Question 1

How much should a ship charge for the evening?

Accepted Answer

The price is set by the cruise line. Usually the F&B and the Maître d' decide the evenings price. Ships have been known to charge between $40 - $100 per guest for the evening (Four course  meal, champagne and canapés plus the Mystery)  Depending on the size of the restaurant, you can make upwards of $10,000 per night.

Question 2

How often are Mystery Masters Theatre performances scheduled on a cruise, and what can guests expect during the show?

Accepted Answer

Typically, a mystery show is scheduled once per cruise. However, for cruises with an itinerary of 14 days or longer, guests can enjoy the performance twice within the duration of the cast’s contract. Each mystery show usually lasts about an hour, but when combined with dining, the entire experience can extend up to three hours, providing a truly immersive entertainment experience. The show begins with a 20-minute first act in the club or lounge, followed by three 15-minute sets that take place between courses during the meal. This dynamic format not only keeps guests entertained but also seamlessly integrates into their dining experience.

Question 3

Does the cast get paid?

Accepted Answer

The Mystery may need to be added to the cast’s contract. See the amendment FAQ if you need to add that amendment.

On some cruise lines, the Mystery cast uses Kronos to account for the time at rehearsal and for the Mystery night performance.

The cast will get the same meal as the Mystery guests that’s served at their own private table outside and separate from the guests. They will be assigned 1 waitstaff and get one bottle of red and white wine with their meal at the maître d’s discretion. Also, non-alcoholic beverage options. 
(Take note if there are any underage cast members.)

With the timing of the main service, there may be times where the cast may be called to start the next scene mid-bite, but they will always get a 5-minute warning. The Mystery Captain will be in charge of timing the service with the maître d‘ throughout the run. (Their waitstaff gratuity will be covered by the cast.)

The Dance Captain usually has those not cast in the Mystery teach dance classes. (If that happens on your ship.)

The casts are always thrilled to do the Mystery!

Question 4

Are the cast’s pictures displayed anywhere?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the ships’ on-board photography department conducts a session with the cast, and the photographs are utilized for displays and a commercial that can be aired on the ships’ TVs. This service is included in the installation if the line desires to utilize it.

Question 5

What about the costumes?

Accepted Answer

The costumes will arrive with the director. If any minor adjustments are required, they will be made on board with the cast costumer. These costumes are washed with the production wardrobe when necessary. After the show, the costumes will be stored and prepared for the next cast.

The costumes pictured may differ from the ones we’ll be installing. However, you can be assured that they will be of high quality.

These costumes and props will become the property of the ship. An itemized list will be provided for inventory between each cast installation.

It’s important to treat the show costumes and props with the same respect as your production show costumes.

Question 6

How is the Mystery promoted and sold?

Accepted Answer

The Mystery can be sold to your passengers via the cruse lines website in advance. Passengers can also book in person during the cruise.

Question 7

What kind of Mysteries are these?

Accepted Answer

The Mysteries are events that the passengers attend, such as Mill Valley’s 10th reunion. Then, to our surprise, something unexpected and nefarious happens!

The audience’s interaction primarily occurs during a Q&A session when the cast visits each table. In the first act of Mill Valley, the cast engages in some catching up with classmates.

Unlike other shows, our productions don’t feature corny, gumshoe detectives or guns or weapons. Additionally, our content is free of offensive material (unless you’re from Boise).

Both of the Mysteries currently offered have been thoroughly tested and received overwhelming positive feedback from the audience.

Question 8

What is the timing for the ships installations?

Accepted Answer

The new production cast arrives, and there’s usually an overlap with the departing cast. Then, the Mystery Masters director signs on one month after the new cast arrives. This gives the new cast time to settle into their production shows. Once the Mystery opens, the new cast is done with all their ship show installations.

Question 9

How do we amend the dancers' contracts to include potential casting in the Mystery?

Accepted Answer

To ensure dancers are eligible to be cast in the Mystery Masters, you may need to make a specific amendment to their existing contracts.

Given the involvement of the Cruise Department, which provides seven members of the production cast for the Mystery, the addition should clearly state that the dancers may be cast in the Mystery.

Some ships may already have these extra activities covered in their existing contracts; however, for ships that do not, this amendment is necessary to clearly define the dancers' potential involvement.

Addendum to Dancer Contract.
This Addendum ("Addendum") is made as of [Date], and hereby modifies and supplements the existing Dancer Contract ("Contract") between ("Company") and [Dancer's Full Name] ("Dancer"). All terms not expressly modified by this Addendum shall remain in full force and effect as provided in the original Contract.
1. Additional Performance Responsibilities
The Dancer acknowledges and agrees that, in addition to the regularly scheduled performances outlined in the original Contract, the Dancer may be required to participate in additional performances or entertainment activities around the ship. These may include, but are not limited to:
Guest Dance Parties: Engaging with guests in themed or impromptu dance events in designated areas on board.
Improvisational Shows: Participation in unscripted or partially scripted shows that may require on-the-spot creativity and flexibility.
Smaller Off-Stage Productions: Performances in non-traditional or intimate settings, including lounges, poolside areas, or other ship venues, as directed by the Company.

2. Scheduling of Additional Performances
The Company will make every effort to provide advance notice of any additional performance obligations. However, the Dancer acknowledges that certain events, including improvisational shows or guest interactions, may arise with limited notice. The Dancer agrees to maintain a flexible schedule to accommodate such activities as reasonably requested by the Company.
3. Compensation
Compensation for the Dancer's participation in these additional performances will be included in the existing contractual salary unless otherwise stipulated in writing. No additional compensation will be provided unless explicitly agreed upon in a separate agreement.
4. Performance Standards
The Dancer agrees to maintain the same high level of professionalism, creativity, and performance quality in all additional performances, adhering to the Company's standards of entertainment and guest interaction.
5. Acceptance of Terms
By signing below, the Dancer acknowledges and accepts the terms of this Addendum and agrees to perform the additional duties as outlined herein.

Incorporating this amendment ensures that all dancers are aware of and prepared for potential roles in the Mystery production.

Frequently asked questions