Guests aboard today's cruise ships don't have to visit New York's Broadway or London's West End to see top theatrical performances. Seagoing vacationers enjoy live, nightly shows inspired by today's popular theater hits as well as highly original productions.

"Many activities that are 'extras' on a typical land-based vacation, including entertainment, are included in the cost of a cruise," said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the chief marketing organization for 19 major cruise lines and nearly 17,000 North American travel agencies. "Cruise guests can, in many cases, be entertained by a different show on every single night of their vacation."

In addition to theater, travelers can also enjoy dazzling shows that pay tribute to showbiz greats and musical eras or become a part of the act in productions that invite audience participation and competition, and in some cases, the chance to become a shipboard performer!

Also, some CLIA cruise lines feature celebrity performers and leading popular music performers on selected sailings while other cruise companies invite local and regional folkloric troupes on board for performances that enhance the destination experience.

Many of today's onboard theaters boast state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment, and can in some cases accommodate as many as 1,400 guests in one sitting. Performances run the gamut, and guests can enjoy numbers from their favorite shows, from classics to contemporary favorites. CLIA-member cruise lines also offer theme cruises that focus on a library of musical styles from jazz to big bands and to the "Doo-Wop" music of the 1950s and 1960s.

CLIA ships also feature smaller lounges and showrooms where cruisers can enjoy cabaret singers, classical quartets and piano recitals. And those guests looking to express their own star qualities will find dedicated karaoke clubs and facilities on some ships.

Following Is A Sampling Of Entertainment Options Available On CLIA Member Cruise Lines

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES

Carnival Cruise Lines offers more than 40 lavish Las Vegas-style production shows, including "Rock Down Broadway," "Wonderful World" and "Signin' With the Band"  aboard the new Carnival Liberty.  Featured aboard several vessels is the new "Carnival Legends" show where guests don elaborate costumes and perform the tunes of musical superstars in the main show lounge backed by a full orchestra and dancers.

CELEBRITY CRUISES

Celebrity Cruises presents four production shows on seven of its 10 ships on cruises of seven days or longer. Shows span a breadth of musical genres, ranging from dance to opera to rock and more. Summit and Constellation feature spectacular performances created in partnership with the world-famous Cirque du Soleil.

CRYSTAL CRUISES

Guests sailing with Crystal Cruises are entertained in show lounges by the Crystal Ensemble of Singers and Dancers in such spectacular original productions as "Fascinatin' Rhythm," "Million Dollar Musicals," "COLE!" and "Curtain Call," as well as the line's distinctive "Repertory Theatre at Sea." The luxury line also features celebrity entertainers onboard, who have included Carol Channing, Tommy Tune, Marvin Hamlisch and Joel Grey.

CUNARD LINE

The 1,200-seat Royal Court Theatre aboard Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 features three full-scale production shows - a rock opera, dance extravaganza and tribute to Judy Garland - created by British producer Belinda King. Shows include a cast of 16 international performers,12 dancers and four principle singers from London's West End.

DISNEY CRUISE LINES

Disney Cruise Lines' newest show, "Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story," made its debut this summer. Other onboard productions include "The Golden Mickeys," which is a musical salute to Walt Disney, and "Disney Dreams," featuring Disney characters who teach a young girl about the power of her dreams.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE

Elaborate new Las Vegas-style shows, created by Barry Manilow's producer, Stiletto Entertainment, were introduced aboard Holland America Line ships, bringing the total number of shows fleet wide to 32. The list of eleven new shows includes "Let Us Entertain You," "On Track," "Gold," "Southern Nights," "H2Oh!," "Club Nevada," and "If Walls Could Rock."

MSC CRUISES

The lineup of shows aboard MSC Cruises' ships can include French-style revues; Spanish shows with Flamenco and modern dancers; American-style Las Vegas reviews with international acts and a salute to the U.S.; variety shows combining acrobatics, dance, lights and music; Italian-style shows featuring operatic performances; repertoires of classical music; and magic shows.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

Norwegian Cruise Line features original productions that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Pride of America, sailing Hawaiian waters, features "America's Beat and Dance of Life." Norwegian Jewel's productions include "Cirque Bijoux," "Band on the Run," and "Country Gold." Second City performers are featured on Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Spirit.

PRINCESS CRUISES

Every Princess Cruises' ship features award-winning productions, most of which are written, costumed and choreographed by the line. Many ships offer more than one theater venue so guests have the choice of seeing a show before or after dinner. A stage show designed for Caribbean Princess pulses with music from the islands.

RADISSON SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

Four new revue-style productions were recently introduced aboard the Seven Seas Navigator, featuring a cabaret quartet celebrating a spectrum of music from Broadway show tunes to Cole Porter classics.  This year, all Radisson Seven Seas ships will feature two new concert-style piano performances with an orchestra accompaniment and documentary-style photography flashing in the background, creating a visual as well a melodic experience.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

Royal Caribbean International creates Broadway-caliber entertainment with its own in-house company, Royal Caribbean Productions. The line features more than 30 shows fleet wide, including "Now and Forever," featuring selections from current Broadway musicals and "Can't Stop the Rock," a tribute to popular music. The Krooze Komic Program features interactive performance artists.

SILVERSEA CRUISES

Silversea Cruises' four luxury ships feature a portfolio of new production shows that include "Cirque Nouveau," a Cirque du Soleil-style tapestry of aerial ballet, song and fantasy; "On Broadway," a tribute to popular Broadway musicals; and "Showtime at the Apollo," celebrating some of the best known stars of the Apollo Theatre.

For additional information on Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), please visit their website at Cruising.org