15 Music Cruises To Book For 2024 & Beyond
If music is your jam, it's time to think about booking a themed cruise. A funky way to spend a few days or more, music cruises allow guests to bee-bop, jive, groove, and get down to tunes from a variety of genres. Whether you're a fan of jazz, country, emo, Hip Hop, or the '80s, you're bound to find a cruise devoted to your favorite songs. And with so many fun music cruises available, it's easy to become a dancing queen on the high seas.
Celebrity artists mix with up-and-comers to entertain ship guests with live concerts and meet-and-greets. Plus, there's a chance you'll run into your favorite band at breakfast or on the pool deck in the afternoon. When you aren't rocking out to funky beats, you'll still have all the perks of cruising, like playing pickleball or volleyball, swimming, dining, taking a fitness class, checking out the casino, or disembarking to explore a new town or island.
Not sure where to start your search? We've sifted through online reviews and researched each cruise's amenities, artists, and concert venues to find the best music cruises to book for 2024 and beyond. All you have to do is choose the one that sings to you, pack your dancing shoes (and maybe a sparkly outfit or two), and book soon — they fill up quickly.
Cayamo: A Journey Through Song Cruise
The 16th Cayamo cruise takes place in early March, with headliners like Lyle Lovett and Lake Street Drive. Music-loving guests set sail from Miami to Aruba on a seven-day adventure filled with concerts, activities, and a variety of artists to appeal to everyone's taste. This annual cruise is dubbed "a journey through song," and you can expect just that — an exciting and mesmerizing voyage through roots music. Think of this like a floating music festival without the mud and insane crowds.
This cruise is super popular, with alums who sailed on the previous year's boat being granted first dibs at booking via pre-sale. Next up to reserve their stateroom are alums who missed out on last year's trip. Finally, newcomers are invited to join the pre-sale or the waitlist, depending on how quickly the rooms are booked. Sign up as early as possible to ensure your spot.
Dates: March 1 to 8, 2024
Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Port of departure: Miami, Florida
Itinerary: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Oranjestad, Aruba
Artists: Lyle Lovett, Lake Street Drive, The Mavericks, Billy Bragg, Shawn Colvin, Lucius, Gabe Lee, Kyshona, Buffalo Rose, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Sistastrings, and others.
Monsters of Rock Cruise
If you like to party hard, rock out, and scream until you're hoarse, the Monsters of Rock Cruise is a perfect place for you! Hard rock bands like The Dirty Dozen, Ace Frehley, and The Darkness will shred onstage while guests dance and play air guitar during the multiple concerts on tap for this five-night cruise. Beginning in Miami, Florida, the ports of call include Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and Nassau, Bahamas. The 2024 cruise sold out early, but die-hard rockers can join the waiting list or, better yet, plan ahead for next year's headbanging cruise -– it should take place around the same time, so check the website. As with many of the music cruises on this list, tickets go on sale to Monster of Rock Cruise alums first, beginning in early May.
Dates: March 2 – 7, 2024
Ship: Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas
Port of departure: Miami, Florida
Itinerary: Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Nassau, Bahamas
Artists: The Dirty Dozen, Ace Frehley, Joe Satriani, The Darkness, Extreme, KK's Priest, Accept, Winger, and others.
The Broadway Cruise
Love all things musical theater? Book a trip on Sixthman's The Broadway Cruise. A five-day adventure, this fun journey will have you singing and dancing along with some of Broadway's most talented stars. From Tony Award recipients to Golden Globe winners, there's no lack of talent on this incredible trip. To ensure a spot for every show held in the 850-seat Stardust Theater, buy The Broadway Cruise Standard Package. That way, you can see all four ticketed shows in person. Those on the Basic Package can only see the performances virtually in the Atrium. In your downtime, check out the pool, enjoy the attractions in the two ports of call, attend the Q&A with Bernadette Peters, and maybe even take part in an acting lesson or two. There's also a Live Band Karaoke, so you'll want to warm up your voice. While you may have missed this year's cruise, fret not; there's another planned for around the same time in 2025.
Dates: March 13 – 18, 2024
Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Port of departure: Miami, Florida
Itinerary: Key West, Florida; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Artists: Bernadette Peters, Christian Borle, Kerry Buttler, Reeve Carney, Norm Lewis, Ali Stroker, Matt Doyle, Santino Fontana, Cheyenne Jackson, Daphne Rubin-Vega, and others.
