Five performers in colourful suits—yellow, blue, pink, red, and orange—leap energetically on a brightly lit stage, whilst three people stand in the background in front of an illuminated screen.

Three dancers in bright blue, pink, and orange suits leap energetically on a brightly lit stage, with spotlights above and other performers in the background.

Entertainment & Production team

Take centre stage

Bring your talent to Britain’s favourite cruise line and take centre stage in creating unforgettable holiday happiness for our guests. As part of our entertainment and production team, every day is a chance to shine, whether you’re performing in spectacular shows, hosting lively events, or delivering seamless technical support behind the scenes.

From world-class productions and live music to quizzes, karaoke and themed parties, you’ll help craft experiences that guests remember long after they leave. Our entertainment and production roles combine creativity, collaboration and career progression in a vibrant, supportive environment.

Clear career progression

Opportunities to grow your career across diverse entertainment roles, from performers and musicians to technical specialists and managers.

A like-minded team

Work with passionate professionals who share your love for creating extraordinary experiences.

Growth opportunities

Develop and grow your skills in a unique working environment

Inclusion and belonging

A dynamic, inclusive culture built on our SHINE behaviours.

Travel and adventure

The chance to travel the world and explore new and exciting destinations.

Entertainment roles

Studio-style portrait of an Entertainment Host in a formal uniform with a red scarf, standing indoors with softly blurred lighting and décor in the background.

A live band performs on a cruise ship deck as two staff members interact with guests below. Passengers watch from upper and lower levels, with a city skyline visible in the background under a clear sky.

A woman in a blue polo shirt holds a microphone and speaks beside sound equipment on a sunny outdoor deck, with the sea and blue sky in the background.

A smiling woman in a blue shirt and white shorts holds a microphone and raises both arms in excitement on a cruise ship deck, with people and festive decorations in the background.

Two women DJ at a colourful, nighttime outdoor event on a ship’s deck. One holds a microphone, the other raises her arms, both wearing headphones. Bright lights and people are visible in the background.

Two dancers in dark bodysuits pose dramatically on stage, leaning back with arms extended, against a backdrop of swirling, glowing patterns and bright particles resembling cosmic or galactic imagery.

Seven performers wearing gold and black sequin outfits stand on stage, smiling and raising their arms in celebration. Colourful lights and a vibrant background illuminate the scene behind them.

A person playing a saxophone is silhouetted against a background of swirling purple and pink smoke, creating a dramatic and atmospheric scene.

A woman in a black dress sings on stage under purple lights, accompanied by a drummer and another musician. The stage is decorated with a record-themed sign and various instruments.

Entertainment Manager

Oversee the onboard entertainment experience. Manage shows, activities and events, lead a large team and collaborate across departments, delivering a dynamic programme that delights guests and drives onboard revenue.

Assistant Entertainment Manager

Lead the entertainment team to deliver a dynamic programme of events. Support planning, host activities, manage performances and drive guest satisfaction, ensuring every moment onboard is engaging, inclusive and unforgettable.

Entertainment Coordinator

You’ll shape our daytime entertainment programme and bring it to life with confidence and creativity. You’ll lead specialist hosts while delivering engaging classes and events that feel relaxed, welcoming and brilliantly British. As a result, you’ll help create memorable moments for our guests and play a key role in helping them holiday like never before.

Entertainment Host

A role for anyone with who shines in the spotlight and thrives in social situations. From interviewing and introducing celebrity guests, to injecting energy into daytime and evening events, you’ll host quizzes, karaoke, games and guest events, creating fun and memorable moments throughout the cruise.

DJ

Set the soundtrack to unforgettable nights. Deliver lively music sets, take requests and create a fun atmosphere at parties and events – bring rhythm, personality and entertainment to the dance floor.

Show Company Manager

Lead the cast and coordinate all aspects of show delivery. Perform, manage rehearsals, costumes and props, and ensure every production runs smoothly, delivering exceptional entertainment and enhancing the guest experience.

Show Company Cast

The Headliners Theatre Company cast performs a different show every day, with spectacular vocals and dance. Deliver high-energy performances across a variety of shows and bring world-class entertainment to life on board.

Musical Director

Direct the ship’s musical programme and lead the house musicians. Coordinate rehearsals, support guest acts and ensure high-quality performances.

Musicians & Band Leader

Perform live music across a variety of shows and venues. Sight-read, rehearse and play to a professional standard, bringing energy, skill and atmosphere to the entertainment programme.

How to apply

Production roles

A man wearing glasses and a black shirt stands among rows of red theatre seats, smiling at the camera with an empty, dimly lit stage in the background.

Crew member wearing a headset working inside a control or audio room, with equipment, screens, and warm ambient lighting in the background.

A person wearing a headset operates a professional audio mixing desk in a large, well-lit room, focusing on adjusting the controls.

A person operates a complex control panel with multiple monitors and illuminated buttons in a dark room, focusing intently whilst pressing a button on one of the touchscreens.

A vibrant stage performance called Dance Hero takes place in a theatre with colourful lights and dancers, while an audience watches from red seats. Song lyrics are displayed on screens above the stage.

