Gone are the days of bellyflop contests and shuffleboard for your onboard amusement at sea - cruise ship entertainment is now big business.

Cruise ships today present Broadway-style stage show extravaganzas featuring elaborate costumes, daredevil stunts and supremely talented performers who leave audiences spellbound and cheering for an encore...or two.

But what goes into these stage spectaculars? Do travellers want to engage with familiar concepts they see in their everyday lives, such as popular game shows, or want to be left dazzled by world-class singers, dancers and storytellers? 

On this episode of Talking Travel, we chat to entertainment impresarios Shane Riley from Virgin Voyages and Carnival Australia Director of Entertainment, Jeremy Barnes, to find out more about what travellers can expect for their after-dinner entertainment on their next cruise holiday.