all music cruises

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Themed Cruises

Music Cruises

At CruiseMapper's Music Cruise survey you will find departure dates, itineraries, and various "music and dance" theme cruise information and tips. We offer you a list of Classical music concerts and dance cruise specials on deals to visit the Caribbean, Europe, and Australia on a big cruise ship vacation. Caution - music cruises are super fun, generally promoting a lot of drinking and dancing activities. Cruise drinking and dancing fun generally involve big money spending. Very special are also all the music concert voyages on big riverboats in Europe.

For your convenience, the following link jumps down directly to CruiseMapper's music-cruises schedule , listing lines, ships, departure dates, and homeports. Follow Mardi Gras Carnival cruises visiting the US port cities New Orleans Louisiana, Galveston Texas, Tampa Florida, Long Beach (Los Angeles) California, NYC New York, Mobile Alabama, and of course - Rio De Janeiro (Brazil). This survey is integrated with our Themed Cruises .

"Dance and Music" themed cruises

Themed as "Music Cruises" deals are from the list of the industry's newest inventions. They are very similar to all the music concerts arranged at land-based facilities (music halls, theaters, stadiums, etc. And since modern cruise ships can accommodate from 2500 (on average) to more than 5000 people, these so special marine vessels become the perfect place for the mixed "music concert and party" cruise vacation the world has never seen before.

From what Wikipedia has said about music - it's the art form "whose medium is sound and silence". However, on cruise ships there's no such thing as silence - it's party time all the time! The word "music" derives from Greek "mousike" meaning the "art of the Muses". And what is better than a Muses-inspired vacation of several days at sea, right?

Dance-themed cruises

The dance cruise experience is a major part of the "Music Cruise" specials - especially when famous bands and singers are involved in these actions. And these "musical" deals suggest a hell of a lot dancing on the ship. Imagine you can enjoy (if fortunate enough) your super cool band's performance at sea. There are some truly unique sailings, which include huge crowd dancing parties featuring NKOTB (with the "New Kids On The Block" celebrities).

Christian-themed music cruises are another unique offer in this category. On those, you'll enjoy the company of hundreds and even thousands of like-minded folks sharing your ideas of God, right and wrong. And quite often, preachers there dance and enjoy the music more than the audience itself.

Popular musical genders on the specially themed music and dance cruises are Rock, Country, and Folk bands. And Classical music and Jazz themed cruises offer one truly sophisticated experience at sea. Often music-themed sailings are combined with specials from the category of Food and Wine cruises . These are usually Jazz- or Classic music-themed (often river cruise) deals, offering a gourmet voyage on some of Europe's biggest rivers, such as the Danube, or Rhone and Seine in France.

P&O Cruises UK ships offer each year several Music Cruises leaving from Southampton, and their Australia brand may offer such themed deals from Sydney, Australia. Most of them are Mediterranean cruises from Southampton, and Cruises To Nowhere from Sydney - i.e. without additional ports of call (which significantly lowers their cost by not including port charges).

How much do "Music Cruises" cost, what is included in prices?

Your dance/music cruise infrastructure is pretty much like a normal sailing - but it's not, ok? The cruise part as always, includes tanning, swimming, drinking, dining, sleeping (with the "repeat until" command) summarized as "easy big-time fun". Your "music cruise tickets" prices are inclusive of all meals on the boat and add to that the 24-hr room service onboard. This means all main dining rooms and the buffet dining, specialty restaurants charge extra (from ~$20 to $50 per meal). Alcohol, soda and soft drinks are not in the list of inclusions.

Beware - enjoying the music cruise fun in a not healthy and not cheap combination with lots of beverages could cost you way more than the ticket itself. Virtually all music and dance cruise deals are on round-trip departures from some of the world's biggest cruise ports - like Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Florida, NYC New York, Boston MA, Los Angeles, Southampton UK, Sydney AU.

Music Cruises 2023-2024 schedule

Most of the following voyages are themed on Classic, Folk, Country, Rock, or Jazz music.

Note: In the following table, all links are internal (CruiseMapper) redirecting to the ship’s itinerary schedule where you can compare dates and prices per person (double occupancy rates).

Mardi Gras carnival cruises

Mardi Gras cruises are music and dance-themed voyages with itineraries that visit the US port cities New Orleans Louisiana , Galveston Texas , Tampa Florida , Long Beach (Los Angeles) California , NYC New York , Mobile Alabama , and of course, Rio De Janeiro Brazil .

Mardi Gras Carnival

The Mardi Gras carnival aka "Carnival season" (the name literally means "Fat Tuesday" in French) is a Catholic festival celebrated in the countries of Anglican nations. The celebrations start on Epiphany (or "the feast day" on January 6th) and culminate on the day before Ash Wednesday (called "Fat Tuesday" and "Mardi Gras Day" - positioned exactly 46 days before Easter).

When is the Mardi Gras carnival day?

Because day's timing is set according to Easter, it varies by year - between February 3 and March 9. Follows a list with the Mardi Gras dates in the next couple of years (all dates will be on Tuesdays, though - no matter the year).

The Mardi Gras dates are:

in 2020 on February 25
in 2021 on February 16
in 2022 on March 1
in 2023 on February 21
in 2024 on February 13
in 2025 on March 4
in 2026 on February 17
in 2027 on February 9

To find your "Mardi Gras cruise ship", just pick departure port ( New Orleans , Galveston , Tampa , Los Angeles , New York , Mobile , Rio De Janeiro ). In the port's schedule, you'll find listed ships leaving from or going to that seaport. Then choose itineraries that include the year's carnival day.

Mardi Gras New Orleans is second only to the "Rio Carnival" in Brazil. According to Wikipedia, the Rio Carnival draws record numbers of day tourists to Brazil - 2,2 million for the Carnival Day in 2012. Add to this more than 5 million people for the whole week (around 70% of all annual guests to Rio De Janeiro), with over 400,000 foreigners participating in the week-long day and night music and dancing, and boozing.

"Mardi Gras booze cruise" inclusions

Most Mardi Gras themed cruise deals are offered by independent resellers and for larger groups with discounted cabin rates. Group booking ("Hosted Group Cruise"), besides great pricing, is also among travel agencies' special deals.

Included by the agency are at least one Private Group cocktail party, all gratuities (depending on ship/itinerary these can be up to $100 PP), group departure, daily and nightly group gatherings, group dining (reserved tables), and, of course, your "Mask Party".
Included by the ship (for the duration of the trip) are all meals (excepting alternative restaurants), accommodations and entertainment, 24-hour room service.
Not-included (optional) are group shore excursions (again at discount prices), alcoholic beverages (optional all-inclusive drink packages are offered), gift shop purchases, spa services, gambling (casino / bingo), airfare (optional fly-cruise packages are offered from USA and UK), port charges, Government taxes, local transfers to the departure port. Remember that for US citizens a passport or certified birth certificate is always required.
All Mardi Gras themed cruises offer special dining menu and carnival-themed shipboard activities - good music, exotic masquerade, booze packages, and promos.

Mardi Gras cruising experiences

In 2017, the UK-based Fred Olsen Cruise Line offered the company's first-ever Mardi Gras cruise as part of an epic travel adventure to ports in the Caribbean, North and Central America leaving roundtrip from the UK.

From Southampton England, Fred Olsen’s ship MS Balmoral offered in February 2017 a 46-night itinerary as an adults-only cruise visiting 18 ports of call and featuring 3 full days and 2 overnights in NOLA ( New Orleans ) allowing plenty of time to enjoy the carnival atmosphere.
This unique themed cruise (46-night itinerary, code L1703, the theme "Central America and the Mardi Gras" left Southampton on February 4, 2017. Prices started from GBP 3450 pp (based on double-occupancy twin-bed Superior Interior cabin). Pricing included accommodation, all onboard meals, and entertainment, plus port taxes.
The list of cruise ports of call included: Southampton – Funchal Madeira – Bridgetown Barbados – Castries St. Lucia – St John’s Antigua – Road Town Tortola BVI – Falmouth Jamaica – Trujillo Honduras – Belize City – Cozumel Mexico – New Orleans LA (2-nights) – Tampa FL – Key West FL – Miami FL – Port Canaveral FL – Jacksonville FL – Charleston SC – Hamilton Bermuda – Ponta Delgada Azores – Southampton.
The 2-night stay in NOLA allowed cruise tourists to enjoy the festivities at this fabulously extravagant festival. Passengers were also provided with the opportunity to attend the "Orpheuscapade Black Tie Ball" in New Orleans – something rarely experienced by tourists. This formal event was held in the city's Convention Centre, featuring live music, dancing, and the chance to get up close to the gigantic carnival floats, as a local celebrity leads the parade directly through the Centre.

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The Jazz Cruise

For over 20 years, The Jazz Cruise has presented the very best in “straight-ahead” jazz, with a full ship of the world’s most passionate jazz fans sailing with the world’s best jazz musicians. Programming the cruise starts with over 100 world-class musicians, scheduled in many exciting configurations for around 225 hours of music, presented festival-style over 7 jam-packed days. Sailing with Paquito D’Rivera, Chucho Valdes, Christian McBride, Artemis and many more stars from January 18 – 25, 2024 . More info at TheJazzCruise.com

The Smooth Jazz Cruise

The Greatest Party at Sea returns for 2 sailings in 2024 featuring more of the top stars in the genre on the ship than can be found on any cruise or at any festival including, Marcus Miller, Boney James, Jeffrey Osborne, Brian Culbertson, Jonathan Butler and more. You’ll enjoy wall-to-wall music for 7 days and nights as you get up close and personal with stars of the smooth jazz world. Sailing January 25-February 1, 2024 and February 1-February 8, 2024 . More info at https://thesmoothjazzcruise.com .

Botti at Sea

This new cruise program features a broad range of top drawer and exciting entertainment, all in the spirit and under the direction of Jazz Trumpeter Chris Botti. While musical experience forms, the core of the program, Botti has infused exciting performers and events from other entertainment genres. When viewed together, the cruise reflects the style, stature, and stardom of the amazing host. Sailing February 8-15, 2024 . More info at BottiaatSea.com

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Music Themed Cruises

Comedy themed cruises, sports themed cruises, other themed cruises, themed cruises.

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Experience themed cruises and cruise music festivals at sea designed to set the stage for moments that make life rock!

There's nothing out there that can beat the adventure, excitement and allure of a cruise holiday - except a themed cruise!

Enjoy the best in live entertainment whilst cruising on some of the most innovative ships at sea by booking one of these sailings. It'll prove to be the ultimate holiday experience. View the list of current offerings below for more information on how to book these cruises.

Utopia Carnival Cruise & Festival | April 28 – May 8, 2024

MIAMI TO ST THOMAS Norwegian Breakaway

Experience an unforgettable ten-day party spree with Utopia Carnival Cruise & Festival, as we set sail from Miami to the heart of St. Thomas' carnival season on April 28th, 2024! Dive into electrifying land festivals, climaxing with our "Unity Festival" at Crown Bay on May 5th. Witness global sensation Burna Boy, Morgan Heritage, DJ Puffy, and more!

The Utopia Carnival Cruise & Festival ushers a new era of entertainment tourism, serving up a broad and eclectic array of engaging events. As a nexus of multicultural festivities, Utopia Carnival affords guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in an unparalleled selection of music and entertainment choices. Experience the 2024 carnival thrill!

Salsa Cruise | November 1-5, 2024

Norwegian Gem

Miami to Nassau & Grand Stirrup Cay

Salsa Cruise is celebrating its 26th annual Salsa festival, and we want you to be part of this incredible experience! Sailing from Miami to Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas on November 1 - 5, 2024 aboard Norwegian Gem.

