Cruising and music have long gone hand-in-hand. Even back in the days of formal cruising, an orchestra would often play to entertain guests during dinner and for the evening.
Now, there are some amazing musicians playing on regular cruises, but also a number of incredible themed cruises where music plays an even bigger part. Sounds fun, right?
Here’s a look at the best music cruises you can book a place on…
Flower Power Cruise
Sail away to the swinging sounds of the 60s, with a cruise headling by The Rascals, Tommy James & The Shondells, and John Kay of Steppenwolf. There are artist Q&A sessions, panel discussions, game shows and even wine tasting events you can take part in around the various live performances.
- Genre: 60s music
- Date: March 22-29, 2025
- Destination: Fort Lauderdale – Labadee – Montego Bay
- Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
- Ship: Celebrity Summit
Learn more about Flower Power Cruise
‘70s Rock & Romance Cruise
For a cruise with a little bit of boogie thrown in, this themed voyage has a number of famous acts performing including The Hits at Sea, Randy Bachman, Don McLean, Melissa Manchester and loads more. And if you think you can do better (or at least an OK job) then there’s special themed karaoke, alongside trivia contests and panel discussions.
- Genre: Rock
- Date: March 15-22, 2025
- Destination: Fort Lauderdale – Cozumel – Costa Maya
- Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
- Ship: Celebrity Summit
Learn more about the ‘70s Rock & Romance Cruise
Outlaw Country West
Celebrate everything that’s great about country rock, with a cruise featuring multiple performances by Blackberry Smoke, Steve Earle, Ray Wylie Hubbard and more – ideal if you want to enjoy the acts around your own schedule, or even see them more than once. And budding songwriters have a special event to get up and perform themselves too.
- Genre: Country Rock
- Date: February 4-10, 2024
- Destination: Miami – Puerto Plata – San Juan
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Learn more about Outlaw Country West
Emo’s Not Dead Cruise
Prove that emo music wasn’t just a phase with this rocking cruise that is headlined by Dashboard Confessional and Underoath, as well as featuring New Found Glory, Plain White T’s and others. You can even challenge members of Underoath in an appropriately-named game of “(I Hate My) Family Feud”.
- Genre: Emo
- Date: February 26 to March 1, 2024
- Destination: Miami
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Learn more about Emo’s Not Dead Cruise
Groove Cruise 20th Anniversary
Featuring some of the finest acts in electronic music, Groove Cruise makes a return after six years. Enjoy meet and greets and even bar crawls with some of the acts, or even a special dinner hosted by your favourite musician. There’s a huge number of acts playing, as well as special hosted parties and stages, so you’ll be spoiled for choice.
- Genre: Electronic music
- Date: January 24-28, 2024
- Destination: Miami – Great Stirrup Cay
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship: Norwegian Encore
Learn more about the Groove Cruise 20th Anniversary
Groove Cruise Miami
Another offering from the Groove Cruise team, this itinerary instead sails from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay. Enjoy the same electronic-themed experience on-board with a vast range of acts and themed nights to enjoy, as well as special events including tequila crawls and more.
- Genre: Electronic music
- Date: January 24-28, 2024
- Destination: Miami – Great Stirrup Cay
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Encore
- Ship: Norwegian Cruise Line
Learn more about the Groove Cruise Miami
The Rock Boat XXII
You know a themed music cruise is successful when it makes it to its 22nd birthday. The Rock Cruise returns again with five days and nights of epic music including unique collaborations, all with a friendly and party-themed atmosphere. Soak up the relaxing beach sun during the day, and rock out all night long.
- Genre: Rock
- Date: January 30 to February 4, 2024
- Destination: Miami – Great Stirrup Cay – Bahamas – Costa Maya, Mexico
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Learn more about the Rock Boat XXII
On the Blue
If you love classic rock then you’ll have an amazing time on this cruise hosted by Justin Hayward, the voice of the Moody Blues. A number of renowned acts will perform including The Zombies, Alan Parsons and Starship. Two music-filled days at sea give you more chance to enjoy the music without rushing around.
