Originally published Sunday, October 12, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Comments (0)
E-mail article
Print view
Music cruises unite performers and fans
Somewhere in the Caribbean between Mexico and Grand Cayman, folk and country stars Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin and Shawn Colvin sing backup...
The Miami Herald
Somewhere in the Caribbean between Mexico and Grand Cayman, folk and country stars Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin and Shawn Colvin sing backup vocals for singer and guitarist Buddy Miller.
I'm 25 feet away, curled up on a lounge chair on the rum-punched pool deck of a huge cruise ship. I can't believe my eyes — or my ears. But there they are, singing and swaying with the rolling ship. Me? I'm living a music lover's fantasy.
This cruise — dubbed "Cayamo: A Journey Through Song" by its promoters — lured nearly 2,000 passengers to spend seven days on board the Carnival Victory to hear nearly nonstop performances from an eclectic mix of musicians. This cruise (coming up again in February 2009) featured Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, Edwin McCain, Brandi Carlile, Shawn Mullins, Earl Klugh and a half-dozen other bands in addition to Harris, Griffin, Colvin and Miller.
Missed the boat? Not to worry; there are plenty of other tune cruises on the horizon — part of the ever-growing trend of theme cruises aimed a luring an audience with a particular passion.
If you like sports, you can cruise with race-car drivers or baseball greats or golf legends or football stars. Want to cruise naked? There's a naturist cruise. There are cruises for aficionados of archery, wine, knitting, ballroom dancing, film, chocolate, astronomy. Most are arranged by independent promoters, who charter the cruise ship or a portion of it for the sailing.
Here's a sample of upcoming music cruises:
The Dave Koz Cruise: Nov. 2-9 from Fort Lauderdale; www.davekozcruise.com; 877-328-3569.
Ship: Holland America Westerdam.
Artists: Dave Koz, Eric Benet, Alonzo Bodden, Rick Braun, Jonathan Butler, George Duke, Deniece Williams, Eugee Groove, Arlington Jones, more.
The Jazz Cruise: Nov. 9-16 from Fort Lauderdale; www.thejazzcruise.com; 800-762-6737.
Ship: Holland America Westerdam.
Artists: Ernie Adams, Pete Barbutti, Greg Fishman, Wycliffe Gordon, Eddie Higgins, Tom Kennedy, Jay Lionhart, Laura McDonald, Ken Peplowski, Claudio Roditi, Dena DeRose, Judy Roberts, Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra, Ricky Woodard, more.
![]()
Simple Man Cruise: Jan. 8-12, 2009, from Miami; www.simplemancruise.com; 877-749-8462.
Ship: Carnival Destiny
Artists: Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special, Molly Hatchet, Marshall Tucker Band, Pat McGee Band, more.
The Rock Boat IX: Jan. 17-22 from Miami, www.therockboat.com; 877-749-8462.
Ship: Carnival Destiny.
Artists: Sister Hazel, David Ryan Harris, Gaelic Storm, Hanson, Michael Tolcher, Zac Brown Band, Alternate Routes, more.
Let's Go Bluesin': Jan. 24-31, 2009, from Fort Lauderdale; www.bluescruise.com; 888-BLUESIN.
Ship: Holland America Eurodam.
Artists: Taj Mahal, Etta James, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers, John Hammond.
Playboy Jazz Cruise: Jan. 25-Feb. 1, 2009, from Fort Lauderdale; www.playboyjazzcruise.com; 888-852-9987.
Ship: Holland America Westerdam.
Artists: Marcus Miller, Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves, Keb' Mo', Poncho Sanchez, James Moody, Roy Hargrove, James Carter.
Ships And Dip V: Feb. 1-6, 2009, from Miami; www.shipsanddip.com; 877-749- 8462.
Ship: Norwegian Jewel.
Artists: Barenaked Ladies, Great Big Sea, Boothby Graffoe, Butterfly Boucher, the New Odds and Weakerthans.
Cayamo, A Journey Through Song: Feb. 28-March 7, 2009, from Miami; www.cayamo.com; 877-749-8462.
Ship: Norwegian Dawn.
Artists: Lyle Lovett, Shawn Colvin, Patty Griffin, Buddy Miller, Joe Ely, Shawn Mullins, Tift Merritt.
Mayercraft Carrier: March 27-31, 2009, from Long Beach, Calif.; www.mayercraftcarrier.com; 877-SIXTH-MAN.
Ship: Carnival Splendor.
Artists: John Mayer, David Ryan Harris, Brian Reynolds.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
E-mail article
Print view Share:
Digg
Newsvine
Fewer fliers expected over holidays
U.S. airlines boost on-time arrivals
Covert TSA officers keep watch at airports
Holiday airfares keep climbing

Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Ken Auletta talks about Google with Brier Dudley at the Seattle Central Library.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- Prosecutors consider charges against suspect in police shooting
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Steve Kelley | Hasselbeck gives Seahawks' sagging season a stay of execution
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Bill Clinton meets with Senate Dems on health care
- Trucker dies as big-rig plummets off SF bridge
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Washington coordinator Nick Holt says his Huskies defense is improving
- Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
253 - House health bill unacceptable to many in Senate
247 - Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
174 - Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
143 - Alleged shooter tied to mosque of 9/11 hijackers
135 - Obama puts heat on Senate to speed health bill
123 - Resolute Fort Hood soldiers ready for return
119 - McGinn more than doubles his lead over Mallahan
105 - Josh Smith picks UCLA
70 - Cutaia says replay handled properly on Austin TD
69
- For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Silver Lake restaurant destroyed by fire
- Pakistani-American cafe, bar owner on verge of being Granite Falls mayor
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
- Taste | Ruth Reichl still reigns as queen of America's culinary scene
- All You Can Eat | Fruit flies: thrill to the kill
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect





