The Showboat Branson Belle, decks its decks as well as the halls to kick off the holiday season with Christmas cruises on Table Rock Lake. Made in the USA, the world-class headliner production show, presents classic Christmas carols, holiday favorites and a patriotic finale, plus a one-of-a-kind performance of The Nutcracker Suite by violin-playing aerialist Janice Martin. A new Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer® medley by the male vocal group, The ShowMen , celebrates the most famous reindeer of all on the 50th anniversary of the television special.
The Showboat departs from White River Landing decorated with Christmas lights and guests can view holiday lights along the shore as the ship cruises Table Rock Lake. Following a 3-course meal, the stage comes to life as The ShowMen perform Christmas favorites including Home for the Holidays, Silver Bells and The Christmas Song. The sounds of the season fill the stage with powerful harmonies and standout solos of the talented vocalists.
Janice Martin, the world’s only violin-playing aerialist, takes the stage with an original performance of The Nutcracker Suite. The artistry of this world-class violinist, vocalist, acrobat and multi-instrument musician has been heralded worldwide following performances on four continents, on stages from Carnegie Hall to the White House. The show is emceed by ultra-sharp, uber-funny comedian and magician Christopher James backed by the Showboat’s signature live band Rockin’ Dockers for a totally live entertainment experience.
Noon and Sunday cruises through November 16 feature the vocals of the female quartet The ShowBelles, fiddler Dean Church, and piano virtuoso Julie McClarey.
Carols on the Belle special Sunday cruises feature performances from award-winning Southern Gospel artists including Triumphant Quartet, Mark Trammell Quartet, LeFevre Quartet, and Karen Peck and New River, plus traditional Christmas music sing-alongs with local community choirs and performance groups. Carols on the Belle cruises are at 4 p.m. on November 23 & 30 and December 7 & 14.
Each cruise features a three-course meal from the Showboat’s Chef Larry, including slow-simmered beef roast and honey-Dijon glazed chicken topped off with the chef’s own Golden Brittle Lemon-Berry Torte. All meals are prepared onboard in the ship’s galley and served in the three-story atrium dining theater. Specialty dining options include the Paddle Wheel Club Room and Captain’s Row.
Christmas cruises run November 1 through December 31, with a special New Year’s Eve cruise at 8 p.m. on December 31. For cruise times and ticket information: www.showboatbransonbelle.com or 1-800-775-BOAT(2628).
