cruise ship gigs

[gav]

I'm currently working on a new show that is a lot more stage friendly than my old show and I'm thinking of doing some cruise show gigs.
What I want to know is what's it like in regards to getting audience to participate in the show, especially if it's the over 50s crowd. Is it any different to a street show in that respect?
Also, can you arrange to bring your wife with you?
Any help would be much appreciated

[martin ewen]

Gav you demographic whore. Makes sense though.

Theres more than one kind of cruiseship contract, get one where your not classed as crew and you have free run of the ship rather than crew restrictions. Not sure about bringing a partner, don't know anyone who gets away with it and I know a couple of cruisers.
This is worth a look for a free holiday, 1 or 2 hours performing a week as I remember and you can choose anywhere in the world and take a partner.

http://www.clubmedartists.com/

I want a postcard.

[Mr.Taxi Trix]

Cruise ship audiences are very very easy to get involved, and respond well to good old cheesy friendliness. partners can come usually on long term contracts only, and this only once the cruise line knows you and likes you. they are a very boring, artificial fun fabricating environment, but if you don't drink, it is really easy to save money working them.

[gav]

i don't drink that much

Thanks for the info.
So, are you saying that they don't really pay all that well. Probably I'd drink 2ltrs of beer with and after dinner. Surely that's not enough to break the bank.
I'm not just looking for a free holiday, but someway to make money during the euro winter without having to go and busk my balls off in Oz. I think i might be better off working my wife into the show. She's perfect for the glamorous assistant role.
Any hints on the average contract length and fee?

[Mr.Taxi Trix]

The only reason I mention the drinking is because working cruise ships fosters alcoholism. Cause theres nothing else to do. At alll. bring a book or twelve, a serious project (raw footage and your laptop with imovie) and a thick skin, and you'll be fineish.

1-3k us per week, 2 weeks-6mos contracts.

[gav]

i i captn

I'll keep it all in mind.
Sound's like the perfect time to switch from imovie to final cut pro.
Thanks for all your help.