- Genre: Classic Rock
- Date: April 5-10, 2024
- Destination: Miami – Puerto Plata – Nassau
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Cayamo’s 15th Journey Through Song
With a blend of soul acts you know and love, and those you haven’t yet heard but will soon adore, this relaxing cruise will be a truly amazing experience for fans of the genre. Jeff Tweedy, Andrew Bird, Trampled by Turtles and more will play immersive sets, take part in unique collaborations and more.
- Genre: Soul music
- Date: March 1-8, 2024
- Destination: Miami – Puerto Plata – Dominican Republic – Oranjestad, Aruba
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Learn more about Cayamo’s 15th Journey Through Song
Train’s Sail Across the Sun (8th Edition)
Train fans will love this eclectic cruise headlined by the band, but featuring a host of other artists too. There’s a great mix of music, but you’ll also be able to take part in various activities alongside the band, including karaoke with Train, a Kids’ cooking class with the band, and wine tastings with James and Pat.
- Genre: Pop rock
- Date: February 13-17, 2025
- Destination: Miami
- Cruise Line: TBA
- Ship: TBA
Learn more about Train’s Sail Across the Sun (8th Edition)
Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea VIII
Enjoy the best of modern blues music on this smooth cruise to the Dominican Republic, headlined by Joe Bonamassa. He’ll be playing multiple performances as well as taking part in other activities too, while on stage you’ll enjoy rare collaborations and unusual sets that will leave you with unique memories to take home.
- Genre: Blues
- Date: March 18-22, 2024
- Destination: Miami – Cozumel, Mexico
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Learn more about Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea VIII
The Broadway Cruise
The sights and sounds of Broadway make their way to the seas on this vibrant, thrilling cruise headlined by Tony Award-winners Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming. Activities and panels take you behind the scenes of the magic of some of the biggest musicals in the world.
- Genre: Broadway
- Date: March 13-18, 2024
- Destination: Miami – Montego Bay, Jamaica – Grand Cayman
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Learn more about The Broadway Cruise
Days of Summer Cruise Fest
Experience an epic summer party cruise with this fantastic Caribbean getaway featuring top DJs and hip-hop acts, all hosted by DJ Khaled. There are special themed nights including a PJ/lingerie party and an all-white night, so bring your best white outfits on-board and dance the night away.
- Genre: Hip-hop & Dance
- Date: TBC 2025
- Destination: Miami – Great Stirrup Cay – Nassau in the Bahamas
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship: Norwegian Sky
Learn more about Days of Summer Cruise Fest
Soulshine at Sea
The Soulshine at Sea cruises are about more than just good music – it’s about living your best healthy life with good vibes. Expect some great live performances, but also group wellness sessions and a host of other activities designed to get you into a happy mindset as part of one of the most welcoming themed cruises at sea.
- Genre: Soul Rock
- Date: TBC 2025
- Destination: Miami – Costa Maya, Mexico
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Learn more about Soulshine at Sea
The Country Music Cruise
Don’t forget your cowboy boots for this exciting country cruise that features a host of top acts performing live daily, and taking part in panels and other special hosted events. There are also professional dance teachers on-hand if you need a little help with your line dancing, Texas Swing or 2-stepping.
- Genre: Country music
- Date: January 20-27, 2024
- Destination: Ft. Lauderdale – Grand Turk – Key West – Half Moon Cay
- Cruise Line: Holland America Line
- Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam
Learn more about The Country Music Cruise
The 80s Cruise
Let your hair down and spend a week partying with some of the top acts the 80s had to offer. With over 50 live performances to attend from the likes of Debbie Gibson, Air Supply, Sebastian Bach and more, you’ll love this epic throwback voyage. All guests get Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package included in their fare too.
