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Norwegian Cruise Line Will Debut Beetlejuice The Musical Aboard Norwegian Viva

Norwegian Cruise Line Will Debut Beetlejuice The Musical Aboard Norwegian Viva

NCL will bring the Tony Award-nominated Beetlejuice stage show to its newest ship Norwegian Viva starting this summer.

On March 23, 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line announced that upcoming ship Norwegian Viva will debut Beetlejuice: The Musical when the ship launches for passengers in August 2023. Viva‘s headline production will be the first time the musical will be performed at sea.

The 90-minute Broadway adaptation of Tim Burton’s iconic 1988 film narrates the story of the Deetz family as they attempt to remodel an uproariously haunted house. The musical’s paranormal antics will be heightened by NCL’s three-story multi-purpose Viva Theatre & Club along with the show’s immersive special effects and cutting-edge lighting and audio.

NCL’s Beetlejuice: The Musical adaptation will feature special effects and cutting-edge lighting and audio in the Viva Theatre and Club, shown here aboard Norwegian Prima (image courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

David J. Herrera, incoming president of Norwegian Cruise Line said, “NCL has a history of pioneering the cruise experience and delivering the high-caliber entertainment programming our guests expect. We are dedicated to pushing the envelope, delivering on those expectations, and putting our guests first as we elevate our onboard offerings for the ultimate vacation at sea. This summer, I cannot wait to bring the fun and nostalgia of Beetlejuice to our all-new Norwegian Viva.”

Related: Norwegian Cruise Line CEO to Retire, New CEO Named

NCL’s Senior Vice President of Entertainment and Cruise Programming, Richard Ambrose added, “We pride ourselves on not only delivering amazing performances for theater fans but introducing guests to Broadway and West End-caliber shows, which are made even more special by the incredible setting of the Viva Theatre & Club that seamlessly transforms from a best-in-class theater experience to an expansive nightclub.”

What to expect from Beetlejuice: The Musical on NCL Viva

The elaborate Beetlejuice production show will feature songs from the original 1988 film including Harry Belafonte favorites “Day-O (Banana Boat Song)” and “Jump in the Line (Shake, Senora)” along with newer tunes from the Broadway musical.

The elaborate Beetlejuice: The Musical show on NCL Viva will feature songs from the original 1988 film (image courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

Michelle D’Amico, who was a cast member of the Broadway production of Beetlejuice will join Norwegian Viva playing the role of Lydia Deetz for the first at-sea rendition.

For a sneak peek at Beetlejuice: The Musical, click on the embedded video below:

NCL is known for world-class theater shows on board its ships

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its commitment to bringing world-class theater productions to the high seas, having previously debuted shows including adaptations of Six, Jersey Boys, and Footloose across its fleet of 18 ships.

The new announcement follows the popular debut of Summer: The Donna Summer Musical aboard Norwegian Prima, which featured a show-stopping performance from American Idol season two finalist Kimberley Locke during its 2022 inaugural season.

Following the successful debut of game show The Price is Right LIVE aboard Norwegian Prima in 2022, Viva will also offer a live game show experience with the cruise industry’s first Press Your Luck LIVE show at sea. The immersive experience will invite the audience to be part of the classic show and win incredible grand prizes.

Related: Musician Luis Fonsi Will Be Godfather of NCL’s Norwegian Viva

About the new Norwegian Viva

Launching on her maiden voyage in August 2023, Norwegian Viva will be the second of six planned vessels in NCL’s highly-anticipated Prima Class. The first new ship class for NCL in a decade, Prima-class ships feature a more spacious design along with elevated cuisine and activity options.

Norwegian Viva will be the second of six planned vessels in NCL’s highly-anticipated Prima Class (artist rendering courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

The palatial Viva Theater & Club, home to Beetlejuice: The Musical, will feature sophisticated special effects, a multi-story video wall, and a show-stopping chandelier.

Along with exclusive VIP lounge seating, the venue will be ideal for Vegas-style nightclub events, including Ocean Music Fest—the ultimate jam session where multiple musicians merge their talents on one stage for an immersive concert. 

Norwegian Viva will also host returning guest favorites, including Improv@Sea Comedy Club and Syd Norman’s Pour House, featuring rock-and-roll tributes to classic rock legends including Fleetwood Mac and the Rolling Stones.

Norwegian Viva‘s onboard activities will include the Viva Speedway, a three-level racetrack experience. The ship will also be home to the fastest slides at sea: The Drop, the first free-fall dry slide in the world, and The Rush, dueling race waterslides.

With nine new dining and beverage options, guests aboard Viva will be able to sample cuisine from around the world by visiting Indulge Food Hall, an upscale food market exhibiting eleven unique eateries. Or try the elevated menu at Hudson’s, a complimentary restaurant boasting 270 degrees of ocean views.

Viva will also feature Metropolitan Bar, NCL’s industry-exclusive sustainable cocktail lounge serving up a range of cocktails that use surplus ingredients in innovative ways.

After her inaugural sailing, Norwegian Viva will sail a selection of Greek Isles and Mediterranean voyages through November 2023 before homeporting in San Juan, Puerto Rico in December for a season of Caribbean itineraries.

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Are you as excited as I am about seeing Beetlejuice: The Musical when Norwegian Viva debuts this summer? What’s your favorite Broadway-style musical you’ve seen on a cruise ship? Let me know in the comments below!

Carrie Ann Karstunen