Dance, sing, explore, relax, drink, and be ready to have fun! Enjoy different programmes onboard, including top salsa performances by Charlie Aponte, Luisito Carrion, and Josimar Fidel, live DJs, salsa dance workshops, comedians, and much more. You don't need to be a professional dancer; just be ready to have a blast and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Sail Across the Sun | February 13-17, 2025

MIAMI TO COZUMEL, MEXICO Norwegian Gem

Break out the bubbles and vino - and raise a full glass as we toast to a music-filled celebration at sea for Train's 8th Edition of Sail Across the Sun! Sailing February 13-17, 2025, from Miami to adventure-filled Cozumel, Mexico, aboard Norwegian Gem, this 4-day floating festival at sea brings together an incredible lineup of artists including Matt Nathanson, Yacht Rock Revue, Jon Foreman of Switchfoot, The Dan Band, and more!

Ultimate Disco Cruise and Beyond | February 19-24, 2025

MIAMI – COZUMEL – COSTA MAYA Norwegian Pearl

The Ultimate Disco Cruise and Beyond is BACK for its 5th Anniversary sailing! Celebrate the Greatest Dance, Soul, Funk & Party Music Ever for five nights with over 40 live performances including Kool & the Gang, The Spinners, Shalamar, Tavares, Rose Royce, the Brothers Johnson, Lisa Lisa, The Legendary Blue Notes, and many more.

Join us as you dance back to everyone's favourite era of music where Norwegian Pearl will be transformed into a floating dance club!

Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea X | March 21-26, 2025

MIAMI TO HARVEST CAYE, BELIZE AND COSTA MAYA, MEXICO Norwegian Gem

The BIGGEST BLUES ROCK PARTY AT SEA just got even BIGGER! To celebrate 10 incredible years, Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea will be sailing for FIVE FULL DAYS in 2025 with some of the best live music in the world. Join your fellow blues community and our host, Joe Bonamassa, with an ALL-STAR LINEUP for our 10th-anniversary extravaganza. Sailing March 21-26, 2025, Norwegian Gem will carry us from Miami, Florida, to TWO tropical destinations: Harvest Caye, Belize & Costa Maya, Mexico. Get ready for an adventure of five days & nights packed to the brim with live shows, rare collaborations, and unique activities that can only be experienced on board. With the backdrop of amazing Norwegian amenities like serene spa services, loads of dining options, shopping, and refreshing cocktails, you'll feel like a legend yourself.

Bananaland At Sea | October 14-18, 2024

MIAMI TO GREAT STIRRUP CAY & NASSAU Norwegian Jade

The greatest show in sports is hitting the high seas! Join us for Bananaland at Sea, sailing October 14-18, 2024 from Miami to Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas! Get ready to Go Bananas on this 4-day, fully immersive experience where the Savannah Bananas, the Party Animals, and the entire cast will be up to their usual antics- singing, dancing, banana tossing, and so much more. Score countless opportunities to strike up conversations with your favourite players and crew, participate in epic activities and games, and catch daily performances that'll leave you awestruck aboard this unforgettable trip.

Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea: Six On The Beach | January 31 – February 4, 2025

MIAMI TO COSTA MAYA Norwegian Gem

Sixth time's a charm, Ragers! That's right, we're coming back for the 6th voyage of Chris Jericho's Rock 'N' Wrestling Rager at Sea: Six on the Beach! We'll commandeer the Norwegian Gem January 31 - February 4, 2025. Starting in Miami and making our way down to Costa Maya, Mexico, get your sandy cheeks ready for table-slamming fan-favourites: an onboard wrestling ring, vibrant performances from musicians and comedians we love, and exclusive access to talent-hosted escapades. Even Poseidon gets down & dirty, so you should, too!

Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise | November 5-9, 2024

Miami to Nassau

Pack your bags for the holiday of a lifetime as you experience the magic of a Hallmark Channel Christmas with your favourite Hallmark stars! On board, immerse yourself in Christmas crafts, participate in interactive talent panels, and enjoy an exclusive premiere of a new Hallmark Channel holiday movie from the comfort of our world-class theatre at sea. Create everlasting memories with your family, friends, and fellow Hallmark Channel fans with a festival of fun!

From country music to crafting: The best themed cruises for 2024 and 2025

You come to hear the music, to pursue a hobby or to follow a celebrity. You return for the community of people sharing a common passion. Themed cruises offer the unique opportunity to find your people and explore the world with them — all while enjoying an incredible schedule of onboard activities and entertainment.

A themed cruise is a special-interest sailing based around interests and hobbies such as food and wine, sports, dancing, crafting, popular films and TV shows, lifestyles and music.

Sometimes, the themed event takes over the entire ship. Other times, the theme cruise organizer has its group join a regular itinerary but offers special events exclusive to participants.

First-time theme cruisers are lured by the chance to meet or listen to their favorite celebrities or to improve their skills in a favorite pastime. However, they often discover that the best part of a themed cruise is immersion in a community of like-minded individuals.

Themed cruises foster a warm, friendly atmosphere on board where the conversation is easy because you begin with an established connection. Days and nights of shared interests and experiences can lead to meaningful connections that can last a lifetime.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

What's better than being surrounded by your people, partying the night away and then retiring to your own private cabin just an elevator ride away? Not much — except perhaps encountering your celebrity crush at the ship's buffet, attending a no-holds-barred Q&A with your favorite actors or musicians or taking a small-group class with a rising star.

From a country music cruise to a golfer's dream itinerary, these are some of the best themed cruises coming up in the next year.

Note: As standard on all big-ship cruises, fares for themed cruises include several complimentary dining options. Alcohol and soda will cost extra, with package deals available depending on the cruise line and the charter company. Tours and excursions in port also cost extra. Pricing is based on two people sharing a cabin.

Music-themed cruises

'70s rock and romance cruise 2025.

Cruise ship : Celebrity Summit Date : March 15-22, 2025

Billed as "the greatest feel-good party at sea," the '70s Rock and Romance Cruise returns in 2025 with a star-studded lineup of the grooviest acts at sea.

You'll enjoy performances by famed music icons, including Air Supply, Kansas and The Guess Who. The artists also host events and attend special meet-and-greets. Additionally, the long lineup will include The Family Stone, Dire Straits Legacy, Melissa Manchester and many more rock 'n' roll favorites.

Pack your best bell bottoms and disco sequins for the cruise's Saturday Night Fever and '70s costume parties.

Book soon because this cruise is selling out quickly. Find pricing and reservations on the Rock & Romance website .

Soul Train Cruise

Cruise ship : Holland America Line's Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam Dates : Jan. 26-Feb. 2, 2025, and Nov. 9-16, 2025

People all over the ship, join hands! The Soul Train Cruise returns for its 12th sailing in January with more than 50 live performances from soul music legends.

This is your chance to join over 2,000 soul music fans for a week filled with all the joy of those timeless tunes. The artist roster features soul music stars and tribute acts, including Jeffrey Osborne, Shalamar, Dru Hill and Al McKay's Earth, Wind & Fire.

When you're not boogying down on the dance floor, sign up for celebrity-hosted wine tastings, game shows and other activities. The cruise cabins for this sailing are already sold out but don't worry. You can either join the waitlist for the January sailing or book the second cruise in November (which was added due to the popularity of the first sailing).

Find pricing and booking information on the Soul Train Cruise website .

The Outlaw Country Cruise 9

Cruise ship : Norwegian Gem Date : Feb. 22-28, 2025

It's a honky-tonk week at sea as Old Crow Medicine Show, John Hiatt, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Carlene Carter, The Beat Farmers and more join the ranks of musicians set to perform on the ninth Outlaw Country Cruise.

Expect one-of-a-kind collaborations and special acoustic performances by favorite bands and singer-songwriters. Then, the sea goes on forever and the party never ends with themed costume nights, meet-and-greets, game shows, a belly-flop competition and bingo games. The cruise is sold out, so join the waitlist for your chance to sail, or you'll be left two-stepping shoreside.

Reserve your spot on the Outlaw Country Cruise website .

Cayamo: A Journey Through Song

Cruise ship : Norwegian Gem Date : Feb. 28-March 7, 2025

A listening experience at sea that offers remarkable proximity to some of the music industry's most respected acts, Cayamo returns for its 17th edition of a weeklong music festival sailing the Caribbean.

This cruise features more than two dozen musical acts that span decades and diverse styles of American roots music. The lineup for 2025 is set to include Emmylou Harris, Nickel Creek, Grace Potter, Ani DiFranco, Lucius and many more.

For pricing and booking information, visit the Cayamo website .

The Flower Power Cruise

Cruise ship : Celebrity Summit Date : March 22-29, 2025

Hippies have it good on the Flower Power Cruise as some of the greatest music legends of the late '60s and early '70s bring their groovy vibes to the sea.

Relive the glory days of peace, love and flowers in your hair on board this weeklong sailing.

The 2025 lineup includes The Temptations, The Zombies, Herman's Hermits, The Guess Who, The Association, The Box Tops and others from that era.

Tribute bands will also play all the hits.

For booking information, visit the Flower Power Cruise website .

Related: Music cruises to set sail on the high seas

Film- and TV-themed cruises

Star trek: the cruise viii.

Cruise ship : Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas Date : Feb. 23-March 2, 2025

Sail long and prosper! Take the best of a sci-fi con, extend it for a week and add perfect tropical weather to get Star Trek: The Cruise VIII.

Few franchises have fan bases as devoted as "Star Trek," and all the love for the series floats this cruise. The voyage is an immersive getaway with an impressive roster of cast members and creatives who have been a part of "Star Trek" since its inception.

This year's cruise welcomes fan favorites, including Kate Mulgrew, Jonathan Frakes, Denise Crosby, Tim Russ and Nana Visitor.

Join in the merry mayhem as these sci-fi legends offer dramatic performances, comedy shows, Q&As, screenings, interactive games and other events and activities that will make your days at sea fly by.

The upcoming cruise is selling out quickly with limited availability. Beam on over to the Star Trek: The Cruise VIII website for the latest pricing, availability and waitlists.

Golden Fans at Sea: The Golden Girls

Cruise ship : Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Reflection Dates : Sept. 14-23, 2024, and March 9-15, 2025

Picture it: Sicily, Italy ... 2024. That's right! You'll actually get to see Sophia Petrillo's birthplace. Golden Fans at Sea is changing things up from its recurring Gulf of Mexico cruise with a new itinerary in 2024 that has a port stop in Sicily. If you can't make the 2024 sailing, you can explore the Caribbean with fellow Golden Girls in 2025.

What can be better? You'll cruise with hundreds of cheesecake-loving, caftan-draped Dorothys, Roses, Blanches and Sophias.

This isn't your grandmother's cruise as much as it's a cruise for those who love wise-cracking old broads. The Golden Fans at Sea is the ultimate getaway for the popular TV show's dedicated fan base.

Departing from Barcelona, Golden Fans at Sea — European Adventure 2024 includes stops in Nice, France; Valletta, Malta; and Messina and Naples, Italy. The guest list wasn't released as of this writing. However, previous guests have included Stan Zimmerman, one of the creators and head writers of the series; Melinda McClanahan, Rue McClanahan's sister; and Marsha Posner Williams, a producer of "The Golden Girls," who has many stories to share about her time working on the show.

Golden Fans at Sea 2025 will depart from Fort Lauderdale and will visit Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and the Bahamas.

Pricing information and a booking form for the 2024 and 2025 sailings are on the Golden Fans at Sea website .

Themed cruises for hobbies and special interests

2025 emo's not dead cruise.

Cruise ship : Norwegian Gem Date : Feb. 4-8, 2025

The ideal vacation for pop-punk cruisers, the Emo's Not Dead Cruise will sail from Miami with a stop in the Bahamas.

In its third year, the Emo's Not Dead Cruise isn't just a phase. Passengers can hang with fellow sad, cool kids on the ship and enjoy epic concerts and curated activities. The lineup for the 2025 sailing was not available at the time of writing, but past performers have included Yellowcard, The Devil Wears Prada, Emo Social, Mayday Parade and Senses Fail.

This sailing is currently sold out, but you can sign up for the First Available Cabins waitlist and check for schedule updates on the Emo's Not Dead Cruise website .

Bridge Holidays

Cruise ships : Multiple ships and itineraries Date : Multiple dates in 2024 and 2025

If ever there were a place for bridge lovers to converge, why not on the decks of a cruise ship?