- Genre: 80s music
- Date: February 29 to March 7, 2024
- Destination: Port Canaveral – Aruba – Curaçao
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Ship: Mariner of the Seas
Learn more about The 80s Cruise
The Beach Boys Good Vibrations Cruise
Who better for a stunning cruise to Belize and Mexico than the Beach Boys? Their own cruise will feature a number of acts performing live, while every single cabin on-board will have the chance to get their photo taken with the original Beach Boys – the perfect memento for any fan.
The last cruise took place in 2023 and a future cruise is still being worked on.
- Genre: 60s music
- Date: TBC
- Destination: Miami – Harvest Caye, Belize – Costa Maya, Mexico
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Learn more about The Beach Boys Good Vibrations Cruise
The Monsters of Rock Cruise
Mosh out to some rock and metal classics on this cruise which includes a day spent at Royal Caribbean’s own private island Labadee. During your cruise, you can experience some true rock heavyweights as they play thrilling sets that will have you headbanging long into the night.
- Genre: Hard rock and heavy metal
- Date: March 2-7, 2024
- Destination: Miami – Jamaica – Bahamas
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Ship: Independence of the Seas
Learn more about The Monsters of Rock Cruise
Jam Cruise 19
If you enjoy a mix of music styles, then the Jam Cruise may be right up your street. Acts such as Umphrey’s McGee, The Fearless Flyers and The Word plus many more will perform across six nights, with most acts playing twice to give you the best chance of seeing everyone you want to without burning out.
- Genre: Mix of rock, funk, blues, bluegrass, and electronic
- Date: February 5 to March 1, 2024
- Destination: Miami – Montego Bay, Jamaica – Grand Cayman
- Cruise Line: MSC Cruises
- Ship: MSC Divina
Learn more about Jam Cruise 19
Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise
While the star of the show on this cruise is the excellent reggae artists performing various shows across the ship’s venues, it’s also one of the best themed cruises for extra activities. From special football tournaments to door decorating contests, this cruise is non-stop fun – with a free pre-cruise and post-cruise party to attend too.
- Genre: Reggae
- Date: December 9-14, 2024
- Destination: Miami – Montego Bay – Ocho Rios, Jamaica
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Ship: Independence of the Seas
Learn more about Welcome To Jamrock Reggae Cruise
Soul Train Cruise
Branded as the ‘hippest trip at sea’, the Soul Train cruise features a stacked lineup of top-tier soul musicians, as well as dozens of celebrity-attended events. Learn to dance with the original Soul Train dancers, enjoy special tribute events and even renew your wedding vows in a unique soul experience.
- Genre: Soul music
- Date: January 27 to February 3, 2024
- Destination: Ft. Lauderdale – Tortola – St. Maarten
- Cruise Line: Holland America Line
- Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam
Learn more about Soul Train Cruise
ShipRocked
‘Rock Hard and Vacation Harder’ as you enjoy some rocking tunes on the ocean waves with this entertainment-packed cruise. You’re invited to rise up as an army of rockers and conquer the Bahamas while you enjoy live performances day and (all) night, along with special themed nights.
- Genre: Rock and Metal
- Date: February 4-10, 2024
- Destination: Miami – Bimini – Ocho Rios – Grand Cayman
- Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
- Ship: Carnival Magic
L
Legendary Rhythm And Blues Cruise (#40 Western Caribbean)
Another Legendary R&B cruise, this time sailing to the Western Caribbean including Grand Cayman. Joining Taj Mahal on this cruise are other headliners the Keb’ Mo’ Band, the Ruthie Forster Quintet and performers from the B. B. King Museum.
- Genre: Rhythm & Blues
- Date: January 28 to February 4, 2024
- Destination: Ft. Lauderdale – Grand Cayman – Roatan Honduras – Costa Maya, Mexico
- Cruise Line: Holland America
- Ship: Nieuw Statendam
Learn more about #40 Western Caribbean
Legendary Rhythm And Blues Cruise (#41 Southeastern Caribbean)
Cruise number 41 with the Legendary Rhythm & Blues team will set sail for the Southeastern Caribbean. The lineup is still TBC but expect the same amazing quality of R&B music along with a host of special events during the day to keep guests thrilled for every minute of their voyage.