Modern interior space with wooden ceiling design, digital kiosks on round tables, cushioned stools, a central illuminated column, and a large wall display screen showing people in conversation.

A person with headphones stands backstage next to a monitor and lighting equipment, reviewing a script under blue stage lights, preparing for a live performance or broadcast.

A person wearing a headset stands backstage, watching a group of performers in athletic wear practising or preparing under bright stage lights. The atmosphere is busy and energetic.

Production Manager

Lead the production team to deliver high-quality entertainment across the ship. Manage schedules, equipment, rehearsals and crew, ensuring technical excellence and creative impact, bringing every show to life and elevating the onboard experience.

Assistant Manager Production – Automation / Lights / Sound

Deliver seamless technical support for entertainment across automation, lighting and sound. Lead your team, maintain equipment, ensure safety and enhancing the guest experience through creative, high-quality production.

Production Technician

Deliver technical support for onboard entertainment, from lighting and sound to staging. Operate and maintain equipment, assist performers and supervise crew, ensuring every show runs smoothly and safely.

Deputy Production Technician

Assist with sound, lighting and staging for onboard entertainment. Operate equipment, support rehearsals and performances and help maintain production standards.

Audio Visual Operator

Maintain and repair AV systems across the ship. Support entertainment and technical teams, troubleshoot issues and ensure smooth operation of sound and video equipment, enhancing the onboard experience for guests and crew.

TV Operator

Manage and maintain onboard television systems and programming. Support entertainment content delivery, troubleshoot faults and ensure high-quality in-cabin viewing, helping create a seamless and engaging guest experience.

Stage Manager

Lead the backstage team to deliver professional, polished productions. Coordinate crew, manage equipment and support performers, making sure every show runs smoothly, safely and to the highest standard.

Stage Crew

Support live shows and events by setting up, operating and maintaining technical equipment and scenery. Work behind the scenes to ensure smooth performances, safe environments and high-quality entertainment for guests.

How to apply

Ready to amplify your role?

At P&O Cruises we want you to grow your skills and build a rewarding career at sea. That’s why we offer Career Passports for production team members – tools that help you understand your strengths, set personal goals and see the steps to progress into your next role. They highlight clear development opportunities and support your journey, so your career can be as exciting and fulfilling as the destinations we visit.

Career Passports are currently available for stage crew, deputy production technician, production technician and stage manager roles.

Two men wearing black shirts operate a sound mixer on an outdoor terrace at night. One man, smiling, points at the mixer while the other, wearing headphones and glasses, looks on and smiles.

Hear from our team

A man in dark clothing sits on a ledge in front of large illuminated letters and a decorative spherical structure, with colourful lighting in the background.

“I love working on a P&O Cruises ship as no two days are the same and present different challenges to working on land.”

JP, Production Manager ,

Crew member in a dark uniform standing in a corridor with red walls and lighting, with lift doors visible behind.

“Working on board brings together travel, people and the opportunity to work alongside a diverse and passionate team from around the world.”

Katy, Entertainment Host,

Crew member standing on a ship’s upper deck overlooking a multi-level interior atrium with balconies, glass, and decorative features.

“I feel supported by both management and my team, who continually encourage me to achieve my potential and be the best version of myself.”

Ben, Entertainment Coordinator,

Crew member standing in front of a large porthole with a view of a scenic sunset over the ocean, with soft interior lighting around.

“From midnight sunsets in Norway to snorkelling with turtles in Barbados, I treasure every moment.”

Victoria, Entertainment Host,

Crew member in formal attire taking a mirror selfie in a bright indoor space, holding a phone, with corridor lighting visible.

“My role enables me to enhance the all-round guest experience. I specifically relish the wide variety of tasks I am involved in, and no two days are the same.”

Dan, Entertainment Coordinator,

FAQs

Skills & qualifications

Entertainment & Production roles

Development opportunities

Working on board

What qualifications or talents are required for entertainment & production roles on P&O Cruises?

Requirements depend on the role. Performers need professional training and experience in singing, dancing or music. Entertainment hosts need confident communication and guest engagement skills. Production and technical roles require theatre, AV or live production experience. All roles require safety training, a valid seafarer medical and strong teamwork skills.

Key skills by role:

Performers: professional technique, versatility, sight-reading or choreography skills
Cruise staff: communication, crowd engagement, hospitality experience
Technical crew: stage management, lighting, and sound operation
All staff: safety training, teamwork, adaptability

Do entertainers and production crew need professional experience?

Yes. Performers and show company cast members must demonstrate stage‑ready skills through auditions. Production and AV roles require previous experience in lighting, sound, stage management or broadcast systems. Hospitality or hosting experience is expected for entertainment hosts and managers.

How do I apply or audition for an entertainment role?

Entertainment hosts – apply via this careers site. All shortlisted applicants will be required to submit a video interview and attend a casting day and/or online interview.

Production – apply via this careers site. All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an online interview.

Are formal qualifications required for technical and production roles?

