Ahoy, rock enthusiasts! Set sail on a symphony of high-seas soundscapes with this ultimate guide to the most electrifying rock cruises around the globe!
Curious why a rock cruise is the coolest ticket in town? Imagine swapping crowded arenas for intimate, exclusive performances, themed parties that rival the wildest festivals, and the chance to mingle with your favorite rock icons against the stunning backdrop of the open sea. Besides being music festivals on water, rock cruises are a celebration of freedom, community, and the sheer joy of letting loose amidst the waves.
This is just part one of the best rock cruises exploration. >> Make sure to also read part 2 of the amazing rock cruises! ⚡️
Rock the Boat
From: Sydney, Australia
When: October-November
Get ready to set sail on Australia’s most sizzling rock ‘n’ roll floating fiesta – the legendary Rock the Boat Cruise. Rock the Boat Cruise offers seven nights of non-stop rockin’ on a magnificent cruise ship, with over 30 artists commandeering the stage.
In addition to the mind-blowing performances, this seafaring spectacle offers a wave of on-board entertainment. Imagine sipping on your favorite vino while rubbing shoulders with rock legends at an exclusive wine tasting event. And that’s not all – dive into the excitement of themed nights, where you can choose between transforming into your ultimate music idol or embracing the funky freshness of the ’70s with flower power threads. How’s that for a good time?
The adventure kicks off at Sydney’s Circular Quay and sets course for the sun-soaked South Pacific. Mark your calendars for the next rockin’ rendezvous happening from October 23rd to 30th, 2024, aboard the Carnival Luminosa.
Rock the Boat has a knack for selling out fast, so make sure to snag your tickets well in advance if you want to join this rocking party! Let’s rock the boat, literally and figuratively!
Full Metal Cruise
From where: Kiel, Germany
When: September
Brace yourselves for the thunderous roar of guitars and the pounding beats of the biggest Heavy Metal Cruise in Europe – the legendary Full Metal Cruise. This maritime metal extravaganza just hit the double digits, celebrating its 10th anniversary, so you know they’ve got some serious cruise cred!
Full Metal Cruise is all about three stages, numerous venues, and top-class bands from the heavy metal scene. It’s a metalhead’s dream come true, and with a decade of tradition under their belts, you can bet it’s a cruise with serious metal pedigree.
But it’s not just about the headbanging. This voyage is a metal carnival at sea, offering a supporting program that’ll make your metal heart beat faster than a double kick drum. From comedy and metal karaoke to meet and greets with the stars, readings, cinema, tattoo artists, metal wellness, and music workshops – they’ve got it all.
Setting sail from the metal heartland of Kiel, Northern Germany, this cruise takes you on a sonic journey to the Northern seas of Norway. Imagine cruising through the stunning landscapes of Scandinavia while being serenaded by some kick-ass tunes. The chosen vessel for this epic metal odyssey is the luxurious Mein Schiff 3, ensuring a truly immersive and unparalleled experience for metal enthusiasts.
Hold on tight because the Full Metal Cruise is so hot that they’re doubling the excitement in 2024, with not just one, but two cruises – and the first one has already sold out!
The Rock Boat
From: Miami Florida
When: January-February
Set sail from the sunshine state of Miami, Florida, and get ready for The Rock Boat! This nautical extravaganza has already rocked the high seas 22 times, journeying to the vibrant Caribbean islands. It’s five days of pure rock ‘n’ roll bliss, with the sun, sea, and opportunities to mingle with your favorite artists.
Prepare to have your days and nights filled with the soul-stirring sounds of over 20 incredible artists. But it’s not just about the music – we’re talking about a full-blown experience here! There are plenty of engaging activities that bring you up close and personal with your musical heroes. Imagine participating in the legendary Flip Cup Tournament or scoring a spot at the coveted Meet & Greets.
On this rockin’ journey you’ll make pit stops in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, and Costa Maya, Mexico. Imagine beach time sandwiched between fierce live music sessions and an endless rock ‘n’ roll party. It’s the perfect blend of music and sunshine. Your home for this epic cruise is the mighty Norwegian Pearl, a ship tailor-made for theme cruises like this one.
But here’s the deal – The Rock Boat is so in demand that it’s often sold out. Don’t miss the boat (pun intended)! Make your plans early, because if you want to be part of this seafaring spectacle, you’ve got to secure your spot in the limelight.
⚡️ Set sail on your dream cruise! Ready to discover the most budget-friendly flights to your departure destination? Check this guide now:
20+ Genius Hacks to Find Cheap Flights: Insider Tips for Travelers
70000 Tons of Metal
From: Miami, Florida
When: January-February
The colossal heavy metal extravaganza, 70000 Tons of Metal, is making waves from the rocking shores of Miami, Florida, every winter. Brace yourself for a four-day odyssey that proudly declares itself the biggest heavy metal cruise in the world – and it truly lives up to the hype!
70000 Tons of Metal brings together 60 international artists from various rock genres, each unleashing their sonic fury not once, but twice, totaling a mind-blowing 120 live shows! And that’s just the beginning of the metallic madness. Picture 70000 Tons of Karaoke until the sun graces the horizon, the Official 70000 Tons of Metal All-Star Jam rewriting heavy metal history, clinics and workshops with the maestros, a legendary Belly Flop Contest, Shore Excursions with your favorite artists, and a lot more! And by the way, the bars actually never close on this ship. The ship might be metal, but the choice of danger is all yours.
