If we're friends on Facebook, then you probably witnessed a little temper tantrum yesterday when I found out that my trip to NYC to attend a special concert with a GRAMMY award winning artist was cancelled...then rebooked...then cancelled again. I had no idea who I was going to see, but I was so excited to be a part of a huge announcement Carnival Cruise Lines was going to make about their 2014 offerings. Boo hoo! Only one person I know was actually able to get into NYC, and that was because she lives nearby and didn't have to fly. Lucky duck!
So what was the big news?
Carnival Cruise Lines just announced that they are going to be hosting a Carnival Live Concert Series!! That special performance today was by Jennifer Hudson!
OMG! Super exciting, right? Now I'm extra sad that I wasn't able to go!
Carnival Cruise Lines just unveiled a new entertainment offering to bring the best in live music to the seas. A first-of-its-kind experience in the cruise industry, the Carnival LIVE Concert Series offers Carnival guests the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive onboard performance by a diverse roster of popular music artists while ships are docked at select ports of call.
Carnival has booked 49 performance dates for the 2014 concert series with the following artists:
- 38 Special
- Chicago
- Daughtry
- Foreigner
- Gavin DeGraw
- Jennifer Hudson
- Jewel
- Kansas
- Lady Antebellum
- LeAnn Rimes
- Martina McBride
- Olivia Newton-John
- REO Speedwagon
- STYX
- Trace Adkins
“Performing live is one of my favorite things,” said GRAMMY® Award-winner, Jennifer Hudson at an exclusive launch event for Carnival LIVE in New York City on January 22. “I’m excited to be part of this unique concert series that will allow me to interact with my fans in such an intimate and memorable setting.”
In addition to the Carnival LIVE Concert Series, Carnival is also enhancing its popular shipboard house bands. The bands will feature both male and female lead singers, a more choreographed, themed and diverse set list, and increased interaction with guests. Nine Carnival ships currently feature the new bands, with implementation across the full fleet over the course of this year.
“Onboard entertainment is an important part of the overall guest experience when cruising,” said Mark Tamis, senior vice president of guest operations for Carnival Cruise Lines. “With the Carnival LIVE Concert Series, our guests will enjoy an exclusive performance with one of their favorite artists for an extraordinary value. Combined with our enhanced house bands fleetwide, this is just another example of the many ways we are constantly looking to create even more fun and memorable moments for our guests.”
Beginning in April 2014, Carnival LIVE concerts will take place on board eight Carnival ships that call in the following ports: Cozumel, Mexico; Nassau, the Bahamas; and Catalina Island, California. Artists will join the ship while in port, perform in the main show lounge that evening, and debark following their show.
When we cruise, we usually have a port of call in the Bahamas because we love our Caribbean cruises. ha! I can't wait to see if we can get on the cruises with performances by Foreigner, REO Speedwagon and STYX! I am a sucker for those old school big hair bands and would be thrilled to see them in such a small venue!
Tickets cost $20-40 each and a limited number of VIP tickets are also available for each show for $100-$150 each. The VIP experience includes an artist meet and greet, photo opportunity, seating in the first three rows and a commemorative laminated concert pass. All tickets can be purchased through Carnival’s online Shore Excursion System prior to sailing, or on board participating ships at the Shore Excursion Desk based on availability.
Beginning today, you can visit www.carnival.com/CarnivalLive to view the full list of 2014 Carnival LIVE concert dates.
For additional information, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
This sounds like a blast. I Haven't been on a cruise in years and I have been dying to go on another one for a while now. I think I need to just book it and tell my Chris we're going 😉
Virginia
We're hoping to go on a cruise for our 10th anniversary. I've never been on one, but Hubs has been on several as a kid.
Ashley
How cool is that? I'd bet there isn't a bad seat in the house onboard ship.
Isabella Grey
Oh, this could be such fun! I've never been on a cruise, but I have always wanted to go on one. I'm a little scared that mu motion sickness would interfere with my fun though. :/
Debra
I'd go on a Chicago or ONJ cruise - I wouldn't get tired of hearing them out on the open seas! What a great cruise idea.
Cassie
Oh my gosh I would LOVE to go to some of these. However, I would most love to go to the REO Speedwagon concert. I LOVE me some REO Speedwagon.
Mitch
So that's what the trip was for! We couldn't figure it out! I did not attend cause I had Daily Show tickets, otherwise I would have loved to see Jennifer sing! And I love Carnival!
Mitch
Lauren
Wow, that is a great list of performers! I would love to see any of them, plus be on a cruise!
Jessica
This sounds SO exciting! I would love to see Daughtry and what better way than on a Carnival Cruise?! I am due for one. The last cruise I went on was to Mexico back in 2000...
Jaime
I've never been on a cruise before (sad, I know.) I love at least 5 of the artists you mentioned. Jennifer Hudson and Gavin DeGraw are two of my favorites!
Rebecca Brandt
Oh, how I would love to go on a cruise and to hear some fun music! It's cold - way too cold and the thought of drifting around an island is a great thought!
Brett
oh my goodness how fun is this going to be? i want to go on a cruise now!
Janeane Davis
I have never been on a cruise. It seems like it would be awesome to combine a cruise with superstar entertainment.
Joanna Sormunen
Amazing performers! This sounds like a great idea. I've always wanted to go for a cruise. Now I want it even more.
Lolo
I want to see Gavin Degraw! Awesome concert series.
Kecia
I have been wanting to go on a cruise for years, and getting a concert while on the boat would be awesome! I'd love to see Gavin DeGraw and Daughtry (the latter would be for the second time).
Amanda Love
Sounds like they have a great line up of performers, quite a bit that I would personally listen to. I have never been on a Carnival cruise and hope to one day.
Candy
I have never cruised before.. I think it would be so much fun to cruise and attend a concert!!
katherine bartlett
I'm too chicken to cruise but this sure sounds like so much fun!
Stacie Connerty
Going to concerts is my favorite thing to do when I can. And, my favorite way to vacation is to cruise. I would be in heaven!!!!!
jamie
How cool would that be to see a famous celebrity on your cruise! My husband and I've never been but would love to one day!
Ashley M
Lady Antebellum! Yay! It would be awesome experience my first concert and first cruise at the same time. I can't believe I have yet to catch a concert.
Cara
I love that Carnival is doing live concerts. They sound like they are going to be a blast! Sorry your trip got canceled!