FAQ

Applause Break Entertainment currently places comedians with Carnival Cruise Line. As the agency continues to grow, we fully expect to expand into additional cruise line partnerships.

When ABE was launched, we chose to focus on Carnival Cruise Line because it has the largest and most consistent comedy program at sea. Starting there lets us concentrate on one program and build steady work for the comedians we represent, before expanding into additional cruise line partnerships.

No. The idea that cruise ship comedy carries a stigma is largely outdated. Comedy shows are one of the most popular activities onboard, and comedians typically perform in front of packed rooms every show, with audience members coming from all over the country. Very few other venues offer the opportunity to perform for crowds of that size and diversity on such a consistent basis.

Carnival’s comedy program is designed for seasoned headliners with significant professional experience in established comedy clubs, theaters, and comparable large-scale venues. Comedians should have a minimum of 90 minutes of developed material and the ability to confidently deliver multiple polished sets for diverse audiences.

Carnival’s current starting rate for headlining comedians is $1,500 per contract, with each contract consisting of five 30-minute shows. This rate is set by the cruise line and is not negotiable. Annual merit increases may be considered based on performance evaluations. Certain ships include guaranteed additional performances beyond the original five at $300 per show. Extended sailings beyond six nights onboard are compensated at $200 per night. If additional performances are scheduled during that extended period, the per-show rate applies instead of the per-night rate. Final compensation details are confirmed before each sailing. Applause Break Entertainment operates on a standard 15% commission structure.

Carnival Cruise Line operates on NET 15 terms, meaning payment is issued within 15 days of your debark date. Funds are remitted directly to Applause Break Entertainment. Once payment is received, the agency deducts its commission and issues the remaining balance to the performer via direct deposit. In most cases, funds are available in the performer’s account the next business day. At the end of the calendar year, performers receive a 1099 for all payments processed through the agency.

Carnival Cruise Line requires comedians to perform five 30-minute shows per contract: three adult shows and two family-friendly shows. You may repeat one of the adult shows and the family-friendly show during the sailing, which means you will need three distinct 30-minute sets prepared. Carnival also asks comedians to name their shows so guests can easily recognize whether they’ve already seen a particular performance, similar to naming a comedy special or album. You will provide titles for two adult shows and one family-friendly show. On certain ships, additional performances may be scheduled beyond the original five. These added shows are typically repeats and are compensated at the additional per-show rate outlined above.

Carnival’s comedy shows are hosted by an emcee, but unlike many land-based comedy clubs, there is no middle or feature act. After being introduced, the headlining comedian performs a 30-minute set, with the host returning briefly at the end to close the show. The emcee is typically a member of Carnival’s Fun Squad team who provides show information and announcements, and may occasionally perform a brief amount of material as part of the introduction.

Yes. Carnival Cruise Line does allow comedians to sell merchandise onboard; however, all items must be approved in advance. Comedians are responsible for bringing their own inventory and handling sales directly with guests following their shows.

Carnival comedy contracts typically range from three to seven days onboard. On some of the longer sailings, a comedian may be scheduled for what’s known as a back-to-front, meaning they join the ship near the end of one cruise and remain onboard through the beginning of the next. These are structured as two separate contracts and may involve embarking and debarking in foreign ports of call.

Comedians performing onboard Carnival Cruise Line ships are granted guest privileges during the sailing, which allows access to all guest areas. Performers are also allowed to disembark in ports of call and participate in shore excursions. While onboard, comedians are classified as crew members and are expected to conduct themselves professionally and in accordance with company policies.

While onboard, comedians are classified as crew and are provided with private crew accommodations.

Yes, a guest may be permitted to join you onboard, either by staying in your assigned crew cabin or by booking a cruise under a friends and family rate. Guest approval is not guaranteed and must be arranged in advance of your contract. Any associated costs would be the responsibility of the guest.

Carnival Cruise Line coordinates and covers round-trip airfare for contracted comedians. When joining a ship in a foreign port, ground transfers are arranged through the port agent. Hotel accommodations are provided when required based on travel schedules. Certain travel-related expenses, such as taxis or parking, along with a meal per diem on applicable travel days, may be reimbursed onboard in accordance with Carnival’s guidelines and required receipts.

All materials are reviewed by the agency to ensure they meet Carnival’s program standards. If approved for submission, a 12-month holding agreement is executed prior to presenting the act to Carnival. This agreement authorizes Applause Break Entertainment to represent the performer while the submission is under consideration. Once presented, materials are reviewed by Carnival on their own timetable. Review periods vary and are outside the agency’s control. If approved, Applause Break Entertainment will issue a formal agency contract outlining the terms of representation. Agency agreements are structured for a 24-month term and apply to cruise ship bookings secured through Applause Break Entertainment. Following approval, Carnival initiates its onboarding process. This typically includes completing a brief employment application and submitting to a background check. Once those steps are completed, a crew number is issued, and available dates may be submitted for consideration.

Comedians interested in working with ABE can submit materials through the Talent Application page on this website. All submission guidelines and requirements are outlined there.