Flower Power Cruise
Book a Flower Power Cruise for some psychedelic fun. With award-winning artists, costume parties, karaoke, theme nights, and a Bell Bottom Ball, this seven-day journey is sure to unleash your inner flower child. Wondering what to pack for a cruise? Don't forget tie dye! Guests can even renew their vows onboard this StarVista LIVE cruise in a celebrity-led service. Speaking of celebs, there are plenty of chances to rub elbows with the stars, with guests loving how easy it is to see artists at meals, in the elevators, and as audience members at other concerts. Other fun activities include trivia contests, pool parties, Q&As with the performers, game shows, wine tastings, and karaoke. While sold out for 2024, wannabe hippies can join the waitlist or get ready to prebook for 2025.
Dates: March 21 – 28, 2024
Ship: Celebrity Summit
Port of departure: Miami, Florida
Itinerary: San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Artists: The Rascals, John Kay of Steppenwolf, Tommy James & The Shondells, The Moody Blues' John Lodge, The Four Tops, Randy Bachman, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, Danny Seraphine, co-founder of Chicago (featuring Jeff Coffey), and others.
The Country Music Cruise
Yee haw! Grab yer partner and get ready for some good ol' fun aboard StarVista LIVE's Country Music Cruise. With over 50 performances spread over seven days, there will surely be some boot-stomping fun and lots of line dancing on this rowdy cruise. Get to know the country celebrities at cooking demos, meet and greets, jam sessions, and panel discussions. The Grand Ole Opry is a big hit, with some of the biggest stars on the ship joining forces to perform. And then there are the games — Texas Hold'em, trivia, and cornhole, are just a few of the fun things to do onboard. Step off for an adventure in Key West, Cozumel, and Costa Maya for a vacation you won't forget.
Dates: January 19 – 26, 2025
Ship: Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam
Port of departure: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Itinerary: Key West, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico; Costa Maya, Mexico
Artists: John Michael Montgomery, Deana Carter, The Bellamy Brothers, Diamond Rio, Neal McCoy, Home Free, Moe Bandy, T.G. Sheppard, John Berry, Jimmy Fortune, Mo Pitney, The Isaacs, and others.
Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea
There's a lot to love about the Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea cruise. From top-notch talent to melancholic tunes to meet-and-greets with celebrity performers, this is a haven for soulful blues lovers in search of a festival-like experience. Don't worry if the waiting list didn't pan out for you on 2024's four-night Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea IX Cruise. There'll be another one in 2025, and it's going to be just as fabulous. Joe Bonamassa is 2024's headliner once again, and he's set to play two sets — one with Black Country Communion and another with his solo band. You'll also be able to sit in on a recording of his podcast. Take a break from the tunes and hit the spa, get sweaty in the fitness center, run on the track, play a game on the sports court, or spend a day sightseeing in Cozumel.
Dates: March 18 – 22, 2024
Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Port of departure: Miami, Florida
Itinerary: Cozumel, Mexico
Artists: Joe Bonamassa, Fortune Child, Dwayne, Haggins, Memphissippi Sounds, Black Country Communion, Grace Potter, The Marshall Tucker Band, John Oates, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Nikki Hill, and others.
The Smooth Jazz Cruise
Put your feet up, sway your head to the beat, and let the salty air caress your cheeks as you enjoy a week-long vacation on The Smooth Jazz Cruise. A more laid-back voyage than some of the others on this list, the Smooth Jazz Cruise has been sailing the open seas since 2004 and hosted over 60,000 guests. Over 17,000 of them have boarded this toe-tapping cruise four times or more! Top-rate entertainment, exceptional shows, and fun activities (theme parties, culinary events, artist excursions, talent shows, and music seminars) make this a must-board cruise for jazz lovers. Plus, the musicians participate with guests in everything from hosting wine tastings to game shows to ping pong tournaments.
Dates: February 11 – 18, 2025 and February 18 – 25, 2025
Ship: Celebrity Summit
Port of departure: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Itinerary: Labadee, Haiti; Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos; Nassau, Bahamas
Artists: Hosts Marcus Miller and Boney James and musicians Brian Culbertson, Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer, Bob James, Dave Weckl, Lee Ritenour, Mindi Abair, David Sanborn, Patches Stewart, and others.
