollywood and Broadway, with advanced lighting and sound systems and spectacular special effects.

Your entertainment aboard spotlights a variety of marquee performers, including musicians and singers, comedians and magicians. Cruise lines recruit professional performers from some of the best-known stages on land.

The entertainers vary from ship to ship and line to line however don't be surprised if Bill Cosby, or Bowser from Sha Na Na or jazz greats Manhattan Transfer are on your ship. The shows will easily rival anything you might see on land. Except that on-board your ship you don't have to remember your tickets or struggle to find a parking space.

Not only will you enjoy Broadway style reviews, musicals, stand-up comics, movies and specialty acts, and guest talent shows, many cruise lines including Norwegian and Holland America offer "theme" cruises from Budd Friedmans famous Improv at Sea to a Bavarian style "Oktoberfest" where, in addition to daily beer tastings, the staff host a Bavarian Beer Garden Party and an authentic German/Bavarian dinner.

On this cruise, Anheuser Busch will provide a broad selection of their turn of the century recipe beers to enjoy all week, albeit at an nominal extra charge! The six man "Die Bier Barons" band will be on board to play traditional "Oom-Pah" and polka music.

Prefer country music? No problem, you can join top-act headliners and other guest performers aboard foot-stomping, knee-slapping country music cruises. Learn the latest line dancing or try not to smile as you two step your way across the Caribbean.

How much would you pay back home to catch a Broadway show, enjoy the midnight buffet and then head for late night comedy before you hit the disco? It's all included aboard your cruise ship.

Norwegian Cruise Lines treats you to extravagant, full-scale productions of classic Broadway musicals like Grease, 42nd Street, The Pirates of Penzance, The Will Rogers Follies, Crazy for

Pay Your "Birth Year" with Starwood Offer
Reserve a room at a participating Starwood hotel in North America at the regular rate, then pay your "birth year" the second night - and even a third at some locations. The older you are, the less you pay.
Days Inn: Discounts for Seniors, Auto Club Members, More
Don't just take the first price you're quoted: If you're a member of AARP or an auto club, are 60 or older, work for the government, or are traveling with a group, you can request additional savings.
Howard Johnson: Discounts for AARP, Auto Club Members, More
Depending on your membership or demographic, you may qualify for a discount at select Howard Johnson hotels. Get up to 20 percent off your room rate.
Motel 6: Senior Discounts
For guests 60 and older, Motel 6 offers a 10 percent senior discount. If you're traveling with grandkids aged 18 or younger, they can stay free when sharing your room.
Red Roof Inn: Senior, AAA, Military Discounts
Seniors, AAA cardholders, veterans, and active military service members can get a discount at Red Roof Inn hotels. Depending on your membership, you can request up to 15 percent off.
Hampton Inn: 10% Off for AARP Members
AARP members can request an additional 10 percent off their room rate at Hampton Inns. All guests also receive a free hot breakfast each day with their stay.

You, and George M! And again, you don't pay for tickets! Just walk in to the beautiful theatre at sea, and enjoy the show.

Can theatres at sea rival those on land? A three-deck-high showroom, the Palladium, on Carnival Destiny, is home to two showstopping Vegas style productions that combine complex sets, laser technology and awesome talent that leaves you spellbound. And there is not a bad seat in the house!

After the show, visit one of the many lounges to enjoy a jazz ensemble, or 50's and 60's music or spend some fabulous times around the piano bar becoming a karaoke star.

Disney's Magic, is a masterpiece of entertainment at sea. On this ship, amazing diversions are everywhere. You can screen the ocean premiere of a new Disney film in the beautiful Buena Vista Theatre. And in the Walt Disney Theatre, you will view a magnificent tribute to the grand theatrical palaces of long ago that provided the inspiration for three all-new Disney productions-a different show each night of your cruise with state-of- the- art staging, lighting and special effects that only Disney can do!

Between your ports of call, you will be surprised how much there is to do on board your ship. When it comes to nighttime entertainment your choices are as diverse as you want to make them.

From ballroom dancing to late night comedy, from first run movies to dazzling shows, all free and all with guaranteed seating.

Sid Kaplan
Cruise Vacations Guide.com