Princess Cruises Announces Finalists for Its Entertainer of the Year Award

Princess Cruises is preparing for its third annual Entertainer of the Year competition. Four finalists have been selected from the array of talented performers – comedians, magicians, tribute bands and other specialty acts – who grace the Princess stages each year, and they will compete for the title during Princess’ upcoming Entertainer of the Year cruise.

Passengers will also be able to get in on the act by casting their ballots for their favorite performer aboard Caribbean Princess during the ship’s March 22, 2014 Western Caribbean cruise.

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The four finalists competing to hold the title of “Entertainer of the Year” are:

Troy Thirdgill – Comedian Troy Thirdgill has not only performed for audiences on cruise ships, but also entertains at comedy clubs, military bases, colleges and large corporate events. His schedule has taken him to more countries than almost any comic in the world. His act includes material and characters.

Zach Winningham – Vocalist Zach Winningham hails from the Midwest farm town of Belleville, Ind., where long country drives with his father introduced him to 50s and 60s rock n' roll, country and bluegrass music. His passion to keep this music alive has driven his musical career and blossomed into a love of performing, which has taken him to stages across America and cruise ships all over the world.

Hawley Magic – Illusionist Jonathan Hawley has performed around the world with his wife, Trisha, by his side as his assistant. Together as Hawley Magic they make a powerful team, offering audiences much more than just a few tricks.

Walk Like a Man – This dynamic tribute show captures the feel of a live concert performance from one of America's living legends, Frankie Valli. The entertainers who make up the cast have collectively performed on television, in national shows and on major recordings. One of the lead vocalists, Val Martinez, even toured with Frankie Valli himself.

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Each finalist will offer several live performances during the cruise, after which passengers vote for their favorite entertainer. The winner will be announced on the final night of the cruise at a celebratory event in Princess’ signature venue, The Piazza. The finalists have been determined by the Princess Cruises Entertainment department based on passenger surveys and onboard audience response. The winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize and will hold the title of “2013 Princess Cruises Entertainer of the Year.”

The first two Princess Cruises Entertainer of the Year contests named comedian Carlos Oscar and singer Tony Tillman as the top entertainers of 2011 and 2012, respectively.

The third annual Entertainer of the Year cruise will sail from March 22-29, 2014 cruise aboard Caribbean Princess. The sailing is currently available for booking with fares beginning at $499 per person, based on double occupancy.

For more information, visit www.princess.com