Photo by Jonathan Palombo.

New Orleans Music Cruise Announced for 2023

Finally: a music cruise geared towards New Orleans music lovers!

StarVista LIVE has announced a new way to celebrate New Orleans music and culture as it launches the Big Easy Cruise, a 7-day event that brings together the music, food, culture and spirit of the city. Concerts by local musicians performances by Tab Benoit, Samantha Fish, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Leo Nocentelli from The Meters, Anders Osborne, Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Tuba Skinny, John Boutté, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters, Honey Island Swamp Band, Little Feat and John “Papa” Gros with more jazz, funk, R&B, Cajun, zydeco and blues-based artists to be announced in the coming months. The week-long cruise—which embarks from Ft. Lauderdale— will also dock in New Orleans for a very special exclusive performance by Galactic featuring Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph at Tipitina’s, and will include the opportunity to experience many rich cultural experiences throughout the city. The Big Easy sails November 4-11, 2023 from Ft. Lauderdale to New Orleans and Cozumel aboard the luxurious Holland America Line Nieuw Amsterdam.

“We want to bring the community of people who love the essence of New Orleans together with beloved icons in music, food and more,” said Mike Jason, StarVista LIVE Senior Vice President, Live Entertainment. “Our guests will be immersed in the soul of New Orleans, with rare opportunities to spend time with their favorite artists and musicians. And the best part is that all of this is offered in an intimate and comfortable style aboard a world class ship with incredible amenities.”

A true New Orleans music festival at sea, fans will soak up great music, mouth-watering food and good vibes on the Big Easy Cruise. Artists across R&B, blues, rock, jazz, swamp pop, and even brass bands have been hand-selected to deliver the sounds of the city every day and night. One-of- a-kind events will bring guests alongside leaders, creators and innovators in music, cuisine and history for a series of events including live interviews and songwriting presentations, theme nights, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and much, much more.

For info on booking cabins with special OffBeat reader discounts, go here.