One of the primary lures of a cruise vacation is the promise of an all-inclusive escape where high-energy entertainment is part of the fare. However, as Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) prepares for the grand debut of its newest vessel, the Norwegian Luna, some early passengers are discovering a surprise addition to their bill.
While travelers are accustomed to world-class theater productions being included in their ticket price, those eager to experience the ship’s provocative new signature show, “LunaTique: Pop Circus,” are finding a $44.99 per person fee attached to the reservation.
The charge was first brought to light by booked guests using the NCL App, which serves as the primary portal for making dining and activity reservations before setting sail.
According to the app’s description, the show is an “interactive, character-driven experience where our vibrant troupe of circus performers take center stage.”
Unlike the Broadway-style reviews or family-oriented comedy typical of the main stage, LunaTique is a dedicated adults-only, 21-and-over event. NCL describes the atmosphere as one where “vintage circus glamour collides with pop decadence in a bold, cheeky good time designed purely for grown-up fun.”
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The $45 price tag has already ignited a spirited debate among the cruising community. One traveler, scheduled to sail on the Luna in late May, shared their frustration on Reddit, stating, “I was really annoyed to see that LunaTique has a $45 fee!”
The guest questioned the necessity of the surcharge for a signature production, speculating, “I don’t understand why the fee for LunaTique… I guess everyone’s sick of the family-friendly entertainment and they feel it’s going to be popular?”
To justify the cost, the ticket price is more than just an admission fee; it includes four specialty cocktails, a souvenir glass and the standard gratuity. For those who do not consume alcohol, mocktails are available upon request, though the cruise line has not indicated any price reduction for non-drinkers.
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This “dinner-theater” style pricing model appears to be part of a broader industry trend toward premium, intimate experiences that help manage demand for limited-capacity venues, such as Princess Cruise Line’s Spellbound By Magic Castle experience and Celebrity Xcel’s IYKYK speak easy.
For passengers who prefer to keep their onboard spend at zero, the 3,565-guest Norwegian Luna still offers a robust lineup of included entertainment.
The ship, which officially joins the fleet this month, features “ELTON: A Celebration of Elton John,” a concert-style tribute, and “HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder,” a high-tech production blending 3D mapping with elite acrobatics. As the ship begins its maiden voyages from Miami to the Caribbean this spring, travelers should keep a close eye on their apps—not just for the $45 circus, but to avoid a $10 “no-show” fee for missed reservations.
This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source travel.yahoo.com ’