The 80s Cruise
What do jelly bracelets, crimped hair, and neon leotards have in common? You'll find them all, and many classic tunes, on The '80s Cruise. Whether you lived through this epic era or not, there's no denying the allure of '80s songs. From pop to Hip Hop to new wave to hair metal, you'll hear it all, and plenty of synthesizers, on this funky journey. Not surprisingly, The '80s Cruise tends to attract guests of a certain age (generally between 40 and 60), which means you step back in time and trade stories about mastering the leg warmer trend and popping wheelies on your bike, all while sipping a cocktail and screaming out lyrics you didn't know you remembered. With over 50 live performances and concerts, you're guaranteed to dance "All Night Long." This year's cruise is full, but you can join the waitlist or try your luck in 2025.
Dates: February 29 – March 7, 2024
Ship: Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas
Port of departure: Port Canaveral, Florida
Itinerary: Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao
Artists: Soft Cell, 38 Special, Air Supply, Debbie Gibson, Sebastian Bach, and The English Beat, among others.
Emo's Not Dead Cruise
Break out your black eyeliner, skinny jeans, and dark clothes –- it's time to board the Emo's Not Dead Cruise. When you aren't losing yourself in the music, you'll find plenty of interesting things to do, like participating in a belly flop competition, drinking triathlon, or dodgeball tournament. The fact that each guest has a shared love for all things emo makes the experience even more exciting. Held over four days in late February through early March of 2024, the second Emo's Not Dead Cruise was popular enough to be sold out. 2025's cruise will likely be just as in demand, with similar dates. Be sure to check their site for an update, and book early to save your spot.
Dates: February 26 – March 1, 2024
Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Port of departure: Miami, Florida
Itinerary: Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
Artists: Yellowcard, Sleeping with Sirens, Mayday Parade, Story of the Year, August Burns Red, Charlotte Sands, Madina Lake, Reclaim the Fallen, The Devil Wears Prada, and others.
Rock the Bells Cruise
Hip Hop Hooray! The Rock the Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience is back, and it sounds like a ton of fun! This four-day jam session is bursting with enough music to keep you dancing from morning to night. This inaugural cruise set sail in 2023, marking the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, and was such a success that it's back for more! Founded by LL Cool J, you can rest assured that the iconic performers will have you bustin' a move on every deck of the ship. MCs, DJs, and producers are on tap to get you vibing on this awesome music cruise. Don your fave kicks and get ready for a voyage packed with non-stop entertainment and two exciting Bahamian places to visit during your trip — Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau.
Dates: November 13 – 17, 2024
Ship: Norwegian Gem
Port of departure: Miami, Florida
Itinerary: Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas; Nassau, Bahamas
Artists: Past artists have included DJ Nina 9, Bun B, Lil Jon, DJ Critical Hype, Just Blaze, Pete Rock, DJ Scratch, The Finisher Mister Cee, and others.
Headbangers Boat Cruise
Hoping to rock out with the best of them but also looking for a little R & R? Book a Headbangers Boat Cruise. When you aren't moshing with your fellow cruisers, take a load off at the onboard spa, lounge by the pool, or dig your feet in the sand when you disembark in the Dominican Republic's beautiful Puerto Plata. Then, get ready to jam to a concert on the pool deck or at one of the ship's other performance venues. Other activities include a Q&A with metal titans Lamb of God, a poker tournament, a drum-off, and a DJ set by Lamb of God drummer Art Cruz. A popular voyage for metalheads, the second annual cruise is already sold out for 2024, but you can join the waiting list if you're itching to go. Or, hold out for 2025 and keep checking their site to see when booking begins.
Dates: October 28 – November 1, 2024
Ship: Norwegian Gem
Port of departure: Miami, Florida
Itinerary: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Artists: Lamb of God, Poison the Well, Exodus, Soulfly, Chimaira, At the Gates, Dethklok, Napalm Death, Corrosion of Conformity, and others.
Soul Train Cruise
You'll want to pack your most colorful outfits and comfortable dancing shoes when preparing for your Soul Train Cruise. Actually, you should probably include a few costumes for theme nights (such as funk night and white night) to make sure you're as jazzed up as you can be for these exciting events. A fabulous mix of R&B, funk, and soul musicians will grace multiple stages throughout the day and night on this happening cruise. Created in homage to the classic television show of the same name, guests have the chance to learn dance moves from some of the OG Soul Train Dancers (you might want to stretch first). Take a break from getting down and make the most of this themed cruise with karaoke, trivia contests, comedy shows, pool parties, wine tastings, and panel discussions with celebrity artists. Make sure to disembark for sightseeing adventures in Costa Maya, Belize City, and Cozumel.
