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What is the timing for the ships installations?The new production cast arrives, there is usually an overlap with the departing cast. Then Mystery Masters director will sign 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 of their ship show installs.
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Does the cast get paid?The Mystery may need to be added to the casts 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 thats 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 and ships 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 class. (if that happens on your ship.) The casts are always thrilled to do the Mystery!
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How much should a ship charge for the evening?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 $75 - $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.
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Are the cast’s pictures displayed anywhere?Yes, the ships on board photography department shoots a session with the cast and the pictures are used for displays and a commercial that can run on the ships TVs. This is included in the install if the line wishes to do that.
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How do we amend the dancers' contracts to include potential casting in the Mystery?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.
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What kind of Mysteries are these?The Mysteries are events that the passengers attend, like Mill Valley's 10th reunion. Then to our surprise, something happens! The audiences interaction is mainly during a Q&A section when the cast goes from table to table. The cast of Mill Valley does some catching up with classmates in the first act of Mill Valley. There are no corny, gumshoe detectives. There are no guns or weapons in our shows. Nothing is offensive. (Unless you are from Boise) Both of the Mysteries offered at this time have been audience tested with great satisfaction.
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How is the Mystery promoted and sold?The Mystery can be sold to your passengers via the cruse lines website in advance. Passengers can also book in person during the cruise.
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What about the costumes?The costumes will arrive with the director. Small fitting adjustments, if needed, will be done on board with the cast costumer. They are washed with the production wardrobe when needed. After the run the costumes will be stored and ready for the next cast. The costumes pictured may be different from the ones we'll be installing. Be assured that they will be great. These costumes and props will become the property of the ship. An itemized list will be provided for inventory between each cast install. The show costumes and props should be treated with the same respect as your production show costumes.
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How often are Mystery Masters Theatre performances scheduled on a cruise, and what can guests expect during the show?Typically, the mystery is scheduled once per cruise. However, for cruises with an itinerary of 14 days or longer, guests can enjoy the performance twice within the length of the cast's contract. Each mystery itself runs about an hour, when combined with dining, the experience can last up to three hours, offering a genuinely 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 integrates seamlessly into their dining experience.
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Who takes care of the show once the director signs off?The Mystery captain will be in charge of the show during the six month run, installing understudies and making costume fixes when needed. The cast elects a Mystery Captain who will be in charge of the shows continuity and maintenance during the six month run. The communication will not be broken with MB Productions so they can always email us for any pressing concerns. Once the show opens Mystery Masters becomes the ships program. We teach the cast and Maitre 'd how to maintain it for the 6 months run.
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Who are the directors?We currently have 5 directors all over the world and they have been working on ships for many years. They are also second class trained seamen. They are all well versed in the protocols and procedures of ship life. Check out our Team page for more details.
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What are the directors needs during the install?The complete install is done by just one Director. They will need a back-to-back pax cabin for the two week install. An over night hotel stay when needed before boarding this ship in port. The director is a contractor with passenger status but will need backstage access for costume prepping, fittings and rehearsals.
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Can we read the scripts?Sure! We can arrange it.
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Our company wants to start the Mystery Masters program. What are the next steps?We'll need some info so a form will be sent. The following information will be needed. The cruise line: The name of the ship or ships to be installed. Chosen Mystery: The install date: (We usually install the Mystery one month after your new production cast signs on, with at least one month's notice.) On that form will also be questions about flight arrangements for our directors. At that time we will need the email of the dance captain so that our director can start casting and set the rehearsal schedule conversations as the install date approaches. Once arranged we should receive the confirmation with cabin info for the two week install. A cost prospective email will be sent that covers the install costs. followed by a contract will be sent to sign. Once the flights are booked and the new cast is settling in a formal Introduction email will be sent to these important ship people to announce the directors arrival. Wardrobe maintenance Dance captain Activities Manager Restaurant Operations Manager Stage&Production Manager M&R manager Photo manager Apayable (Accounts Payable) Cruise Director Executive housekeeper Cruise program administrator Guest service manager Guest account purser Crew administrator Here is the Install announcement email Good Day (ship) Team, The Mystery Masters install will take place from: Director: Director Sign/On Date: Director Sign/Off Date: Mystery Theater will go live on or around: The Director's cabin info below: (Ship Booking sheet) Pax ID Statue Cabin Berth Booking ID Check in Check out. Max Occ AssignedPax **Note: Executive Housekeeper ·When accommodated in a Guest Cabin, a $ (?) per person/per day AFG (Auto Folio Gratuity) will be charged to the folio account. Please arrange for access to computer/e-mail. Also, try to arrange a DECT phone if possible. Once you have cast the mystery, please learn your lines to the best of your ability. Rehearsal time may be limited so we would like for you to be prepared as possible. Understudies will later learn their blocking and role during the run to go into the show when needed. A tuxedo is needed for each of Mystery Masters shows: Jerry (Mill Valley) and the male Alex (Rapscallion). The directors may choose another look within the cast members personal wardrobe. Reminder that the costumes should stay on board for the next cast and the Mystery Masters wardrobe supervisor is responsible for keeping track of the costumes as well as making any repairs, etc. Since this is the first install the Director will be bringing on costumes and props for the install. Fittings will be after the Table Read on the first day. Due to the nature of our business we have so many different strengths of performers involved and like to make it fresh and exciting for our returning guests. Also understand that these rehearsals require the same sort of professionalism as our production show installations, be sure to give the director the same respect as you would at our rehearsal facility or on board during an install. Thanks for your cooperation and understanding with both of these matters. **ATTN F&B AND MAITRE D’ The cast will get the same meal as the Mystery guests. Served at their own private table outside and separate from the guests. They are will be assigned 1 waitstaff and get one bottle of red and white wine with their meal at the Maitre’d discretion. (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 Maitre d' throughout the run. (The waitstaffs gratuities will be arranged by the cast) **ATTN ACTIVITIES MANAGER: Here is a reminder of the few items you are responsible for during the roll out of Mystery Masters. Let me know if you have any questions. 1. Please work with the M&R Manager prior to the Mystery Masters roll out to provide a sign that will feature the cast photos and the time and day of the event. The Mystery Masters Director will put it together. Ensure the sign is placed outside the venue to advertise the event the week of the premier and not the week of rehearsals! 2. Please coordinate with the Chief Photographer to ensure that a photographer can take cast pictures for the Mystery Masters sign and commercial. 3. Please arrange for a prize package to be prepared for Mystery Masters. The prize should be a bumper pack of goodies, attractively packaged with a bow etc. It is important that the prize package looks impressive - please ensure a good standard is set. It will be given out at a drawing using the winning ballots during the event. In addition, we would like to stress that opening night should be scheduled towards the end of the second week cruise to allow for as much rehearsal time as possible. Thank you and please let me know if you have any questions. Then the fun begins!
