Live music on land isn’t the only way music lovers are enjoying their favorite tunes in 2024. While most people are used to being surrounded by a sea of people while watching outstanding live performances, going on a music cruise is the new trend that has taken over. Every genre under the sun has had time to shine on cruises dedicated to platforming artists who want to give vacationers amazing shows.
Atlanta-based Sixthman proved just how lucrative this subset of cruising can be, holding 18 different festivals for cabin guests with a love for the tunes. From Zac Brown to Paramore, loyal fan bases with money to spend have been willing to pay tickets for a room onboard a premium vessel that happens to come with an intimate performance from world-class artists. Beyond this, top-of-the-line journeys have also incorporated music into their amenities to create a new wave of music performance and enjoyment.
Curated cruises on the scene
Premium lines have been at the forefront of this movement because of their means to connect to talent and the practical logistics of lodging hundreds of guests comfortably. Luxury cruise ship perfectly encapsulates the deft hand these lines use to curate passenger experiences. With a significant investment in onboard entertainment, the ship’s immersive and elegant setting allows every guest to embrace the performance and worry about nothing else. The luxury cruise setting elevates the musical show and brings the added benefit of not worrying about space, safety, and bathroom access whenever needed. Those within the ship’s roster even use sustainable design and technology to reduce emissions for every trip.
The latest entertainment program for live music even transforms the interactivity and personalization of these performances for guests. Using exclusive QR codes, guests can view song lists and even send requests directly to the musicians performing. On top of the ability to suggest or choose new songs, this also gives access to spontaneous pop-up performances by the pool, complete with snacks and beverages. With a lineup ranging from contemporary acoustic loop pedal duos to eclectic DJs, there’s something in the program for every genre fan. Variety is a norm, and different experiences are crafted to honor big names, ranging from Adele to Billy Joel, with every voyage.
Music and wellness have also been hailed as the perfect combination, encouraging performers to take the reins and build a tour around the cruise format. The genre-bending Michael Franti even famously went on a Soulshine cruise tour, where he performed from day to night for over four days.
Why music on cruises has become a hit
Cruises have long been a pillar of vacation culture, so it’s no surprise that they’ve become the hotbed for cultural experiences like music festivals and live concerts. If there’s ever a time to enjoy music, it’s while you’re enjoying travel with a drink in hand. Festivals also drive the scene with their multi-day lineups that entice people to stick around for each day. With cruises providing the perfect concert space with comfortable lodging included, it’s a practical step forward for festival goers who want the all-in-one experience. Hence, you see the likes of The Rock Boat, 70,000 Tons of Metal, and the Broadway Cruise amassing fans clamoring for tickets to ride.
Additionally, music tourism has pushed the trend of ocean cruise performances even more. If you look at the record-breaking tour Taylor Swift started in 2023, it’s clear how much people are willing to spend and where they are eager to go for the sake of a live music show they want to see. Earning more than a billion dollars, the ‘Eras’ tour regularly saw fans taking trips dedicated to seeing the show complete with the corresponding theme while they traveled. Interestingly, Swift herself has not only been the subject of a themed cruise but has performed on the Allure of the Seas in 2011 (long before the trend saw other artists follow suit). This trend has staying power to it, and we can expect it to evolve in the years to come.
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