Musical theatre themed cruise to star Beverley Knight, Michael Ball and more

A new musical theatre cruise has been announced, setting sail in 2018.

Michael Ball, Beverley Knight, Lee Mead, Sophie Evans, John Owen-Jones and musical theatre group Collabro will appear as part of Stages aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas cruise ship.

The event claims to be the first ever fully immersive musical theatre festival at sea featuring West End and Broadway stars.

The star talent also includes singer and impressionist Christina Bianco.

Guests will start the journey by walking a red carpet onto the ship. On board entertainment includes the Vegas-style 'Casino Royal' and a surf simulator.

The four-day trip launching at Southampton, with a stop-off in Amsterdam, will set sail in October 2018 and ticket prices start at £499 (plus taxes). For more information head to www.FloatingFestivals.co.uk.

Participants in the cruise will watch a performance of Olivier Award-winning production Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, take part in a masquerade ball and have a chance to join a musical theatre choir, as well as workshops with the stars and live Q&A events.

Jonathan Blackburn, the creator of Floating Festivals, which runs Stages said: "Not only will there be show-stopping performances, but passengers will also get the opportunity to meet and hear from the people behind some of the most celebrated musical theatre shows in the world."

Stages sets sail on 15 October.