Find your people and then challenge them to a game of bridge as you glide from port to port. The bridge program on board is hosted by experts Roberta Salob and Silvana Morici, with a mix of pair duplicate and Swiss team games.

This is not a full-ship charter, so you'll find your group at the many bridge events planned throughout the cruise.

Here are a few itineraries to consider:

Iceland, United Kingdom and Scotland Bridge Cruise : June 22-July 4, 2024, from Southampton, England, to Reykjavik
Holiday Bridge Cruise 2024 : Dec. 18-28, 2024, round trip from Miami
Iconic Asia Bridge Cruise : Feb. 19-March 1, 2025, from Hong Kong to Tokyo
Indian Ocean Enchantments Bridge Cruise : May 5-21, 2025, from Singapore to Doha, Qatar
Holiday Bridge Cruise 2025 : Dec. 20, 2025-Jan. 3, 2026, round trip from Miami

Find pricing and reserve your cabin on the Bridge Holidays website .

JoCo Cruise

Cruise ship : Holland America Line's Nieuw Amsterdam Date : March 2-9, 2025

A gamer's paradise in paradise, JoCo Cruise began in 2011 when singer-songwriter Jonathan Coulton's songs about geek culture fostered a community of capital "N" Nerds.

Join more than 2,000 gamers on a vacation where nearly every tabletop game invented is available to play. You'll have 24-hour access to a ton of games. Your daily planner will fill up quickly with the cruise's many workshops, craft sessions, panel discussions and themed parties.

One of the most unusual aspects of this themed sailing is the passenger-led "Shadow Cruise," which allows the community to create and promote passenger-led workshops, training and special interest meetups.

You don't need to roll dice or solve a puzzle to book your spot. Just head over to the JoCo Cruise website for pricing and availability.

Cruise & Crop crafting cruises

Cruise ships : Multiple ships and itineraries Dates : Multiple dates available

Dream Vacations hosts the Cruise & Crop crafting cruises, with more than two dozen craft-themed cruises set to sail across various cruise lines and ships in the next few years.

These experiences offer the chance for people from around the world to meet, swap ideas, share art and inspire creativity. Many of the sailings are themed around scrapbooking. However, you'll find many shared artistic interests, including card making, quilting, knitting, jewelry and photography.

Paige Evans Caribbean Cruise & Crop : June 2-9, 2024, round-trip Western Caribbean sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida
Mexican Riviera with Joni : July 12-19, 2024, round trip from Los Angeles
South of Ordinary Crafting Cruise : Feb. 2-9, 2025, round-trip Eastern Caribbean sailing from Port Canaveral
Cropping on the River Nile : Feb. 28-March 9, 2025, round trip from Cairo

Find the complete list of sailings, featured crafts, pricing and reservation details on the Cruise & Crop website .

Sports-themed cruises

Chris jericho's rock 'n' wrestling rager at sea.

Cruise ship : Norwegian Gem Date : Jan. 31-Feb. 4, 2025

Are you ready to rumble?! Rock 'n' roll and wrestling engulf Norwegian Gem for four high-octane days of All Elite Wrestling matches, music concerts and many special events with your host, wrestler and musician Chris Jericho.

The ship's 2025 lineup hasn't been announced beyond special guest of honor Paul Wight and musical groups Fozzy and Kuarantine. However, expect many opportunities to engage with your favorite wrestlers, meet Jericho and attend live podcast recordings.

All the cruise details are on the Rock 'N' Wrestling Rager at Sea website .

Browns Fans Cruise, a Cleveland Browns cruise

Cruise ship : To be announced Date : 2025 dates to be announced

It takes a special sports fanbase to inspire a cruise getaway, but Cleveland Browns fans have found their own.

The crowd at FirstEnergy Stadium takes to the open ocean for the Browns Fans Cruise. Its inaugural sailing took place in 2024 with such success that a 2025 cruise will be announced soon.

At least a dozen Browns legends were on board the 2024 sailing, including Josh Cribbs, Ben Davis, Hanford Dixon, John Hughes, Reggie Langhorne, Kevin Mack, Eric Metcalf, Greg Pruitt, Frank Stams, Phil Taylor, Felix Wright and Dave Zastudil.

Revisit highlights from the team's victories, prove your devotion to the team through trivia and games and get autographs from your favorite players.

Find out details of the 2025 sailing when they're announced on the Browns Fan Cruise website .

Related: Fumble! I accidentally booked an NFL cruise — for a team I don't even like

Azamara's PerryGolf cruises

Cruise ship : Multiple ships and itineraries Dates : Multiple dates

A few select itineraries on Azamara were made with the adventure golfer in mind. The cruise line has partnered with PerryGolf for its specialty golf cruises that visit more than 80 courses worldwide each year.

It's all about the convenience when you cruise on a golf-specific itinerary. PerryGolf handles your golf equipment and sets it up in advance so you can show up and tee off. Your green fees, cart fees and gratuities are covered, along with an on-course lunch and a round of drinks at the clubhouse afterward.

Back on the ship, you can trade tips and find your next golfing group at social gatherings of the golf enthusiasts on the ship.

Here are a few sailings to consider:

Islands of the Med Voyage : May 28-June 9, 2024, from Barcelona to Athens, Greece
Scotland Intensive : June 20-July 1, 2024, from Southampton to Dublin
Arabia Intensive Voyage : Nov. 13-20, 2024, round trip from Dubai
Spain Intensive Voyage : March 22-April 1, 2025, from Lisbon, Portugal, to Barcelona

For more sail dates and pricing visit Azamara's website .

Bottom line

The list of specialty cruises goes far beyond the ones mentioned above.

In addition to one-off sailings hosted by travel agencies and themed-cruise companies, you can find lifestyle-themed cruises offered by charter companies multiple times a year. These include LGBTQ charter cruises ; religious cruises for Jewish , Christian and Mormon travelers; and sex , swingers and nude cruises for adults.

Ultimately, no matter what floats your boat, you can probably find a cruise for it. Even if you're not an avid cruiser, an itinerary themed around your interests is worthwhile for both a fun getaway and a chance to connect with your people.

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The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
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A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
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Top ways cruisers waste money
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The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

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Themed Cruises

Music Themed Cruises - Cruising Earth

Music themed cruises.

Music Themed Cruises are the most popular category of themed cruises. Whether you are an all night partier or just like to get your groove on in the afternoon to some classic hits there is a music themed cruise for you! The benefits of a music themed cruise over a traditional concert is the fact that you have more access and more time with the artists. That, and you'll be surrounded by fellow cruisers with like-minded interests in music at the same time. There will also be other scheduled events onboard, and possibly in port, involving the artist(s) as well. A pub crawl lead be your favorite drummer or band trivia lead by your favorite lead singer - does that interest you? If any of it does then a music themed cruise may be for you!

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Search for a Music Themed Cruises by entering the event name, ship name or embarkation port below.

All Music Themed Cruises

Below is a list of 1 upcoming Music Themed Cruises . The cruises are ordered by embarkation date. To filter this list use the options above.

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Rockin’ the Waves: Catch Tunes on These Music Cruises

On these ships, music is the draw.

a band playing on a cruise ship while people cheer for them

Music-themed cruises have long drawn dance crowds to the seas, and now that the travel industry is back at full force post-pandemic, the ships are rocking again , with popular acts booked and often interacting with passengers too.

“We tear down the walls between artists, celebrities, creators and their passionate communities by fully taking over a ship to provide immersive experiences,” says Taniqua Martin, senior marketing and communications specialist for Sixthman, a company that has staged more than 150 music-themed vacations at resorts and on cruises since 2001.

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Here are some upcoming music cruises that might float your boat:

Rock Legends Cruise XI, Feb. 22–26, 2024

Sammy Hagar & the Circle, ZZ Top’s Billy F Gibbons and Rick Springfield headline the latest version of this “ floating rock festival with a cause ,” which sails from Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas . It’s staged by the Native American Heritage Association.

The ’80s Cruise, Feb. 29-March 7, 2024

Featuring 38 Special, Soft Cell, Debbie Gibson and others, this cruise is hosted by former MTV VJs Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter and Downtown Julie Brown. It travels from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Willemstad, Curaçao, and Oranjestad, Aruba, on Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas .

On the Blue New Horizons, April 5–10, 2024

Another classic rock–leaning voyage , with Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues hosting the Zombies, Alan Parsons, Starship and others. It travels aboard the Norwegian Pearl from Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and Nassau, Bahamas .

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Classic Rock Music Cruises

Music Cruises have become a popular vacation option for classic rock fans with a wide variety of themes and artists to enjoy on the high seas every year. They provide a chance to see your favorite acts up close and rub shoulders with and even meet them while shipboard and interact and party with your fellow fans.

Most all provide affordable all-in packages (except for alcoholic beverages, of course) with a variety of onboard recreational activities, casinos, duty-free shopping and more in addition to concerts, intimate shows, jams and other musical events.

They typically sell-out fast! (Note: We do our best to update the listings; please confirm the details with the individual provider.)

TBD: Beach Boys Cruise

4/5-10: On the Blue Cruise Hosted by Justin Hayward with The Zombies, Al Stewart, Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, Little River Band, Glenn Hughes performing Deep Purple Live, John Ford Coley, Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, Vanilla Fudge, Uriah Heep. Departs Miami, FL.

10/26 – 11/2 Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise #41 with Taj Mahal Quintet, Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Departs Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

10/26 – 11/2 High Seas Rally with Lou Gramm, Kentucky Headhunters, Vixen. Departs Tampa, FL

10/27 – 11/3 Malt Shop Memories with the Rascals, the Beach Boys, Darlene Love, Chubby Checker. Departs Ft. Lauderdale, FL

January 2025

1/5-12 Big Easy Cruise with Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, the Allman Betts Band, Blind Boys of Alabama. Departs Ft. Lauderdale, FL

1/12-19 Sandy Beaches Cruise with Delbert McClinton, Los Lobos, the Mavericks, Jimmie Vaughan. Departs Ft. Lauderdale

1/26-2/2: Concerts at Sea with Chubby Checker, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, Chris Montez. Departs Ft Lauderdale, FL

1/26 – 2/2: Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise #42 Departs Ft. Lauderdale, FL

1/26 – 2/2: Soul Train Cruise with Charlie Wilson, Jeffrey Osborne, Dru Hill, Shalamar, Zapp Band, Brothers Johnson. Departs Ft Lauderdale, FL

2/13-17 Sail Across the Sun #8 with Train, Matt Nathanson, Yacht Rock Revue, Living Colour, KT Tunstall. Departs Miami, FL

2/19-24: Ultimate Disco Cruise with Kool & the Gang, the Spinners, Shalamar, Tavares, Rose Royce, the Brothers Johnson, Lisa Lisa, George McCrae. Departs Miami, FL

Dates TBA: Jam Cruise 21 with TBD

2/13-17: Rock Legends Cruise XII with Burton Cummings, the Zombies, Don Felder, Robin Trower, Gregg Rolie Band, Foghat. Departs Miami, FL

2/22-28: Outlaw Country Cruise 9 with Old Crow Medicine Show, John Hiatt, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore with the Guilty Ones, Asleep at the Wheel, Carlene Carter. Departs Miami, FL

2/28 -3/7 Cayamo with Emmlou Harris, Little Feat, Nickel Creek, Lucius, Ani DiFranco Departs Miami

3/2-9: The 80s Cruise with Squeeze, Adam Ant, Christopher Cross, Sheila E, Men at Work, Andy Bell of Erasure, Quiet Riot, Kurtis Blow, the Alarm. Hosted by MTV VJs Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter and Downtown Julie Brown. Departs Miami, FL

Dates TBA: Monsters of Rock TBA

Dates TBA: Cruise To The Edge

3/15-22 ’70s Rock & Romance Cruise with Air Supply, Kansas, John Lodge, The Orchestra starring former members of ELO, Mark Farner’s American Band, Melissa Manchester, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Al Stewart, Pure Prairie League, Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room, Rare Earth, The Ides of March featuring Jim Peterik. Departs Ft Lauderdale, FL

3/21-26 Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea IX with Joe Bonamassa, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Larkin Poe, Samantha Fish, Eric Gales. Departs Miami, FL

3/22-29: Flower Power Cruise with The Zombies, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, The Cowsills, The Association, Mark Lindsay, Rare Earth, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, Pete Best. Host Peter Asher. Departs, Miami, FL

TBD: Kiss Kruise XII with TBA

3/22-29 Flower Power Cruise with The Zombies, Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone, The Association, Mark Lindsay, The Cowsills, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, Pete Best, Peter Asher. Departs Ft Lauderdale, FL

4/5-10: On the Blue Cruise Hosted by Justin Hayward with The Zombies, Alan Parsons, Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, Little River Band, Al Stewart, Uriah Heep, Vanilla Fudge, Colin Blunstone, Glenn Hughes performing Deep Purple Live, Rare Earth, John Ford Coley, Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring Matthew and Gunnar Nelson

3 Comments so far

Click the name of the cruise and it’ll take you to the individual websites.

