Imagine your favorite bluegrass quartet, barefoot, gathered around a mic planted not in muddy red Appalachian soil, but in Aruban sand, with clear blue sky and water glistening behind them.
Here’s the good news: it’s not a dream, it’s Cayamo, a music cruise of the alternative, folk-Americana-adjacent variety that sets sail from Miami every March. While the artists and the destinations vary from year to year (2024 is the 16th one), the musical excellence and name recognition don’t waver. Past artists have included Americana superstars Emmy Lou Harris, John Prine, John Hiatt, and Kris Kristofferson. This year’s lineup shows off the R&B-adjacent gustiness of pop quintet Lake Street Drive, smooth lyrics of Texas country icon Lyle Lovett, and deep cuts from up-and-comers Sunny War and Mipso. Plus KT Tunstall, whose “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” was 2005’s eclectic rock anthem. And not to brag, but Billy Bragg.
The ship is an almost-1000-ft-long floating skyscraper with a history of towing musical landlubbers around the cool blue Caribbean. The Pearl (that’s the Norwegian Pearl, not the Black Pearl, mind you) has also been the site of Paramore’s “Parahoy!”, K$sha’s Weird and Wonderful Rainbow Ride, and Outlaw Country Cruise 5.
Beyond stellar shows, the cruise’s many other music-centered activities encourage guest participation: there are two scheduled jam sessions, a jewelry-making workshop with band The Kentucky Gentleman and open mic nights. At smaller, more intimate performances, artists have opportunities to collaborate across bands and blend performance with discussions of musical craft. Of course, you’ll also find all of the normal luxury cruise ship features, like a casino, swimming pools and hot tub, spa, and fitness classes and facilities. And given the locale, bring sunscreen and expect strong tans.
The Specs
- Up to 2,394 passengers can stay on the Norwegian Pearl (at double occupancy).
- Interior rooms start at $1,855 (at double occupancy). At this time, all tickets are sold out, but you can join the waitlist.
- Before and after the cruise, spend a little time in Miami.
FAQs
Dude, what is Cayamo?
A journey through song…AKA it’s a classy, week-long music cruise.
Where does the Cayamo Cruise dock? What is the closest airport?
The Port of Miami. Fly into the Miami International Airport (9 miles, 20 minute drive), or Fort Lauderdale Airport, (25 miles, 40 minute drive). Take a rideshare or prearrange a shuttle.
Where does the Cayamo Cruise make port?
After leaving Miami, the ship will stop at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and at Oranjestad, Aruba.
What sorts of activities and performances can I expect?
Multiple daily small and large performances, special workshops and showcases, and jam sessions.
Tickets are sold out! How do I get on the waitlist?
You can join the waitlist here. There is a $199 deposit to hold a spot. Guests will be offered a stateroom in the order they joined.
Which artists are on the Cayamo 2024 lineup?
Lyle Lovett, Lake Street Dive, The Mavericks, Billy Bragg, Rodney Crowell, Shawn Colvin, Lucius, Buddy Miller, The Lone Bellow, KT Tunstall, Nikki Lane, Langhorne Slim, Hiss Golden Messenger, Shawn Mullins, The War and Treaty, Brandy Clark, Raul Malo, Mipso, Jenny Owen Youngs, Leyla McCalla, Dom Flemons, Taylor Ashton, Leon Timbo, Jon Muq, Kelly Willis, Adeem the Artist, Susan Werner, Anthony Da Costa, Sunny War, Alexa Rose, Sistastrings, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Abe Partridge, Smalltown Strings, Brandy Blade, The Black Opry Revue, Buffalo Rose, Gabe Lee, Kyshona.
2024 Poster
