The two exclusive gigs were organised by cruise specialist agency Imagine Cruising. 

MSC’s new flagship is cruising its summer season along the UK coast and was the first ship to restart operations last month.

In an Instagram post after the show, Bishop wrote: “Back at it. Thanks to @imaginecruising and @msccruisesofficial for putting shows on and allowing me to get back on stage and talk to a real live audience. 

“I have missed this more than I realised. The joy of hearing laughter of people all in the same room at the same time was quite emotional and I will never take it for granted again. Thank you for all those people who came, it was brilliant.”

Imagine Cruising boss Robin Deller tweeted a video of Bishop after finishing his second performance of the night.

https://twitter.com/RobinDeller/status/1402221167847608323

MSC’s UK and Ireland managing director Antonio Paradiso shared his delight at having Bishop onboard.

He tweeted: “I haven’t laughed this much in 15 months, amazing performance by John Bishop, delighted that his return to the stage was onboard MSC Virtuosa. Well done to our amazing MSC staff for making this happen.”

Alyshia Bartlett, MSC’s national account manager, added: "More than 400 Imagine Cruising customers enjoyed a fantastic evening with John, who put on an amazing show, delivering his unique and genius style of observational humour to perfection. 

"It was fantastic to be able to start taking customers on holiday again after 15 months of travel standstill, and we want to extend our thanks to MSC and the crew onboard Virtuosa for facilitating what is proving to be a wonderful experience for our guests."