Whether you like to line dance, swing dance, rock out, salsa or just chill and listen to tunes, there’s a music- themed cruise for you. Mix all the best components of a music festival with the ease, amenities and excursion opportunities of a cruise, and you can see why music lovers are ready to set sail. In the past 20 years music cruises have proved popular, with just about every genre represented.
One of the largest producers of music cruises, Sixthman Productions, offers cruises such as the Rock Boat, KISS Kruise, Outlaw Country Cruise and Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea. Or choose Broadway, disco, soul and even cruises themed by decades.
In addition to the performances, music fans also enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere on most music cruises. “All rules are relaxed and changed,” said Scott Burnett, marketing director, Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise. “There is no formal dining and no dress code. Even the ship personnel are in a different vibe and mood.”
PHOTO: © TROY A. WALSH
Some music cruises encourage a different type of dress code, with popular theme nights like Pajama Night, Mardi Gras or Wig Night.
Laura and Tom Calk of Atlanta, Georgia, went on a week-long cruise one year with Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise to celebrate their anniversary and see Tom’s favorite band, Tedeschi Trucks. According to the couple, “We had a blast. There was a theme night every night. One night we dressed as Gumby and Pokey. And we rode the elevator with members of Tedeschi Trucks!”
Fans also flock to music cruises to meet and chat with musicians, an experience you seldom get at a concert or music festival. Scheduled opportunities to meet artists include meet-and-greets and autograph sessions.
And you are literally in the same boat with all the musicians you came to see — they hang out by the pool, attend the same concerts, dine in the same restaurants and go on the same excursions.
Robert Levy from Glen Allen, Virginia, sailed on three music- themed cruises.
“I like the chance to see so many acts back-to-back-to-back and to meet the musicians and talk to them like normal people, one cruiser to another,” he said. “I met John Lodge of the Moody Blues at Ernest Hemingway’s house in Key West, Florida, and we just hung out and talked, one tourist to another.”
“We loved sitting in the audience with members of other bands,” Laura Calk said. “You may find yourself sitting next to a musician you had just seen play.”
On some cruises you can even jam with musicians. The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise hosts nightly jams, and guests can join in and play or sing. It’s not unusual to see guests board a music cruise with a guitar or other instrument.
The artists love the jam sessions, as well. “Sometimes musicians get on the stage with other musicians they have never played with before, and you can hear combinations of artists you’ve never heard,” said Legendary’s Burnett. “Some of the magic happens with these open jam sessions.”
While music cruises can offer a place for emerging artists to play — and many started their careers that way — big-name musicians love to perform on board as well, including Melissa Etheridge, Kiss, Yes, The Moody Blues and Peter Frampton. After Johnny Winter played the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, he said, “This blues cruise was better than Woodstock!”
Burnett said a week-long Legendary cruise can present more than 100 acts, resulting in an intense pace. “Some people go to bed right after dinner and set an alarm to wake up later for their favorite acts,” he said.
No worries if you need a quiet moment away. “We loved hanging by the pool and seeing so many different acts. But I needed a break sometimes,” Laura Calk said. “I could always find a quiet place to escape and read three novels on my cruise.”
The percentage of repeat visitors on music cruises remains high, with fans returning for encore performances of their favorite bands every year and forming bonds with other fans.
“We have about a 70 percent repeat rate,” said Burnett. “We typically have guests from 15 to 20 countries on board. I’ve seen many of them make lasting friendships, then stay in touch through our chat room or on Facebook.”
© TROY A. WALSH
FESTIVALS AT SEA
Find your favorite genre among these music-themed voyages. Cruises fill up fast, so book early.
1940s Transatlantic Crossing with the Glenn Miller Band
ahoyvintagecruises.com/glenn-miller- orchestra-crossing
Jam Rock Reggae Cruise
welcometojamrockreggaecruise.com
The Jazz Cruise
thejazzcruise.com
Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise
bluescruise.com
Outlaw Country Music
outlawcountrycruise.com
The Ultimate Disco Cruise
ultimatediscocruise.com
Read This Next
Party at Belgrade’s Best Bars and Clubs
April/May 2022
Jun 22, 2022
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Oct 9, 2026Andermatt, Switzerland, is This Year’s “It” Ski Destination
There’s no time like snow time — and if your idea of a grand winter escape means swooshing, shredding or schussing down a faraway slope and then relaxing in luxury, Andermatt, Switzerland, is the ideal destination. Located in the Urseren Valley and offering luxury lodging, Michelin-starred dining experiences and plenty of ski options, this corner of the central Andermatt Swiss Alps may just be the perfect winter season address.
Sponsored Content
Why Japan Is Best Explored by Sea with Princess
Japan is a destination that rewards repeat visits because no two regions — or seasons — feel quite the same. One moment, you’re wandering through centuries-old geisha districts in Kanazawa. The next, you’re watching neon reflections dance across Tokyo streets long after midnight.
Airlines
Oct 9, 2026Contour Airlines Adds Non-Stop Flights Between Alabama, Dallas
Travelers flying in and out of Northwest Alabama Regional Airport in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, can now utilize Contour Airlines' new non-stop services to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, beginning Nov. 12. As part of this addition, five weekly flights from its existing Muscle Shoals to Charlotte (CLT) schedule will relocate to Dallas, allowing for convenient connection opportunities at one of the nation's major aviation hubs.
Daily
Oct 9, 2026Cruise the Nile with an Egyptologist on This New River Boat
Learn about ancient Egypt like never before (or perhaps experience your own real-life version of The Mummy) with Travelmarvel. The river cruise line returns to Egypt with the debut of its newest river ship, Travelmarvel Sirius, now sailing the Nile.
Sponsored Content
Elevate Your Journey with TAP Air Portugal’s New Economy Prime
Exciting news ahead for TAP Air Portugal, as Portugal’s flag carrier prepares for the launch of its brand-new Economy Prime cabin, offering customers more space, additional privacy and a superior travel experience. Flights boasting the new cabin take off June 1; booking for Economy Prime is now available across all TAP channels and travel agents.
Daily
Oct 8, 2026Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan Unveils Reimagined Suites
Designed in harmony with the Ayung River valley, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan recently unveiled seven newly reimagined suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Ayung River valley and handcrafted Balinese details bringing a sense of place. The five Premier Duplex Suites and two Premier Family Suites were created with Hirsch Bedner Associates.
Daily
Oct 7, 2026Why Morocco Should Be Your Next Golf Getaway
Sure, there’s Scotland, Ireland, Portugal … but there’s a new golf destination quietly emerging somewhere even the most seasoned golf travelers may not expect: Morocco!
Sponsored Content
Global Traveler Hosted Trip on the Transcend Connect
JOIN GLOBAL TRAVELER ON ITS NEXT TRIP!
Airlines
Oct 7, 2026Avelo Airlines Adds 4 New Non-Stop Destinations from Dallas’ DTX Airport
Avelo Airlines announced four new non-stop routes and a third based aircraft at Dallas’ McKinney National Airport, increasing the airline’s Collin County network to nine destinations.
ShareThis