Norwegian Cruise Lines has teamed up with Blake Shelton and other stars to form the first ever country-music themed cruise. The ship departs from Miami on October 14 and returns on October 21, giving passengers seven days of beautiful tropical sights and nonstop country music.
The official name of the event is the “Blake Shelton and Friends cruise,” and several high-profile stars are scheduled to hit the stage while onboard. Blake Shelton will headline the event, performing two shows throughout the week in the 1,100-seat Stardust Theater. Other participants include special guest Trace Adkins, Jerrod Niemann, Easton Corbin, Neal McCoy, Lee Brice, and Randy Houser.
In addition to these performances, 17 lesser-known acts will also take the stage in the ship’s other music venues. These acts include Rae Lynn, a previous contestant on The Voice earlier this year, and industry newcomer Frankie Ballard. Country star Justin Moore was also set to perform during the cruise, but he announced in late July that he had to pull out due to a scheduling conflict with his work alongside Eric Church in the upcoming Blood, Sweat, and Beers Tour.
According to the cruise’s official website, the ship will “set sail from Miami where cultural diversity is apparent from the moment you set foot on its soil.” After departure on October 14, four scheduled day-stops are listed on the cruise’s itinerary: San Juan, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Nassau. Aside from the onboard activities and live music, these stops allow passengers to explore beautiful and bustling locales along the cruise route.
The ship, a Jewel-class called the Norwegian Pearl, features a range of amenities that include 13 different bars and lounges, and 16 dining options that run the gamut from traditional fine dining to custom-order buffets. In addition to the nightly entertainment, the cruise has 12 decks available to passengers packed with activity rooms including a bowling alley, casino, and a video arcade where passengers can play games on a two-story screen.
This is the first country music-themed cruise in a recent slew of musical sea voyages. Other similar adventures include Kid Rock’s annual Chillin’ The Most cruise and the recently announced S.S. Coachella. The Blake Shelton and Friends cruise, however, offers many events that would be hard to find elsewhere on the ocean. Aside from the nightly music, performers will hold Q&A sessions and passengers will have the opportunity to personally meet and greet the musical guests. Throughout the cruise there will also be song writer workshops, and a ship-wide contest to find the best voice judged by the pros themselves.
According to the cruise’s official website, the ship has 1,197 total rooms, including 785 with overlooking views of the ocean and 27 handicap-accessible. The Norwegian Pearl offers flexible accommodations for any budget, from the “affordable to the over-the-top opulence” of their Suites and Villas. Price packages still available are from $1,179-$3,499 per person. Payment plan options are available with a required deposit, so book your room now for the inaugural Blake Shelton and Friends cruise.