You should do it. Cruise ships easily accommodate handicap folks — piece of cake. Do it while you can. We did our first theme cruise— rock and romance. It was fabulous! I , too, am disabled vet by I get around pretty good.

I did On the Blue cruise in 2019. No regrets, just many great memories. Highly recommend going if you can.

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Music Cruises | Music-theme Cruise Holidays

From bach to bowie, jazz to jackson, or ella to elvis - there's a music cruise to suit all tastes..

Music-themed cruises have taken centre stage in recent years.

The rhythm of the sea makes for the perfect accompaniment to live performances, while grandioso vessels boast luxurious symphonies of fine dining and themed evenings. Of course, a music cruise isn’t for everyone. Some think there’s too much sax and violins . C, E-flat and G often note that they cannot be served at the bar - because they’re minors . Right, now that the music puns are out of the way…

Music fans of all genres have discovered that music cruises offer the best venue for getting close to their favourite bands and musicians. The intimate setting of a cruise ship also allows audible aficionados to meet like-minded shipmates with a shared musical passion.

Unlike most festivals and concerts, a music cruise allows the opportunity to chat with singers and songwriters over breakfast or drinks, and gain a window into backstage activity through Q&A sessions. No need to huddle around the grubby exit of a divebar! Some cruises even offer yoga classes, pub crawls, and quiz nights - led by rockstars and pop icons. Regardless of whether you’ve gone Chopin and will be Bach in a minuet, you’ll find some amazing music cruise deals on this page.

Why book a music cruise?

Regardless of whether you're a two-steppin' fan of Country & Western music, a keen Classical enthusiast, or you swoon over the heartthrobs of yesteryear - there's a musical cruise for all tastes! Music-themed cruises usually include an array of concerts, dance sessions, autograph opportunities, and the chance to speak one-to-one with your favourite musicians. These cruises also incorporate huge dollops of nostalgia, and no matter the decade you reminisce over, you will always find a voyage that suits your taste. Don't forget to pack your flares and perm your hair (wigs are available for the follically challenged), for there's a world of Elvis impersonators, disco balls, and love beads to explore. Prefer smooth jazz, hard rock, or crisp baroque? Check out our inventory. You won't be disappointed!

Music on the deck on Saga Pearl II – Lesley Bellew

Book a great music cruise!

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9 Smooth Sailing Music Cruises

Imagine this: You're at a concert featuring one of your favorite artists and you're on a ship. Not only are you sailing the deep blue seas, you're rocking out with band members offstage, meeting fellow fans and possibly sharing a fruity beverage or two. No, this isn't a dream, it's a real-life music cruise — a VIP experience that makes for a one-of-a-kind musical vacation.

The Recording Academy partnered with marketing and travel company Sixthman to produce the first GRAMMY Music Festival at Sea, which set sail on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Pearl from Nov. 4–8, traveling from Miami to Grand Bahama Island and Nassau, Bahamas. The inaugural cruise, dubbed GRAMMY Festival at Sea: Women Who Rock, featured performances by GRAMMY winners Shawn Colvin, Estelle, Emmylou Harris, and Indigo Girls, and GRAMMY nominees Heart, among others.

To get a taste of the fun you missed, check out our GRAMMY Festival at Sea photo gallery .

Until the next GRAMMY Festival at Sea sets sail, below is a list of nine upcoming music cruises you might want to consider for your next music-themed getaway.

Holy Ship! Dates : Jan. 3–6, 2015; Feb. 18–21, 2015 Voyage : Miami to Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; Miami to Nassau and Coco Cay, Bahamas Lineup : The January cruise will feature A-Trak, Boys Noize, Knife Party, and Pretty Lights, among others. The February installment will feature Basement Jaxx, Skrillex, Ty Dolla $ign, DJ Mustard, and DJ Snake, among others The Scene : Set aboard the MSC Divina (which was inspired by Italian actress Sophia Loren), the sold-out Holy Ship! excursions will deliver around-the-clock performances, as well as a variety of activities and special themed parties. Previous activities have included autograph signing sessions, poker tournaments and yoga sessions. Connect : @holy_ship

The Smooth Jazz Cruise Dates : Jan. 11–18, 2015; March 1–8, 2015 Voyage : Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Nassau and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; and St. Thomas and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands Lineup : Gerald Albright, Natalie Cole, Boney James, David Sanborn, and Kirk Whalum, among others The Scene : Aside from eight straight days of music aboard the luxurious MS Eurodam, passengers are also treated to artist-hosted excursions, including a champagne sunset sail with Whalum, an island drive with Brian Culbertson and horseback riding with Brian Simpson. Connect : @JazzCruisin

Cayamo, A Journey Through Song Dates : Jan. 17–24, 2015 Voyage : Miami to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and St. Barthélemy, France Lineup : Brandi Carlile, Shawn Colvin, Lyle Lovett, Buddy Miller, Kacey Musgraves, and Lucinda Williams, among others The Scene : The eighth installment of Cayamo will feature seven sun-drenched days of performances from an esteemed group of singer/songwriters. Unique onboard activities include Brandioke, during which 10 selected guests will have the opportunity to perform a song with Carlile, open mic contests, immersive workshops, and a Tai Chi class with Jim Lauderdale. Connect : @cayamo

The Country Music Cruise Dates : Jan. 18–25, 2015 Voyage : Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Nassau, Bahamas; St. Thomas and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas Lineup : Asleep At The Wheel, Martina McBride, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Charley Pride, among others The Scene : Grab your boots, hit the deck and mingle with performers during artist-led events and themed activities such as a Boots, Buckles and Boot-Scootin' Ball; Red, White and Blue Barbeque; Hat Night, and more. The Grand Ole Opry will also host a number of events, including Backstage At The Opry, an hour-long look at the history of the Nashville, Tenn., landmark.

Shiprocked Dates: Feb. 2–6, 2015 Voyage : Miami to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas Lineup : Black Label Society, Buckcherry, Limp Bizkit, P.O.D., Sevendust, and Andrew W.K., among others The Scene : When guest aren't rocking out in front of one of the cruise's six stages, they can keep rocking with artist meet-and-greets, a door decoration contest, question-and-answer sessions, trivia challenges, game shows, parties, contests, and more. Connect : @shiprocked

Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea Dates : Feb. 17–21, 2015 Voyage : Miami to Key West, Fla., and Nassau, Bahamas Lineup : Joe Bonamassa, Robben Ford, John Hiatt, and Robert Randolph & The Family Band, among others The Scene : Blues aficionados aboard this cruise — presented in part by Bonamassa and his Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation — will enjoy four days of performances and special themed nights, from Mardi Gras to Woodstock. Connect : @BluesAliveAtSea

Soul Train Cruise Dates : Feb. 22–March 1, 2015 Voyage : Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas Lineup : James Ingram, KC & The Sunshine Band, Gladys Knight, and the Stylistics, among others The Scene : On the Soul Train Cruise, guests are treated to lots of love, peace and soul. And there's plenty to go around. Onboard activities include dance lessons from original "Soul Train" dancers, celebrity-hosted events such as excursions and cooking classes, Club Soul Train, and the opportunity for slow jams lovers to renew their vows at sea. Connect : @SoulTrainAtSea

Kid Rock's Chillin' The Most Cruise Dates : March 2–6, 2015 Voyage : Miami to Cozumel, Mexico Lineup : Kid Rock, among others The Scene : This cruise is already sold out and Kid Rock hasn't even announced the full lineup yet. (You can sign up for the waiting list .) Instead he's taking festivalgoers on a "blind date" and will announce guest performers once the ship sets sail. Fans will also be treated to a question-and-answer session with the cowboy, and we're sure plenty of other surprises are in store. Connect : @kidrockcruise

Symphony On The Blue Danube: A Classical Music Cruise Dates : Sep 30–Oct 14, 2015 Voyage : Budapest, Hungary to Kraków, Poland Lineup : Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin (well, not exactly …) The Scene : Classical music fans can experience some of Europe's most famous cultural landmarks that are tied to classical greats Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin. Hosted by music expert Maxine Ramey, passengers will travel to six countries and eight world heritage sites and will likely return classical music experts themselves.

Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

GRAMMY Rewind: Kendrick Lamar Honors Hip-Hop's Greats While Accepting Best Rap Album GRAMMY For 'To Pimp a Butterfly' In 2016

Upon winning the GRAMMY for Best Rap Album for 'To Pimp a Butterfly,' Kendrick Lamar thanked those that helped him get to the stage, and the artists that blazed the trail for him.

Updated Friday Oct. 13, 2023 to include info about Kendrick Lamar's most recent GRAMMY wins, as of the 2023 GRAMMYs.

A GRAMMY veteran these days, Kendrick Lamar has won 17 GRAMMYs and has received 47 GRAMMY nominations overall. A sizable chunk of his trophies came from the 58th annual GRAMMY Awards in 2016, when he walked away with five — including his first-ever win in the Best Rap Album category.

This installment of GRAMMY Rewind turns back the clock to 2016, revisiting Lamar's acceptance speech upon winning Best Rap Album for To Pimp A Butterfly . Though Lamar was alone on stage, he made it clear that he wouldn't be at the top of his game without the help of a broad support system.

"First off, all glory to God, that's for sure," he said, kicking off a speech that went on to thank his parents, who he described as his "those who gave me the responsibility of knowing, of accepting the good with the bad."

Looking for more GRAMMYs news? The 2024 GRAMMY nominations are here!

He also extended his love and gratitude to his fiancée, Whitney Alford, and shouted out his Top Dawg Entertainment labelmates. Lamar specifically praised Top Dawg's CEO, Anthony Tiffith, for finding and developing raw talent that might not otherwise get the chance to pursue their musical dreams.

"We'd never forget that: Taking these kids out of the projects, out of Compton, and putting them right here on this stage, to be the best that they can be," Lamar — a Compton native himself — continued, leading into an impassioned conclusion spotlighting some of the cornerstone rap albums that came before To Pimp a Butterfly .

"Hip-hop. Ice Cube . This is for hip-hop," he said. "This is for Snoop Dogg , Doggystyle . This is for Illmatic , this is for Nas . We will live forever. Believe that."

To Pimp a Butterfly singles "Alright" and "These Walls" earned Lamar three more GRAMMYs that night, the former winning Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song and the latter taking Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (the song features Bilal , Anna Wise and Thundercat ). He also won Best Music Video for the remix of Taylor Swift 's "Bad Blood."

Lamar has since won Best Rap Album two more times, taking home the golden gramophone in 2018 for his blockbuster LP DAMN ., and in 2023 for his bold fifth album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers .

Watch Lamar's full acceptance speech above, and check back at GRAMMY.com every Friday for more GRAMMY Rewind episodes.

