The time has never been better to register your cheer, dance/drill, drama, instrumental or vocal groups to perform onboard the “Fun Ships” of Carnival Cruise Lines.  Performing groups have the unique opportunity to enhance their cruise experience in two different ways:

Enjoy a fun, non-adjudicated performance onboard ship and/or in one of the exciting ports of call, OR elect your “Festivals At Sea” option and have an adjudicated performance and clinic onboard ship.

For an additional $35.00 per person, we will provide an appropriately experienced adjudicator to clinic each group, including written and taped evaluations with ratings based on a national standard.  A group minimum of 50 is required for groups electing an adjudicated festival performance.

• Cruise rates are per person, and do not include transportation. Inside Cabins will be allocated Category 4A, Oceanview Cabins will be allocated Category 6A. Space is limited on each sailing; please contact our office for additional information regarding availability.
• All Taxes, Fees, current Fuel Supplement fees and Prepaid Gratuities are included in your cruise package cost. These items are subject to increase by the Port Authority and cruise line and will be the only variable cost in your package.
• Although you are not required to have a chaperone in each cabin, each group must have at least one chaperone (over age 25) for each ten students.

All performing groups have the opportunity to perform onboard ship.  These performances are organized by “Rock the Boat with Festivals at Sea” and are designed to enhance your cruise experience.

“Rock the Boat with Festivals at Sea” performance groups receive the standard cruise package inclusions, as well as the following special considerations:

• Security Deposits are not required for performing groups
• Commemorative award for performance group
• Performance announcement in daily cruise program of performance date and time

INSTRUMENT STORAGE/LOADING: U.S. Customs mandates that all instruments and equipment be registered, before sailing, with your local U.S. Customs Office using the U.S. Customs Form 4455.

The U.S. Customs Form 4455 is provided in the forms section of this website.

We recommend that instruments/equipment be stored in the performers cabin. If additional storage is necessary, a special storage cabin may be provided at an additional cost.

Assistance with instrument and luggage loading at the pier is provided by the stevedores. They are employed by the port authority and they will expect a gratuity. This gratuity is not covered under the pre-paid gratuity in your tour package. Carnival Cruise Lines or Four Seasons Tours is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage or instruments loaded by the stevedores or stored in cabin provided.

DATE & TIME: Carnival dictates the date, time and location of all performances. Rock the Boat staff makes every effort to arrange performance times while the ship is at sea.

STAGE: Whenever possible, performances take place in the main lounge, however, location is at the discretion of Carnival Cruise Lines. The stage in the main lounge on the Fantasy, Ecstasy, Fascination, Inspiration, Paradise, Sensation, Elation and Imagination is 35' deep x 50' wide. The Holiday and Celebration stage is 22' deep x 40' wide. All have marley floors and a professional sound & light system.

Tap Dancing:
Carnival will allow tap dance groups to perform on-board our vessels, fleet-wide, in the Main Show Lounge only. To ensure the integrity of our stages, all taps must be properly tightened (loose taps and/or rough edges will not be permitted). Carnival will require our Stage Manager and the group’s Group Leader/Dance Instructor to inspect the stage before and after each performance, as well as inspect all dancers’ shoes prior to each of their performances. Tapping will not be permitted in any other area on-board our ships, fleet wide.

Clogging:
To ensure the integrity of our stages/dance floors/flooring, Carnival does NOT allow clog dancing in any area on-board our ships, fleet wide.

Barefoot Dancing:
To ensure the safety of our guests, Carnival does NOT allow barefoot dancing in any area on-board our ships, fleet wide. Guests should instead dance with soft soled shoes. There are no exceptions to this policy.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS: Each group is allowed one hour for performance including set up and tear down. Additional performances or extended length will be charged to the group at a rate of $150.00 per hour or any part of an hour. Performers are not permitted to perform songs that include; verbal profanities, racial, ethnic, or sexual slurs, no drug or drinking related songs. Rehearsal time may be requested, however it is based on availability of performance space. Sound & lighting will not be provided for rehearsal.

LIGHTING AND SOUND EQUIPMENT: Theatrical lighting and sound equipment is provided by Carnival Cruise Lines. Sound equipment is capable of playing compact discs only, and is not capable of playing cassette tapes. A Carnival sound and lighting technician will be provided to assist with your production. Only the technician is permitted to operate the sound and lighting equipment. NOTE: It is suggested that a person from your group sit in the booth with the technician during the performance. This person can introduce your group from the booth or you may designate someone to make the introduction from the stage.

DRESSING FACILITIES: Where possible, uniform and costume changes should be made in the performer's cabin prior to the performance. A backstage manager will be present to supervise activities on stage including changing areas.

PERFORMANCE EQUIPMENT: An acoustic piano or electric keyboard will be available on all ships. Music stands and risers are available on the Fascination only. Music stands only, are available on the Paradise. Chairs can be provided for your performance and must be pre-arranged on your performance information form. No instruments will be provided and music stands or risers are not available on other ships.