Royal Caribbean Guest Upset at Show Cancellation False Alarm

Entertainment is a fantastic part of any cruise, from production shows to live music to comedians and more. Royal Caribbean has some of the industry’s most phenomenal entertainment, but guests will occasionally be disappointed when shows aren’t available.

One guest for an upcoming sailing on Utopia of the Seas was shocked when they were first told one of the most popular shows onboard wasn’t going to be performed on their cruise.

“I’m so disappointed and a tad angry. Our sailing on Utopia (June 9-13) isn’t going to have Aqua 80s show!!! They aren’t performing that week. It hadn’t popped up to book in the app but the others had,” the guest explained on a Facebook page dedicated to the ship.

“Customer service said the show is dark that week! I’m so sad, we booked the ship for the venues and shows. My daughter will be so disappointed. I’m mad they didn’t disclose that. They said no credits or comps will be given.”

Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line offering aqua shows, which often include synchronized dance, high-energy music, high dives, special effects, fountains, acrobatics, and much more.

Aboard Utopia of the Seas, the Aqua80too show features 80s music hits sure to get the crowd excited and make incomparable memories. This is one of the ship’s most popular shows and a fantastic experience for all ages.

Other guests quickly chimed in with the original poster. Some were skeptical that the news of the show being dark for that 4-night Bahamas sailing was correct, while others agreed that they would be disappointed as well.

Several guests noted that expecting any compensation for one cancelled show, particularly on a ship with multiple entertainment and activity options, came across as entitled.

Some experienced Royal Caribbean cruisers also shared their own experiences with calls to customer service not always being accurate or having the same information for the exact same issues.

Similarly, the website and app are well known to have occasional glitches, which could be the reason why the show wasn’t showing up for reservations.

Fortunately, the cruise director for Utopia of the Seas, Marc Walker, offered in-the-know reassurances.

“Hi everyone. Rest assured – nothing is cancelled! Aqua is every cruise,” he confirmed.

On his popular Facebook page – Walker has 50,000 followers – he recently noted that Aqua80too just recently celebrated its 100th performance.

“Time for cake. This Aqua show is the most insane I’ve ever seen,” he said. “Utopia of the Seas has the best shows at sea. Proud to be part of it.”

Why Might Shows Be Cancelled?

While the original poster will be relieved that Aqua80too will still be performed on their sailing, shows can and do get cancelled for a variety of reasons.

For Royal Caribbean’s phenomenal Aquatheater shows on its Oasis class ships, poor weather is one of the most common reasons the performances might be cancelled.

The Aquatheater is located on the extreme aft of the ship on Deck 6. Because the venue is open to the weather, high winds or rain can make it too dangerous for the performers and their precision acrobatic moves.

Technical problems, necessary maintenance on the pool or other equipment, cast illness, or rotations in crew contracts could also cause performances not to go ahead.

The cruise line does plan carefully to minimize these potential disruptions, however, because the shows are so incredibly popular.

So what should guests do when a show as phenomenal as Aqua80too is cancelled? Book another cruise aboard Utopia of the Seas, of course, with more chances to see all the amazing entertainment!