Page 43 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2024 Digital Edition

Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise
By Nancy Edwards
What is the most common reaction about the Legendary
Rhythm and Blues Cruise (LRBC)? “It is life changing, you’ve
got to do it at least once in your life.” For many, once is not
enough. That applies not just to cruisers, but the artists as
well. When somebody says, "The Blues Cruise," this is the one
they are talking about.
January 2024 was the 40th LRBC. Randy Honkey (pictured
below with LRBC CEO Roger Naber) has been on every single
one. There are dozens more who proudly brag that they have
sailed on 20 or more cruises.
Originally called the Ultimate Rhythm & Blues Cruise, it
was the first-full ship music charter. It did not take long for
word to get around about the success and popularity of this
dedicated cruise. It became the blueprint for jazz, rock and
A favorite dance event, Cruisin’ for a Bluesin’ features four days full of blues, fun and more music genres. The LRBC typically sells out eight months
dancing at sea. Photo by Ÿ Shane Karns Photography in advance and every cruise has sold out for the last 20 years.
and more! Catch one of their two cruises a year – either out What keeps so many cruisers returning? Well, the
of Long Beach, CA, to Ensenada, Mexico, in the spring, or camaraderie for one. And of course, we all come for the
out of New Orleans, LA, to Cozumel, Mexico, in the fall. music. From blues legends to tried-and-true fan favorites to
cruisinforabluesin.com amazing newer artists, there’s a wonderful variety of musical
Broaden your horizons and consider seeking out a blues talent. There are seven stages where music is performed,
cruise overseas! Every Saturday, May through August, and the technical quality of the shows is remarkably high.
Each of the artists rotate among the stages, performing at
the Norway Yacht Charter sails through a maze of green least three times on the cruise. Some cruisers will follow their
islands, while cruisers enjoy three hours of live blues music on a favorites each time they perform, while other cruisers stake
traditional wooden sailing ship. out a favorite stage throughout the day and wait as each artist
nyc.no/boatservice-sightseeing/blues-cruise comes through. Additionally, every cabin’s TV shows live
Twice a year, the Colorline Blues Cruise travels roundtrip out performances from a couple of the stages.
of Oslo, Norway, to Kiel, Germany, featuring Scandinavian Music starts in the afternoon and has been known to last
acts in the spring and international artists in the fall. until sunrise. Those all-nighters are the Pro Jams and the Piano
www.colorline.no/oslo-kiel/bluescruise Bar (which often turns into a bit of a Pro Jam itself!). The Pro
Cruising along the Norwegian Coast, Havila Voyages Jams on the back stage are a favorite for cruisers and artists
hosts an unforgettable musical adventure on board the Roots alike – performances you may never see on land, or ever
and Blues Cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes. Choose between again. Match-ups on stage are fun for the artists too. The
a week-long leg of the cruise, or the full 12-day experience! artists love meeting, playing and learning from each other.
www.havilavoyages.com/offers/blues-cruise JW-Jones says, “The LRBC reminded me how much I value
Full steam ahead – let’s dive deep into the floating connecting with musicians and being surrounded by so much
blues festival cruises that are well-known in the U.S. blues great talent. It means so much to me and my development as
community… an artist.”

The Smoky Mountain Blues Society presents its Blues Cruise Series on board the LRBC CEO Roger Naber (left) honors cruiser Randy Honkey for his record 40
Tennessee Riverboat. Photo courtesy of the Tennessee Riverboat Company Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruises. Photo by Nancy Edwards

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