Dates: January 26 – February 2, 2025
Ship: Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam
Port of departure: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Itinerary: Costa Maya, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Cozumel, Mexico
Artists: Charlie Wilson, Jeffrey Osborne, Dru Hill, After 7, The Brothers Johnson, Zapp Band, and others.
Ultimate Disco Cruise and Beyond
Suffering from disco fever? A trip on StarVista LIVE's Ultimate Disco Cruise and Beyond is just what the doctor ordered. Celebrating its 5th anniversary in 2025, this groovy voyage is primed for those who love to boogie down to classic disco tunes with stars like Kool & The Gang. What do you wear on a disco cruise? Anything you'd like, but extra points if you've packed a wig, bell bottoms, mini-dresses, tie-dyed shirts, and platform shoes — there are plenty of theme nights. Over 40 live performances take place during this five-day cruise, and we suggest you rest up before you board, as there will be non-stop partying and dancing once you set sail. This cruise offers the typical artist Q&A and panel discussions found on other music cruises, as well as dance competitions and game shows. Cruise from Miami to Mexico and back with an excellent mix of dance music guaranteed to make you boogie.
Dates: February 19 – 24, 2025
Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Port of departure: Miami, Florida
Itinerary: Cozumel, Mexico; Costa Maya, Mexico
Artists: Kool & The Gang, The Spinners, Shalamar (featuring Howard Hewett, Carolyn Griffey, and Jeffrey Daniel), Tavares, Rose Royce, and others.
The Outlaw Country Cruise
Whether you're a fan of honky tonk, country rock, country pop, or bluegrass, you're in for a treat on the Outlaw Country Cruise. This six-day adventure is jammed with entertainment that is sure to please every cowboy and girl. As described on the website, this cruise is a "week of sun up to sun down fun." Expect theme nights, including costume parties, comedy shows, autograph sessions, martini tastings, wine and chocolate pairing tastings, casino games on board, and so many concerts you'll never get bored. The 2025 cruise should sail around the same time, so be sure to check their site for the dates and book early to ensure your spot.
Dates: February 4 – 10, 2024
Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Port of departure: Miami, Fort Lauderdale
Itinerary: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico
Artists: Blackberry Smoke, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Nikki Lake, Ray Wylie Hubbard, 49 Winchester, Kaitlin Butts, Elizabeth Cook, Los Straitjackets, Vandoliers, and others.
Summer of '99 Cruise
Remember the more laid-back days of the late '90s and early 2000s, when movies were still on VHS tapes, Tamagotchis were all the rage, and your favorite songs were contained on CDs? Well, you can relive them and those fabulous dance mixes on the Summer of '99 Cruise from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas. Also organized by Sixthman, this inaugural cruise marks headlining band Creed's first concerts in 12 years. Theme nights include Y2K 90s's Sitcom Night and Vintage Rock T-Shirt Night, so come prepared with costumes. This fun-filled four-night cruise is so epic that they created a second voyage: The Summer of '99 and Beyond Cruise, which runs from April 27 to May 1. Both are sold out. If you don't get lucky on the waiting list, try for a spot on next year's voyage. Download the cruise's Spotify playlist to get in the mood.
Dates: April 18 – 22, 2024
Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Port of departure: Miami, Florida
Itinerary: Nassau, Bahamas
Artists: Creed, 3 Doors Down, Buckcherry, Tonic, Vertical Horizon, Fuel, The Verve Pipe, Nine Days, Tantric, Dishwalla, Louise Post (of Veruca Salt), and others.
Our methodology
To be included on this list, each cruise must be centered around music, obviously. And when we say "music," we're not talking about a small acapella group singing in the atrium or a pianist accompanying the dinner rush. We're looking at big-scale, well-organized, fabulous shows featuring acts so good you may get goosebumps. Whether they sing like angels or play a mean guitar, the musicians on these cruises will make your journey one you'll likely wish to repeat.
We consulted a ton of online reviews to ensure the cruises we mention on this list will live up to the hype. In addition to boasting talented performers, we searched for ships that were loaded with fun amenities, good concert venues, great food, and interesting ports of call. There's little worse than being stuck on a boat with nowhere to go, nothing to do, and nothing decent to munch on. That's why we made sure to do a deep dive, researching each cruise company to ensure they would fit the proverbial bill.
We also contacted music cruise organizers like Sixthman and StarVista LIVE to enquire about future dates. They told us that next year's cruise dates are announced during the current cruise, so there are no definitive dates until that time. They did, however, mention that the following year's cruises should take place around the same time. Be sure to check each cruise's website and book early — they fill up super quickly.