Earlier this year, Carnival Cruise Lines announced the addition of their Carnival LIVE Concert Series at a live New York City event.  Now in progress, a total of 49 performance dates offering Carnival guests the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive onboard performance.  Choosing from headliners like 38 Special, Chicago, Daughtry, Foreigner, Gavin DeGraw, Jennifer Hudson, Jewel, Kansas and others, the series has proved popular.  We’ll find out why first-hand in October.

Sailing October 5 from Miami, we’ll be back on board Carnival Breeze for a 6-day sailing to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.  While in Cozumel, legendary rock band Styx will come on board for an exclusive concert.  Unlike themed cruises featuring a voyage-long immersion with multiple meet and greets, seminars, panels, concerts and events, prices for Carnival LIVE voyages are not inflated to pay for a plethora of onboard programming, exclusive to the event.   I like that.

When the idea of coming along on this unique itinerary came up, I had to jump right in.  A favorite band from the 70’s and 80’s, this will be the 7th time I have seen them live, although the first few times were a bit blurred…like at this 1978 concert performance:

Today, after 30+ years of marriage and a couple kids for me and over a dozen studio albums, two Super Bowl appearances, and chart-topping tours with some of the biggest names in rock for Styx, this should be interesting to say the least.

Also on that trip, we’ll visit again with our friend  and tour guide Lincoln Stewart in Jamaica.  While we have recommended Lincoln’s services to many readers over the years, this will be the first time to capture images of his tour using digital photographic equipment, the last time doing so with film.

Look for live coverage of this event in October and keep up with other future live events, in progress, right here.

More About Carnival LIVE

• 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.

 See more about Carnival LIVE sailings here