10 Essential Facts To Know About GRAMMY-Winning Rapper J. Cole

Photo: Rachel Kupfer

A Guide To Modern Funk For The Dance Floor: L'Imperatrice, Shiro Schwarz, Franc Moody, Say She She & Moniquea

James Brown changed the sound of popular music when he found the power of the one and unleashed the funk with "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag." Today, funk lives on in many forms, including these exciting bands from across the world.

It's rare that a genre can be traced back to a single artist or group, but for funk, that was James Brown . The Godfather of Soul coined the phrase and style of playing known as "on the one," where the first downbeat is emphasized, instead of the typical second and fourth beats in pop, soul and other styles. As David Cheal eloquently explains, playing on the one "left space for phrases and riffs, often syncopated around the beat, creating an intricate, interlocking grid which could go on and on." You know a funky bassline when you hear it; its fat chords beg your body to get up and groove.

Brown's 1965 classic, "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," became one of the first funk hits, and has been endlessly sampled and covered over the years, along with his other groovy tracks. Of course, many other funk acts followed in the '60s, and the genre thrived in the '70s and '80s as the disco craze came and went, and the originators of hip-hop and house music created new music from funk and disco's strong, flexible bones built for dancing.

Legendary funk bassist Bootsy Collins learned the power of the one from playing in Brown's band, and brought it to George Clinton , who created P-funk, an expansive, Afrofuturistic , psychedelic exploration of funk with his various bands and projects, including Parliament-Funkadelic . Both Collins and Clinton remain active and funkin', and have offered their timeless grooves to collabs with younger artists, including Kali Uchis , Silk Sonic , and Omar Apollo; and Kendrick Lamar , Flying Lotus , and Thundercat , respectively.

In the 1980s, electro-funk was born when artists like Afrika Bambaataa, Man Parrish, and Egyptian Lover began making futuristic beats with the Roland TR-808 drum machine — often with robotic vocals distorted through a talk box. A key distinguishing factor of electro-funk is a de-emphasis on vocals, with more phrases than choruses and verses. The sound influenced contemporaneous hip-hop, funk and electronica, along with acts around the globe, while current acts like Chromeo, DJ Stingray, and even Egyptian Lover himself keep electro-funk alive and well.

Today, funk lives in many places, with its heavy bass and syncopated grooves finding way into many nooks and crannies of music. There's nu-disco and boogie funk, nodding back to disco bands with soaring vocals and dance floor-designed instrumentation. G-funk continues to influence Los Angeles hip-hop, with innovative artists like Dam-Funk and Channel Tres bringing the funk and G-funk, into electro territory. Funk and disco-centered '70s revival is definitely having a moment, with acts like Ghost Funk Orchestra and Parcels , while its sparkly sprinklings can be heard in pop from Dua Lipa , Doja Cat , and, in full "Soul Train" character, Silk Sonic . There are also acts making dreamy, atmospheric music with a solid dose of funk, such as Khruangbin ’s global sonic collage.

There are many bands that play heavily with funk, creating lush grooves designed to get you moving. Read on for a taste of five current modern funk and nu-disco artists making band-led uptempo funk built for the dance floor. Be sure to press play on the Spotify playlist above, and check out GRAMMY.com's playlist on Apple Music , Amazon Music and Pandora .

Say She She

Aptly self-described as "discodelic soul," Brooklyn-based seven-piece Say She She make dreamy, operatic funk, led by singer-songwriters Nya Gazelle Brown, Piya Malik and Sabrina Mileo Cunningham. Their '70s girl group-inspired vocal harmonies echo, sooth and enchant as they cover poignant topics with feminist flair.

While they’ve been active in the New York scene for a few years, they’ve gained wider acclaim for the irresistible music they began releasing this year, including their debut album, Prism . Their 2022 debut single "Forget Me Not" is an ode to ground-breaking New York art collective Guerilla Girls, and " Norma " is their protest anthem in response to the news that Roe vs. Wade could be (and was) overturned. The band name is a nod to funk legend Nile Rodgers , from the "Le freak, c'est chi" exclamation in Chic's legendary tune "Le Freak."

Moniquea 's unique voice oozes confidence, yet invites you in to dance with her to the super funky boogie rhythms. The Pasadena, California artist was raised on funk music; her mom was in a cover band that would play classics like Aretha Franklin’ s "Get It Right" and Gladys Knight ’s "Love Overboard." Moniquea released her first boogie funk track at 20 and, in 2011, met local producer XL Middelton — a bonafide purveyor of funk. She's been a star artist on his MoFunk Records ever since, and they've collabed on countless tracks, channeling West Coast energy with a heavy dose of G-funk, sunny lyrics and upbeat, roller disco-ready rhythms.

Her latest release is an upbeat nod to classic West Coast funk, produced by Middleton, and follows her February 2022 groovy, collab-filled album, On Repeat .

Shiro Schwarz

Shiro Schwarz is a Mexico City-based duo, consisting of Pammela Rojas and Rafael Marfil, who helped establish a modern funk scene in the richly creative Mexican metropolis. On "Electrify" — originally released in 2016 on Fat Beats Records and reissued in 2021 by MoFunk — Shiro Schwarz's vocals playfully contrast each other, floating over an insistent, upbeat bassline and an '80s throwback electro-funk rhythm with synth flourishes.

Their music manages to be both nostalgic and futuristic — and impossible to sit still to. 2021 single "Be Kind" is sweet, mellow and groovy, perfect chic lounge funk. Shiro Schwarz’s latest track, the joyfully nostalgic "Hey DJ," is a collab with funkstress Saucy Lady and U-Key.

L'Impératrice

L'Impératrice (the empress in French) are a six-piece Parisian group serving an infectiously joyful blend of French pop, nu-disco, funk and psychedelia. Flore Benguigui's vocals are light and dreamy, yet commanding of your attention, while lyrics have a feminist touch.

During their energetic live sets, L'Impératrice members Charles de Boisseguin and Hagni Gwon (keys), David Gaugué (bass), Achille Trocellier (guitar), and Tom Daveau (drums) deliver extended instrumental jam sessions to expand and connect their music. Gaugué emphasizes the thick funky bass, and Benguigui jumps around the stage while sounding like an angel. L’Impératrice’s latest album, 2021’s Tako Tsubo , is a sunny, playful French disco journey.

Franc Moody

Franc Moody 's bio fittingly describes their music as "a soul funk and cosmic disco sound." The London outfit was birthed by friends Ned Franc and Jon Moody in the early 2010s, when they were living together and throwing parties in North London's warehouse scene. In 2017, the group grew to six members, including singer and multi-instrumentalist Amber-Simone.

Their music feels at home with other electro-pop bands like fellow Londoners Jungle and Aussie act Parcels. While much of it is upbeat and euphoric, Franc Moody also dips into the more chilled, dreamy realm, such as the vibey, sultry title track from their recently released Into the Ether .

The Rise Of Underground House: How Artists Like Fisher & Acraze Have Taken Tech House, Other Electronic Genres From Indie To EDC

Photo: Steven Sebring

Living Legends: Billy Idol On Survival, Revival & Breaking Out Of The Cage

"One foot in the past and one foot into the future," Billy Idol says, describing his decade-spanning career in rock. "We’ve got the best of all possible worlds because that has been the modus operandi of Billy Idol."

Living Legends is a series that spotlights icons in music still going strong today. This week, GRAMMY.com spoke with Billy Idol about his latest EP, Cage , and continuing to rock through decades of changing tastes.

Billy Idol is a true rock 'n' roll survivor who has persevered through cultural shifts and personal struggles. While some may think of Idol solely for "Rebel Yell" and "White Wedding," the singer's musical influences span genres and many of his tunes are less turbo-charged than his '80s hits would belie.

Idol first made a splash in the latter half of the '70s with the British punk band Generation X. In the '80s, he went on to a solo career combining rock, pop, and punk into a distinct sound that transformed him and his musical partner, guitarist Steve Stevens, into icons. They have racked up multiple GRAMMY nominations, in addition to one gold, one double platinum, and four platinum albums thanks to hits like "Cradle Of Love," "Flesh For Fantasy," and "Eyes Without A Face."

But, unlike many legacy artists, Idol is anything but a relic. Billy continues to produce vital Idol music by collaborating with producers and songwriters — including Miley Cyrus — who share his forward-thinking vision. He will play a five-show Vegas residency in November, and filmmaker Jonas Akerlund is working on a documentary about Idol’s life.

His latest release is Cage , the second in a trilogy of annual four-song EPs. The title track is a classic Billy Idol banger expressing the desire to free himself from personal constraints and live a better life. Other tracks on Cage incorporate metallic riffing and funky R&B grooves.

Idol continues to reckon with his demons — they both grappled with addiction during the '80s — and the singer is open about those struggles on the record and the page. (Idol's 2014 memoir Dancing With Myself , details a 1990 motorcycle accident that nearly claimed a leg, and how becoming a father steered him to reject hard drugs. "Bitter Taste," from his last EP, The Roadside , reflects on surviving the accident.)

Although Idol and Stevens split in the late '80s — the skilled guitarist fronted Steve Stevens & The Atomic Playboys, and collaborated with Michael Jackson, Rick Ocasek, Vince Neil, and Harold Faltermeyer (on the GRAMMY-winning "Top Gun Anthem") — their common history and shared musical bond has been undeniable. The duo reunited in 2001 for an episode of " VH1 Storytellers " and have been back in the saddle for two decades. Their union remains one of the strongest collaborations in rock 'n roll history.

While there is recognizable personnel and a distinguishable sound throughout a lot of his work, Billy Idol has always pushed himself to try different things. Idol discusses his musical journey, his desire to constantly move forward, and the strong connection that he shares with Stevens.

Steve has said that you like to mix up a variety of styles, yet everyone assumes you're the "Rebel Yell"/"White Wedding" guy. But if they really listen to your catalog, it's vastly different.

Yeah, that's right. With someone like Steve Stevens, and then back in the day Keith Forsey producing... [Before that] Generation X actually did move around inside punk rock. We didn't stay doing just the Ramones two-minute music. We actually did a seven-minute song. [ Laughs ]. We did always mix things up.

Then when I got into my solo career, that was the fun of it. With someone like Steve, I knew what he could do. I could see whatever we needed to do, we could nail it. The world was my oyster musically.

"Cage" is a classic-sounding Billy Idol rocker, then "Running From The Ghost" is almost metal, like what the Devil's Playground album was like back in the mid-2000s. "Miss Nobody" comes out of nowhere with this pop/R&B flavor. What inspired that?

We really hadn't done anything like that since something like "Flesh For Fantasy" [which] had a bit of an R&B thing about it. Back in the early days of Billy Idol, "Hot In The City" and "Mony Mony" had girls [singing] on the backgrounds.

We always had a bit of R&B really, so it was actually fun to revisit that. We just hadn't done anything really quite like that for a long time. That was one of the reasons to work with someone like Sam Hollander [for the song "Rita Hayworth"] on The Roadside . We knew we could go [with him] into an R&B world, and he's a great songwriter and producer. That's the fun of music really, trying out these things and seeing if you can make them stick.

I listen to new music by veteran artists and debate that with some people. I'm sure you have those fans that want their nostalgia, and then there are some people who will embrace the newer stuff. Do you find it’s a challenge to reach people with new songs?

Obviously, what we're looking for is, how do we somehow have one foot in the past and one foot into the future? We’ve got the best of all possible worlds because that has been the modus operandi of Billy Idol.

You want to do things that are true to you, and you don't just want to try and do things that you're seeing there in the charts today. I think that we're achieving it with things like "Running From The Ghost" and "Cage" on this new EP. I think we’re managing to do both in a way.

** Obviously, "Running From The Ghost" is about addiction, all the stuff that you went through, and in "Cage" you’re talking about freeing yourself from a lot of personal shackles. Was there any one moment in your life that made you really thought I have to not let this weigh me down anymore ? **

I mean, things like the motorcycle accident I had, that was a bit of a wake up call way back. It was 32 years ago. But there were things like that, years ago, that gradually made me think about what I was doing with my life. I didn't want to ruin it, really. I didn't want to throw it away, and it made [me] be less cavalier.