Many technical roles benefit from formal qualifications in theatre production, sound engineering, lighting or AV systems. However, relevant professional experience is equally valued for roles such as stage crew, production technician, AV operator and TV operator.

Do I need to speak multiple languages to work in cruise ship entertainment?

English is essential for all entertainment & production roles on P&O Cruises. Additional languages are an advantage, particularly for guest‑facing roles, but they are not mandatory.

What personal qualities are important for working in cruise ship entertainment?

Successful candidates are adaptable, energetic and confident working in front of guests. You’ll need to manage last‑minute changes, work closely with others and maintain a positive attitude in a fast‑paced, live entertainment environment.

Do entertainment & production staff need safety training?

Yes. All entertainment and production team members complete mandatory maritime safety training and take part in drills, alongside their performance or technical duties.

What entertainment & production jobs are available on P&O Cruises ships?

P&O Cruises offers a wide range of roles including entertainment hosts, DJs, musicians, show company cast, show managers, stage crew, production technicians, AV operators, stage managers and production managers.

Roles include:

Production performers: singers, dancers, musicians
Entertainment staff: cruise directors, entertainment hosts
Technical crew: stage managers, lighting and sound technicians
Guest entertainers: magicians, comedians, or specialty acts

What is the difference between entertainment roles and production roles?

Entertainment roles focus on performing, hosting and guest interaction, such as singers, dancers, musicians and entertainment hosts. Production roles work behind the scenes, managing lighting, sound, staging, automation and AV systems to ensure every show runs safely and smoothly.

Are there opportunities for short‑term guest or celebrity entertainers on P&O Cruises?

Yes. P&O Cruises regularly works with guest entertainers such as comedians, magicians and specialty acts on short‑term contracts. These roles are typically booked through agents rather than the standard careers application process.

What does an entertainment host do on a cruise ship?

Entertainment Hosts run quizzes, karaoke, games and events, introduce guest acts and create a lively onboard atmosphere. It’s a highly social role focused on guest engagement throughout the day and evening.

What does the show company cast do on board?

P&O Cruises show company cast performs high‑energy productions in theatres, often delivering different shows across a cruise. Cast members rehearse regularly and perform multiple times per week.

What does a production technician do on a cruise ship?

Production technicians operate sound, lighting and staging equipment during rehearsals, shows and events. They also help maintain equipment and ensure technical safety standards are met.

Are there career progression opportunities in P&O Cruises entertainment & production teams?

Yes. Many team members progress from operational roles into leadership positions, such as moving from stage crew to production technician or from entertainment host to entertainment manager.

Does P&O Cruises support professional development?

Yes. P&O Cruises supports development through onboard training, leadership opportunities and structured progression pathways.

Can I move between entertainment and production roles?

In some cases, yes. If you have transferable skills or technical capability, opportunities may arise to move between hosting, performance and production pathways, depending on experience and training.

Are there leadership roles within entertainment & production departments?

Yes. Senior roles include entertainment manager, assistant entertainment manager, show company manager, production manager and assistant manager production (lights, sound or automation).

Will I gain transferable skills for a future career?

Yes. Working in cruise ship entertainment builds strong skills in live performance, technical production, leadership, teamwork and guest experience, all of which are highly valued across hospitality and live events industries.

Can I work across different ships over time?

Yes. As you progress, you may work on different P&O Cruises ships, gaining experience across a variety of venues, theatres and entertainment programmes.

What is life like working in entertainment & production on a cruise ship?

Life on board is energetic and social. Performers rehearse and perform regularly, Entertainment Hosts run activities throughout the day and evening, and Production teams support shows behind the scenes. No two days are the same.

Entertainment staff work in a vibrant environment where every day is different. Production performers rehearse and stage shows nightly, while cruise staff manage pool games, trivia, or themed events throughout the day and evening. Hours may be scattered: morning activities, afternoon breaks and evening shows or parties. Crew members constantly interact with guests, requiring a positive, engaging personality. Safety duties and drills are part of the routine, but most responsibilities revolve around performance, entertainment and ensuring guests have memorable experiences.

Life on board includes:

Rehearsals and multiple performances per week
Hosting poolside and onboard activities
Interaction with guests from various countries
Participation in safety drills and emergency responsibilities

How long are contracts for entertainment & production roles?

Contracts typically range from 4 to 6 months, depending on the role. Guest entertainers may join for shorter engagements, while permanent entertainment and production staff work longer contracts.

What are the working hours like for entertainment crew?

Schedules vary. You may work mornings, evenings or split shifts depending on the role. Performances and headline events often take place in the evening, with downtime built into the schedule where possible.

Will I have time off while working on board?

Yes. All crew receive rest periods and time off between duties. When operationally possible, crew may also be able to go ashore in ports.

Where do entertainment & production crew live on the ship?

All crew members have shared or single cabins depending on role and rank. Entertainment and production teams live among the wider ship’s crew and have access to all crew facilities.

Do entertainment & production roles involve guest interaction?

Yes. Many roles are highly guest‑facing. Even technical crew may interact with performers and guests during shows or events, so a friendly and professional approach is essential.