lrbc blues cruise

Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise

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313 Lawrence St

Kansas City, MO 64111

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About the Business

More Than A Cruise... More Than A Festival... More Than You Can Imagine! The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise has truly been a wildly life changing experience for literally thousands of musicians and blues cruisers alike. We have created a "Blues Village" for all to see multiple performances, jam at will with one another, network and simply relax... for an entire week at sea. Our Blues Mecca showcases more music than you can possibly see during the voyage! Imagine dancing at the front of the pool deck stage while our luxury ship sails at 20 knots under the stars, or sunbathing on an upper deck while the bands play directly below. It's an experience that can only be described as Bluesin'®. …

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This Cruise is NOT for you ! You will absolutely HATE being in the Caribbean in January, exploring tropical Islands and basking in the warm sunshine. Also, you will utterly detest the almost 24-hour a day live Blues music that is on this ship - it is just too noisy with the likes of Johnny Winter, Taj Mahal, Dion DiMucci, Keb Mo, Magic Slim, Tommy Castro, etc., etc. And, you will definitely despise hanging out and parting for a week with these same performers into the wee small hours of the night. So for the love of Zeus, please please stay away from this Cruise - I'm begging you !

Life changing experience. If you love the blues then this must be something you do for yourself. Aside from the amazing music it is more fun than should be allowed. Great people add to the loving community and did I say music ! What a whirlwind week of amazing jamming and musical creativity that you'd never find anywhere else. You owe it to yourself to get on ths ship !

My wife and I just put a deposit in for blues cruise #23 to the Mexican Rivera and this will be our second one in two years! Our first cruise (#19) departed from San Juan PR with four island stops of wonderful memories in the Caribbean. If you love the blues and enjoy cruising with friendly people, this is for you. LRBC conducts well organized casual cruises in the Caribbean and Pacific featuring the best of the new and established blues artists. The ships and service are the best, so you can completely experience the music in each venue on-board as well as enjoy the excursions at each port. A blues cruise is a once (or twice) in a lifetime experience, so... let's go bluesin'!!!

If you like music and warm weather, this cruise is for you. These guys put on what is essentially a blues festival on a ship, with upwards of a dozen internationally reknowned blues artists performing in multiple venues on the ship. Typically, the January version of the cruise takes place in the Caribbean while the October version is on the West Coast. The cruise line of choice has been Holland America, who relaxes all those rules that have made you questioning whether cruising is for you. There's no dress code and the ship is chartered, so everyone on board is there for the music. It attracts a lot of very talented amateurs, and one of the highlights is the various jam sessions that happen throughout the day, amateurs, professionals, and changing combinations. It's a little pricier than the ordinary cruise cuz face it, you're paying for premium talent, but what a luxury to be able to enjoy all the music and only have to take an elevator or staircase home! Another thing - the cruiser community is a mix of couples and singles, and the age range is from ~25-55 years old. There are very few kids on board. The web site offers a great discussion board with lots of discussion including reams of tips for first-timers, commonly described as virgins. If you decide to check it out, please reference my name, and introduce yourself on board.

I work on the Legendary Rhthym & Blues Cruise, and it is truely amazing. It's an unforgettable expierience. Nothing compares. Its sure to be a major highlight, when you look back at everything cool that you've done. It's worth the money! Sell somthing, take out a loan...just get on that boat!

Vacation of a lifetime! CANNOT wait to repeat it!!!!!! The music goes on day and night on several stages, also jams that the amateurs can participate in. Great friends, great party, great service!

Like Blues music? Want to have the time of your life? This is literally as good as it gets. I am about to depart on my fourth Blues Cruise to the Mexican Riviera. Before my first cruise, I didn't even like boats and I used to get sea sick. Now I am a believer and you can't drag me away! How would you like to talk to Irma Thomas for 90 minutes one on one in the piano bar over a glass of brandy, or how about Tab Benoit in the hot tub? Elvin Bishop in the dining room or play chess with Marcia Ball? Drink tequila with beer all night with Captain Cody? These are the quality of musicians on this ship and they are on vacation with you for a week too. Playing on the boat and on shore. What is the itinerary? Who cares? You're there for the late night jams that go until 5:00 a.m. and for the fun and dancing with a great community of people who return time and time again and care about each other. If I haven't convinced you yet, then you don't know how to go out and enjoy yourself and have great time. See you on the Blues Cruise!

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• The October 2024 Blues Cruise Waitlist
• Accommodations
• Confirmation

• October 26, 2024 - November 3, 2024

Welcome to the October 2023 Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise Waitlist!

Only one passenger per cabin will need to be added to the waitlist. There is no need to contact us if you have two passengers as each cabin is double capable. If you are requesting triple or quad occupancy, please notify us after submitting your waitlist request at [email protected].

We will be sailing October 28- November 4, 2023 on Holland America’s Pinnacle Class ship, the Koningsdam, roundtrip from San Diego, CA to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta.

