Today’s shipboard entertainment options have become much more elaborate and varied. The biggest ships have almost round-the-clock entertainment options with everything from bingo games and art auctions to lavish production shows and special performances.

Entertainment may be more like what you’d find in Las Vegas or on Broadway (the style of the cruise line often dictates what type of entertainment is on offer), but ships employ a wide range of lounge performers, magicians, and comics. Larger ships may have jazz and blues clubs, dance bands, and even big-name entertainers and full-scale Broadway musical performances.

Big ships may feature all of these and more, while smaller vessels will have fewer, and less opulent, entertainment options. Some lines are known for raucous parties and live music performances, while others offer traditional ballroom dancing and string quartets.

Here’s a list of our favorite cruise ships for entertainment.