- Genre: Rhythm & Blues
- Date: October 26 to November 2, 2024
- Destination: Ft. Lauderdale – Aruba – Curaçao
- Cruise Line: Holland America
- Ship: MS Eurodam
Learn more about #41 Southeastern Caribbean
The In My Cruise Era (Taylor Swift) Cruise
If you love Taylor Swift, and you want to spend four days partying with other Swifties, then this is the cruise for you. Departing from Miami, it’ll sail to Perfect Day at CocoCay and then onto Nassau, with events including karaoke and dance parties.
- Genre: Pop (Taylor Swift)
- Date: 21 October 2024
- Destination: CocoCay, Nassau (from Miami)
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Ship: Allure of the Seas
Learn more about the In My Cruise Era cruise
The Jazz Cruise
Advertising itself as the only “straight-jazz” cruise, enthusiasts will meet thousands of other passionate jazz fans and cruise along with over 100 musicians performing around 225 hours of sensational jazz. This is definitely one for the discerning fan – after all, the cruise states that its standards are extraordinary.
- Genre: Jazz
- Date: January 18-25, 2024
- Destination: Miami – Labadee – Puerta Plata – St. Thomas
- Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
- Ship: Celebrity Summit
Learn more about The Jazz Cruise
McDonald Labelle Cruise
This getaway is a one-time-only event which, only 4 days and 3 nights, will be filled with extraordinary musical performances. Enjoy a spectacular cruise getaway featuring the legendary R&B vocalist, Michael McDonald and Patti LaBelle, the Godmother of Soul.
- Genre: Jazz
- Date: April 10-13, 2024
- Destination: Miami – Nassau – Miami
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Learn more about McDonald Labelle Cruise
The Smooth Jazz Cruise
If you love your cruise holidays to be laid back and relaxed, then the Smooth Jazz cruise could be ideal. 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
- Ship: Celebrity Summit
Learn more about The Smooth Jazz Cruise
Malt Shop Memories Cruise
Dedicated to some of the best music of the 50s and 60s, the Malt Shop Memories cruise is all about rekindling your love for the artists you grew up listening to. Dion, Frankie Avalon, The Righteous Brothers and Chubby Checker are just some of the acts performing live on this rock and roll party at sea.
- Genre: 50s and 60s music
- Date: October 27 to November 3, 2024
- Destination: Ft. Lauderdale – St Maarten – Tortola
- Cruise Line: Holland America Line
- Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam
Learn more about Malt Shop Memories Cruise
Rock Legends Cruise X
Enjoy your own classic rock festival at sea with this Bahamas voyage headlined by top acts such as Roger Daltrey and Deep Purple. As well as live performances, enjoy photo opportunities with the bands as well as memorabilia auctions, giving you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own something special from your favourite musicians.
- Genre: Rock
- Date: February 22-26, 2024
- Destination: Miami – Puerto Plata
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Ship: Independence of the Seas
Learn more about Rock Legends Cruise X
The Cruise of Irish Stars
Rather than being themed to one type of music, this cruise instead brings together the best Irish and Irish-American musicians for an eclectic voyage which features ballads, country, pop-rock and more, as well as stand-up comedy. No matter your music tastes, if you love Irish music then this voyage is perfect.
- Genre: Irish music
- Date: February 3-10, 2024
- Destination: Ft. Lauderdale – Western Caribbean
- Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
- Ship: Sky Princess
Learn more about The Cruise of Irish Stars
Sandy Beaches Cruise
With 7 nights of great music and 4 ports of call, it’s a non-stop blues rock adventure with the Sandy Beaches cruise. Top acts include Delbert McClinton, The Mavericks, Marcia Ball, and Asleep At The Wheel, with various Q&As, jam sessions and autograph signings that guests can attend.