You will be placed on the waitlist according to the date and time of your request. Previous passengers do not receive priority. Cabins are first come, first serve and joining the waitlist offers no guarantee of cabin placement. If a cabin does become available, the price will likely be approximately $2400 to $2900 per person based on double occupancy plus ship fees and gratuities onboard.

Thank you for your interest and we hope to see you on-board!

Only one passenger per cabin will need to on the waitlist. There is no need to contact us if you have two passengers as each cabin is double capable.

If you have already created an account and are returning to make a payment or to review your reservation information, please enter your user name and password to logon.

If you made your reservation over the phone or have forgotten your user name or password, please click "View Your Account" below, then "Forgot your User Name or Password?" and temporary login info will be emailed to you.

Live Show Reviews

Legendary rhythm & blues cruise, true blues on the deep blue sea.

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Photos by Laura Carbone

Twice a year, the blues takes a vacation with the grandfather of all music cruises, the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise (LRBC), one of the largest floating festivals at sea. This February it celebrated its 30 th sailing with 50 bands, over 100 shows, 1500 passengers and a support staff of 1000 on one of Holland Americas largest flagships, the Koningsdam, while the best bands in the blues, rock and soul rotate through its onboard venues. It sells out over a year in advance.

This February’s cruise shipped out from Fort Lauderdale but not without the prerequisite pre-cruise party. There is such a high percentage of returning cruisers that’s people greet each other as long lost beloved family, with a number as to how many cruises taken, or if they are in the awkward position of being a blues cruise virgin. Once on the boat, the music has already started on 5 stages. On several decks, from the large two-story theater, two separate large pool deck stages (why swim when you can dance?), the inner sanction of BB King’s Blues Club, Rocket 88 piano bar and the infamous late night Crow’s Nest where you can see the sun rise as a fantasy jam collaboration is still going strong. A large hand-painted pirate sign hangs from the mast: “OUR CRUISE KICKS BUTT” warning other ships to be wary, as if they could not hear the 24/7 hour music that rocks this boat.

The artist list is long and impressive. Topping the list is multi Grammy Award-winner Taj Mahal, as the King of this cruise, bringing his experienced Trio, with special guest Roger Glenn on vibes. A real treat was to see Taj doing his Caribbean-based songs while being caressed by Island breezes. Add Buddy Guy, Shemekia Copeland, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Nellie Tiger Travis and real-deal Chicago Blues was on da boat! The bayou was represented by the swamp boogie of Kenny Neal with his talented family band including nephew Tyree, Tab Benoit, The Legendary Ils Sont Partis Band and Jon Cleary and The Absolute Gentlemen, Vasti Jackson and Charlie Musslewhite. Musical reunions with boat’s favorite Trampled Under Foot as well as the supergroup collaboration of Victor Wainwright, JP Soars and Damian Fowler in Southern Hospitality. Tommy Castro’s popularity has inherited him a regular spot every cruise as well as kicking off the opening night jam. Not to be outrocked, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Walter Trout, Commander Cody and Collin James electrified the boat. Zac Harmon hosted a gospel Brunch. The upcoming generation of blues was represented by old souls but young blues masters Marquise Knox and Quinn Sullivan. Personal favorites included the ever-smiling saxophone, keyboardist and vocalist Deanna Bogart and Canadian Dawn Tyler Watson the International Blues Challenge Winner, who stole hearts across the boat with her vocal ballads and the tight backup of the Ben Racine band. There is also the mix-and-match with artists jumping on stage together, multi- guitar masters mashups, legendary vocal duos to 3 AM mind blowing horn jams.

Even when the ship docks, they bring the bands to local Island bars, beaches or town squares. The Islands on the February cruise, Tortola, Puerto Rico and Grand Turk, were the ones heavily hit by Hurricane Irma and whose local economy needed a shot of blues music as well as tourists. Other activities include theme nights of Give me Back My Wig, Casino Royale, Mardi Gras, Blue Toes and Pajama night where the fans get into the spotlight with parades and competitions. Notable lectures included advice by Grammy-winning producers and artists on How to Produce and Record, a Women in Blues Lecture hosted by Marie Trout and 100 Years of Rufus Thomas, presented radio host DJ Bob Porter, and a finger picking workshop by Reverend Peyton. Other activities included silent auctions of vintage instruments and collectible memorabilia, pro and amateur jams, and an artist autograph/meet-and-greet session. Despite the blues’ humble beginnings, the LRBC cruise includes all the luxuries of cruising, with specialty restaurants, spa, casino, shopping and pampering service. No wonder why most people are return cruisers!

