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 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.