- Genre: Blues Rock
- Date: January 13-20, 2024
- Destination: Ft. Lauderdale – St. Maarten – San Juan
- Cruise Line: Holland America Line
- Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam
Learn more about Sandy Beaches Cruise
Salty Dog Cruise
Embrace that rebellious party streak with a voyage on this punk rock-themed cruise where you’ll enjoy a wide range of live performances as well as interactive experiences. The lineup is yet to be confirmed but past lineups have featured some top punk bands from both sides of the Atlantic.
- Genre: Punk Rock
- Date: February 17-22, 2025
- Destination: from Miami
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship: Norwegian Gem
Learn more about Salty Dog Cruise
Polka Magic Cruise
Few genres of music are as fun as polka, while cruise holidays are inherently fun, making this a match made in heaven. Dance along to some award-winning polka acts including the Jimmy Sturr Orchestra, and get your steps in line with polka dancing instructors on hand to teach you.
- Genre: Polka
- Date: January 13-20, 2024
- Destination: Ft. Lauderdale – Princess Cays – San Juan, Puerto Rico – Grand Turk – Amber Cove
- Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
- Ship: Regal Princess
Learn more about Polka Magic Cruise
Texas Country Music Cruise
Texas is a state that’s synonymous with some of America’s best country music, so why not sail on this 7-night voyage (out of Galveston, Texas of course) and enjoy live music from top names such as Sam Riggs, Bart Crow and Bri Bagwell. A mix of pool deck parties and acoustic sing-a-longs will keep your toes tapping all week long.
- Genre: Country music
- Date: April 21-28, 2024
- Destination: Galveston – Roatan, Honduras – Costa Maya, Mexico – Cozumel
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Ship: Harmony of the Seas
Learn more about Texas Country Music Cruise
Chicago Music Cruise
Enjoy a themed voyage on one of the largest ships at sea with the Chicago Music Cruise. The full lineup is still TBC but includes a mix of rock and hillbilly so far. Cruise with fans of the Chicago and Midwest music scenes, and in your downtime take advantage of the wealth of features that Wonder of the Seas has to offer.
- Genre: Mix
- Date: January 7-14, 2024
- Destination: Eastern Caribbean
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Ship: Wonder of the Seas
Learn more about Chicago Music Cruise
311 Caribbean Cruise
Cruise with 311 and a number of other top alternative and rock bands including Arrested Development and Less Than Jake on this fun-packed voyage. Join other brodels and slinkies as you set sail for Belize and Honduras, enjoying live music and a number of themed activities on-board with the 311 members.
- Genre: Alternative rock
- Date: TBC 2025
- Destination: Miami – Harvest Caye, Belize – Roatan, Honduras
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Learn more about 311 Caribbean Cruise
Love and Harmony Cruise
Where better to dance along to some of the world’s top reggae musicians than a cruise to the Caribbean? With live performances by Beres Hammond, Popcaan, Sanchez and more to be announced, this is a welcoming themed cruise that’s aimed at guests of all ages who just want to enjoy quality, harmonious music.
- Genre: Reggae
- Date: April 13-18, 2024
- Destination: Miami – Ocho Rios – Nassau – Miami
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Learn more about Love and Harmony Cruise
The Kiss Kruise
KISS have long held incredible rock cruises at sea and these voyages are packed with exciting talent offering music shows, headlined of course by the band themselves. See KISS both masked and unmasked, and enjoy the tropical escapes of your itinerary.
- Genre: Rock
- Date: 2024 (Exact dates TBC)
- Destination: Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas & Ensenada, Mexico
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship: Norwegian Jewel
Learn more about The Kiss Kruise
To Conclude
There really is a themed music cruise for every taste and genre, so no matter what you’re into, you’ll find one that fits you. Why not book a place on one of these music cruises and sail with fans of your favourite bands, enjoying not just great live music but all the benefits of a regular cruise as well.
If you know of any other music cruises then leave a comment below, or let me know by email at [email protected] and I’ll add them to the list.
Like the idea of a specialist cruise? Check out these other Themed Cruises that you could book.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Will there be a soul cruise like the one advertised here that is sold out available for 2024