I had to say to myself, about the drugs and stuff, that I've been there and I've done it. There’s no point in carrying on doing it. You couldn't get any higher. You didn't want to throw your life away casually, and I was close to doing that. It took me a bit of time, but then gradually I was able to get control of myself to a certain extent [with] drugs and everything. And I think Steve's done the same thing. We're on a similar path really, which has been great because we're in the same boat in terms of lyrics and stuff.

So a lot of things like that were wake up calls. Even having grandchildren and just watching my daughter enlarging her family and everything; it just makes you really positive about things and want to show a positive side to how you're feeling, about where you're going. We've lived with the demons so long, we've found a way to live with them. We found a way to be at peace with our demons, in a way. Maybe not completely, but certainly to where we’re enjoying what we do and excited about it.

[When writing] "Running From The Ghost" it was easy to go, what was the ghost for us? At one point, we were very drug addicted in the '80s. And Steve in particular is super sober [now]. I mean, I still vape pot and stuff. I don’t know how he’s doing it, but it’s incredible. All I want to be able to do is have a couple of glasses of wine at a restaurant or something. I can do that now.

I think working with people that are super talented, you just feel confident. That is a big reason why you open up and express yourself more because you feel comfortable with what's around you.

Did you watch Danny Boyle's recent Sex Pistols mini-series?

I did, yes.

You had a couple of cameos; well, an actor who portrayed you did. How did you react to it? How accurate do you think it was in portraying that particular time period?

I love Jonesy’s book, I thought his book was incredible. It's probably one of the best bio books really. It was incredible and so open. I was looking forward to that a lot.

It was as if [the show] kind of stayed with Steve [Jones’ memoir] about halfway through, and then departed from it. [John] Lydon, for instance, was never someone I ever saw acting out; he's more like that today. I never saw him do something like jump up in the room and run around going crazy. The only time I saw him ever do that was when they signed the recording deal with Virgin in front of Buckingham Palace. Whereas Sid Vicious was always acting out; he was always doing something in a horrible way or shouting at someone. I don't remember John being like that. I remember him being much more introverted.

But then I watched interviews with some of the actors about coming to grips with the parts they were playing. And they were saying, we knew punk rock happened but just didn't know any of the details. So I thought well, there you go . If ["Pistol" is] informing a lot of people who wouldn't know anything about punk rock, maybe that's what's good about it.

Maybe down the road John Lydon will get the chance to do John's version of the Pistols story. Maybe someone will go a lot deeper into it and it won't be so surface. But maybe you needed this just to get people back in the flow.

We had punk and metal over here in the States, but it feels like England it was legitimately more dangerous. British society was much more rigid.

It never went [as] mega in America. It went big in England. It exploded when the Pistols did that interview with [TV host Bill] Grundy, that lorry truck driver put his boot through his own TV, and all the national papers had "the filth and the fury" [headlines].

We went from being unknown to being known overnight. We waited a year, Generation X. We even told them [record labels] no for nine months to a year. Every record company wanted their own punk rock group. So it went really mega in England, and it affected the whole country – the style, the fashions, everything. I mean, the Ramones were massive in England. Devo had a No. 1 song [in England] with "Satisfaction" in '77. Actually, Devo was as big as or bigger than the Pistols.

You were ahead of the pop-punk thing that happened in the late '90s, and a lot of it became tongue-in-cheek by then. It didn't have the same sense of rebelliousness as the original movement. It was more pop.

It had become a style. There was a famous book in England called Revolt Into Style — and that's what had happened, a revolt that turned into style which then they were able to duplicate in their own way. Even recently, Billie Joe [Armstrong] did his own version of "Gimme Some Truth," the Lennon song we covered way back in 1977.

When we initially were making [punk] music, it hadn't become accepted yet. It was still dangerous and turned into a style that people were used to. We were still breaking barriers.

You have a band called Generation Sex with Steve Jones and Paul Cook. I assume you all have an easier time playing Pistols and Gen X songs together now and not worrying about getting spit on like back in the '70s?

Yeah, definitely. When I got to America I told the group I was putting it together, "No one spits at the audience."

We had five years of being spat on [in the UK], and it was revolting. And they spat at you if they liked you. If they didn't like it they smashed your gear up. One night, I remember I saw blood on my T-shirt, and I think Joe Strummer got meningitis when spit went in his mouth.

You had to go through a lot to become successful, it wasn't like you just kind of got up there and did a couple of gigs. I don't think some young rock bands really get that today.

With punk going so mega in England, we definitely got a leg up. We still had a lot of work to get where we got to, and rightly so because you find out that you need to do that. A lot of groups in the old days would be together three to five years before they ever made a record, and that time is really important. In a way, what was great about punk rock for me was it was very much a learning period. I really learned a lot [about] recording music and being in a group and even writing songs.

Then when I came to America, it was a flow, really. I also really started to know what I wanted Billy Idol to be. It took me a little bit, but I kind of knew what I wanted Billy Idol to be. And even that took a while to let it marinate.

You and Miley Cyrus have developed a good working relationship in the last several years. How do you think her fans have responded to you, and your fans have responded to her?

I think they're into it. It's more the record company that she had didn't really get "Night Crawling"— it was one of the best songs on Plastic Hearts , and I don't think they understood that. They wanted to go with Dua Lipa, they wanted to go with the modern, young acts, and I don't think they realized that that song was resonating with her fans. Which is a shame really because, with Andrew Watt producing, it's a hit song.

But at the same time, I enjoyed doing it. It came out really good and it's very Billy Idol. In fact, I think it’s more Billy Idol than Miley Cyrus. I think it shows you where Andrew Watt was. He was excited about doing a Billy Idol track. She's fun to work with. She’s a really great person and she works at her singing — I watched her rehearsing for the Super Bowl performance she gave. She rehearsed all Saturday morning, all Saturday afternoon, and Sunday morning and it was that afternoon. I have to admire her fortitude. She really cares.

I remember when you went on " Viva La Bam " back in 2005 and decided to give Bam Margera’s Lamborghini a new sunroof by taking a power saw to it. Did he own that car? Was that a rental?

I think it was his car.

Did he get over it later on?

He loved it. [ Laughs ] He’s got a wacky sense of humor. He’s fantastic, actually. I’m really sorry to see what he's been going through just lately. He's going through a lot, and I wish him the best. He's a fantastic person, and it's a shame that he's struggling so much with his addictions. I know what it's like. It's not easy.

Musically, what is the synergy like with you guys during the past 10 years, doing Kings and Queens of the Underground and this new stuff? What is your working relationship like now in this more sober, older, mature version of you two as opposed to what it was like back in the '80s?

In lots of ways it’s not so different because we always wrote the songs together, we always talked about what we're going to do together. It was just that we were getting high at the same time.We're just not getting [that way now] but we're doing all the same things.

We're still talking about things, still [planning] things:What are we going to do next? How are we going to find new people to work with? We want to find new producers. Let's be a little bit more timely about putting stuff out.That part of our relationship is the same, you know what I mean? That never got affected. We just happened to be overloading in the '80s.

The relationship’s… matured and it's carrying on being fruitful, and I think that's pretty amazing. Really, most people don't get to this place. Usually, they hate each other by now. [ Laughs ] We also give each other space. We're not stopping each other doing things outside of what we’re working on together. All of that enables us to carry on working together. I love and admire him. I respect him. He's been fantastic. I mean, just standing there on stage with him is always a treat. And he’s got an immensely great sense of humor. I think that's another reason why we can hang together after all this time because we've got the sense of humor to enable us to go forward.

There's a lot of fan reaction videos online, and I noticed a lot of younger women like "Rebel Yell" because, unlike a lot of other '80s alpha male rock tunes, you're talking about satisfying your lover.

It was about my girlfriend at the time, Perri Lister. It was about how great I thought she was, how much I was in love with her, and how great women are, how powerful they are.

It was a bit of a feminist anthem in a weird way. It was all about how relationships can free you and add a lot to your life. It was a cry of love, nothing to do with the Civil War or anything like that. Perri was a big part of my life, a big part of being Billy Idol. I wanted to write about it. I'm glad that's the effect.

Is there something you hope people get out of the songs you've been doing over the last 10 years? Do you find yourself putting out a message that keeps repeating?

Well, I suppose, if anything, is that you can come to terms with your life, you can keep a hold of it. You can work your dreams into reality in a way and, look, a million years later, still be enjoying it.

The only reason I'm singing about getting out of the cage is because I kicked out of the cage years ago. I joined Generation X when I said to my parents, "I'm leaving university, and I'm joining a punk rock group." And they didn't even know what a punk rock group was. Years ago, I’d write things for myself that put me on this path, so that maybe in 2022 I could sing something like "Cage" and be owning this territory and really having a good time. This is the life I wanted.

The original UK punk movement challenged societal norms. Despite all the craziness going on throughout the world, it seems like a lot of modern rock bands are afraid to do what you guys were doing. Do you think we'll see a shift in that?

Yeah. Art usually reacts to things, so I would think eventually there will be a massive reaction to the pop music that’s taken over — the middle of the road music, and then this kind of right wing politics. There will be a massive reaction if there's not already one. I don’t know where it will come from exactly. You never know who's gonna do [it].

Living Legends: Nancy Sinatra Reflects On Creating "Power And Magic" In Studio, Developing A Legacy Beyond "Boots" & The Pop Stars She Wants To Work With

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Graphic: The Recording Academy

Hear All Of The Best Country Solo Performance Nominees For The 2023 GRAMMY Awards

The 2023 GRAMMY Award nominees for Best Country Solo Performance highlight country music's newcomers and veterans, featuring hits from Kelsea Ballerini, Zach Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris and Willie Nelson.

Country music's evolution is well represented in the 2023 GRAMMY nominees for Best Country Solo Performance. From crossover pop hooks to red-dirt outlaw roots, the genre's most celebrated elements are on full display — thanks to rising stars, leading ladies and country icons.

Longtime hitmaker Miranda Lambert delivered a soulful performance on the rootsy ballad "In His Arms," an arrangement as sparing as the windswept west Texas highlands where she co-wrote the song. Viral newcomer Zach Bryan dug into similar organic territory on the Oklahoma side of the Red River for "Something in the Orange," his voice accompanied with little more than an acoustic guitar.

Two of country's 2010s breakout stars are clearly still shining, too, as Maren Morris and Kelsea Ballerini both received Best Country Solo Performance GRAMMY nods. Morris channeled the determination that drove her leap-of-faith move from Texas to Nashville for the playful clap-along "Circles Around This Town," while Ballerini brought poppy hooks with a country edge on the infectiously upbeat "HEARTFIRST."

Rounding out the category is the one and only Willie Nelson, who paid tribute to his late friend Billy Joe Shaver with a cover of "Live Forever" — a fitting sentiment for the 89-year-old legend, who is approaching his eighth decade in the business.

As the excitement builds for the 2023 GRAMMYs on Feb. 5, 2023, let's take a closer look at this year's nominees for Best Country Solo Performance.

Kelsea Ballerini — "HEARTFIRST"

In the tradition of Shania Twain , Faith Hill and Carrie Underwood , Kelsea Ballerini represents Nashville's sunnier side — and her single "HEARTFIRST" is a slice of bright, uptempo, confectionary country-pop for the ages.

Ballerini sings about leaning into a carefree crush with her heart on her sleeve, pushing aside her reservations and taking a risk on love at first sight. The scene plays out in a bar room and a back seat, as she sweeps nimbly through the verses and into a shimmering chorus, when the narrator decides she's ready to "wake up in your T-shirt."

There are enough steel guitar licks to let you know you're listening to a country song, but the story and melody are universal. "HEARTFIRST" is Ballerini's third GRAMMY nod, but first in the Best Country Solo Performance category.

Zach Bryan — "Something In The Orange"

Zach Bryan blew into Music City seemingly from nowhere in 2017, when his original song "Heading South" — recorded on an iPhone — went viral. Then an active officer in the U.S. Navy, the Oklahoma native chased his muse through music during his downtime, striking a chord with country music fans on stark songs led by his acoustic guitar and affecting vocals.