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What will the ship need to do to have us install?Add the Mystery to the dancers contract. Get the F&B to approve the show for performance on their ship. The F&B and Maître'd will need to create a special four course mystery meal. (Examples can be seen on the site.)
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What does it cost to have you install the Mystery Masters Program?A cost prospectus will be emailed to you that explains everything. A contract will follow when you're ready to get the program started. Our contracts will be one year, two casts of the run. Keep in mind the whole install could be installed with the proceeds from one performance!
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How does the collaboration between departments work for the Mystery Masters?The Mystery Masters production is a collaborative effort involving multiple departments to ensure a seamless and entertaining experience. Specifically, the Food and Beverage (F&B) Department is responsible for hosting the Mystery Masters program in their specialty restaurant. This department takes on all budgeting responsibilities for the program, covering any related expenses to ensure a high-quality event. The Cruise Department plays an equally vital role by providing seven members from their production cast to participate in the Mystery Masters performance. An important note for the cast members is that their contracts should include an addition confirming that they may be cast in the Mystery production. This ensures that all performers are aware of their roles and responsibilities ahead of time, allowing for smooth coordination and a cohesive show. Tthe final team is the shoreside wardrobe department. The shoreside wardrobe department is responsible for arranging all travel and housing accommodations. The director will be assigned a passenger cabin for a 14-day duration, covering two back-to-back 7-day itineraries. For flights and hotel bookings, MB Productions Inc. uses the Concur travel management system, using a password provided by the cruise line to manage and book travel efficiently. Or if the line wishes, we can submit a Travel and Housing request. The installation dates for each ship will be determined by the Wardrobe Manager as they know the dates of each ship's new production cast arrivals. The director will install the Mystery one month after the new cast arrives. The directors are contractors with passenger status. MB Productions will also be sending invoices to this department. The show's costumes will reside on the ship alongside the production costumes and will be worn in a Mystery performance in a specialty restaurant on each ship. The new tasks for this department will be: 1. Determining the Mystery Master Masters install dates. 2. Arranging the director's travel, housing, and berthing for the Mystery install. 3. Forwarding received payment notices to accounts payable. 4. Sending the Mystery Masters welcome email to the ship personnel. By integrating these three departments, MB Productions guarantees a well-rounded and professionally executed Mystery Masters experience for all cruise guests. Once the contract is signed an email with this information will be sent to all involved departments.
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Do you have any example of menus for the dinner?Each ships restaurant creates a menu for the mystery. Here are a few from past installs. A invitation reminder card is set to the guests cabin confirming their reservation.
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Can you install more than one show at a time?We currently have 5 directors on the team and can do 5 ships in your fleet at the same time.
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How does the director get to the ship?The cruise line will fly the Director to the port with one night stay if needed. The directors are contractors with pax status. If arranged with the cruise line, MB productions can use Concur (or a travel site your line uses) to arrange the travel needs for the directors. Or the line can arrange this for us, if preferred.
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Who in our company would manage the logistical arrangements?The logistics for these performances are managed through a collaborative effort. Specifically, for the mystery itself, the Maître'd and the Food and Beverage department work closely with the Mystery Captain to handle the dinner and performance aspects of the show, ensuring an immersive and entertaining experience. For directors installation, In the past we used the cruise lines shoreside Manager of Wardrobe oversees all arrangements can oversee this if arranged. .As they work with wardrobe and costumer personal regularly, organizing travel to the ships to fit the each new productions cast. We are also contractors and should fall under their auspices. Sometimes a Cruise Line will have an entertainment director that handles the program for us. Booking flights, berthing and cabin arrangements.
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How do I add a new question & answer?To add a new FAQ follow these steps: 1. Manage FAQs from your site dashboard or in the Editor 2. Add a new question & answer 3. Assign your FAQ to a category 4. Save and publish. You can always come back and edit your FAQs.
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How do I edit or remove the 'Frequently Asked Questions' title?You can edit the title from the FAQ 'Settings' tab in the Editor. To remove the title from your mobile app go to the 'Site & App' tab in your Owner's app and customize.
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Can I insert an image, video, or GIF in my FAQ?Yes. To add media follow these steps: 1. Manage FAQs from your site dashboard or in the Editor 2. Create a new FAQ or edit an existing one 3. From the answer text box click on the video, image or GIF icon 4. Add media from your library and save.
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