Few country bands capture the spirit of pirate lifestyle like Midland. Now taking their tequila-fueled ways onto international waters with a music cruise!
On January 22-29, 2023 aboard Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam, Holland America Line is hosting its Country Music Party At Sea event and it has sold out with a wait list. But country music enthusiasts won’t regret making the journey for an experience filled with unforgettable performances and themed events that won’t soon be forgotten!
Featured Artists
Country music fans who love being on the ocean will appreciate cruises offering live musical performances and other enjoyable activities, including Q&A sessions with musicians or autograph signings and special events that may not otherwise be available – such as autograph signings and Q&A sessions with them!
Country Music Cruise, one of the best-known music-themed cruises, is an event which usually sells out. This annual cruise hosts an impressive lineup of country music stars from major superstars to lesser-known emerging talent; featuring workshops, cooking demos and fun activities during the day before performing an evening show that includes their biggest hits and some new ones as well as paying homage to other artists.
Country music icons Kenny Rogers and Martina McBride will be among those performing aboard this cruise, alongside younger songwriters such as Shenandoah and the Oak Ridge Boys who bring more traditional sounds. Some performers may even pay tribute to other artists like Elvis.
Cruise Askew, hosted by Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes of “Jay and Silent Bob Get High,” offers an immersive music-themed cruise experience over three days that immerses attendees into Kevin and Jason Mewes’ Askewniverse through behind-the-scenes panels, Q&A’s, live podcast recordings and other special events held aboard a large cruise ship such as Norwegian Pearl with all of its amenities for an exceptional cruise line experience.
The Outlaw Country Cruise is another music-themed cruise which sails on the Norwegian Pearl. Although sold out annually, a 2024 sailing will feature five onboard venues with special performances, collaborations, tribute shows and SiriusXM Sessions at Sea radio tapings hosted by DJs from SiriusXM Outlaw Country channel as well as special events like line dancing or dress-up theme nights.
Ports of Call
The Country Music Cruise has been running for more than 10 years, offering fans of country music stars an opportunity to interact directly. Dubbed as “the ultimate musical vacation”, many of their artists perform several times from afternoon through midnight; each performance offering something unique.
Performers also made themselves accessible to fans throughout the ship, from buffet lines and buffet lines, through Q&A sessions, bourbon tastings, guitar seminars, cooking demos and karaoke (bet you can’t sing along!) in addition to scheduled concerts. Furthermore, they held Red, White & Blue BBQ tournaments, Texas Hold’em tournaments as well as poolside BBQ parties to interact with their followers and meet them face to face.
As well as headliners, the cruise features several tribute acts. Most renowned among them is Karen Hester’s tribute act “Tribute to Dolly.” Additionally, she does a great job impersonating Elvis! Other tribute acts include TG Sheppard, Tim Atwood & Chrissy Sparks as well as Malpass Brothers.
Visitors to Country Music Superstar Competition can also experience various themed events, such as artist activities, themed parties and karaoke night. Texas Hold’em tournament and country line dancing tournament are also provided for. Furthermore, several artists host panels and autograph sessions.
At sea, guests should dress casually during the daytime. Four formal dinner nights require dark suits for men and dresses for women to look their best at dinner; casual and specialty dining options are also provided on board the cruise, while entertainment provides pre-dinner drinks performances and other musical-related events most evenings.
Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam will depart Fort Lauderdale for destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico, including Grand Turk (Turks and Caicos); Key West, Florida; Ocho Rios Jamaica; Half Moon Cay Bahamas. Additionally, guests can explore French territory of New Caledonia which boasts sandy beaches as well as being an underwater scuba diving paradise.
Accommodations
The Country Music Cruise, with stops throughout the Caribbean each year, is an amazing fan experience. Boasting a main stage seating approximately one thousand fans as well as multiple side stages and venues where musicians perform throughout the day and night – fans can catch newcomers as well as veterans! They can witness innovative country singers performing fresh material while legendary stars deliver timeless performances.
2023’s lineup features top performers like Randy Owen, Clay Walker, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mark Chesnutt, Neal McCoy and Pam Tillis. Many singers, songwriters and musicians also make themselves available to their fans through Q&A sessions, guitar seminars, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and cocktail parties – not forgetting buffet lines or just hanging out.
At Sea Party Cruises, it’s all about partying – with an added benefit of meeting country music icons up close and personal! Plus there are all kinds of exciting activities and events, like dance lessons and contests, theme nights and themed dining options – plus unique highlights like Grand Ole Opry at Sea, Elvis tribute artists and special performances by Nan Kelley herself!
Country music cruise passengers looking for more than concerts can select one of many fully refundable itineraries, such as a seven-day journey through Bermuda or Alaska that allows passengers to experience nature first-hand.
StarVista LIVE has themed cruises in different genres to cater to everyone, such as New Orleans, disco and R&B music cruises. These relaxing vacations provide the opportunity to hear some good tunes while taking in South Florida and the Caribbean sights – just imagine sipping on an refreshing drink while being caressed by sea breeze and smiling through it all – that is exactly what cruising is about!
Special Events
Theme cruises offer an exciting and relaxing way to combine your passion for music with a relaxing vacation. No matter if your taste runs more to rock, disco, country or something in-between there is sure to be one suitable to your musical taste! Most cruises feature live concerts from top musicians as well as activities onboard including photo experiences or auctioning memorabilia to raise money for charity.
In 2023, Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam will play host to The Country Music Party at Sea. Featuring nonstop country music performances as well as themed nights and onboard events; Q&A sessions with artists; bourbon samplings; performer cooking demonstrations and Q&As with artists (some may even do the renowned Grand Ole Opry show!); Q&A sessions; bourbon samplings; Q&A sessions with artists and Q&A sessions with performers! Don’t miss your chance!
This year’s Outlaw Country Cruise may have sold out, but you can sign up for its 2024 sailing to experience all its fun. Enjoy unforgettable performances by an all-star lineup such as Kris Kristofferson and the Band Perry; Great Stirrup Cay in Bahamas and Cozumel in Mexico are among the destinations covered on this sailing.
Alongside the Country Music Party at Sea, there are other music-themed cruises you can book. One such cruise, AfroFuture Cruise is scheduled to depart Miami and sail towards Nassau in 2024, featuring musical artists like Lyle Lovett, The Mavericks, Billy Bragg and KT Tunstall as well as African influences in fashion, food and more.
Other themed cruises focus on specific genres of music, like reggae. The Jamrock Reggae Cruise will set sail December 4-9th on Independence of the Seas from Miami with Michael Franti & Spearhead among other top reggae performers on board.
Schitt’s Creek fans can celebrate its 10th anniversary by sailing on the Rose Family Cruise. Although sold-out, you can sign up for a waitlist. Events on board this voyage include a “Bebe’s Chamber Wig Sail Away Party”, as well as a panel discussion featuring cast and crew of Schitt’s Creek; plus special Golden Girls-themed bar crawl and comedy performance by Chelcie Lynn!