After his honorable discharge in 2021, Bryan began his music career in earnest, and in 2022 released "Something in the Orange," a haunting ballad that stakes a convincing claim to the territory between Tyler Childers and Jason Isbell in both sonics and songwriting. Slashing slide guitar drives home the song's heartbreak, as Bryan pines for a lover whose tail lights have long since vanished over the horizon.

"Something In The Orange" marks Bryan's first-ever GRAMMY nomination.

Miranda Lambert — "In His Arms"

Miranda Lambert is the rare, chart-topping contemporary country artist who does more than pay lip service to the genre's rural American roots. "In His Arms" originally surfaced on 2021's The Marfa Tapes , a casual recording Lambert made with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall in Marfa, Texas — a tiny arts enclave in the middle of the west Texas high desert.

In this proper studio version — recorded for her 2022 album, Palomino — Lambert retains the structure and organic feel of the mostly acoustic song; light percussion and soothing atmospherics keep her emotive vocals front and center. A native Texan herself, Lambert sounds fully at home on "In His Arms."

Lambert is the only Best Country Solo Performance nominee who is nominated in all four Country Field categories in 2023. To date, Miranda Lambert has won 3 GRAMMYs and received 27 nominations overall.

Maren Morris — "Circles Around This Town"

When Maren Morris found herself uninspired and dealing with writer's block, she went back to what inspired her to move to Nashville nearly a decade ago — and out came "Circles Around This Town," the lead single from her 2022 album Humble Quest .

Written in one of her first in-person songwriting sessions since the pandemic, Morris has called "Circles Around This Town" her "most autobiographical song" to date; she even recreated her own teenage bedroom for the song's video. As she looks back to her Texas beginnings and the life she left for Nashville, Morris' voice soars over anthemic, yet easygoing production.

Morris last won a GRAMMY for Best Country Solo Performance in 2017, when her song "My Church" earned the singer her first GRAMMY. To date, Maren Morris has won one GRAMMY and received 17 nominations overall.

Willie Nelson — "Live Forever"

Country music icon Willie Nelson is no stranger to the GRAMMYs, and this year he aims to add to his collection of 10 gramophones. He earned another three nominations for 2023 — bringing his career total to 56 — including a Best Country Solo Performance nod for "Live Forever."

Nelson's performance of "Live Forever," the lead track of the 2022 tribute album Live Forever: A Tribute to Billy Joe Shaver , is a faithful rendition of Shaver's signature song. Still, Nelson puts his own twist on the tune, recruiting Lucinda Williams for backing vocals and echoing the melody with the inimitable tone of his nylon-string Martin guitar.

Shaver, an outlaw country pioneer who passed in 2020 at 81 years old, never had any hits of his own during his lifetime. But plenty of his songs were still heard, thanks to stars like Elvis Presley , Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings . Nelson was a longtime friend and frequent collaborator of Shaver's — and now has a GRAMMY nom to show for it.

2023 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Complete Nominees List

1 9 Smooth Sailing Music Cruises
2 GRAMMY Rewind: Kendrick Lamar Honors Hip-Hop's Greats While Accepting Best Rap Album GRAMMY For 'To Pimp a Butterfly' In 2016
3 A Guide To Modern Funk For The Dance Floor: L'Imperatrice, Shiro Schwarz, Franc Moody, Say She She & Moniquea
4 Living Legends: Billy Idol On Survival, Revival & Breaking Out Of The Cage
5 Hear All Of The Best Country Solo Performance Nominees For The 2023 GRAMMY Awards

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Rock The Boat: 18 Incredible Music Festival Cruises

Trade dusty fields and port-a-loos for cushy cabins, first-rate food and sunny ports of call: music festival cruises are the ultimate mash-up of festival energy and holiday vibes. With sailings across Asia, Europe and the Americas, spanning genres from EDM to jazz, rock, country and opera, there’s a music festival cruise for everyone – and it’s guaranteed to be a shipload of fun.

By Jessica Keller

Rock The Boat: 18 Incredible Music Festival Cruises.

Groove Cruise – This EDM festival cruise has been sailing the high seas and serving up 96 hours of non-stop beats for 15 years straight. But Groove Cruise isn’t just the first and largest floating dance music festival, it’s also the only one that sails from both the east and west coasts of the US every year. Experience outrageous theme parties and round-the-clock dance fests, both onboard and on the beach. We’ve been told that 70% of Groove Cruise festival-goers come back for more year after year – perhaps you’d like to find out why.

ShipRocked – “Rock hard, vacation harder” is the order of the day aboard ShipRocked . The next edition, in February 2020, embarks from New Orleans, taking in Key West and Cozumel along the way – and though the line-up has yet to be announced, take heart knowing past headliners have included the likes of Limp Bizkit and Papa Roach. Rock out on land and sea, but be sure to enjoy the programme of activities from drunk spelling bees to sack races in the sand and artist-hosted talks and events.

Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise – Sailing the Mexican Riviera in October 2019, and the Western Caribbean in January 2020, this musical cruise is guaranteed to give you the blues …in all the right ways. LRBC has been navigating the high seas while putting on an unforgettable show for 15 years, offering artist workshops, autograph signings, industry panels, culinary demos and theme nights, in addition to 5 stages of uninterrupted rhythm and blues. Just remember to bring your own instrument of choice – you wouldn’t want to miss out on an impromptu jam session, now would you?

It’s The Ship – Asia’s premier EDM and hip-hop cruise fest is set to embark from Singapore this November for 3 days and 2 nights of music, parties and artist meet-and-greets – though you may just bump into your favourite musician on the dance floor or during a round of beer pong. With several successful sailings under their wing, the organisers recently added It’s The Ship China to their repertoire, leaving from Shanghai to the Japanese island of Shimonoseki on a 5-day, 4-night festival experience.

The Carolina Country Music Cruise – Country tunes and Southern hospitality come together this November, as country music talents like Lee Brice, Cole Swindell and Joe Diffie regale festival-goers en route from Charleston, South Carolina to the Bahamas. The festival even throws in a freebie: a pre-cruise kick-off concert in Charleston the night before the ship sets sail.

Cruisin’ Country – Country fans on the other side of the world rejoice: Cruisin’ Country claims the honour of being “Australia’s biggest country music festival at sea”. Their 2019 edition leaves from Sydney and makes stops on the New Caledonian islands of Nouméa and Lifou, with country crooners like Lee Kernaghan, Beccy Cole, Travis Collins and Felicity Urquhart in tow. On top of unmissable performances, there’ll be spontaneous bar jams, guitar workshops, line dancing, open mic nights, songwriting workshops and more.

BRAVO Cruise Of Performing Arts – Also sailing to New Caledonia from Sydney is BRAVO Cruise , a floating mecca for lovers of everything from musical theatre to opera, cabaret and jazz. Enjoy performances by world-class acts from Australia and abroad, attend artist signings, camp it up at theme night parties, and even join the onboard passenger choir – a chance for the spectators to become the performers.

Blue Note At Sea – What if the most iconic label in jazz history launched a music festival cruise? Oh wait, they have! Blue Note President Don Was himself helped conceptualise this travelling jazz fest , which shines a spotlight on contemporary talents while cruising from Fort Lauderdale to Key West, Nassau and the Mayan Riviera. A ticket to ride this ship gets you access to daytime concerts, interviews and Q&A sessions, not to mention the big Nightly Main Shows and late-night after-dark programming.

The Rock Boat – Dozens of rock bands (and thousands of fans) will board the Norwegian Pearl in January 2020 for 5 nights of rock ’n’ roll on the high seas. The cruise itinerary changes each year, with this edition of The Rock Boat setting sail from Miami and heading to Harvest Caye, Belize and Roatan, Honduras. Hosted by Sister Hazel and headlined by Needtobreathe, Tonic and Red Wanting Blue (with more bands to be announced), this will be one very big party barge.

The KISS Kruise – Casual KISS fans need not apply: the legends of hard rock are ready to embark on the official KISS Kruise , joined by some of their coolest friends (Bruce Kulick, Bob Schneider, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown) and biggest fans. En route from Miami to the Bahamas and Jamaica, cruisers will join the Starchild, Demon, Spaceman and Catman for live concerts, theme nights and an endless array of onboard events. Even fans-in-training are welcome to join: the Junior KISS Navy will arrange a programme of age-appropriate seafaring activities.

Soul Train Cruise – The nostalgia is strong with this one. Relive 35 years of Soul Train glory on this far-out cruise with nightly performances by funk, soul and R&B favourites like The Isley Brothers, Karyn White, Johnny Gill, The Jacksons and Regina Belle. As you sail from Fort Lauderdale to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, take in the programme packed with artist Q&As, wine tastings, theme parties and tribute events. Of course, it wouldn’t be Soul Train without some groovy moves, so get ready to cut a serious rug – and even take lessons from original Soul Train dancers.

The ’80s Cruise – If you’re, like, more gnarly than groovy, consider this cruise that will take you all the way back to the era of mixtapes and shoulder pads, with stops in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, The Dominican Republic, Haiti and home port Miami. The passenger manifest reads like a who’s-who of ’80s pop, rock and new wave music, with Berlin, The B-52s, Loverboy, Bret Michaels and Katrina (of Katrina and the Waves) on board, not to mention original MTV VJs Nina Blackwood, Mark Goodman and Alan Hunter. When you’re not reliving your youth at one of over 50 live concerts, then be sure to check out the other activities, including karaoke, trivia contests and artist Q&As.

Floating Festivals – Can’t make it to the Caribbean, but still need some ‘80s love? Pack your bum bag and head to Southampton for Floating Festivals’ Throwback cruise, and party like it’s 1985 on your way to Le Havre, France. Alternatively, if your tastes are more timeless (and you can’t get “Don’t Rain On My Parade” out of your head), then catch their Musical Theatre sailing that heads to Dublin, offering endless interactive musical theatre events en route.

The Ark – Also sailing from Europe, but with a clear emphasis on the EDM genre, The Ark promises a non-stop party aboard the MSC Orchestra. Organisers encourage festival-goers to unplug from the world and connect with the here and now – as if, in true Noah’s Ark fashion, the world was starting over. The next edition, in May 2020, is expected to embark from Venice with stops in Koper, Slovenia and Zadar, Croatia. Headliners have not yet been announced, but previous sailings featured stages from the Ministry of Sound, Elrow and Pacha Ibiza, plus port-of-call performances by Cirque du Soleil.

Anchored – Attracting fans of dance, house and tech house, and taking in Barcelona, Corsica, Palma and Ibiza, Anchored may seem like any other EDM cruise with fashionable Mediterranean ports of call. What sets this festival apart from others, however, is its extra-luxe atmosphere. From Champagne showers and pool parties, to chic lounges and fine dining, Anchored strives to be more like a trendy European resort than a cruise ship. Be sure to pack your summer whites.

Shipsomnia – Is it a nautical dream? An under-the-sea fantasy? A transformative EDM festival cruise? It’s all three: Shipsmonia is often called “The Tomorrowland of the Sea” for its magnificent set artistry, mythical ocean theme and party-hearty energy. After shoving off in Barcelona, and in between stops in Ibiza and Sète, you can play dodgeball with Amtrac & Kastle, do yoga with Yolanda Be Cool, and strut your stuff in your most outlandish fancy dress for the epic Shipsomnia Costume Ball. Best of all, you can make merry ’til the sun comes up knowing that part of the proceeds from your ticket have been donated to non-profit ocean conservation efforts.

The Boaty Weekender – Don’t worry indie fans, we haven’t forgotten you. Scottish indie pop band Belle and Sebastian are hosting the maiden voyage of their own music festival cruise, The Boaty Weekender , in August 2019, and have invited fellow talents like Mogwai, Yo La Tengo, Camera Obscura and Django Django along for the ride. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of their original 1999 festival The Bowlie Weekender, the cruise will shove off from Barcelona and head to Sardinia, promising 4 jam-packed days of activities like yoga, theme parties, meditation, cooking classes, games, films and workshops – many with your favourite musicians in attendance. Don’t hesitate to bring the kids along, too, as there’s a whole side programme of activities planned for them.