—Laura Carbone

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1 Comment on Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise

I remember the night like it was yesterday – Jamie Forbes, myself along with The Slickers, whosae song “Johnny Too Bad” was a centerpiece of Taj’s “Mo’ Roots” album of mid 70s — was headlining The Bottom Line – somehow I managed to wrangle us 5 passes and The Slickers, here in the USA for the first time (1978) were dressed to the nines and happily met Taj and the band in the tiny dressing room. Taj said he would bring them out for Johnny …. I was standing off to stage right …. noticing Keith and Stevie Wonder in the crowd …. when Taj hit his National Steel intro to the tune …. and did it in its entirety as The Slickers were ignored. Rather than the escstasy I expected from this, it was a long ride back to Long Island. The next day I managed to reach Taj on the phone at his hotel and he said “Come tonight. I won;t forget them.” But The Slickers, Derrick Crooks, Hylton Beckford and Abraham Green would have no part ot it. This began 40+ years of looking in from the outside. C’est la vie.

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Booking FAQ

What is a Blues Cruise Reservation username & password? Each Blues Cruise guest creates a unique username and password that will allow you to book a cabin. If you have previously traveled on a Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, your username and password will remain the same. If you do not remember your user name and password, you can reset them via this link .

Logging in with your user name and password will allow you to prebook and waitlist upcoming cruises, update personal and credit card information, make payments and use your specific token ID to select your stateroom.

How do I create my username and password? If you have sailed or been on a waitlist, simply follow these instructions:

• Go to the following link:  LRBC Reservation System
• Click: “Forgot you User Name or Password?”
• Input your Email Address, legal first name and legal last name (your email, first and last name must match what is in our reservation system)

This will generate a one-time use  “verification code” that can either be copy and pasted – OR – you may click the “ continue”  button directly from the email. This will re-direct you back to the website to create your user name and password.

If you are brand new to our reservation system, you can create your online account here:  LRBC Reservation System

Where can I book my cabin? You can place a reservation by logging into your Blues Cruise account  OR by clicking the  “BOOK NOW”  button on the specific event’s page on our website. In order to reserve a stateroom, you will need to have your specific log-in information and also your unique token which will be assigned and emailed to you shortly before your booking date.

How do I make a payment? You can make a payment anytime either by:

• L ogging into your Blues Cruise Reservations Account at:  My Account
• Sending a check, money order or cashier’s check payable to Blues Cruise
• Contacting the Blues Cruise Travel Team at (816) 753-7979

What type of payments are accepted? LRBC accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. Checks, cashier’s checks and money orders are acceptable & encouraged forms for making future payments. Pay in full discounts may be available and details will be announced along with the line-up and cabin selection information.

Please make checks payable to Blues Cruise and mail to: LRBC 313 Lawrence Street Kansas City, MO 64111

Does Blues Cruise automatically charge my credit card on the payment due dates? LRBC does NOT automatically charge your credit card on file unless you specify that you would like us to.  It is each guest’s responsibility to make the scheduled payments on time. We do reserve the right to cancel reservations who are not paid by the final payment dates.

<b>What are your cancellation penalties? Prebook deposits are completely refundable until the date that you select your specific stateroom. Once inventory is held, applicable penalties apply. Please email to [email protected] for a list of cancellation penalties and/or a copy of our terms and conditions.

Do you offer Travel Insurance? Legendary does not sell travel insurance, although it is very highly recommended that you protect your cruise investment. Information on Travel Insurance and Travel Guard is available on our website: Insurance Information

What is a Booking Token? A booking “token” is simply the unique code that you will use to access the reservation system and select your specific stateroom on your assigned date. The token will go live at a specific date and time based on the priority of your pre-book that will allow you to access the reservation system and choose any of the available inventory. Only one cabin can be booked per token and tokens are non-transferable.

Your token I.D. may become invalid if attempted to be used prior to when it is set to be activated. Once token is deactivated, your only option to book your stateroom will be over the phone on your date and time which will drastically effect your available cabin options.

What if the stateroom I want isn’t available? Once you have selected your stateroom, you can always waitlist for an alternate stateroom or location. Just give us a call or send us an email to let us know your 1 st choice of stateroom. Please be as specific as possible in your request.

What if I didn’t prebook? When can I place my reservation? If you did not place a prebook deposit, you will be unable to place a cabin reservation. Once prebooked passengers have selected their staterooms any remaining inventory will go to a general on-sale at a TBA date and time. If the cruise sells out through prebooked passengers, we will go straight into a waitlist. Exact details for the specific date and time that a waitlist will be available or any remaining cabins will become available, will be announced in a mass email to our general email list. To join the list and ensure you receive this notification, sign up here . Joining our mailing list will not add your name to a waitlist or guarantee a stateroom.

Are there discounts available? We do offer an early payment discount. If your account is paid in full by the date specified in your reservation confirmation, you will be eligible for a $100 per person discount. We do also offer a consecutive cruise Mojo Boogie discount of $150 per person. Mojo Boogie discounts are available to those who travel back to back cruises (not Oct to Oct, etc).

Any further questions regarding booking? Contact us at (816) 753-7979 or send us an email