Take a cruise. Many of the ships offer fantastic Broadway type shows. You will hear some great musical full orchestral arrangements accompanying the singers and dancers. Now...look in the "pit". It's not uncommon to see only a piano player and drummer with head sets on playing along with pre-recorded tracks.

I've heard a few passengers moan about the lack of musicians for these type of shows, but the bottom line is the shows are most often considered to be great entertainment The lack of musicians in the "pit" is not going to keep passengers from booking trips.

There has been significant downsizing on the stages in the lounges of these ships as well. OMB's, duos, and up all have their laptops cooking to provide the fullest sound possible. Sometimes the DJ lounge is the most popular of the ship's venues...but the ages there tend to be the youngest.

Eddie