Hosted on the mighty Freedom of the Seas, this metal haven boasts four stages, including The Pool Deck stage – the world’s largest open-air stage structure sailing the high seas. Surrounded by bars, pools, ample sunbathing decks, and hot tubs integrated into the stage, it’s a musical paradise where you can soak in more than just the shows! And for a touch of frosty flair, there’s even an ice skating rink on board. Because who hasn’t dreamed of skating under the Caribbean sun? Now’s your chance!
The final destination is Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic – a perfect haven to kick back and unwind between the rocking spectacles. So, fellow rock voyage enthusiasts, don’t miss your chance to be part of this sonic adventure. Secure your spot on 70000 Tons of Metal and get ready to rock the boat in a way that only true rock’n’roll aficionados can!
Shiprocked
From: Miami, Florida
When: February
Set sail from the vibrant shores of Miami, where Shiprocked awaits, promising chills and thrills for those daring enough to step onto this boat of surprises. Get set for a rollercoaster of excitement on Shiprocked – where courage meets chills and thrills in a boat of surprises! The motto on this ship is “Rock hard, vacation harder”.
This ain’t your ordinary cruise; it’s a rocking escapade that always comes with a special theme. Shiprocked takes it up a notch with an epic horror theme, featuring a special night of themed festivities every evening. It’s the perfect opportunity to let your freak flag soar higher than ever!
But that’s just the tip of the haunted iceberg! Shiprocked is more than just a visually stunning cruise; it’s a vessel cursed with the music of the damned. There are almost 30 artists, mainly from alternative to hardcore genres, taking over multiple stages, hosting events that will make your heart race faster than a drumbeat. Beyond the stage antics, there’s a buffet of entertainment – meet & greets, casino tournaments, trivia contests, and karaoke nights. Feeling daring? Get yourself a souvenir tattoo at the on-board tattoo parlor!
The ship of choice for this eerie escapade is none other than the Carnival Magic – a vessel that perfectly complements the spine-tingling theme of Shiprocked. As you cruise on Carnival Magic from Miami to the hauntingly beautiful Bimini in the Bahamas, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman, be prepared for a Caribbean adventure like no other.
Will the sun shine, or will there be thunder and lightning? Only one way to find out – set sail and let the chills and thrills of Shiprocked unfold before your very eyes!
⚡️ Read next:
From Botswana to Chile: Exploring Unique Rock Festivals Across Continents
Rock Legends Cruise
From: Miami, Florida
When: February
Rock Legends Cruise has been conquering the high seas since 2010, making waves and jamming to classic tunes for a remarkable ten times now. Talk about a decade of rocking maritime legacy!
True to its name, this cruise is a musical time machine filled with the legendary sounds of rock. Don’t expect to spot the latest and trendiest newcomers here – that’s not the vibe. It’s all about the timeless classics, the kind that transports you straight to the glory days of the ’70s and ’80s. Okay, there might be an occasional sprinkle of newer artists, but rest assured, they’re belting out the same classic rock anthems.
What makes this cruise even more awesome? All the proceeds from the Rock Legends Cruise go to the Native American Heritage Association, a non-profit fighting hunger and providing essentials to families on Reservations in South Dakota. Rocking for a cause – now that’s music to the ears!
Setting sail from the sun-drenched haven of Miami, this nautical adventure leads you to the sandy shores of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The chosen vessel for this rock and roll odyssey is none other than Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas – a 15-deck beauty that’s like a playground for themed cruises.
So, fellow groove seekers, if you’re ready to rock for a cause and dance to the beats of classic legends, Rock Legends Cruise is your ticket to a musical journey like no other!
The 80s Cruise
From: Port Canaveral, Florida
When: February-March
Strap in for a time-traveling adventure on the 80s time machine, where the beats are electric and the memories are gnarly. If you’re all about that 80s music magic, you’ve just stumbled upon your dream cruise. The 80s Cruise promises not just a cruise but an All 80s Party of a Lifetime – 7 days, all-inclusive. Sounds like a rockin’ deal, doesn’t it?
But The 80s Cruise is not just about the stellar 80s lineup. This cruise amps up the nostalgia with theme party nights that’ll have you grooving, dancing, belting out karaoke, and encountering surprises that kick off the Ultimate 80s Party in style. And let’s talk about the decor – it’s like stepping into an 80s wonderland. Cabin doors decked with 80s band posters and rad decorations are sights to behold! Check out the 80s Cruises photo gallery for a glimpse of the coolness.
This 80s party ship sets sail from the lively Port Canaveral, making stops in the Southern Caribbean’s treasures – Aruba and Curaçao. Prepare yourself for triumphant white sand beaches, diverse culture, beautiful mountains, vibrant architecture, and turquoise waters that’ll transport you straight to an 80s music video.
This epic 80s bash unfolds on Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas. This ship is not just a vessel; it’s a paradise for fellow devotees of the 80s. Luxury accommodations, top-notch service, and first-class venues await you for epic performances, events, and activities!
As our rocking voyage through the world of music on the high seas comes to an end, one question remains: are you ready to set sail into the unforgettable realm of rock cruises?
Now, it’s your time to explore part 2 of this rock ‘n’ roll cruise adventure!
>> Rockin’ High Seas: The Best Rock ‘n’ Roll Cruises Part 2
Don’t keep this musical journey to yourself – share it with your travel companion, and let the anticipation build together. Rock on, sea enthusiasts – your next adventure is just a cruise away! ⚡
