• At a time when the creative arts industry needs it the most, Royal Caribbean International will recruit more world-class musicians and entertainers over the next year across its ships, including the highly anticipated Icon of the Seas.
• 40% of Europe’s emerging musicians say the biggest challenge preventing them from kickstarting their music career is booking live events and gigs.
• 105,000 audience members watch Royal Caribbean’s entertainment every night in 50 theatres that span air, ice, water and stage, providing opportunities for vocalists, performers, musicians, producers and more to take their careers to new heights.

A recent survey has revealed that 40% of emerging musicians say the biggest challenge preventing them from kickstarting their career is getting booked for live events, and Royal Caribbean International is stepping in. The world’s largest cruise line, with 26 ships and nearly 800 music sets and 142 production shows performed each night, is opening its doors to even more entertainers to join its 3,000-plus cast members and production staff. In the next year, more than 1,400 opportunities will be open to musicians, entertainers and production teams across the entire fleet, including the cruise line’s newest ship Icon of the Seas, which sets sail in 2023.

Music and entertainment are at the heart of Royal Caribbean holidays. There is a wide range of opportunities for artists and behind-the-scenes teams to bring to life entertainment experiences across original and West End productions, music performances, ice skating shows, high diving and acrobatic feats, and much more.

The past two years have been tumultuous for the entertainment industry. Seventy-five percent of musicians worried about their financial situation at least once a day, and a quarter of them considered leaving their profession altogether, according to a report by Help Musicians in January 2022. The opportunities Royal Caribbean offers as part of its programme give thousands of emerging artists the career kickstart they need.  

The thrill of live music and travelling is undeniable for both performers and consumers. More highlights from the survey* show the following:

• Eighty percent of Europe’s emerging musicians said that live performances are what they are most excited about in 2022.
• Seventy percent noted that performing for live audiences is the most rewarding part of their work.
• More than 35% of them said travelling and seeing new destinations is what they are most excited to do in 2022.
• A total of 68% of Europe’s music-loving consumers said that live music makes them feel at their happiest.
• One-third of consumers also said that live music was what they were most excited about in 2022.
• Eighty-five percent of people associate their best holiday memories with a music track, and 67% said that music and entertainment is important when choosing their next holiday.