70000 Tons Of Metal – 60 bands. 3,000 fellow heavy metal fans. One Caribbean cruise : Get ready for a boatload of head-banging fun. There’ll be artist meet-and-greets, karaoke sessions, belly flop contests, heavy metal music workshops and, of course, the legendary “Jamming in International Waters” event, featuring an all-star line-up of top musicians playing the most-loved metal anthems of all time. Also, the bars never close (this is a metal cruise, after all). The organisers promise a “life-changing adventure” – you’ll have to experience yourself it to see if they make good.

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Country Music Cruise

Ft. Lauderdale, FL • Key West • Cozumel • Costa Maya

January 19 - 26, 2025

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The Country Music Cruise 2025 Announces All-Star Lineup

February 12, 2024

John Michael Montgomery, Deana Carter, The Bellamy Brothers, Diamond Rio, Neal McCoy, Home Free, Moe Bandy, T.G. Sheppard, John Berry, Wade Hayes, Jimmy Fortune, The Isaacs, Mo Pitney, Chuck Mead, The Malpass Brothers, Jamie O'Neal, 50 Shades of Hay, Grand Ole Opry at Sea, Elvis Tribute Artists, Cruise Host Nan Kelley, And More To Be Added!

(Fort Lauderdale, FL) – February 8, 2024 – The 11th Country Music Cruise has announced the exciting lineup for the 2025 sailing with some of music’s biggest names performing January 19 – 25 aboard Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam ship. John Michael Montgomery, who recently announced his farewell tour, will hit the World Stage along with Deana Carter, The Bellamy Brothers Diamond Rio, Neal McCoy, Home Free, and more. The seven-day cruise will depart from Ft. Lauderdale and make stops in Key West, Cozumel, and Costa Maya.

This year's cruise sold out in record time, and over 60% of the cabins for the 2025 sailing are already sold. Booking for 2025 is open to the public today, Thursday, February 8, 2024 at https://countrymusiccruise.com .

“Our 10th anniversary sailing last month was a very special one indeed,” said Mike Jason, President of StarVista LIVE. “Whether a guest on many of our sailings or a first-timer, everyone was warmly welcomed into the Country Music Cruise family. The artists entertained us in a world-class fashion, provided plenty of great music and laughs, and created many, many special moments.”

The Country Music Cruise offers more than 100 live and unforgettable performances in seven venues throughout the week. The exciting lineup also includes Moe Bandy, T.G. Sheppard, John Berry, Wade Hayes, Jimmy Fortune, The Isaacs, Mo Pitney, Chuck Mead, The Malpass Brothers, Jamie O'Neal, 50 Shades of Hay, and more will be added. Enduring favorites the Elvis Tribute Artists, a very special Grand Ole Opry at Sea performance event return for 2025, and popular television personality Nan Kelley will be back to bring insightful interviews, entertaining cooking segments and artist introductions.

Throughout the week, Cruisers socialize with their favorite artists at theme nights, panel discussions, Q&A sessions, jam sessions, meet and greets, and have unprecedented opportunities to meet and mingle with the stars aboard what has been called the ultimate country music party. The non-stop entertainment also includes Country karaoke, Gospel Hour, corn hole tournaments, line dancing, theme nights, world-class dining and vow renewals.

Fares for The Country Music Cruise 2025 include all concerts, daily activities, delicious meals and so much more. For cabin rates and more information, visit www.countrymusiccruise.com or call toll-free 866-476-2879.

About StarVista LIVE: StarVista LIVE creates unique entertainment experiences that bring fans together to relive their favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars they love. StarVista LIVE cruise events include the Malt Shop Memories Cruise , the Soul Train Cruise , the Country Music Cruise , the Flower Power Cruise , the ‘70s Rock and Romance Cruise , the Sandy Beaches Cruise , the Ultimate Disco Cruise and Beyond , the Big Easy Cruise , and Abbey Road on the River festival. Additional information about StarVista LIVE can be found at:

www.StarVistaLIVE.com 

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www.linkedin.com/company/starvista-live

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January 19 - 26 2025.

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2025 Lineup

John Michael Montgomery
Deana Carter
The Bellamy Brothers
Diamond Rio
T.G. Sheppard
Jimmy Fortune
The Malpass Brothers
Jamie O'Neal
Lacy J. Dalton
50 Shades of Hay
James Carothers
Grand Ole Opry at Sea
Elvis Tribute Artists
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StarVista LIVE promises to provide you with a unique entertainment experience, bringing you together with a community of like-minded enthusiasts to relive favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars you love.

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The Best Music Cruises for 2023, 2024 and Beyond
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Music and Dance Themed Cruises 2023-2024
Virtually all music and dance cruise deals are on round-trip departures from some of the world's biggest cruise ports - like Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Florida, NYC New York, Boston MA, Los Angeles, Southampton UK, Sydney AU. Music Cruises 2023-2024 schedule. Most of the following voyages are themed on Classic, Folk, Country, Rock, or Jazz music.
Themed Cruises, Music Cruises & More
Programming the cruise starts with over 100 world-class musicians, scheduled in many exciting configurations for around 225 hours of music, presented festival-style over 7 jam-packed days. Sailing with Paquito D'Rivera, Chucho Valdes, Christian McBride, Artemis and many more stars from January 18 - 25, 2024. More info at TheJazzCruise.com.
The Best Music Cruises for 2024, 2025 and Beyond
Yes, you'll have the chance to dance along with hundreds of other jazz fans, but you can also lay back on your lounger and let the soulful music wash over you as you enjoy total cruising bliss. Genre: Jazz. Date: January 25 to February 1, 2024. Destination: Miami - Aruba - Curaçao. Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises.
Music Theme Cruises
Cayamo Cruise 2019 (Photo: Will Byington) If that weren't enough, there are plenty of other music cruises that defy categorization. Cayamo is a popular theme cruise that attracts a star-studded ...
Music cruises to set sail on the high seas in 2023 and 2024
Date: Oct. 28-Nov. 4, 2023. The good ol' days can now be found sailing the Caribbean on the Malt Shop Memories Cruise. Set to take over all decks of Holland America 's Nieuw Amsterdam, the '50s and '60s music cruise will sail from Fort Lauderdale to Oranjestad, Aruba, and Willemstad, Curacao, with four days at sea.
Cruise Music Festivals: Themed Cruises
Ultimate Disco Cruise and Beyond | February 19-24, 2025. MIAMI - COZUMEL - COSTA MAYA. Norwegian Pearl. The Ultimate Disco Cruise and Beyond is BACK for its 5th Anniversary sailing! Celebrate the Greatest Dance, Soul, Funk & Party Music Ever for five nights with over 40 live performances including Kool & the Gang, The Spinners, Shalamar ...
From country music to crafting: The best themed cruises for 2024 and
Here are a few itineraries to consider: Iceland, United Kingdom and Scotland Bridge Cruise: June 22-July 4, 2024, from Southampton, England, to Reykjavik. Holiday Bridge Cruise 2024: Dec. 18-28, 2024, round trip from Miami. Iconic Asia Bridge Cruise: Feb. 19-March 1, 2025, from Hong Kong to Tokyo.
Music Themed Cruises
All Music Themed Cruises. Below is a list of 1 upcoming Music Themed Cruises. The cruises are ordered by embarkation date. To filter this list use the options above. The Old School Cruise 2.0 2024. 3 Day Cruise Embarking In 18 Days. Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Lines Cruise Ship: Carnival Radiance
Music Cruises: Music Themed Cruises for Melody Lovers
Music cruises offer a plethora of destinations that cater to all types of music enthusiasts. From Caribbean rhythms to European symphonies, you can choose a cruise that aligns perfectly with your musical tastes. Picture yourself swaying to the sounds of reggae in Jamaica, tapping your feet to the lively tunes of New Orleans jazz, or immersing ...
Cruise Through the Decades with Music Theme Cruises
Electric Sunsets '90s mini-cruise celebrates all things '90s, with specially curated DJ sets and tribute sets, and a host of '90s bands onboard. Expect to see acts like 5ive, 911 and B'Witched on ...
Theme Cruises: 2021 & 2022
To help guide you, we've gathered all the details for top theme cruises in music, sports, and special interests for the rest of 2021 and 2022. Music Cruises . Cruises catering to music fans are among the most common themed voyages. These events sometimes feature a music genre or bring artists onboard for performances.
3 Music-Themed Cruises to Consider
On the Blue New Horizons, April 5-10, 2024. Another classic rock-leaning voyage, with Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues hosting the Zombies, Alan Parsons, Starship and others. It travels aboard the Norwegian Pearl from Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and Nassau, Bahamas. If you love classic rock or '80s music and love cruising ...
Classic Rock Music Cruises
2/19-24: Ultimate Disco Cruise with Kool & the Gang, the Spinners, Shalamar, Tavares, Rose Royce, the Brothers Johnson, Lisa Lisa, George McCrae. Departs Miami, FL. Dates TBA: Jam Cruise 21 with TBD. 2/13-17: Rock Legends Cruise XII with Burton Cummings, the Zombies, Don Felder, Robin Trower, Gregg Rolie Band, Foghat. Departs Miami, FL.
Music Cruises
Music-themed cruises have taken centre stage in recent years.. The rhythm of the sea makes for the perfect accompaniment to live performances, while grandioso vessels boast luxurious symphonies of fine dining and themed evenings. Of course, a music cruise isn't for everyone. Some think there's too much sax and violins.C, E-flat and G often note that they cannot be served at the bar ...
9 Smooth Sailing Music Cruises
No, this isn't a dream, it's a real-life music cruise — a VIP experience that makes for a one-of-a-kind musical vacation. The Recording Academy partnered with marketing and travel company Sixthman to produce the first GRAMMY Music Festival at Sea, which set sail on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Pearl from Nov. 4-8, traveling from Miami ...
Music Cruises
These cruises offer you fun, freedom, flexibility, and freestyle cruising. Sailing across the bays, rivers, oceans, seas, lakes, etc., and enjoy the musical day. The music theme cruises are popular among all music lovers for classic rock fans with a wide variety of themes and artists. These musical events are more than events; it is interactive ...
Rock The Boat: 18 Incredible Music Festival Cruises
Groove Cruise - This EDM festival cruise has been sailing the high seas and serving up 96 hours of non-stop beats for 15 years straight.But Groove Cruise isn't just the first and largest floating dance music festival, it's also the only one that sails from both the east and west coasts of the US every year. Experience outrageous theme parties and round-the-clock dance fests, both onboard ...
Music Cruises: Inside the Company Booking Paramore, KISS & More
Although the COVID-19 pandemic dealt music cruises a one-two punch in 2020, when both cruises and concerts were shut down, the sectors have returned to full strength. Almost every event sells out ...
Classical Music Cruises
Enjoy notable virtuosi in intimate perfomances at sea while cruising to magnificent ports. Serious music fans will enjoy live performances for fewer than 300 guests on one of Ponant's ships. Peruse the choices and contact us to arrange your classical music cruise.
The Country Music Cruise 2025 Announces All-Star Lineup
2025 Cruise Already 60% Sold Out! (Fort Lauderdale, FL) - February 8, 2024 - The 11th Country Music Cruise has announced the exciting lineup for the 2025 sailing with some of music's biggest names performing January 19 - 25 aboard Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam ship. John Michael Montgomery, who recently announced his farewell tour ...
Pablo Cruise Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More
Explore Pablo Cruise's discography including top tracks, albums, and reviews. Learn all about Pablo Cruise on AllMusic.
AllMusic
The Other Side. Verve. Pop/Rock, Folk. The great songwriter and producer's first set of new songs in almost 20 years is simple, eloquent, and emotionally powerful. - Mark Deming. Cloud Nothings.

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Rock The Boat: 18 Incredible Music Festival Cruises

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