Maritime Scenography and the Spectacle of Cruising

Abstract

The essay describes how cruise ships manipulate scenography to create a spectacle of luxury at a multiplicity of sites for passengers on-board. The ocean, once “managed” by sail, steam, submersibles and at times the human body, exists as a mere backdrop for ocean liners that transport passengers within spectacular interior environments to not-so-distant destinations. New ocean travelers, following patterns of nineteenth century transatlantic traveling, immerse themselves in traditions of basking in visual spectacles. While lowbrow and highbrow cruises reach different audiences, both depend upon maintaining of a series of spectacles: art, dining, land simulations and performance events. Art is commerce, consumption, and display on the cruise ship. In addition, passengers expect to be able to participate in land-based activities. Live performance acts saturate every corner of the cruise ship where dozens of venues are available for programming. Scenographies, from the sublime to the mundane characterize commercial cruising. Even though spectacle cannot rescue a badly written play, scenography has indeed revitalized rituals of ocean voyaging. Decorative arts and activities tease passenger eyes, and mesmerize guest senses. Cruise ships, lit up like architectural wonders, blithely navigate across hazardous maritime passages once fraught with perils. Scenography enables boat passengers traveling within the cavity of the ship to marvel at continuously unfolding displays of crafted theatrical acts.