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8 Cruises for Music Lovers That Are Actually Worth Booking

Rock your way around the world with these unforgettable cruise vacations for music lovers.

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Updated June 11, 2025
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Themed cruises are gaining popularity, especially among music enthusiasts. And if you've got a special interest, why not maximize the value of your trip by surrounding yourself with something you truly love?

Imagine yourself cruising to legendary music destinations, enjoying concerts, and one-of-a-kind events along the way. In a recent survey from cruise.co.uk, music-themed cruises were the most popular among passengers, garnering 38% of the vote. These itineraries have one-off events and first-class performances.

Immerse yourself in rock and roll or go classical with some of these top musical cruises.

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Soul Train Cruise 2026

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Price: Starting at $2,560 per person

Leave from Fort Lauderdale, sailing to St. Thomas and St. Maarten on this seven-night cruise with a difference. With several soul artists on board, there's live music from Kool and the Gang, The Ohio Players, Deniece Williams, and more.

Enjoy Q&A sessions with performers, tribute bands, dance lessons, and themed parties on board. However, reserve your stateroom at the earliest opportunity using one of your top travel credit cards, as this cruise is so popular that it usually sells out. The next departure is February 1, 2026.

Monsters of Rock

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Price: Starting at $2,699 per person

Monsters of Rock heads to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas for five days of cruising on the Norwegian Joy. Your days and nights are full of rock with performances from The Darkness, Symphony X, Nelson, and many more acts.

This cruise blends sun, sea, and brilliant rock bands. The next departure is on April 12, 2026.

Blues Alive at Sea

Voloshyn Roman/Adobe jazz band performs

Price: Starting at $1,875 per person

Admire the spectacular Alaskan coastline scenery and wildlife sightings while relaxing on a blues-themed cruise. Sailing on the Norwegian Jade, the Blues Alive at Sea cruise departs from Seattle and sails to Ketchikan, Sitka, and Victoria, B.C. Hosted by Joe Bonamassa, enjoy performances from an incredible lineup including Angelique Francis, Little Feat, Jimmy Vivino, and more.

The ship sails on September 5, 2025. Be warned: This cruise sells out fast.

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Cumberland River Cruise. Memphis to Nashville

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Price: Starting at $4,915 per person

Many fantastic musical cities are linked by rivers. From country to jazz and rock, you'll sail to special places with American Cruise Lines. Start in Memphis, a city linked to Elvis Presley and BB King, before heading downriver via Clarksville to Nashville, the home of country music and the Johnny Cash Museum.

Finally, visit the Grand Ole Opry to see stellar country and western. Cruises sail from August 5, 2025.

Melodies of the Danube

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Price: Starting at $5,054, excluding flights

Discover what inspired Johann Strauss to write his classic waltz, The Blue Danube, on this Central European cruise. Begin in Budapest, Hungary, sailing up the River Danube to Bratislava, Slovakia, before arriving in Vienna, Austria, the home of Strauss. Listen to or dance a waltz before traveling to Salzburg, where you can visit Mozart's house and the scenes from The Sound of Music.

There are regular departures through 2025.

Jazz Cruise

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Price: Starting at $2,475 per person

Jazz Cruise is a charter dedicated to the beat of jazzy sounds on board. On this seven-night journey, you'll sail between Fort Lauderdale, Cococay in the Bahamas, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. This cruise is famed for over 200 hours of jazz music and over 100 performers, including stellar artists.

Expect lively concerts, jam sessions, and opportunities to engage with performers in Q&A chats. The cruise departs on January 27, 2026.

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Anthony Inglis and the National Symphony Orchestra 2026

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Prices: Starting at $1,415 per person

A Transatlantic cruise with the UK's National Symphony Orchestra sounds like a joyful way to return stateside after a European vacation. Queen Mary 2 sails from London, hosting two classical concerts. Famous American composers often draw inspiration from the best of British music. There's also a Q&A session with conductor Anthony Inglis.

Finally, there's an opportunity to sing with the choir before arriving in New York. The 2026 departure sails on September 5th.

Boots on the Water

kappa400/Adobe men and woman line dance

Prices: Starting at $1,682 per person

Boots On The Water is a five-day cruise filled with country stars and honkytonk music. As you sail from Tampa to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, enjoy concerts, talks, and music all day and night. The lineup includes Diamond Rio, David Lee Murphy, Terri Clark, and more. Experience themed parties, collaboration shows, and more on this themed cruise. The next departure is February 13, 2026.

Music-themed cruises are in high demand, offering a range of experiences from rock concerts on board to heritage tours in world-famous cities. You can also spend more time in a city before or after a cruise and enjoy a deeper experience of the culture and music scene. Whether celebrating a life event or traveling to see your favorite band, these cruises will create treasured memories that last a lifetime.

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Quick tips: How to travel or dine out without going broke

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Thoughtful planning can help you maximize your travel experience without draining your wallet. Here are some tips on how to balance your adventure with a budget:

  • Visit restaurants during happy hour or lunch for lower prices
  • Use cashback dining apps like Seated or credit cards with travel/dining rewards
  • Use price comparison tools like Hopper or Google Flights to track airfare drops
  • Book accommodations with kitchens to prepare some meals yourself

You never know where your most memorable moments will come from. So consider both the emotional and financial value of an experience to find the things that are truly worth your money.

Bottom Line

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If you want to start traveling more, why not start with one of these cruises? On a musical-themed cruise, you'll combine fine dining and sightseeing, listening to performances, or interacting with artists. Impressive itineraries include rock legends such as Blue Öyster Cult and Wishbone Ash, as well as millennial artists like Betty Who, and electronic music (EDM).

Reserve your place early to join one of these vacations, as many themed cruises sell out quickly.

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