ted, part of RWS Global, recently completed the installation for all-new entertainment aboard Marella Cruises’ latest ship to the fleet, Marella Voyager. As Marella Cruises’ sole entertainment provider across all its ships, ted has created over 40 brand-new experiences for Voyager and continues to manage and oversee the operation of each.
Services ted provided onboard include concept & design, music & media, show production, fitness & wellbeing, AV & technical, costume design & build, talent casting & recruitment and guest acts.
The vision for Marella Voyager is to offer customers as much choice and flexibility across every aspect of the ship, with entertainment being a key element to achieving this. As a result, ted created eight brand-new stage shows, 20 interactive gameshows, children’s entertainment, engaging fitness & wellbeing sessions, various themed deck parties, daytime entertainment, original costumes from design to completion, an immersive experience in a new venue all unique to Marella Voyager and sound & lighting design for all shows. In addition, ted continues to provide guest acts onboard, including comedians, magic acts, musical tributes and vocalists. All experiences on board Voyager were developed with various ages and interests in mind to ensure a memorable guest experience. ted’s innovative audio, visual and lighting systems are woven into every onboard entertainment experience.
Marella Voyager’s entertainment offerings include everything from live orchestras and rock bands to fully produced musicals and vibrant dance performances. Also onboard, the M Club entertains children with bespoke shows, games and activities hosted by the M Crew, which includes talent cast by ted.
ted brings fun into fitness onboard with a dedicated “FunFit” host on hand to encourage guest fitness all day. The host leads sunbed stretches, meditations, an 80’s retro workout class, water aerobics and Zumba.
Based on feedback, the guest favourite has been “The Exchange,” a hidden, adults-only speakeasy, where guests enter through a pair of classic English red telephone boxes. Within the phone boxes, guests dial a specific number and must give a secret password to get in. Once inside, guests are greeted by characters who tell stories, sing songs and banter with the crowd.
ted’s partnership with Marella Cruises began in 2017 with the launch of Marella’s Explorer ships. The launch of Marella Voyager marks the fifth Marella ship for which ted has supplied bespoke entertainment.
“We value our relationship with Marella Cruises as their exclusive entertainment provider and are excited to see guests’ response to our latest creations onboard,” says Robin Breese-Davies, Executive Vice President of ted. “Producing entertainment offerings this robust for a single client allows us to zero in on our creativity while staying fresh and on-trend.”
“Marella Voyager is part of our strategic vision to continually modernise and grow our fleet, so it was key for us that we delivered brilliant entertainment on board for our customers,” said Emma Carlisle, General Manager Customer Experience at Marella Cruises. We’re proud to work with ted to ensure everyone has the best possible time on our ships, and with the combination of our fantastic product, great destinations and friendly service on board, alongside our entertainment programme, we’re confident customers will return home with memories that last a lifetime.”
