StarVista LIVE’s Country Music Cruise will set sail in 2021, uniting fans of classic country acts such as Randy Owen, Clay Walker, Oak Ridge Boys as well as more recent ones such as Josh Turner, Neal McCoy and Asleep at the Wheel.
The shipboard itinerary will consist of live performances as well as celebrity-interactive activities like Q&A sessions, theme nights and line dancing lessons.
Music
Country music has long had a relationship with the sea. Zac Brown sings of immersing his toes in water and butting against sand; Merle Haggard yearns for salty Mexico while Blake Shelton built an empire on coastal swagger. Since CD sales started decreasing a decade ago, many country artists have prioritized touring over CD sales, which has lead to an explosion of themed cruises as touring revenue increases exponentially.
One of the most sought-after cruises was the Country Music Cruise from Fort Lauderdale to San Juan and St Maarten in 2022, promoted by StarVista LIVE and featuring other themed voyages such as jazz, New Orleans music and R&B – but for country fans there was none quite like it!
Old 97’s, Grammy-nominated group Old 97’s and performers on board included Old 97’s frontwoman Laura Cantrell from Texas who noted that this year’s cruise has had a different vibe: It is more mature; more respectful and less focused on world issues; people feel worn down by it.”
Music never stopped when the ship docked – each day featured an exciting lineup of country artists performing in venues ranging from the main theater and outdoor pool deck, bar-type settings and Spinnaker Lounge. Artists could join each other via guitar pulls or songwriters-in-the-round events; all-star extravaganzas like Mavericks & Friends were sure to keep guests enthralled.
Cruisers could enjoy performances by country legends like Mark Chesnutt, Randy Owen, Pam Tillis and the Oak Ridge Boys; or watch younger country artists perform hits and covers by their own. Other activities onboard included panel discussions, tribute nights, country line dancing lessons, cooking demonstrations and Opry karaoke.
The next Country Music Cruise is set to depart Ft. Lauderdale in January 2023 and organizers have released limited cabins – starting at $2,149 per person with double occupancy for an inside stateroom stateroom.
Food
Food on a country music cruise might not be as lavish as you expect, but it certainly tastes fantastic. Ship’s chefs prepare an array of delectable dishes which you can enjoy in the main dining room which typically serves all meals; or dine at one of the specialty restaurants available on board or order off of an available cabin menu.
Country music cruises provide similar entertainment as regular concerts, with performers appearing for multiple shows during your voyage. Shows may take place at either the main stage for up to 1,000 people or one of several smaller venues scattered around the ship; guests are given assigned seats for evening concerts so as not to have to rush their way into front rows and avoid accidentally sitting behind someone who you do not wish. Plus, servers bring drinks directly to your seat making for an effortless and relaxing viewing experience!
On a country music cruise, many of the stars make themselves available between performances to interact with their fans and get to know your favorite musicians better – this can even lead to meeting someone special! Additionally, stars on this type of voyage participate in line dancing lessons, karaoke contests, and other social activities onboard the ship.
If a music cruise vacation is out of your budget, a country music cruise may be the next best thing. These theme cruises tend to be very popular; booking early may ensure that you find a date that works for you – they often sell out quickly when popular celebrities are present! Other music cruise options exist as well such as New Orleans-themed sailings or those featuring rock, disco or outlaw country music. Just imagine sipping some great tunes while admiring the cobalt Atlantic!
Fun
On a music cruise, you have the added advantage of making new friends who share an appreciation for similar musical genres. The atmosphere is casual yet welcoming and hearing an amazing band perform live is an exhilarating experience on an ocean. Many travelers come alone but quickly form lifelong bonds; returning year after year with similar groups or finding romantic bliss through shipboard companions and fellow passengers.
On a music cruise, there are a host of side events designed to bring the crowd together. Beyond the concerts themselves, artists take part in panel discussions and Q&As; jam sessions take place; country line dancing lessons take place; cooking demonstrations take place; theme nights take place as well as Opry Karaoke shows! Some performers even remain after each show to mingle with fans!
The Outlaw Country Cruise is an essential event for fans of Americana music. This year’s lineup featured Steve Earle, Elizabeth Cook, Lucinda Williams and Asleep at the Wheel – as well as debut performances by Shinyribs and American Aquarium; additional performances by Waco Brothers Carlene Carter and Roger Alan Wade also made their mark.
Warner E. Hodges hosted one of the most exciting sidebar events – an amazing jam session featuring special guests – to cap off an extraordinary week at sea.
This cruise, held for the sixth year running and sold out quickly, sails aboard Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam from Fort Lauderdale in November 2019. Headlining acts for this cruise include Randy Owen, Clay Walker, The Oak Ridge Boys and Mark Chesnutt; Asleep at the Wheel, Neal McCoy Pam Tillis Johnny Lee will all perform, with other artists scheduled to pay tributes to Elvis or hold sidebar events as part of its roster. In addition StarVista LIVE plans on offering other music cruises focused around Big Easy cruises or disco/R&B music!
Friends
No matter your taste in music – from traditionalists at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry to up-and-coming country stars on your radio station – there’s sure to be something suitable for everyone onboard a music cruise! These themed sailings may include concerts, line dancing lessons and meet-and-greet opportunities with artists performing aboard; KISS to Train have even hosted rock music cruises for their fans!
Recently, themed cruises have seen tremendous growth in popularity; full ship charters often sell out well in advance. A theme cruise can be great fun for singles, couples and groups of friends as you don’t have to do exactly the same activity day after day; whether that means relaxing in your cabin, reading a book or getting massaged; but for those wanting something more active (dancing etc), a dance floor awaits just down the hallway!
Due to a shift in the industry and CD sales decreasing, country singers increasingly turned to touring as a sure way of increasing cash flow and maintaining cash reserves. When combined with Americans’ love of music festivals, this led to genre-spanning cruises where passengers could experience once-in-a-lifetime performances, tribute shows and special artist activities – an unforgettable experience indeed.
Though itinerary will differ, most country music cruises feature both classic and contemporary stars. On the 2024 Country Music Party at Sea for instance, guests could see Clint Black, Tracy Lawrence and Neal McCoy perform, as well as special appearances by Shenandoah’s Joe Nichols and Clay Walker and Randy Owen from Texas; Pam Tillis performed for American troops overseas as her father Mel Tillis performed as well! Pam Tillis herself performed overseas.
Other events aboard may include theme nights, poker tournaments, line dancing lessons and karaoke contests. Artists may even make themselves available for autograph sessions and Q&A sessions.
Many musicians also engage in interactive activities like panel discussions, cooking demonstrations, jam sessions and theme nights. You may even join them up on stage for a game of karaoke or provide guidance during an unscheduled jam session!